Societies and Academies | Nature

ABSTRACT PARIS Academy of Sciences, July 27. —M. Daubree in the chair.—Discussion on the great gyratory movements of the atmo sphere (continued), by M. H. Faye. The question whether these

atmospheric movements are ascending or descending was compared by the author to the old astronomical argument regarding diurnal motion. Attribute it to the earth, and all becomes clear;

attribute it to the stars, and you become involved in the contradictions by which the progress of science was retarded for twenty centuries.—A reply to M. Faye's communication, by M.

Mascart. To the objection that the hypothesis of an ascending volume of air fails to explain the rotation of cyclones and tornadoes the author replies that if the wind in the northern:

hemisphere converges towards a centre of attraction it must turn to the right in consequence of the known influence of the earth's motion; hence the mass of air brought into play must

revolve to the left. Thus the direction of the phenomenon is easily explained, and it follows that for a descending column of air the rotation must be reversed.—On isomery in the aromatic

series: the oxybenzoic acids, their heat of formation and trans formation, by MM. Berthelot and Werner.—Note on the anatomy and nomenclature of Dental, by M. de Lacaze-Duthiers. For the

meaningless terms “Scaphopod” and “Cirribranch” the author proposes to substitute that of “Solenoconch” for this group of mollusks.—Observations of Barnard's comet made at the 14-inch

equatorial of the Bordeaux Observatory, by MM. G. Rayet.—Elements and ephemerides of Barnard's comet deduced from the observations of July 12, 16, and 20, made at the Ob servatory of

Nice, by M. Charlois. On presenting this paper M. Faye drew attention to the fact that the axis of the planet's orbit lies nearly in a line with the ecliptic, consequently with the

planes of the orbits of the large planets. Hence, notwith standing its inclination of 80° this planet may still be periodicaly like most of those offering the same peculiarity.—Summary of

the solar observations made during the second quarter of the year 1885, by M. P. Tacchini. From these observations it appears that the solar spots and protuberances were more numerous in the

second than in the first quarter of the year. In June protuberances were observed eight times which attained or reached a height of two minutes.—Observations regarding M. E. Henard's

note on the sixteen systems of the planes of the regular convex icasohedral, by M. Em. Berbier.—Note on Riemann's function (s), by M. Bourguet.—On the equilibrium of a fluid mass

animated by a rotatory movement, by M. H. Poincare.—Note on the differentials of the functions of several independent variables, by M. E. Goursat.—New condensing hygrometer; its use in

regulating capillary hygrometers, by M. G. Sire.—Note on the reciprocal transformation of the two varieties (prismatic and octahedric) of sulphur, by M. D. Gernez.—On a new method of

volumetric analysis applicable for testing the bioxides of manganese, by M. Paul Charpentier. This method is based on the use of the alkaline sulphocyanides, and avoids certain tedious

processes and sources of error presented by the methods of analysis hitherto employed. Its chief advant age is the extreme sensibility of the reaction, which enables the analyst to detect

the presence of 13,000,000th part of iron.—Heat of formation of the alkaline alcoholates, by M. de Fore-rand.—Note on the peptonate of iron, by M. Maurice Robin.—On three new compounds of

rhodiunv by M. Camille Vincent. These substances are:-(1) chlororhodate of mono-methylammonium, which takes the form of long, slender prisms grouped around a common centre; (2) chlororhodate

of dimethyl ammonium deposited in the form of large efflorescent prisms of a deep garnet-red colour; (3) chlororhodate of trimethylammonium precipitated by slow evaporation in the form of

long garnet-red prisms very soluble in water.—Origin and mode of formation of certain ores of man ganese; their fundamental relations to the baryta associated with them, by M. Dieulafait.—On

a new phase in the evolution of the reticular rhizopods, by M. de Folin. In this new state these organisms assume the appearance of small, hard pebbles, from which it is often difficult to

distinguish them. The circum stance suggests the creation of a new genus, Lithozoa, of which there would appear to be several species.—Note on Megaloscopy, by M. Larrey. The author explains

the optical principle by which he has been guided in the construction of a series of instruments for the inspection of the stomach, vessica, and other internal parts of the

system.—Observations of the solar corona made on Mount Etna early in the month of July; reappearance of the crepuscular lights, by M. P. Tacchini. The author observed in a deep blue sky the

sun encircled by a white aureole concentric with a magnificent copper-coloured corona, which near the horizon was transformed to a larger but less clearly defined arc. Since July 2 he

noticed the reappearance of the red crepuscular phenomena and of the great arc at sunset and sunrise. Although less intense than those of 1883-84, he con siders that their reappearance after

such a long interruption shows they cannot be referred to the Krakatoa explosion.—On the cosmic origin of the crepuscular lights, by M. Jose L. Landerer. The author argues that these

effects are due more probably to the Biela-Gambart comet than to Krakatoa. The longitude (246°) of the ascending nucleus nearly coincided with that of the earth on June I, when the

afterglows again began to acquire great intensity. Access through your institution Buy or subscribe This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution ACCESS OPTIONS

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