QTieRoyal c opL ancient ti.K M tnjirutea cCeCet sc. London 1945 PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

ROYAL SOCIETY OF LONDON

S e r ie s A

CONTAINING PAPERS OF A MATHEMATICAL AND PHYSICAL CHARACTER.

VOL. CV.

LONDON:

Printed for THE ROYAL SOCIETY and Sold by

HARRISON AND SONS, Ltd., ST. MARTIN’S LANE, PRINTERS IN ORDINARY TO HIS MAJESTY.

J une, 1924. LONDON :

HARRISON AND SONS, LTD., PRINTERS IN ORDINARY TO HIS MAJESTY,

ST. m a r t i n 's LANE. CONTENTS

SERIES A. YOL. CY.

Minutes of Meetings, November 1, 8, 15, 22, 30 ; December 6, 1923 ; January 17, 24,31 ; February 7, 14, 21, 28 ; March 6, 13, 20, 27 ; April 3 ; May 15, 22, 29, 1924.

No. A 729.—January 1, 1924. PAQ-E Address of the President, Sir Charles S. Sherrington, at the Anniversary Meeting, November 30, 1923 ...... 1 The Structure of Aragonite. By W. L. Bragg, F.R.S., Langworthy Professor of Physics, Manchester University...... 16 Constitution of the X-Ray Spectra belonging to the L Series of the Elements. By H. Hirata. Communicated by Sir W. H. Bragg, F.R.S...... 40 The Absolute Energies of the Groups in Magnetic /3-Ray Spectra. By C. D. Ellis, Ph.D., Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge, and H. W. B. Skinner, B.A., Coutts-Trotter Student of Trinity College, Cambridge. Communicated by Prof. Sir E. Rutherford, F.R.S...... 60 The Dynamics of Cyclones and Anticyclones regarded as Atmospheric Vortices. By D. Brunt, M.A., B.Sc. Communicated by Sir Napier Shaw, F.R.S...... 70 On the Degradation of Acoustical Energy. By Morris D. Hart, A.M.I.E.E., D.I.C., M.Sc., A.Inst.P. Communicated by Prof. A. N. Whitehead, F.R.S. ... 80 Particles of Long Range Emitted by the Active Deposits of Radium, Thorium and Actinium. By L. F. Bates, B.Sc., Trinity College, Cambridge, and J. S. Rogers, B.A., M.Sc., Trinity College, 1851 Research Student of the University of Melbourne. Communicated by Prof. Sir E. Rutherford, F.R.S...... 97 Further Studies in Ionization : Hydrogen and Oxygen. By H. D. Smyth, Ph.D., National Research Fellow in Physics, U.S.A. Communicated by Prof. Sir E. Rutherford, F.R.S...... 116

No. A 730.—February 1, 1924. Summary of the Results obtained from Experiments made during the Years 1918 to 1923 of the Effects of Temperature on the Properties of Metals. By A. Mallock, F.R.S...... 129 Catalytic and Induced Reactions.—Part I. Catalytic and Induced Oxidation in the Presence of Salts of Cerium. By Arthur Kenneth Goard (Coutts-Trotter Student, Trinity College, Cambridge) and Eric Keightley Rideal. Com­ municated by Prof. T. M. Lowry, F.R.S...... 135 IV

PAGE Catalytic and Induced Reactions. Part II.—Catalytic and Induced Oxidation in the Presence of Salts of Iron. By Arthur Kenneth Goard (Coutts-Trotter Student, Trinity* College, Cambridge) and Eric Keightley Rideal. Com­ municated by Prof. T. M. Lowry, F.R.S...... 143 A Re-Investigation of the £-Ray Spectrum of Radium B and Radium C. By C. D. Ellis, Ph.D., Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge, and H. W. B. Skinner, B.A. (Coutts-Trotter Student of Trinity College, Cambridge). Com­ municated by Prof. Sir Ernest Rutherford, F.R.S. (Plate 1) ...... 165 The Interpretation of /3-Ray Spectra. By C. D. Ellis, Ph.D., Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge, and H. W. B. Skinner, B.A. (Coutts-Trotter Student of Trinity College, Cambridge). Communicated by Prof. Sir E. Rutherford, F.R.S...... 185 On the Velocity of Sound in Gases and Vapours, and the Ratio of the Specific Heats. By Harold B. Dixon, C.B.E., D.Sc., F.R.S., and Gilbert Greenwood, M.Sc...... V.-...... V...... 199 The Absorption Spectra of Mixed Metallic Vapours. By S. Barratt, B.A. (Oxon.), Dept, of Chemistry, University of Leeds. Communicated by Prof. T. R. Merton, F.R.S. (Plate 2) ...... 221 The Ratio of the Specific Heats of Nitrogen and of Oxygen. By J. R. Partington, D. Sc., and A. B. Howe, M.Sc. Communicated by Prof. H. B. Dixon, F.R.S. 225

No. A 731.—March 1, 1924. The Lattice Points of a Circle. By G. H. Hardy, F.R.S., Savilian Professor of Geometry in the University of Oxford, and E. Landau, Professor of Mathe­ matics in the University of Gottingen...... 244 The Doublet Separation of the Balmer Lines. By G. M. Shrum, M.A., University of Toronto. Communicated by Prof. J. C. McLennan, F.R.S. (Plate 3) ...... 259 The Determination of Coefficients of Diffusion in Gels by means of Chemical Analysis, and a Comparison of Results obtained with those yielded by the Indicator Method. By Charles E. T. Mann, B.Sc. (Wantage Hall Senior Scholar), University College, Reading. Communicated by W. B. Hardy, Sec.R.S...... 270 An Electrical Method of Determining the Velocity of Detonation of Explosives. By J. E. P. Wagstaff, M.A., Lecturer in Physics, University of Leeds. Com­ municated by Sir Robert Robertson, F.R.S...... 282

The Series Spectrum of Ionised Carbon (C II). By A. Fowler, F.R.S., Yarrow Research Professor of the Royal Society, Imperial College, South Kensington... 299 Atmospheric Pollution and Potential Gradient at Kew Observatory, 1921 and 1922. By C. Chree, Sc.D., LL.D., F.R.S., and R. E. Watson, B.Sc...... 311 On the Electrical Conductivity of Magnetite. By Ernest Wilson and E. F. Herroun. Communicated by Prof. O. W. Richardson, F.R.S...... 334 V

PAGM-; The Difference-Periodogram—A Method for the Rapid Determination of Short Periodicities. By C. E. P. Brooks, M.Sc. Communicated by Dr. G. C. Simpson, F.R.S...... * 346 Particles of Long Range from Polonium. By L. F. Bates, B.Sc., Trinity College, Cambridge, and J. S. Rogers, B.A., M.Sc., Trinity College, 1851 Research Student of the University of Melbourne. Communicated by Prof. Sir E. Rutherford, F.R.S...... 360

• No. A 732.—April 1, 1924. The Refractive Indices of Calcite and Aragonite. By W. L. Bragg, F.R.S., Langworthy Professor of Physics, Manchester University ...... 370 Thermodynamics of Electron Emission. By O. W. Richardson, F.R.S., Wheatstone Professor of Physics in the University of London, King’s College ...... 387 Gaseous Combustion at High Pressures. Part IY.—The Influence of Varying Initial Pressures upon the Rate of Pressure Development and the Activation of Nitrogen in Carbon Monoxide-Air Explosions. By William A. Bone, D.Sc., Ph.D., F.R.S., D. M. Newitt, B.Sc., D.I.C., and D. T. A. Townend, B.Sc., D.I.C. (Salters’ Research Fellow) ...... 406 The Large-Angle Scattering of a-Particles by Light Nuclei. By E. S. Bieler, Ph.D. (Cantab.), late Scholar of the Exhibition of 1851 for McGill University, 1923. Communicated by Prof. Sir E. Rutherford, F.R.S...... 434 The Crystalline Structure of Succinic Acid, Succinic Anhydride and Succinimide. By Kathleen Yardley, M.Sc. Communicated by Sir William Bragg, F.R.S. ... 451

Experiments on the Emission of Electrons under the Influence of Chemical Action. By Manfred Brotherton, B.Sc., A.Inst.P., King’s College, London. Com­ municated by Prof. 0. W. Richardson, F.R.S...... 468

The Behaviour of Gases in Contact with Glass Surfaces. ' By D. H. Bangham and F. P. Burt. Communicated by Prof. H. B. Dixon, F.R.S...... 481

No. A 733.—May 1, 1924. Optical Dispersion and Selective Reflection, with Application to Infra-Red Natural Frequencies. By T. H. Havelock, F.R.S...... 488

On the Determination of the Crystal-Axes in “ Single-Crystal” Aluminium Bars by means of X-Rays. By Alex Muller. Communicated by Prof. Sir E. Rutherford, F.R.S. (Plate 4) ...... 500

Absorption of Hard y-Rays by Elements. By N. Ahmad, M.Sc., Peterhouse, Cambridge. Communicated by Prof. Sir E. Rutherford, F.R.S...... ; 507 On Selective Absorption by Luminous Mercury Vapour. By E. P. Metcalfe and B. Venkatesacliar. Communicated by Prof. A. W. Porter, F.R.S. (plate 5) ...... 520 VI

PAGE A Spherical Source in a Rotating Liquid. By S. F.'Grace, University of Liverpool. Communicated by Prof. G. I. Taylor, F.R.S...... 532 Experiments on the Duration of Impacts, Mainly of Bars with Rounded Ends, in Elucidation of the Elastic Theory. By J. E. P. Wagstaff, M.A., Fellow of St. John’s College, Cambridge, Lecturer in Physics in the University of Leeds. Communicated by Sir Joseph Larmor, F.R.S...... 544 The Discontinuity of the Drying Process. By E. A. Fisher, Department of Textile Industries, University of Leeds. Communicated by Prof. A. Smithells, F.R.S. 571 On the Stability under Shearing Forces of a Flat Elastic Strip. By R. V. Southwell and Sylvia W. Skan, of the Aerodynamics Department, National Physical Laboratory. Communicated by Prof. G. I. Taylor, F.R.S...... 582

No. A. 734.—June 2, 1924. Researches on the Chemistry of Coal.—Part III. The Extraction of Coals by Benzene under Pressure. By William A. Bone, D.Sc., Ph.D., F.R.S., A. R. Pearson, M.Sc., LL.B., and R. Quarendon, B.Sc., A.R.C.S...... 608 Sulphur Studies in Coal Gas.—I. The Removal of Carbon Bisulphide by a Nickel Catalyst. By E. V. Evans and H. Stanier. Communicated by Dr. Henry E. Armstrong, F.R.S...... 626

Half-Integral Quantum Numbers in the Theory of the Stark Effect and a General Hypothesis of Fractional Quantum Numbers. By A. M. Mosharrafa, Ph.D., D.Sc. Communicated by Prof. O. W. Richardson, F.R.S...... 641

The Quantum Theory and the Dielectric Constant. By J. H. Jones, B.Sc., Ph.D., Assistant Lecturer in Physics, King’s College. Communicated by Prof. O. W. Richardson, F.R.S...... 650 The Analysis of the Absorption Spectrum of Naphthalene Vapour.—Structure and Activation of the Molecule of Naphthalene. By Victor Henri, D.Sc., Professor of Physical Chemistry, University, Zurich, and Henry de Laszlo, B.A. Communicated by Prof. Sir E. Rutherford, F.R.S. (Plate 6) ...... 662 Ultra-Violet Emission Bands associated with Oxygen. By R. C. Johnson, B.A., B.Sc., Lecturer in Physics, Queen’s University, Belfast. Communicated by Prof. T. R. Merton, F.R.S. (Plate 7) ...... 683 A Method of Producing Strong Magnetic Fields. By P. L. Kapitza. Com­ municated by Prof. Sir E. Rutherford, F.R.S. (Plate 8) ...... 691 Vll

OBITUARY NOTICES OF FELLOWS DECEASED.

Alexander Crum Brown ...... i Thomas Henry Tizard (with p o rtra it)...... vi Herbert McLeod ...... x John Allen Harker ...... xi Georg Hermann Quincke ...... xiii Index ...... xvii XXIII. “ The Crystalline Structure of Anhydrous Racemic Acid.” By W. T. A stbury. Communicated by Sir W illiam Bragg, F.R.S. XXIV. “ The Measurement of Percentage Haemolysis.—I.” By Eric P onder. Communicated by Sir E. Sharply Schafer, F.R.S. XXV. “ Lunar Periodicity in Reproduction.” By H. M. Fox. Communicated by Prof. J. S. Gardiner, F.R.S. XXVI. “ Studies in the Fat Metabolism of the Timothy Grass Bacillus.—II. Carbon Balance-Sheet and Respiratory Quotient.” By Marjory Stephenson and Margaret D. Whetham. Communicated by Prof. F. G. H opkins, F.R.S. XXVII. “ Studies in Amphibian Colour Changes.—II.” By H. R. H ewer. Communicated by Prof. E. W. MacBride, F.R.S. XXVIII. “ Some Peculiarities of the Blood-Vascular System of the Porbeagle Shark (Lamna Comubica).” By R. H. Burne. Communicated by Sir A rthur Keith, F.R.S. XXIX. “ The Inheritance of Sinistrality in Limncea peregra” By A. E. Boycott, F.R.S., and C. D iver. The Society adjourned over the Long Vacation to Thursday, November 1.

November 1, 1923.

Sir D. PRAIN, Treasurer, followed by Sir CHAS. SHERRINGTON, President, in the Chair. The following Papers were read :— I. “ A Comparison between certain Features of the Spinal Flexor Reflex and of the Decerebrate Extensor Reflex respectively.” By E. G. T. Liddell and Sir Charles Sherrington, Pres. R.S.

II. “ The Blood Pigment of Arenicola.” By J. Barcroft, F.R.S., and H. Barcroft.

III. “ The Basal Metabolism of a Growing Pig.” By T. D eighton. Communicated by Prof. T. B. Wood, F.R.S. November 8, 1923.

Sir CHARLES SHERRINGTON, President, in the Chair. Prof. A. J. Ewarb (elected 1922) was admitted into the Society. The following Papers were read :— I. “ Studies on the Sex-ratio and related Phenomena.—Foetal Retrogression in Mice.” By A. S. Parkes. Communi­ cated by Dr. F. H. A. Marshall, F.R.S. II. “ The Influence of Rainfall on the Yield of Wheat.” By R. A. Fisher. Communicated by Sir J ohn R ussell, F.R.S.

III. “ The Placentation of Hyrax Capensis.” By D. Thursby- P elham. Communicated by Prof. J. S. Gardiner, F.R.S.

November 15, 1923. Sir CHARLES SHERRINGTON, President, in the Chair.

The following Papers were read :— I. “ Crystal Structure and Chemical Constitution of Basic Beryllium Acetate and Propionate.” By Sir William Bragg, F.R.S., and Prof. G. T. Morgan, F.R.S. II. “ Experiments on the Motion of Solid Bodies in Rotating Fluids.” By G. I. Taylor, F.R.S. III. “ Investigations on Paramagnetism at Low Temperatures.” By L. C. Jackson. Communicated by Prof. H. Kamer- lingh Onnes, For. Mem. R.S. IV. “ The Magnetic Properties of some Paramagnetic Double Sulphates at Low Temperatures.” By L. C. Jackson and H. K amerlingh Onnes, For. Mem. R.S. V. “ Some Experiments on the Proportionality of Mass and Weight.” By H. H. P otter. Communicated by Prof. 0. W. Richardson, F.R.S. VI. “ Further Studies on the Glow of Phosphorus and its Extinc­ tion by Moist Oxygen.” By Lord Rayleigh, F.R.S. VII. “ An Experiment on the Origin of the Earth's Magnetic Field.” By H. A. Wilson, F.R.S. VIII. “ The Secondary Corpuscular Rays produced by Homo­ geneous X-Rays.” By H. R obinson, D.Sc. • Communi­ cated by Sir E rnest Rutherford, F.R.S. IX. “ Some Refractive Indices of Benzene and Cyclohexane.” By Lieut.-Col. J. W. Gifford, with an Introduction by Prof. T. M. Lowry, F.R.S. Communicated by Prof. T. M. Lowry, F.R.S. X. “ A Note on ‘ The Significance of the Electrode Potential By J. A. V. B utler. Communicated by Prof. J. W. McBain, F.R.S.

November 22, 1923.

Sir CHARLES SHERRINGTON, President, in the Chair. A Special General Meeting was held to consider the Annual Report of Council.

November 22, 1923.

Sir CHARLES SHERRINGTON, President, in the Chair. In pursuance of the Statutes, notice of the ensuing Anniversary Meeting was given from the Chair, and the List of Officers and Council nominated for election was read as follows :— President.—Sir Charles Scott Sherrington, G.B.E., M.D., Sc.D. Treasurer.—Sir David Prain, C.M.G., C.I.E.

Secretaries.— f Mr. William Bate Hardy, M.A. I Mr. Janies Hopwood Jeans, M.A., D.Sc., LL.D. Foreign Secretary.—Sir Arthur Schuster, Sc.D. Other Members of the Council.—Sir Frederick William Andrewes, D.M. ; Prof. Charles Glover Barlda, D.Sc. ; Sir William Henry Bragg, K.B.E., D.Sc. ; Prof. William Ernest Dalby, M.A. ; Prof. Arthur Stanley Eddington, M.A. ; * Prof. Thomas Renton Elliott, M.D. ; Prof. Edwin Stephen Goodrich, M.A. ; Sir Sidney Frederic Harmer, K.B.E, Sc.D.; Sir Thomas Henry Holland, K.C.S.I., K.C.I.E. ; Sir Frederick William Keeble, Sc.D. ; Prof. Thomas Ralph Merton, D.Sc. ; Prof. Hugh Frank Newall, M.A. ; Prof. Diarmid Noel Paton, M.D. ; Dr. Alexander Scott; Mr. Frank Edward Smith ; Prof. Jocelyn Field Thorpe, D.Sc. The following Papers were read :— I. “ The Carbon Arc Spectrum in the Extreme Ultra-violet.”—II. By F. Simeon. Communicated by Prof. A. W. P orter, F.R.S. II. “ The Behaviour of Metals subjected to Repeated Stresses.” By II. J. Gough and D. Hanson, D.Sc. Communicated by Sir J oseph Petavel, F.R.S. III. “ On a Null Method of Measuring the Gyro-Magnetic Ratio.” By W. Sucksmith and L. F. Bates. Communicated by Prof. A. P. Chattock, F.R.S. IV. “ Studies in Brownian Movement.—II. The Determination of Avogadro’s Number from Observations on Bacteria (Cocci).” By J. H. Shaxby. Communicated by Prof. S. W. J. Smith, F.R.S.

V. “ The Kinetics of Haemoglobin.—II.” By H. Hartridge, Sc.D., and F. J. W. R oughton. Communicated by Prof. J. N. Langley, F.R.S. VI. “ The Thermionic and Photo-Electric Properties of the Electro-Positive Metals.” By A. F. A. Y oung. Com­ municated by Prof. 0. W. Richardson, F.R.S. VII. “ The Theoretical Scattering of Smoke in a Turbulent Atmos- sphere.” By 0. F. T. R oberts. Communicated by Dr. G. C. Simpson, F.R.S.

November 30, 1923.

Anniversary Meeting. Sir CHARLES SHERRINGTON, President, in the Chair. The report of the Auditors of the Treasurer’s accounts was read, and the thanks of the Society were given to the Treasurer and to the Auditors. The List of Fellows deceased and the List of Fellows elected into the Society since the last Anniversary were read. The Report to the Society from the Council, upon the work during the past year, was, upon the motion of the President, received. The President delivered his Anniversary Address. On the motion of Prof. Nuttall, seconded by Sir Thos. Holland, the thanks of the Society were voted to the President for his Address, and he was requested to allow it to be printed. The Awards of the Medals for the year were announced as follows, and the Medals were presented from the Chair :— The Copley Medal ...... To Prof. Horace Lamb. A Royal Medal ...... ,, Prof. C. J. Martin. A Royal Medal ...... ,, Sir Napier Shaw. The Davy Medal ...... ,, Prof. H. B. Baker. The Hughes Medal ...... „ Prof. R. A. Millikan. The President having, with the consent of the Society, nominated Prof. V. H. Blackman and Sir Frank Dyson as Scrutators to examine the balloting lists for the election of Council and Officers, the votes of the Fellows present were taken. The Scrutators reported that the Council and Officers nominated at the preceding meeting had been duly elected. The thanks of the Society were given to the Scrutators.

December 6, 1923.

Sir CHARLES SHERRINGTON, President, followed by Sir DAVID PRAIN, Treasurer, in the Chair. The following Papers were read :—

I. “ Recruitment Type of Reflexes.” By E. G. T. Liddell and Sir Charles Sherrington, Pres. R.S. II.—“ The Structure and Movements of the Latero-Frontal Cilia of the Gills of Mytilus.” By G. S. Carter. Com­ municated by Prof. J. S. Gardiner, F.R.S. III. “ The Relation between the Phosphate in Blood and Urine.” By V. B. Wigglesworth and C. E. W oodrow. Com­ municated by Prof. F. G. H opkins, F.R.S. IV. “ The Effect of Reaction Changes on Human Inorganic Meta­ bolism.” By J. B. S. H aldane, V. B. Wigglesworth, and C. E. AVoodrow. Communicated by Prof. F. G. Hopkins, F.R.S. V. “ The Effect of Reaction Changes on Human Carbohydrate and Oxygen Metabolism.” By J. B. S. H aldane, V. B. Wigglesworth, and C. E. W oodrow. Com­ municated by Prof. F. G. H opkins, F.R.S. VI. “ Concerning the Influence of Atmospheric Conditions upon the Pulse Rate and k Oxygen-Debt ’ after Running.” By J. A. Campbell. Communicated by Prof. L. H ill, F.R.S. VII. “ The Mechanism of Ciliary Movement. IV.—The Relation of Ciliary Activity to Oxygen Consumption.” By J. Gray. Communicated by Prof. J. S. Gardiner, F.R.S. The Society adjourned over the Christmas Recess to January 17, 1924. MINUTES OF MEETINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY.

January 17, 1924.

Sir CHARLES SHERRINGTON, President, in the Chair.

In pursuance of the Statutes the names of the Candidates proposed for election into the Society were read as follows :— Abell, Sir Westcott Stile. Freeth, Francis Arthur. Allen, Herbert Stanley. Gardner, John Addyman. Annandale, Nelson. Gemmill, James Fairlie. Arkwright, Joseph Arthur. Gibson, Walcot. Atkins, William Ringrose Gelston. Goodwin, Sir George Goodwin. Austen, Ernest Edward. Gordon, Mervyn Henry. Balfour. Andrew. Griffiths, Ezer. Balfour, Henry. Groom, Percy. Ballance, Sir Charles A. Gunn, James Andrew. Barnard, Joseph Edwin. Hartridge, Hamilton. Beattie, James Martin. Henderson, S«r James Blacklock. Bedson, Peter Phillips. Herring. Percy Theodore. Bond, Charles John. Hill, Thomas George. Borley, John Oliver. Hilton. Harold. Borradaile, Lancelot Alexander Houston, Sir Alexander Cruik- Brown, Thomas Graham. shank Browning, Carl Hamilton. Howe, George William Osborn. Burne, Richard Higgins. Hunter, James de Graaff. Bury, Henry. Hurst, Harold Edwin. Butler, Edwin John. Imms, Augustus Daniel. Christophers, Samuel Rickard. Ingold, Christopher Kelk. Cummins, Stevenson Lyle. Jeffery, George Barker. Davidson, Charles Bundle. Jeffreys, Harold. Denny, Sir Archibald. Jehu, Thomas John. Dreyer, John L. E. Jenkin, Charles Frewen. Duckworth, Wynfrid Laurence Johnstone, James. Henry. Jones, Frederic Wood. Duerden, James Edwin. Jones, Owen Thomas. Edgeworth, Francis Henry. Kendall, Percy Fry. Edwards, Charles Alfred. Kenner, James. Eltringham, Harry. King, Louis Vessot. Evans, C. Lovatt. Lang, William Dickson. Findlay, Alexander. Lewis, William Cudmore McCul- Fleming, Alexander. lagh. Fowler, Ralph Howard. Lowe, Percy Royeroft. Francis, Francis Ernest. Maclean, Hugh. Maw, William Henry. Simonsen, John Lionel. Meakins, Jonathan Campbell. Skeats, Ernest Willington. Mellanby, Edward. Smith, George Frederick Herbert. Milroy, Thomas Hugh. Smith, Henry George. Moir, James Reid. Smith, Sir William Edward. Mordell, Louis Joel. Spearman, Charles. Mummery, J. Howard. Spencer, Leonard James. Murray, James Alexander. Stephenson, John. Newton, Richard Bullen. Stopford, John Sebastian Bach. Owens, John Switzer. Tillyard, Robin John. Oxley, Arthur Ernest. Titchener, Edward Bradford. Patterson, Thomas Stewart. Troup, Robert Scott. Plimmer, Robert Henry Aders. Twyman, Frank. Price, Thomas Slater. Walker, Ernest William Ainley. Raman, Chandrashekara Venkata. Wenyon, Charles Morley. Richardson, Lewis Fry. Werner, Emil Alphonse. Robinson, Arthur. Wheeler, Richard Vernon. Rogers, Leonard James. Whiddington, Richard. Russell, Alexander. Whytlaw-Gray, Robert. Shaw, Philip Egerton. Wolf, Charles G. L.

The following papers were read :— I. “ Experiments on the Emission of Electrons under the Influence of Chemical Action.” By M. Brotherton. Communicated by Prof. 0. W. R ichardson, F.R.S.

If. “ On the Degradation of Acoustical Energy.” By M. D. Hart. Communicated by Prof. A. N. Whitehead, F.R.S. III. “ On the Velocity of the Positive Ions in the Crookes Dark Space.” By F. W. Aston, F.R.S.

IV. “ The Structure of Aragonite.” By Prof. W. L. Bragg, F.R.S.

V. “ The Lattice Points of a Circle.” By Prof. G. H. H ardy, F.R.S., and E. Landau. VI. “ The Dynamics of Cyclones and Anti-Cyclones regarded as Atmospheric Vortices.” By D. Brunt. Communicated by Sir N arier Shaw, F.R.S. . VII. “ The Absolute Energies of the Groups in Magnetic /3-ray Spec­ tra.” By C. D. E llis, Ph.D., and H. W. B. Skinner. Com­ municated by Prof. Sir Ernest Rutherford, F.R.S. VIII. “ A Re-investigation of the /3-ray Spectrum of Radium B and Radium C.” By C. D. Ellis, Ph.D, and H. W. B. Skinner. Communicated by Prof. Sir Ernest R utherford, F.R.S.

IX. “ The Interpretation of /3-ray Spectra.” By C. D. E llis, Ph.D, and H. W. B. Skinner. Communicated by Prof. Sir Ernest Rutherford, F.R.S. X. 4< Further Studies in Ionization : Hydrogen and Oxygen.” By H. D. Smyth, Ph.D. Communicated by Prof. Sir E rnest R utherford, F.R.S. XT. “ Particles of Long Range emitted by the Active Deposits of Radium, Thorium and Actinium.” By L. F. Bates and J. S. R ogers. Communicated by Prof. Sir E rnest Ruther­ ford, F.R.S. XII. “ The Doublet Separation of the Balmer Lines.” By G. M. Shrum. Communicated by Prof. J. C. McL ennan, F.R.S.

January 24, 1924.

Sir CHARLES SHERRINGTON, President, in the Chair. The following papers were read :— T. 44 On the Development of an Estherid Crustacean.” By H. G. Cannon. Communicated by Prof. E. W. MacB ride, F.R.S. IT. 4’ The Oxygen Consumption Rate of Parts of the Chick Embryo and Fragments of the Earthworm.” By C. Shearer, F.R.S. 111. ” The Evolution of the Shell-Sculpture in Fresh-water Snails of the Family Viviparidee.” By N. Annandale, D.Sc. Com municated by Lieur.-Col. A. Alcock, F.R.S. I \ . *’ * Tmesipteris Vieillardi 9 Dangeard : an Erect Terrestrial Species from New Caledonia.” By B. Sahni. Communi­ cated by Prof. A. C. Seward, F.R.S.

V. 44 Heat, Moisture, and Animal Life in Deserts.” By P. A. B uxton . Communicated by Prof. J. S, Gardiner, F.R.S. VI. 44 Susceptibility in Amphibian Development.” By A. W. Bellamy and C. M. Child. Communicated by Prof. E. W. MacBride, F.R.S. X. “ Further Studies in Ionization : Hydrogen and Oxygen.” By H. D. Smyth, Ph.D. Communicated by Prof. Sir E rnest R utherford, F.R.S. XI. “ Particles of Long Range emitted by the Active Deposits of Radium, Thorium and Actinium.” By L. F. Bates and J. S. R ogers. Communicated by Prof. Sir Ernest R uther­ ford, F.R.S. XII. “ The Doublet Separation of the Balmer Lines.” By G. M* Shrum. Communicated by Prof. J. C. McLennan, F.R.S.

January 24, 1924.

Sir CHARLES SHERRINGTON, President, in the Chair. The following papers were read :— I. “ On the Development of an Estherid Crustacean.” By H. G. Cannon. Communicated by Prof. E. W. MacBride, F.R.S. II. “ The Oxygen Consumption Rate of Parts of the Chick Embryo and Fragments of the Earthworm.” By C. Shearer, F.R.S. III. ££ The Evolution of the Shell-Sculpture in Fresh-water Snails of the Family Viviparkhn.” By N. Annandale, D.Sc. Com­ municated by Lieut.-Col. A. Alcock, F.R.S. IV. “ ‘ Tmesipteris Vieillardi9 Dangeard : an Erect Terrestrial Species from New Caledonia.” By B. Sahni. Communi­ cated by Prof. A. C. Seward, F.R.S.

V. e£ Heat, Moisture, and Animal Life in Deserts.” By P. A. Buxton. Communicated by Prof. J. S. Gardiner, F.R.S. VI. ££ Susceptibility in Amphibian Development.” By A. W. Bellamy and C. M. Child. Communicated by Prof. E. W. MacBride, F.R.S.

January 31, 1924. Sir CHARLES SHERRINGTON, President, in the Chair. The following papers were read :— I. Summary of the Results obtained from Experiments made during the years 1918 to 1923 of the Effects of Temperature on the Properties of Metals.” By A. Mallock, F.R.S. II. £* Catalytic and Induced Reactions. Parts I and II.” By A. K. Goard and E. K. Rideal. Communicated by Prof. T. M. Lowry, F.R.S. III. “ On the Velocity of Sound in Gases and Vapours, and the Ratio of the Specific Heats.” By Prof. H. B. Dixon, F.R.S, and G. Greenwood. IV. 44 The Ratio of the Specific Heats of Nitrogen and of Oxygen.” By J. R. Partington, D.Sc, and A. B. H owe. Communicated by Prof. H. B. D ixon, F.R.S. V. '4 The Absorption Spectra of Mixed Metallic Vapours.” By S. Barratt. Communicated by Prof. T. R. Merton, F.R.S. VI. 44 On Selective Absorption by Luminous Mercury Vapour.” By E. P. Metcalfe and B. Venkatesachar. Communicated by Prof. A. W. P orter, F.R.S.

February 7, 1924.

Sir CHARLES SHERRINGTON, President, in the Chair. The following papers were read :— I. 44 A Mathematical Theory of Evolution based on the Conclusions of Dr. F. C. Willis, F.R.S.” By G. U dny Y ule, F.R.S. II. 44 Studies on Carbohydrate Metabolism. I. Variations in the Nature of the Blood Sugar.” By L. B. Winter and W. Smith. Communicated by Prof. F. G. H opkins, F.R.S. III. 44 The Action of 4 Peptone ’ and of Nucleic Acids on the Coagula­ bility of the Blood.” By J. W. Pickering, D.Sc, and J. A. H ewitt, Ph.D. Communicated by Prof. W. N. Halliburton, F.R.S. IV. 44 The Latent Fermenting Powers of Bacteria. Parts I, II and III.” By E. C. Grey. Communicated by Prof. A. Harden, F.R.S.

February 14, 1924.

Sir CHARLES SHERRINGTON, President, in the Chair. The following papers were read :— I. 44 Atmospheric Pollution and Potential Gradient at Kew Obser­ vatory, 1921 and 1922.” By C. Chree, F.R.S, and R. E. Watson.

II. 44 On the Electrical Conductivity of Magnetite.” By E. Wilson and E. F. IIerroun. Communicated by Prof. 0. W. Richard­ son, F.R.S. III. 44 The Determination of Coefficients of Diffusion in Gels by means of Chemical Analysis, and a Comparison of Results obtained from those yielded by the Indicator Method.” By C. E. T. Mann. Communicated by W. B. H ardy, Sec. R.S. IV. “ The Difference-Periodogram—A Method for the Rapid Deter­ mination of Short Periodicities.” By C. E. P. Brooks. Communicated by Dr. G. C. Simpson, F.R.S. V. 44 The Principal Constituent of the Tides of the North Sea.” By J. Proudman and A. T. D oodson. Communicated by Prof. H. Lamb, F.R.S.

VI. 44 The Behaviour of Gases in Contact with Glass Surfaces.” By D. H. Bangham and F. P. Burt. Communicated by Prof. H. B. D ixon, F.R.S.

February 21, 1924.

Sir CHARLES SHERRINGTON, President, in the Chair. The following papers were read:— I. 44 The Morphology of a Rare Oceanic Fish, StylopJionis chordatus, Shaw ; based on Specimens collected in the Atlantic by the 4 Dana ’ Expeditions, 1920-1922.” By C. Tate R egan, F.R.S. II. 44 A Sensitive Method for observing Changes of Electrical Con­ ductivity in Single Hygroscopic Fibres.” By F. P. Slater. Communicated by Dr. W. L. Balls, F.R.S. III. 44 Observations on the Formation of Bi-Nuclear Cells.” By T. S. P. Strangeways. Communicated by W. B. H ardy, Sec. R.S. IV. 44 Some Considerations relative to the Action of X-rays on Tissue Cells.” By J. A. Crowther. Communicated by W. B. H ardy, Sec. B.S. III. “ The Determination of Coefficients of Diffusion in Gels by means of Chemical Analysis, and a Comparison of Results obtained from those yielded by the Indicator Method.” By C. E. T. Mann. Communicated by W. B. H ardy, Sec. R.S. IV. “ The Difference-Periodogram—A Method for the Rapid Deter­ mination of Short Periodicities.” By C. E. P. Brooks. Communicated by Dr. G. C. Simpson, F.R.S. V. “ The Principal Constituent of the Tides of the North Sea.” By J. P roudman and A. T. D oodson. Communicated by Prof. H. Lamb, F.R.S. VI. “ The Behaviour of Gases in Contact with Glass Surfaces.” By D. H. Bangham and F. P. Burt. Communicated by Prof. H. B. D ixon, F.R.S.

« February 21, 1924. Sir CHARLES SHERRINGTON, President, in the Chair. In pursuance of the Statutes, the names of the Candidates recommended for election into the Society were read from the Chair, as follows :— Annandale, T. N. King, L. V. Barnard, J. E. Mordell, L. J. GemmilL J. F. Price, T. S. Gordon, M. H. Raman, C. V. Groom, P. Rogers, L. J. Ingold, C. K. Russell, A. Kendall, P. F. Spearman, C. Twyman, F. The following papers w^ere read :— I. “ The Morphology of a Rare Oceanic Fish, Stylophorus chordatus, Shaw ; based on Specimens collected in the Atlantic by the 4 Dana 5 Expeditions, 1920-1922.” By C. Tate Regan, F.R.S, II. “ A Sensitive Method for observing Changes of Electrical Con­ ductivity in Single Hygroscopic Fibres.” By F. P. Slater. Communicated by Dr. W. L. Balls, F.R.S. III. “ Observations on the Formation of Bi-Nuclear Cells.” By T. S. P. Strangeways. Communicated by W. B. Hardy, Sec. R.S. IV. 4 4 Some Considerations relative to the Action of X-rays on Tissue Cells.” By J. A. Crowther. Communicated by W. B. Hardy, Sec. R.S. February 28, 1924.

Sir CHARLES SHERRINGTON, President, in the Chair. The following Papers were read :—

I. “ Thermodynamics of Electron Emission.” By 0. W. R ichard­ son, F.R.S. II. “ Gaseous Combustion at High Pressures. Part IV.—Influence , of Varying Initial Pressures on Rate of Pressure Development, &c.” By W. A. Bone, F.R.S., D. M. Newitt, and D. T. A. Townend. III. “ An Electrical Method of determining the Velocity of Detonation of Explosives.” By J. E. P. Wagstaff. Communicated by Sir R obert R obertson, F.R.S.

March 6, 1924.

Sir CHARLES SHERRINGTON, President, in the Chair. The following Papers were read :— I. “ The Electric Response in Reflex Contractions of Spinal and Decerebrate Preparations.” By E. D. Adrian, F.R.S., and Sybil Cooper. II. “ A Comparison of the Activities of Antiseptics on Bacteria and on Leucocytes.” By A. F leming. Communicated by Sir Almroth Wright, F.R.S.

March 13, 1924.

Sir WILLIAM BRAGG, Vice-President, in the Chair.

The following Papers were read :— I. “ The Series Spectrum of Ionised Carbon (C II).” By Prof. A. F owler, F.R.S. II. “ The Large-Angle Scattering of a-Particles by Light Nuclei.” By E. S. Bieler. Communicated by Prof. Sir Ernest R utherford. III. “ The Refractive Indices of Calcite and Aragonite.” By Prof. W. L. Bragg, F.R.S. IV. “ The Crystalline Structure of Succinic Acid, Succinic Anhydride, and Succinimide.” By Kathleen Yardley. Communicated by Sir William Bragg, F.R.S. V. “ Particles of Long Range from Polonium.” By L. F. Bates and J. S. R ogers. Communicated by Prof. Sir E rnest R uther­ ford, F.R.S. VI. “ On the Determination of the Crystal-Axes in ‘ Single-Crystal 9 Aluminium Bars by Means of X-Rays.” By A. Muller. Communicated by Prof. Sir E rnest R utherford, F.R.S.

March 20, 1924.

Sir DAVID PRAIN, Treasurer and Vice-President, in the Chair.

The following Paper was read :—

I. “ The Plants of the Assyrian Medical Tablets.” By R. Campbell Thompson, F.S.A. Communicated by W. B. Hardy, Sec. R.S. V. “ Particles of Long Range from Polonium.” By L. F. Bates and J. S. R ogers. Communicated by Prof. Sir E rnest R uther­ ford, F.R.S. VI. “ On the Determination of the Crystal-Axes in ‘ Single-Crystal ’ Aluminium Bars by Means of X-Rays.” By A. Muller. Communicated by Prof. Sir E rnest R utherford, F.R.S.

March 20, 1924. Sir DAVID PRAIN, Treasurer and Vice-President, in the Chair.

The following Paper was read :—

I. “ The Plants of the Assyrian Medical Tablets.” By R. Campbell Thompson, F.S.A. Communicated by W. B. H ardy, Sec. R.S.

March 27, 1924. Sir WILLIAM BRAGG, Vice-President, in the Chair.

Mr. C. S. Middlemiss (elected 1921) was admitted into the Society. The following Papers w’ere read :— I. “ Researches on the Chemistry of Coal,. Part III—The Extraction of Coals by Benzene under Pressure.” By Prof. W. A. Bone, F.R.S., A. R. Pearson, and R. Quarendon. II. “ On the Stability under Shearing Forces of a Flat Elastic Strip.” By R. V. Southwell and Sylvia W. Skan. Com­ municated by Prof. G. I. Taylor, F.R.S. III. “ Experiments on the Duration of Impacts, mainly of Bars with Rounded Ends, in Elucidation of the Elastic Theory.” By J. E. P. Wagstaff. Communicated by Sir J oseph Larmor, F.R.S. IV. “ Sulphur Studies in Coal Gas. I—The Removal of Carbon Bisulphide by a Nickel Catalyst.” By E. V. E vans and H. Stanier. Communicated by Prof. H. E. Armstrong, F.R.S.

V. “ Absorption of Hard 7-Rays by Elements.” By N. Ahmad. Communicated by Prof. Sir Ernest Rutherford, F.R.S. April 3, 1924. Sir CHARLES SHERRINGTON, President, in the Chair. The following Papers were read :— I. 44 Reflexes in Response to Stretch (Myotatic Reflexes).” By Sir Charles Sherrington, K.B.E., Pres.R.S., and E. G. T. Liddell. II. 44 The Histology and Function of certain Sex-limited Characters in the Cuttle Fish (Doratosepion confusa).” By H. M. Carleton and G. C. Robson. Communicated by Sir Charles Sherring­ ton, K.B.E., Pres.R.S. III. 44 Experimental Researches on Sensory Localisation in the Cerebral Cortex of the Monkey {Macacus)F By Dr. J. G. Dusser de Barenne. Communicated by Sir Charles Sherrington, K.B.E., Pres.R.S. IV. 44 Optical Dispersion and Selective Reflection, with Application to Infra-red Natural Frequencies.” By T. H. H avelock, F.R.S. V. “ The Quantum Theory and the Dielectric Constant.” By J. H. Jones. Communicated by Prof. 0. W. Richardson, F.R.S. VI. 44 Half-Integral Quantum Numbers in the Theory of the Stark Effect and a General Hypothesis of Fractional Quantum Numbers.” By A. M. Mosharrafa. Communicated by Prof. 0. W. R ichardson, F.R.S.

VII. 44 The Discontinuity of the Drying Process.” By E. A. Fisher. Communicated by Prof. A. Smithells, F.R.S.

VIII. 44 A Spherical Source in a Rotating Liquid.” By S. F. Grace. Communicated by Prof. G. I. Taylor, F.R.S. The Society adjourned over the Easter Vacation to May 15. May 15, 1924.

Annual Meeting for the Election of Fellows.

Sir CHARLES SHERRINGTON, President, in the Chair.

The Secretary reported the death of Dr. T. N. Annandale, one of the fifteen Candidates recommended for election into the Society. The Statutes relating to the Election of Fellows having been read, Professor T. R. Elliott and Professor A. Liversidge were, with the consent of the Society, nominated Scrutators to assist the Secretaries in the examination of the balloting lists. The votes of the Fellows present were collected and the following candidates were declared duly elected into the Society :— Balfour, Henry Mordell, Louis Joel. Barnard, Joseph Edwin Price, Thomas Slater. Gemmill, James Fairlie. Raman, Chandrashekara Gordon, Mervyn Henry Venkata. Groom, Percy. Rogers, Leonard James Ingold, Christopher Kelk. Russell, Alexander. Kendall, Percy Fry. Spearman, Charles. King, Louis Vessot. Twyman, Frank

May 15, 1924.

Sir CHARLES SHERRINGTON, President, in the Chair. The Bakerian Lecture on the “ Spectra of Silicon at Successive Stages of Ionisation ” was delivered by Prof. A. F owler, F.R.S.

May 22, 1924. Sir CHARLES SHERRINGTON, President, in the Chair. Mr. H. Balfour, Mr. J. E. Barnard, Dr. M. H. Gordon, Prof. P. Groom, Prof. C. K. Ingold, Dr. T. S. Price and Dr. A. Russell were admitted into the Society. The following Papers were read :— I. “ The Geology and Physical Geography of Chinese Tibet, and its Relations to the Mountain System of South Eastern Asia.” By Prof. J. W. Gregory, F.R.S., and C. J. Gregory. II. “ A Histological and Chemical Investigation of the Swelling of a Fibrous Tissue.” By Madge Kaye and D orothy J ordan Lloyd. Communicated by Dr. R. H. Pickard, F.R.S. III. “ The Antiseptic Action of Compounds of the Apocyanine, Carbo- cyanine and Isocyanine Series.” By C. H. Browning, Prof. J. B. Cohen, F.R.S., S. Ellingworth and R. Gulbransen.

IV. “ Dimensions of the Labyrinth correlated.” By H. J. Watt. Communicated by Prof. D. N oel Paton, F.R.S.

May 29, 1924. Sir CHARLES SHERRINGTON, President, in the Chair. Prof. P. F. Kendall, Prof. C. Spearman, and Mr. F. Twyman were admitted into the Society. The Croonian Lecture on the “ Origin of the Amphibia ” was delivered by Prof. D. M. S. Watson, F.R.S.