Scientific Serials

Abstract

American Journal of Science and Arts, March.—In the opening paper Prof. Norton contends that under varying conditions the ultimate molecules of bodies are subject to changes in the intensity of their attraction or repulsion, at a given distance of neighbouring molecules (temperature and chemical constitution remaining constant). Evidence of this is found in the phenomena of permanent distortion of materials after temporary subjection to a force of stress; in observed changes in the mechanical properties of materials, through tension, pressure, heat, &c.; change of mechanical properties of a body through presence of minute quantities of other substances; and certain facts in chemical physics (phenomena of solution, allotropy, the nascent state, &c.). The hypothesis is advanced, that the ethereal atmosphere condensed round an atom by its attractive action consists of an atmosphere of luminiferpus ether, and an envelope of electric ether immersed within this for a certain depth, an ethereo-electric atmosphere, in fact.—Some observations on flocculation of small particles (or their tendency to form, under moderate agitation, granular aggregates or compound particles of larger size), are described by Prof. Hilgard, and have important physical and technical bearings, especially on points in agriculture.—Prof. Dawson points out what he considers defects and errors in the method of investigation pursued by Prof. Möbius recently with regard to Eozoon canadense, leading to a decision adverse to the organic character of that object.—Mr. White offers some remarks on the Jura-trias of Western North America; Mr. Fontaine continues his notes on the mesozoic strata of Virginia, and Mr. Bannister contends for the hypothesis of the transition character of the Rocky Mountain lignite series, or Laramie group.—Some new species of anthozoa and cephalopoda added to the marine fauna of the eastern coast of North America, are described by Prof. Verrill; the cephalopoda have some specially interesting features.—Mr. Penfield gives analyses of triphylite.