Societies and Academies

Abstract

PARIS. Academy of Sciences, July 16.—M. Guillaume Bigourdan in the chair.—V. Grignard and R. Jenkins: Mixed organo-aluminium compounds. The iodides of monoethyl- and of di-ethylaluminium. Dry ethyl iodide reacts with aluminium powder in the absence of oxygen, giving a mixture of the compounds ((C2H5)2. Al12 and (C2H5 - Al12)2. Both compounds are spontaneously inflammable in air, and in contact with water give pure ethane.—Jacques Chapelon: The representations of an integral number by certain forms with six variables.—Enrico Bom-piani: The second fundamental form of a surface.—G. Maneff: Gravitation and the principle of equality of action and reaction.—Lemeray: General conditions which must be satisfied by a theory of the universe in agreement with general relativity.—E. Tournier: A new method of calculating the power of the reciprocating steam engine.—Louis Roy: Electromagnetic waves in continuous media in motion.—Maurice Curie: The photo-electric effect and temperature.—P. Lebeau and Ch. Bedel: The estimation of carbon monoxide. The reagent recently proposed by Damiens (cuprous oxide dissolved in concentrated sulphuric acid) for the absorption of carbon monoxide is modified by the addition of 3-naphthol. This addition renders the Damiens reagent more stable, and less liable to absorb oxygen.—E. Kayser and H. Delaval: Radioactivity and nitrogen-fixing organisms.