Societies and Academies

Abstract

Oxford University Junior Scientific Club, May 27.—The biennial conversazione of the Club was held in the University Museum, when an address inaugural to the recently founded “Robert Boyle lectures of the O.U.J.S.C.”was delivered by Prof. Sir Henry W. Acland, Bart., K.C.B., F.R.S., on Robert Boyle, his life, work, and influence on science. A very interesting series of exhibits was shown by the various departments of the Museum and by the University Observatory, illustrating recent progress in their particular branches of science. Of special interest were the exhibits by the Rev. F. J. Smith on shadow and objective spark photography, illustrated by pictures of objects in rapid motion; by Mr. Cecil Carus-Wilson, of natural and artificial musical sands; by the University Observers, of a series of splendid photographs illustrating recent improvements in astronomical and spectral photography; by the National Telephone Company, of telephonic apparatus; by Dr. Hunt, of preparations and cultivations illustrating the methods of isolation and identification of bacteria; by Mr. B. V. Darbishire, of a series of lantern views in the Caucasus and in the British East Africa Company's territory, the slides for which were kindly lent by the Royal Geographical Society. The Club is much indebted to the Royal Society, the Pharmaceutical Society, the Right Hon. the Earl of Cork and Orrery, Prof. Wyndham R. Dunstan, Prof. Odling, and other gentlemen for the loan of oil paintings, engravings, and relics of Robert Boyle and his contemporary men of science in Oxford.