able if cyanide of potassium could ever be profitably substituted for sodium as a preventive to the flouring of mercury. Even if there did not seem to exist this affinity of cyanogen for metallic mercury, there is this also to be considered—that the sodium puts the mercury in an electro-positive state, thus increasing its affinity for gold; while the effects of cyanide of potassium appear to be entirely confined to its property of keeping the surface of mercury bright.
Copies of the following papers, which had been forwarded by Mr. Skey for publication in the London Chemical News, were laid on the table:—
On the Solubility of Amorphous Silica in Ammonia.
On the Production of a fragrant volatile Substance from Resins by Oxydation, &c.
On the Absorption of Arsenic, Arsenious and Tungstic Acids, from Solution, by Charcoal.
On the Coagulation and Precipitation of Clay from Water by neutral Salts generally.
On the Formation of a Series of double Sulphocyanides of certain of the Alkaloids with the Metals Tin, Zinc, Mercury, Molybdenum, Iron, Platinum, and Gold.
Mr. Crawford read the following papers, which had been transmitted by Dr. Hector:—
Report on the Geology of the Country between the Lower Clutha and Mataura Elvers, by John Buchanan, of the Geological Survey Department. (See Greological Survey Reports, 1868.)
Report on the Geology of the Great Barrier Island, by Captain F. W. Hutton. (See Geological Survey Reports, 1868.)
Second Meeting. 7th April, 1868.
The Bishop of Wellington, Vice-President, in the chair.
The Chairman explained the course that would have to be adopted to obtain the incorporation of the Society, under the rules adopted by the Governors of the New Zealand Institute; and read the by-law passed by the Council.
Resolved, "That the name of the Society be changed, and that it be called henceforth 'The Wellington Philosophical Society.'"
Resolved, "That the Society be incorporated with the New Zealand Institute."
Resolved, "That the Chairman of this meeting and the Secretary of the Society be authorized to sign and forward to the Governors of the Institute the certificate required under Rules Nos. 1 and 2."
