Notes

Abstract

MOST of the foreign Governments have appointed their delegates to the International Congress of Electricians at Paris. Among the German delegates are M. Wiedemann, editor of Wiedemann's Annalen, Helmholtz, Du Bois-Reymond, and Weber, who, as we stated in our last issue, has received a medal in commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of his professoriate in Halle. The name of Weber is the only one among living men which has been inscribed on the walls of the Palais de l'Industrie. The original instrument which Weber invented with Gauss in 1833 is exhibited in the German section. Amongst the names of English men of science who are said to have been delegated by the English Government are those of Sir William Thomson and Dr. Siemens. One, if not the principal, object of the deliberations of the Congress will be the adoption of a universal system of electric and magnetic measures, as advocated by the British Association. The work of the Commission which has been appointed by it will be discussed, and practical suggestions are to be made relating to it. It is supposed that the electrical and magnetic units are to be considered as a sequel to the metric system of weights and measures. Another question will relate to the laying of submarine cables, viz., the establishment of an international codex of signals for telegraphic steamers, and the necessity of adopting rules for parallel or transversal lines, liable to endanger the existing ones. But it does jaot appear that any allusion.is to be made to the neutralisation in war time, although it has been recommended by M. Barthelemy St. Hilaire, the Minister of Foreign Affairs. All the sittings are to be private, to the exclusion of the public.and Press, except a few lectures given by some members on selected topics. Procèverbaux are to be written and published by a select body of authorised secretaries.