In a valuable appendix to the paper read by Dr Amsler, before the Institution of Naval Architects, specimen sheets are given of several calculations, of a vessel of about 4000 tons, the forms in which the figures are entered being so arranged as to avoid all unnecessary trouble in measuring and calculating, and to contain at the same time a check on the results. The accuracy and the speed of working depend, of course, to a considerable extent on the person using the integrator, but as showing what can be obtained with the instrument after some practice, the specimens given in the paper referred to are certainly remarkable. For the calculations of the data necessary for the construction of the curves of displacement and vertical position of centre of buoyancy, the complete integrator and arithmetical work took only two hours; for the data requisite for the curve of displacement per inch immersion, and transverse metacentre one hour was taken; and for the complete calculation, affording data to construct a stability curve, the time taken was only eight hours. A similar calculation done in the ordinary arithmetical method, and giving results far less reliable, would have taken as many days. All the work, it should be added, was done without the aid of an assistant. Amongst other calculations besides displacement and stability in connection with which the integrator is greatly advantageous, are those concerned with the strength of vessels and with the longitudinal strains to which they are subject at sea through unequal distributions of weight and buoyancy, already fully referred to in the chapter on scientific progress. BENNETT & THOMSON, PRINTERS. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE. JOHN BURNS. JOHN BURNS, F.R.A.S., F.R.G.S. CHAIRMAN OF THE CUNARD STEAMSHIP COMPANY.