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THE ESSEX NATURALIST.
diamond, topaz, corundum, ruby, beryl, etc., and minerals of com-
mercial use, as jadeite, nephrite, etc. The visitors were favoured with a
sight of the beautiful ruby-coloured mineral, Proustite, which, being a
salt of silver (AG3 As S3) and extremely susceptible to the action of light,
has to be kept in a light-proof cabinet, and is not shown to the general
public. This particular specimen is described by Professor H. A. Miers
as being "one of the treasures of the collection."
The useful, as well as ornamental, many-hued mineral, Corundum,
which forms the source of several commercial jewels (some of them produced
synthetically) such as "oriental ruby," "white sapphire," and "oriental
amethyst," attracted much attention. Dr. Prior assured the party that
it is really an oxide of aluminium and not, as a policeman on duty in the
Gallery once informed a visitor, "called 'conundrum' because nobody
knows what it's made of!"
In conclusion, an account of some of the meteorites which have fallen
on various parts of the earth's surface was given. Particular interest was
naturally taken by the visitors in the latest earth-comer to the British
Isles, the only meteorite ever recorded from Essex, which fell at Ashdon,
near Saffron Walden, on March 9, 1923, and has been added to the National
collection. This small bolide weighs about 23/4lbs., and was seen to fall
by a thatcher whilst at work, its passage through the atmosphere being
marked by a whizzing noise : on the following day the man dug the stone
out of the ground at the spot where he had seen it fall, and sold it to the
Rev. F. W. Berry, who kindly presented it to the Museum. A cast of
this interesting county visitant has been secured for the Club's Stratford
Museum.
In the absence of our President, Mr. Paulson, a vice-president, proposed
the thanks of the party to Dr. Prior for his fascinating description of the
treasures shown; these were warmly accorded, and Dr. Prior responded,
expressing the pleasure it had given him to have such an appreciative
audience.
The party then dispersed.
ORDINARY MEETING (606th MEETING).
SATURDAY, 30TH JANUARY, 1926.
The above meeting was held in the Physics Lecture Theatre of the
Municipal College, Romford Road, Stratford, the President, Sir Arthur
Smith Woodward, F.R.S., being in the chair. 64 members were present.
Miss Florrie Mole, of 16, Chester Road, Forest Gate, E.7, was elected a
member.
Mr. Avery exhibited eleven water-colour drawings of stained glass
windows from "Belhus," Aveley, three of these windows being of mid
15th century date, seven of early 16th century, and one of the 17th century.
Mr. Avery read a full description of this fine old glass, which has now,
alas, gone to America.
Miss G. Lister exhibited and presented to the Club's Library a copy
of John Galpine's Synoptical Compend of British Botany, published
in 1806, which had been given to her by E. M. Seebohm, in the possession