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The Spike or Victoria University College Review, June 1927

Mathematical and Physical Society

Mathematical and Physical Society.

The Seventh Session of the Society's activities was commenced on 12nd March, 1927. when the general meeting was held. There was a good attendance of members, and the business of the meeting was promptly disposed of. Supper was kindly provided by Miss Marwick.

A programme of lectures for the year was drawn up by the Committee, and in accordance with this programme the first lecture was given by Professor Sommerville on 12th April, the subject being "Space-filling Solids."

The lecturer first described the simpler problem in two dimensions and showed which plane figures could, by constant repetition of themselves, completely occupy a plane. Carrying the problem into three dimension—"the simplest space-filling solid is the cube and an assemblage of cubes built together forms the simplest regular division of space." The complete problem of space-filling solids was explained in such a straightforward and interesting manner that the lecture was understood and enjoyed by everyone. After a hearty vote of thanks to the speaker the meeting adjourned to supper, which was kindly provided by Mrs. Sommerville.

The second lecture of the series was given by Professor Florance on the "Life of Sir Isaac Newton," which is an appropriate subject for 1927, as this year is the bicentenary of the death of Newton.

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Professor Florance gave a very interesting account of Newton's life and work. He began by a review of scientific men who lived before and about the same time as Newton, and of the progress science had made up till Newton's time. With this introduction Professor Florance described Newton's youth and early life at Cambridge and at his home during the Plague, a time when lie was most vigorously engaged on the work which has made him so famous.

At the conclusion of the lecture the society was entertained at supper by Mrs. Florance.

On 10th May, Mr. R. M. Dolby and Miss E. M. Mason explained the phenomena connected with Osmosis. Mr. Dolby took the first part of the subject "Theories of Osmotic Pressure" and gave some of the modern ideas brought forward to explain osmosis. He also showed how osmotic pressure was measured and gave mathematical expressions for the results obtained.

Miss Mason discussed the applications of "Osmosis in Nature" and showed how osmosis played a wide part in the life of animals and plant After the lecture supper was kindly provided by Miss Marwick.

During the second term there are to be nine lectures as follows:—
  • "Map Construction." Mr. W. G. Kalaugher, M.A. B. Sc.
  • "Piezo—Electric Crystal Resonaters." Mr. F. W. G. White.
  • "Nomography." Miss A. M. Dowries, M.A. Mr. G. A. Peddie, B.A.
  • "A Short History of the Aether." Mr. J. W. Harding. Father B. A. Kingan.
  • "The Theory of Probability." Mr. F. F. Miles, M.A.
  • "Radiology." Miss T. C. Marwick.

New students are specially invited to attend these meetings.