A further verification of the system of equations (I I), (17), and (19), was afforded by calculating the values of the saturation pressure from the theoretical equation given by (I I) and (17) as above explained. These agreed with the pressures previously ob served by Holborn and Baumann (I 910) to within 0.3° C on the average over the whole range from 0° to C. But the equa tion went further and continued to give values of p agreeing with observation up to 380.5° C, where it came to a stop, and refused to give any solution at higher temperatures, thus verifying the limit observed by direct experiment. (Proc. Roy. Soc. Sept. 1928.) The theory of the continuity of state, though very fascinating, was most artificial, and was founded on a somewhat inadequate experimental basis. It has now served its turn, and may have to give place to an experimental study of the molecular structure of liquids as affording a more natural explanation of the phenomena of change of state. (H. L. C.) VAR, a department of France, formed in 1790 of a part of Lower Provence, but in 1860 reduced by the transfer of the district of Grasse to the newly formed department of the Alpes Maritimes, which is the reason why the Var does not now flow in the department to which it gives its name. It is bounded north by the department of the Basses Alpes (the Verdon river form ing the boundary), east by that of the Alpes Maritimes (the Siagne stream forming the limit), south by the Mediterranean, and west by the department of the Bouches du Rhone. Pop. (1930 377,104. Area 2,333 sq. miles.
The east of the department is built up of the Esterel and the Massif des Maures, a block of Archaean and Palaeozoic rocks, the two parts named being separated by the Argens river ; this massif reaches a height of 2,500 feet. The rest of the department
is mostly made up of the east-to-west lines of the Alpes de Pro vence which include the chain of Sainte Beaume (3,786 ft.) in the west, but rise to 5,62o ft. at the Signal des Chens in the north-east. The valley lines for the most part run east and west between the hills, but the Gapeau river makes its way to the coast southwards between the outliers of Sainte Beaume and the Massif des Maures, and other streams have north-to-south sec tions cutting through lines of hills. The coast shows evidences everywhere of a recent sinking movement and has numerous islands, notably the Iles d'Hyeres, Porquerolles, Ile de Riou, etc. The harbour of Toulon is a famous case of a sunken valley. The climate is mild on the coast, St. Raphael and Hyeres being much frequented winter resorts. The department now forms the bish opric of Frejus (4th century) which is in the ecclesiastical prov ince of Aix en Provence.
The chief industries are spinning and weaving of silk, manu facture of soap, paper, cork, pottery and tanning. Tobacco is grown and there is much fishing for tunny and anchovy. Trade is in wood and coal. Cut flowers are largely exported from Hyeres. The department forms the bishopric of Frejus (4th century), under Aix en Provence. It is in the academie (educational divi sion) of Aix, where is its court of appeal, and is in the region of the XV. army corp. There are two arrondissements (Draguignan and Toulon), 3o cantons and 149 communes. The principal towns are Toulon, La Seyne, Hyeres, Draguignan, its political capital, Brignoles and Frejus.