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LITERARY AND SCIENTIFIC INTELLIGENCE.

Edinburgh College Museum.-The internal arrangements of this museum are rapidly advancing, and promise, when completed, to rival in beauty and classic taste the most admired works of this description in Europe. We hear that the splendid galleries of the great rooms are to be appropriated for the reception of a magnificent collection of foreign birds, at present in the possession of an eminent naturalist in Paris, and which the Principal and Professors intend purchasing.

Colonel Imrie lately presented to the museum of the university of this city his collection of Grecian minerals, an example which we trusted would be followed by all who feel an interest in the national muscum now forming in this metropolis. Since that time many donations have been received, and we have now the satisfaction of announcing, that Colonel Imrie has presented to the university the whole of his valuable collection of Greenland minerals. This patriotic conduct, which is deserving of the highest praise, eminently distinguishes Colonel Imrie amongst the promoters of natural science in this country.

canic and neptunian views of the formation of these districts. The details of this interesting investigation w ill, it is reported, appear in the first number of the Edinburgh Journal of Science.

Letters have been received from M. Belzoni, dated Thebes, November 14, that completely remove the apprehensions which obtained respecting his death.

THE COD-BANK OF SHETLAND.

Discovery. This bank was, we believe, first fished upon by the vessels of Mr Ross of Weesdale, in Shetland, in the autumn of 1816.

Situation and Extent.-The bank commences about twelve to twenty miles north by west from Papa Westray, one of the Orkney Islands. It is prolonged to the westward of the coast of the Shetland Islands, and has been entered upon to the north, by steering west-north-west, as well as north by west, from the island of Foula. But its terminations has not been reached, and it is imagined to extend much farther north. The colour of the fish is described to be siNatural History Society of Glasgow.milar to what has been observed in the cod We are happy to learn that a Natural History Society has just been established in Glasgow. The zeal and intelligence of its members, and the ample funds they already possess, promise the most valuable results for this country in particular, and natural history in general.

Substitute for Limestone in the Art of Printing from Stone.-We are informed that in France, a mixture of plaister-ofParis and alum, allowed to harden in a smooth metallic mould, is found to answer fully as well as limestone in stone-engraving. A German in London has just published a series of well-executed views in Italy from

stone.

Black Lead Mines. The famous black lead mine in Cumberland, which has for so many years supplied the market with the best and most esteemed varieties of grapaite, is understood at present to be so very unproductive that the public look with anxiety for supplies from other quarters. In this island, the black lead or graphite of Ayrshire has been long known, but the mine has never been fully worked. The black lead of Glen Strath Farrard, mentioned in a former number of this magazine, has but lately excited the attention of the public. We expect that the present state of the market will have the effect of inducing the proprietors of our Scottish black lead mines to open them up in a manner so as to supply the present demands of the market.

Volcanic Mountains of Cantal.-We understand that all the volcanic districts in the south-west of France have been lately examined by a pupil of Professor Jameson's. The results he has obtained are highly interesting, and go to support both the volVOL. IV.

caught off the coast of the Faro Islands, thus appearing to identify this much more northerly bank with that of Shetland. The fish is said to be gray backed, spotted with black, and tinged with a ring of a colour from brown to gray. The length that has been already traced of the bank is about 140 miles.

Breadth. The breadth of the bank is from 18 to 25 miles.

Depth.-Is from 28 to 47 fathoms, Productiveness.-Thirteen vessels employed in this fishery are computed to have made this year about £3000. These vessels do not exceed 35 tons, and on account of the bounty, are not less than six tons. They carry from six to eight hands. The vessels this year on the bank are said to have fished about 12 tons of fish, in the dried state, on an average. Some vessels procured from 18 to 19 tons each. The abundance of the fish is so great, that one vessel in a tide or day caught 1200 fish.

The Shetland Islands, in this fishery, will possess an advantage over their Orkney neighbours, from the superiority of their drying beaches. These being composed of rounded pebbles, ejected by the sea, are more or less abundant, or are better in quality, according to the nature of the rocks of which each of the groups of islands is composed, This superiority of beach is of such consequence to the drying of the fish, as to give the ling and cod of Shetland a decided advantage in the market over every other like article of fish to which it is oppos ed. The greatest inconvenience is felt from the want of bait, which being obtained from the bays of Shetland, prove a great loss of time to the fishers, who are often obliged 3 Q

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precipitously to leave the bank for the want of it. Any account of the manner in which this inconvenience is remedied in other places, either by the preservation of bait, collected previously to the fishing season, or by any mode of fishing for the bait, which consists of shell-fish, on the bank itself, will be most acceptable information to the vessels employed in the pursuit.

DOCTOR Spicker of Berlin, who last year performed what our neighbours call a Voyage litteraire" to England, Scotland and Wales, has just published the first voTume of his journey. We shall gladly receive an account of ourselves, after so many which we have had lately of other people; but we hope the doctor has not changed his horses too quickly-three kingdoms in three months! may spread an alarm through them all, how they are to appear in the postchaise observations of a sunimer philosopher. We feel a real pleasure in recording one of those events in the history of men of genius, which is so honourable to a nation. It is a tribute now offering by the inhabitants of Cambray, and all France, to the memory of Fenelon. Fenelon lived twenty years at Cambray-It was there he composed his Telemachus; and it is there his bones rest. The municipality of Cambray, who declare themselves to be only the interpret ers of the wishes of the inhabitants of that city, have opened a subscription to raise a monument to his virtues and his genius. The spot chosen for this monument is that where the voice of the archbishop was often heard with all its eloquence and piety, before the altar, and underneath which his remains are laid. The subscription is to close in April; and it is proposed, that the list of the subscribers shall be published, and afterwards deposited in the monument.

THE EDINBURGH HORTICULTURAL AND BOTANICAL INSTITUTION.

The want of an extensive garden, in which the study of Botany, as applicable to the purposes of rural economy, might be prosecuted by those who cannot attend the lectures of the Professor in the University, has long been felt. But now, when vegetable physiology, and its application to horticulture, and to the treatment of woods and plantations, has rapidly advanced, it has become of importance that this society should take the lead in forming an institution, without which its efforts for improving that art, the name of which it bears, certainly cannot have their full effect. Although, therefore, the propriety of the Caledonian Horticultural Society patronizing and sharing in the proposed establishment cannot be questioned, yet it appears most advisable that, as a body, it should be connected with it, only as holding shares in an heritable property, sufficient to entitle it to have a certain proportion of the garden allotted for experiments most immediately connected with its proper objects; and leaving it in the power of the society, as well as of individual proprietors, to sell or transfer their shares at pleasure.

I-Objects of the Institution.-1. The collection of curious and rare exotic plants, such as are not commonly met with in the greenhouses of nurserymen.

2. The collection of ornamental and rare plants, natives of Britain.

3. The collection of ornamental, rare, and useful exotic plants that have been naturalized in Britain, or which may be naturalized in this country.

Such plants to be propagated as extensively as possible, and their seeds to be preserved, for the purpose of being distributed among the subscribers, according to such rules as may be afterwards agreed upon.

4. Two acres to be set apart for the purpose of experiments in horticulture and vegetable physiology, and for attempts to naturalize exotics; to which none but subscribers (accompanied by the chief gardener) can be admitted.

5. The rest of the garden to be devoted to the culture of such new or foreign sorts of culinary vegetables, fruit, and forest trees, as may be recommended for trial; seeds, grafts, or plants of which, if found worthy of cultivation, to be distributed among the subscribers.

In this part of the garden, experiments will be made with the view of raising varieties from seed, in order to procure fruits that may be better adapted for the climate of Scotland.

II. Property. The property of the garden to be held in shares of £20 each; and it is proposed that the society shall immediately subscribe for twenty-five shares; exclusive of the subscriptions of individual members.

The number of shares to be limited to 500; and no individual to be allowed to hold a greater number than two, on the first subscription, although, afterwards, shares may be purchased or acquired to any a

mount.

As soon as 250 shares, exclusive of those taken by the society, are subscribed for, application to be made for a royal charter; and, as soon as that is obtained, measures to be taken for the purchase of ground.

Subscribers to be furnished with tickets, which will admit them, and friends accom➡ panying them; and with transferable tickets for the use of their families.

An interim committee to be appointed to collect subscriptions, and to prepare a set of regulations, to be submitted to a meeting to be called as soon as 250 subscriptions shall have been obtained, preparatory to the application for a charter.

As every plant in the garden, of every description, will have its name attached to it and its time of flowering and ripening its seed or fruit in the garden, together with its various properties and qualities, carefully recorded, this establishment will form the means both of instruction and recreation, while it will largely contribute to improve the art of horticulture in all its branches.

It is proposed to have a complete range of houses, viz, stoves, green-house, vinery,

peach-house, and a house for experiments. Also a sufficient number of hot-bed frames, and hand-glasses; together with every article necessary for carrying on the establishment in a style creditable to the capital of Scotland.

If it shall afterwards be deemed advisable to increase the number of shares, the addition will, in the first place, be put in the power of subscribers who may wish to take hem.

The superfluous produce of the garden, in fruit-trees, grafts, flowers, &c. to be sold, in order to assist in defraying the annual

expenses.

The garden to be within two miles of Edinburgh, or as near as possible, without the risk of being injured by smoke.

Deaths in Paris during 1817.-The fol'lowing tables are so curious and so instructive, that I have copied them from the annual report published in the Journal de Pharmacie.

Deaths in 181721,386

-181619,805

Excess in 1817..........1,581 These deaths consist of 13,555 who died in their own houses. viz.:

Males....6,590 13,555
Females.........6,956 (

The remainder consist of 276 dead bodies deposited in the Morgue, and 7,827 who died in the hospitals, viz.

Males.3,898
Females3,997,827

acid makers, who are the manufacturers that chiefly employ platinum upon a great scale.

Ridolfi separates mechanically such fo. reign bodies as can be detected by the eye in crude platinum. He then washes it in dilute muriatic acid. The next step of the process is to fuse the crude metal with four times its weight of lead, and to throw the melted alloy into cold water. It is then pulverized, mixed with its own weight of sulphur, and thrown into a hessian crucible previously heated to whiteness. A cover is placed on the crucible, aud it is kept at a red heat for 10 minutes. When allowed to cool, a brilliant metallic button is found under the scoriæ, composed of platinum, lead, and sulphur. A little more lead is added, and the alloy is fused a second time. The sulphur separates with the new scoria, and there remains an alloy of platinum and lead. This alloy is heated to whiteness, and while in this state, hammered upon an anvil with a hot hammer. The lead is squeezed out, and the platinum remains.

Platinum obtained in this way is as malleable and ductile as the finest platinum. Its specific gravity is said to be 22-630. If so, it must be alloyed with lead; for pure platinum is not so heavy.

Perchloric Acid.-Sir Humphry Davy has verified the curious discovery made some years ago, by Count von Stadion, of a combination of chlorine and oxygen, containing more oxygen than chloric acid, and which, therefore, may be distinguished by

The number of persons who died of the the name of perchloric acid. A particular small-pox in 1817 was 486, viz.

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.197

And that of suicides_188
Suicides in 1817.......

If we admit that at least one half of the drowned persons underwent a voluntary death, the number of suicides in 1817 will amount to 335, or to more than six every week..

** In 1808, 1809, 1810, the annual number of suicides was from 50 to 55. This number has increased progressively since 1812.

Purification of Platinum.—The Marquis of Ridolfi has proposed a method of purifying platinum, which seems worth the attention of those who have occasion for platinum vessels for the purposes of manufac. ture, as it would materially diminish the price of that expensive metal. It is obvious that the platinum will not be obtained quite free from lead; but it is not probable that the small portion of that metal still left in it would render it injurious to the sulphuric

account of the experiments of Count von Stadion will be found in the Annals of Philosophy, ix. 22.

Sea Snake of America.-Extracted from a letter from T. Say, Esq. of Philadelphia, to Dr Leach:

"I have to regret that many of the scientific journals of Europe have taken serious notice of the absurd story which has originated to the eastward about the sea serpent; a story attributed here to a defecEve observation, connected with an extraordinary degree of fear. You have probably been informed that Capt. Rich has explained the whole business; he fitted out an expedition purposely to take this leviathan; he was successful in fastening his harpoon in what was acknowledged by all his crew to be the veritable sea serpent (and which several of them had previously seen and made oath to); but when drawn from the water, and full within the sphere of their vision, it proved to their perfect conviction, that the sea serpent which fear had loomed to the gigantic length of 100 feet, was no other than a harmless Tunny (Schomber Thynnus) nine or ten feet long. Thus natural history is probably indebted to Capt. Rich for keeping from its pages an account of a second Kraken; and a memorable instance is added to the catalogue of credulity already pregnant with warning to naturalists."

WORKS PREPARING FOR PUBLICATION.

LONDON.

The title of Mr Rogers' poem is Human Life-it is completely ready for publication. John Nichols, Esq. is preparing for the press, An Account of the Guildhall of the City of London, including a description of the Monuments and Pictures contained therein.

Mr Rose's Letters from the North of Italy, will appear in the first week of February.

Views of the Architectural Antiquities of Sicily, in a Series of finished Etchings by Pinelli of Rome, with a Descriptive Account, from drawings by John Goldicutt, architect, member of the Academy of St Luke, Rome, to consist of 30 plates, folio.

A new edition of Dr King's Anecdotes of his own Times, is on the point of publica

tion.

Mr Montgomery is preparing a new vo lume for the press, under the title of Greenland and other Poems.

Ιρις, ἢ τὰ νῦν Ἑλληνικὰ. Α Periodical Work, written in ancient or modern Greek only, and by Natives of Greece; the principal object of which is to make the Friends of the Greek Nation acquainted with the present state of Knowledge amongst them, and with their endeavours for their regeneration. The Fublication of the Work will be by Subscription. A number a Month, of Four Sheets in quarto, will be published. Three Shillings and Sixpence will be the Price of each Number. Subscribers' Names will be received by Mr MURRAY, Albemarle-street.

A work of Biblical Criticism on the Books of the Old Testament, and translations of sacred songs, with notes critical and explanatory; by Samuel Horsley, L.L. D. F.R.S. F.A.S, late Bishop of St Asaph, is in the press.

Lord John Russell has nearly completed a Biographical Account of his Illustrious Ancestor.

The First Part of Mr Crabbe's new poem, will be published in February; it is entitled, Forty Days, a Series of Tales related at Binning-Hall.

The Miss Berrys, the friends of the late Lord Orford, are preparing an Account of their Travels and Residence in Italy.

The Rev. M. D. Duffield has for some time been making collections for a History of the Town and County of Cambridge, and intends shortly to prepare them for the press.

Mr Boileau is preparing for publica tion, An Essay on the Nature and Genius of the German Language: also, The Art of French Conversation, exemplified on a new pian.

The Rev. James Townley is preparing for publication, Illustrations of Biblical Lite rature, exhibiting the History and Fate of the Sacred Writings from the earliest time, including Biographical notices of eminent Translators of the Bible, and other Biblical scholars.

The Entomologist's Pocket Compendium: containing, an Introduction to the Know. ledge of British Insects; the Apparatus used, and the best means of obtaining and preserving them; the Genera of Linnè; together with the modern Method of arranging the Classes Crustacea, Myriapoda, Spiders, Mites, and Insects, according to their Affinities and Structure, after the System of Dr Leach. Also, an Explanation of the Terms used in Entomology: a Kalendar of the Time and Situation where usually found, of nearly 3000 Species; and Instructions for collecting and fitting up Objects for the Microscope. Illustrated with Twelve Plates; by George Samouelle, Associate of the Linnæan Society of Lon don.

Early in the Spring, Miss Smith will publish her work on the Costumes of various Nations.

C. F. Wieles, Esq. has in the press Lamioli, a novel, in three volumes. A New Monthly Dramatic Journal called the Inspector, will appear in a few days.

Mr Rennel, Christian Advocate in the University of Cambridge, and Vicar of Kensington, has in the press, Remarks on Scep ticism, especially as it is connected with the Subject of Organization and Life, being an answer to some recent works both of French and English Physiologists.

A volume of Familiar Dissertations on Theological and Moral Subjects; by the Rev. Dr William Barrow, Prebendary of Southwell, will shortly be published.

Mr Hazlitt's Lectures on the Comic Genius and Writers of Great Britain, now delivering at the Surrey Institution, will be published in a few days.

The Poetical Remains, accompanied by Memoirs, of the late John Leyden, M.D. author of "Historical Account of Disco veries in Africa," will appear this month.

The continuation of Sir Richard Hoare's History of Ancient Wiltshire will be published in the spring; the plates will be very numerous, and their execution surpasses those already given.

Dr Edward Percival is preparing for publication a series of Practical Observations on the Pathology, Treatment, and prevention of Typhus Fever,

"The Rev. P. Bliss will complete the old work of the Athene Oxonienses, by the publication of a fourth volume, which is very nearly ready; he will then proceed up, on the continuation.

The first number of a General History of the County of York, by Thomas Durham Whittaker, L.L. D. F.S.A. illustrated by engravings, from drawings by J. M. W. Turner, Esq. R.A., and M. Buckler, will appear in a few days.

The fourth volume is nearly ready for publication of the Personal Narratives of M. D. Humboldt's Travels to the Equinoctial Regions of the New Continent, during the years 1799 and 1804: translated by Miss Williams, at Paris.

A new novel, by the author of the Physiognomist and the Bachelor and Married Man, will appear shortly, entitled, Hesitation, or To Marry or not to Marry." A novel will appear in a few days, entitled, Mondouro; by a lady of high rank. The Authoress, a tale, by the author of" Rachel," will be published this month.

A novel will appear in a few days, entitled Oakwood Hall, by Miss Hutton, of Birmingham, authoress of the Miser Married," &c.

A new novel is preparing for the press by the author of " Correction."

Another novel is announced, called, the Intriguing Beauty, and the Beauty without Intrigue.

An interesting work is preparing for the press, and in great forwardness, entitled, a Biographical Dictionary of the Worthies of Ireland; to comprise succinct and impartial sketches of the lives and characters of eminent natives of Ireland, of every rank and station, at any time celebrated, in their own or other countries, for their genius, talents, or public virtues, in the various departments of arms, politics, literature, sciences, and arts.

Mr Martin of Liverpool has in the press, a Discourse, read in the Literary and Philosophical Society of that town, entitled, ZHTHMATA AIANOHTIKA, or a View of the Intellectual Powers of Man, with observations on their cultivation.

Shakh Mansur will soon publish, in octavo, a History of Seyd Said, Sultan of Muscat, with an account of the countries and people on the shores of the Persian gulf, particularly of the Wahabees.

Mr Teissier has in the press, a Narrative of the Operations of the Royalist Armies in the Interior of France, in 1815; translated from the Panache d'Henri IV. ou les Phalanges Royales," a work prohibited by the French police.

The following will appear this winter :The Black Robber, a romance, 3 vol. Emily, or the Wife's First Error, by Elizabeth Bennett, 4 vol.-The Express, a novel, by Frances D'Aubigne, 3 vol.

A new Part of Lackington & Co.'s Catalogue will be published in a few days, containing a very large collection of Grammars, Dictionaries, and Lexicons-Critical and Bibliographical works-Greek and Latin Classics their Translations and Books in the French, Italian, Spanish, and other Foreign Languages.

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We have much pleasure in announcing to our readers, that on the first of April will appear, the first number of The Edinburgh Philosophical Journal; or, Quarterly Regis ter of Natural Philosophy, Chemistry, Natural History, Practical Mechanics, and the Fine and Useful Arts.

The Life of the late Right Honourable John Philpot Curran, Master of the Rolls in Ireland; by his son, William Henry Curran, Esq. Barrister-at-law, 2 vols Svo. with Portraits and Fac-similes.

An Account of the Arctic Regions, including the Natural History of Spitzbergen and the adjacent Islands; the Polar Ice; and the Greenland Seas; with a History and Description of the Northern Whale Fisheries, illustrated with many Anecdotes of the Dangers of that Occupation. Chiefly derived from Researches made during Seventeen Voyages to the Polar Seas; by William Scoresby, jun. Member of the Wernerian Society, 2 vols 8vo, with numerous Engravings.

Speedily will be published, First Latin Lessons, selected from the Classics, (with the authorities subjoined,) arranged under the respective rules of Syntax, beginning with exercises on the first declension, and advanced by gentle gradations; to which will be added, English Exercises under each rule, with notes, and a complete vocabulary; by Thomas Macgowan, one of the masters of the academy, 25, Sect Street, Liverpool, 18mo.

Illustrations of the Power of Compression and Percussion in the Cure of Rheumatism, Gout, and Debility of the Extremities; and in Promoting General Health and Longevity; by William Balfour, M.D. author of a Treatise on Emetic Tartar, &c.

Illustrations of the Power of Emetic Tartar in the Cure of Fever, Inflammation, and Asthma; and in Preventing Phthisis and Apoplexy; by William Balfour, M.D. author of a Treatise on Rheumatism, &c.

The Autumnal Excursion, or Sketches in Tiviotdale, with other Poems; by Thomas Pringle.

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