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electrical polarity; the one end is positive, and the other negative. If the tounaline (a crystal from Ceylon) be heated, one end of the crystal becomes positively electrified, and the other negatively. If the crystal be broken into a number of parts, each part has the same form as the large crystal; and each of these small crystals bas its attracting and repelling electrical poles. Here, some connection between magnetism, electricity, and crystallization, may be traced. Crystallization is the effect of chemical affinity, by which the particles arrange themselves in certain forms, according to the shape of the primary molecule, and, probably, by some law, connected with the polarity of each particle. Light appears also to be refracted according to Some law connected with its own polarity and that of the refracting medium. The double refraction of light, in passing through Iceland crystal, always takes place on the plane, in a line with the axis of crystal; and if the crystal be broken into smaller ones, each of these has the same property of double refrac tion in the direction of its axis. When the light falls upon the crystal with a certain angle of incidence, only one refraction takes place; in another angle, there are four refractions, or images, of the object seen. Dr. Davy was inclined to believe, that each particle of light bad its polar axis, and attracting and repelJing poles, and that its refractions and reflections were dependent on this pola rity. It is only justice to Dr. Davy to mention, that what he advanced on this intricate, subject, he stated to be, in a 'considerable degree, hypothetical, and entitled to no more regard than what it might derive from future experiments. We have been more particular in stating these conjectures, as they appear to offer the most plausible solution of what are called, the fits of easy transmition and reflection of light, hitherto given.-The positive and negative electricities natural to different bodies, makes their decomposition by electrical agency practicable, in cases where they could be decomposed by no other known methods. Hence, the voltaic pile, or battery, becomes the most powerful instrument in the hands of the chemist. The French philosophers have lately published an ac count of some experiments made to determine the powers of different piles; and have asserted, that the energy of each pile is in the proportion of the cube root of the number of plates. In order

to produce a double effect, they state, that the number of plates must be increased eight times. Dr. Davy, on the contrary, found the energy of the battery to increase in a much greater ratio with the number of plates. Ten plates of metal, 11 inches and a half in length, and 4 and a half in breadth, ignited an iron wire 2 inches in length. Twent plates ignited 8 inches, and thirty plates ignited 12 inches of the same wire. The error in the calculations of the French, is attributed to their making use of piles instead of troughs, by which means a considerable part of the effect is lost. The battery at the Royal Institution consists of troughs made of Wedgwood's ware, divided into separate cells, filled with water, containing a small portion of nitric acid. The plates are suspended from a piece of wood, the length of the trough, by which means they can all be immerged in the cells, or taken out, together. When a very powerful battery is wanted, a number of these troughs are connected. All the metals are fused by it, but more readily in vacuo than in the air. Platina, which is the most infusible metal by other means, melts, by the operation of the voltaic body, sooner than zinc. During the fusion of platina wire in vacuo, a number of vivid sparks were given out, which Dr. Davy imagined proceeded from the disengagement of hydrogen, which forms a constituent part of carbon and the metals. In regard to meteoric stones, he observes, that hydrogen gas, or inflammable air, will dissolve some of the metals, and form, with them, an invisible metallic gas. When this gas is exploded, the metals are deposited in a metallic form on the sides of the vessel in which the experiment is made. Arsenic, tellurium, and sodium, were exhibited, in a gaseous state, combined with hydrogen. When the hydrogen was inflamed, by a mix ture of oxymuriatic gas, the metals were deposited in a solid form, coating the sides of the vessels. Dr. Davy observed, that the stones which had fallen from the atmosphere were all metallic, and might, perhaps, be formed by the explosion of a large quantity of inflammable air, in which the metals had been dissolved. He was, however, inclined to trace their origin to another cause, and to consider them as the ruins of some planetary body; or, perhaps, they might be smalt satellites, moving round some of the planets, which, coming near the orbit of the earth, were attracted to it.

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know that this opinion has been advanced by some philosophers on the Continent; but it appears so improbable, and contrary to the order and perfection of the solar system, that we think it totally inadmissible. The opinion that they are metals in a gaseous form, which explode and condense, is, we conceive, not only more probable in itself, but more agreeable to the appearances which accompany the fall of these stones. The dense cloud, the loud explosion, the brilliant light, which precedes their fall, the heat of the stones when they are first found, are all indications of their atmos-, pheric production. Dr. Davy lately read an account of a meteoric stone, which fell, a few weeks since, in the County of Tipperary. The phænomena attending its fall were the same as described in other instances of the like kind. The stone has been analyzed by Mr. Higgins, of Dublin, and contains, like other meteoric stones, iron and nickel.

Dr. BURGESS, bishop of St. David's, has great and singular merit in establishing in his diocese a Society for promoting Christian Knowledge and Church Union in the Diocese of St. David's, as a true antidote to the spread of ignorant fanaticism among the people. The subscriptions and benefactions to his Society are distributed-1. For general purposes. 2. For clerical education and exhibitions. 3. For the building and establishing of a clerical seminary. 4. For a college library. 5. For the relief of superannuated curates. A committee has also reported favourably, on a proposed establishment for the education of young men intended for holy orders, who are precluded the advantages of an university education, on account of the distance of this dioçese from the universities. We have already noticed his praiseworthy exertions to render the study of Hebrew general in the grammar-schools of his diocese, and his plans for other proper objects of study in those schools, and we now find that his plans have been extended to every branch of useful education.

Mr. NICHOLS, the historian of Leicestershire, has issued Proposals for completing the second edition of Hutchins's History of Dorsetshire, with improve ments by the late Richard Gough, esq. From the very considerable accession of materials obtained by the unremitted exertions of Mr. Gough, and the contributions of several gentlemen in the county,

it will be found expedient to divide what was intended for the third, into two volumes; which, uniformly printed with those already before the public, will consist each of about five hundred pages; and will be embellished with more than fifty beautiful plates, besides numerous vignettes; which, having been placed in the hands of Mr. Basire, were fortunately preserved. As soon as one hundred copies are subscribed for, the work shall be immediately put to press; and one volume may confidently be expected in twelve months afterwards, and the whole within two years.

It is one of the literary novelties of this age, that the East-India Company has established a Sanscreet press; and the Hetcopadesa is the first work that will appear in that language from a printing press.

The late Bishop Horsley having left in MS. Notes and Observations on the Book of Psalms, the same is now print. ing, under the direction of the Rev. HENEAGE HORSLEY.

Dr. WHITAKER is printing an edition of the Works of Pierce Plowman, callated from very ancient MSS.

Mr. FENTON, late of Fishguard, is preparing, an Account of a Tour through Pembrokeshire.

There appears to exist, at this time, a general disposition to abate the severity of our penal laws; and several works, are announced, having that object, besides the various motions in Parliament.

Mr. MONTGOMERY, of Sheffield, author of The Common Lot, and other much-admired poems, is printing a new poem, on the Antediluvian World.

An edition of the novels of RICHARD SON, in 19 volumes, is nearly ready for publication.

By a letter in Mr. FLOWERS's Political Review, it appears, that the late John Howard did not die of the plague, but of a fever caught from a young lady, in going to visit her; for which purpose he rode twenty miles on horseback: and, being benighted, he was thrown from his horse, and lay a considerable time in the snow; and would have been frozen to death, but for the aid of an accidental passenger. Like Goldsmith, too, he took too large a dose of James's powders. He was buried by a French gentleman, in his garden, about two miles from Cherson, at his own particular request.

Mr. BARRY, of Bristol, is doing that which might be followed with advantages in every great town in England. By forming

a library

a library of useful books, and introducing all the new Voyages and Travels, with the best specimens of poetry, &c. he has greatly lessened the demands of his readers for the pernicious trash called novels. His new catalogue, just publishing, is a specimen of a collection that is creditable to the character of the city.

A New Bristol Guide will appear in the course of the spring, that is well cal culated to make that interesting city, and its vicinity, the resort of numbers of travellers, who are lovers of mineralogical science; and will exhibit also, the value of the surrounding country.

Miss MITFORD, who lately published a volume of elegant Poems, has in the press, a Poem, in four cantos, founded on the events which arose out of the mutiny of the Bounty, which is entitled Christina, the Maid of the South Seas.

Mr. GEORGE SINGER Continues his series of Lectures on electricity and electro-chemistry, at the Scientific Institution, 3, Princes-street, Cavendish-square. Mr. PARKINSON has requested us to announce, that the third and concluding volume of Organic Remains of a former World, containing the fossil remains of echini, shells, insects, crustacea, fishes, amphibia, quadrupeds, &c. with twentythree coloured plates, will be published

in the middle of June.

Dr. BUSBY has just completed a Translation, in rhyme, of the six books of Lucretius on the Nature of Things. Lord Grenville, to whom the work is to be dedicated, has, we understand, seen the first book, and expressed his unqua lified approbation of the style in which the doctor has executed this arduous undertaking. Previous to its publica tion, the poem will be read, at Dr. B.'s residence, by Mr. George Busby, to a select literary audience We hope, in our next Number, to be able to present our readers with further particulars, and to lay before them some specimens of the version.

The Rev. THOMAS JERVIS, of Leeds, is printing a volume of Sermons,

Dr. REID will recommence his course of Lectures on the Theory and Practice of Medicine, on Wednesday, the 1st of May, at nine o'clock in the morning, at his house, Grenville-street, Brunswicksquare.

Mr. J. J. JONES, organist of St. Andrew by the Wardrobe, and St. Ann's, Blackfriars, intends to publish, by sub. scription, a set of Six Tugues, with In

troductions for the Organ or Piano Forte; dedicated (with permission) to his preceptor, Dr. Crotch. They will appear in the course of the present month.

A very entertaining work, from the pen of MAD. DE GENLIS, will appear in the course of a few days; it is entitled, La Botanique, Historique, et Litteraire, suivie d'une Nouvelle, entituleé Les Fleurs ou Les Artistes.

A Winter in Paris, or Memoirs of Madame de C., written by herself, will appear in the course of the present month.

An edition of Mr. DEPPING'S "Soirées d'fiver, is nearly ready for publication.

Mr. BISSETT, of Birmingham, has, with his wonted activity and ability, prepared a medal, in commemoration of the Regency, in gold, silver, bronze, and imperial metal.

So large a part of the edition of the Rev. Richard Cecil's Works, in 4 vols. 8vo. now in the press, has been bespoke by his friends, that no copies will be advertised for public sale. Names may, however, yet be sent to the editor, the Rev. JOSIAH PRATT, Doughty-street, London.

Mr. HENRY JACOB, author of a He brew Grammar, and Mr. A. J. VALPY, have it in contemplation to superintend a new edition of the Hebrew Bible, with points, and with the Latin translation of Arius Montanus interlined. The Hebrew text will be taken from VanderHooght; and the work will be comprised in two handsome volumes, royal octavo.

The Cow-Pock Institution, No. 62, Sackville-street, Dublin, has published, the following abstract from the register of inoculations and distribution of matter:

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firm their belief in the efficacy, safety,
and policy, of pursuing vaccine inocu-

lation.

The second volume of Mr. MOORE's Tales of the Passions, containing the Married Man, being an illustration of the passion of Jealousy, is expected to appear in the course of this month.

The Rev. JouN RUDD, F. L.S. and President of the new Literary and Philosophical Society of Preston, has in considerable forwardness, a Botanist's Guide through Lancashire, in which all the plants, indigenous to the country, will be enumerated, and the habitats of the same ones accurately given..

Mr. RUDD will also publish, in a few days, a volume of Devotional Exercises, selected and composed for the use of Congregations and Families.

Dr. IIUTTON's new edition of his Dictionary of Mathematics and Philosophy, is ready for the press, with many improvements, made from late discoveries in those sciences.

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Messrs. SETCHEL and SON, have reprinted the Memoirs of the Life of Sir Stephen Fox, ancestor of the present lord Holland, and it will make its appearance in a few days.

Mr. LAMBERT, who lately published his travels through Canada, and the United States of America, has in the press an American work, entitled "Salmagundi, or the Whim Whams and Opinions of Launcelot Langstaff, esq. and Others;" to which he has added an introductory Essay on the Genius and' Character of the Americans, together with explanatory notes.

MAJOR MOOR is about to publis', An Account of the Measures pursued with different Tribes of Hindoos for the abolition of the practice of the systematic murder of female children by their Parents; with incidental notices of other customs peculiar to the inhabitants of India. By Governor Duncan, and Lieut.-col, Walker.

The volume of the County Annual Register for 1811, is in forwardness; in addition to the usual matter relating to the counties, it will contain a concise and impartial History of Europe for the year.

A Description of the Ancient Terracottas in the British Museum, is announced: the descriptive part by MR. COMBE; and the engravings from draw ings by MR. WM. ALEXANDER.

J

MR. KENDALL has in the press, and will speedily publish, Remarks on the Calumet,

select Works of Benjamin Stillingfleet.
Now in the press, a Literary Life and
plates, in three volumes, octavo.
By ARCHDEACON COXE. Illustrated with

to India, by the way of China, with fifty
Messrs. DANIELL's Picturesque Voyage
coloured engravings, and descriptive let
lication.
ter-press to each, is nearly ready for pub-

published, in octavo, The Protestant Dis
Early in the spring is intended to be
senters Annual Register, for the year
1810; designed to embody all facts of an.
historical, ecclesiastical, or political, pa
ture, that are interesting to Protestant.
Dissenters.

of Winchester, Lord High Chancellor to
A Life of William Waynfleet, Bishop
Henry VI. and Founder of Magdalen
CHANDLER, is in the press.
College, Oxford, by the late Dr. RICHARD

England and France, edited by Ileury
The edition of Fabyan's Chronicles of
Ellis, Esq. is nearly ready for publica

tion.

rious Public Functionaries, arranged and Select Letters of Tippoo Sultan to va translated by Col. KIRKPATRICK,, are in the press, including his principal military. vinces, diplomatic and commanders, governors of forts and proagents, &c. &c.; together with some ad. dressed to the tributary chieftains of Sancommercial hore, Kurnool, and Cannanore, and suudry other persons.

Mr. BENJAMIN TRAVERS,, demonstrageon to the Honourable East India Com.. tor of anatomy at Guy's Hospital, surpany, and to the London Infirmary for Inquiry concerning injuries to the Canal diseases of the eye; has in the press, An of the Intestines; illustrating the treatment of penetrating wounds, and stran gulated hernia.

press, the Flora of the counties of NorMr. WINCH has nearly ready for the thumberland and Durham, of which the Botanist's Guide through those counties will comprise about 2000 indigenouse may be considered: as a prodromus. It plants, and be illustrated by some coloured' engravings, made by Mr. SowERBY.

publish the first volume of a summary of
The Rev. JOHNSON GRANT will shortly
of the sects which, have separated from
the History of the English Church, and
it, from the earliest periods to the reign
of James the First.

ace

count of Richard of Cirencester, and off
A new edition of Dr. STUKELEY'S a

a library of useful books, and introducing all the new Voyages and Travels, with the best specimens of poetry, &c. he has greatly lessened the demands of his readers for the pernicious trash called novels. His new catalogue, just publishing, is a specimen of a collection that is creditable to the character of the city.

A New Bristol Guide will appear in the course of the spring, that is well calculated to make that interesting city, and its vicinity, the resort of numbers of travellers, who are lovers of mineralogical science; and will exhibit also, the value of the surrounding country,

troductions for the Organ or Pian
dedicated (with permission) to
ceptor, Dr. Crotch. They w
in the course of the present

A very entertaining worl
pen of MAD. DE GENLIS, W
the course of a few days;
La Botanique, Historique
suivie d'une Nouvelle,
Fleurs ou Les Artistes.
A Winter in Paris,
Madame de C., writte
appear in the cour
month.

An edition of Mr.
d'Hiver, is nearly r
Mr. BISSETT,
with his wonted a
pared a medal,
the Regency, in
imperial metal
So large a pa
Rev. Richard
8vo. now in
by his friend
vertised fo
however,
Rev. Josi
London.

Mr. J. brew ( have j

Miss MITFORD, who lately published a volume of elegant Poems, has in the press, a Poem, in four cantos, founded on the events which arose out of the mutiny of the Bounty, which is entitled Christina, the Maid of the South Seas. Mr. GEORGE SINGER Continues his series of Lectures on electricity and electro-chemistry, at the Scientific Institution, 3, Princes-street, Cavendish-square. Mr. PARKINSON has requested us to announce, that the third and concluding volume of Organic Remains of a former World, containing the fossil remains of echini, shells, insects, crustacea, fishes, amphibia, quadrupeds, &c. with twentythree coloured plates, will be published in the middle of June. Dr. BUSBY has just completed a Translation, in rhyme, of the six hooks of Lucretius on the Nature of Things. Lord Grenville, to whom the work is to be dedicated, has, we understand, seen in the first book, and expressed his unqua lified approbation of the style in which the doctor has executed this arduous undertaking. Previous to its publication, the poem will be read, at Dr. B.'s residence, by Mr. George Busby, to a select literary audience We hop in our next Number, to be able to prest our readers with further particulars, to lay before them some specimen the version.

The Rev. THOMAS JERVIS, of I is printing a volume of Sermons,

Dr. REID will recommence his of Lectures on the Theory and ! of Medicine, on Wednesday, t May, at nine o'clock in the mos his house, Grenville-street, B square.

Mr. J. J. JONES, organist drew by the Wardrobe, and Blackfriars, intends to publi scription, a set of Six Tugu

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