tirer une 2de ligne droite qui coupe la premiere sous un angle donné de telle maniere que. coupant aussi le cercle en deux points les parties intercepteès entre ces 2 points et la droite donnée soient entre elles comme m:n, QUESTION 8, BY THOMAS BRADY, NEW-YORK. the shade of whose summit, on the 4th of JuIn the city of New-York stands an edifice, ly, described a curve on the plane of the horizon, whose transverse axis measured 250 feet. Required the height of said edifice. ART. 16. REPORT OF DISEASES TREATED AT THE PUBLIC DISPENSARY, NEW-YORK, DURING THE MONTH OF JUNE, 1817. ACUTE DISEASES. EBRIS Intermittens, (Intermittent fever,) 3; Synocha, (Inflammatory Fever,) 1; Ty phus, 4; Febris Infantum Remittens, (Infantile Remittent Fever) 26; Phlegmone, (Inflammation.) 2; Inflammatio Testium, 1; Paronychia, (Whitlow,) 1; Ophthalmia, (Inflammation of the Eyes,) 5; Trachitis, (Croup or Hives,) 1; Pneumonia, (Inflammation of the Chest,) 10; Pneumonia Typhodes, (Inflammation of the Chest with Typhous Fever)4; Bronchitis, (Inflammation of the Bronchiæ,)2; Hyteritis, (Inflammation of the Womb.) 1; Rheumatismus Acutus (Acute Rheumatism,) 4; Epistaxis, (Bleeding from the Nose) 1; Hæmoptysis, (Spitting of Blood.) 1: Cholera Morbus, 4; Dysenteria, (Dysentery,) 3; Rubeola, (measles,) 4; Erythema, 2 Uticaria, (Nettle Rash,) 2; Erysipelas, (St. Anthony's Fire,) 4; Vaccinia, (Kine Pock,) 32: Morbi Infantiles, (Infantile Diseases,) 6. CHRONIC AND LOCAL DISEASES. Asthenia, (Debility,) 4; Vertigo, 6; Cephalalgia, (Head-ach, 10; Hemiplegia. (Palsy of one side,) 1; Dyspepsia. (Indigestion.) 12; Vomitus, (Vomiting,) 2; Gastrodynia, (Pain in the Stomach,) 5; Enterodynia, (Pain in the ; VOL. OL. I. NO. IV. Intestines,) 6; Chorea, (St. Vitus's Dance.) 1; Heart,) 1; Hysteria, (Hystericks,) 1; Hypo- 4: Ulcus, (Blcer,) 13; Aphtha, (Thrush,) 3; thoracic inflammation, constituting the PneuUstio Burn.) 1; Odontalgia. (Tooth-ach,) monia Typhodes of writers, and forming a 16; Morbi Cutanei, (Eruptions of the Skin,) combination of symptoms, than which there are few more difficult of management, or more embarrassing to the physician in the whole history of acute disorders. 43. The frequent showers and repeated rains of this month. proved highly favourable to vegetation, which now exhibits a luxuriant appearance. The 3d, 4th, 9th, 10th. 13th, 14th, 15th, 19th, 23d, 28th, 29th, and 30th, were all attended with more or less rain, which was heavy on the 3d, 4th. 15th and 19th; and on the evening of the 29th, was accompanied with much thunder and lightning. The quantity of rain, as measured by the pluviameter, was 8.45 inches. The maximum of the ther mometer, in the shade, was 81°: its minimum 49. The mean temperature for the morning was 58°; for the afternoon 70°; at sun set 66° The winds have been somewhat variable; occasionally from the east and north-east, but most commonly from the south and south-west. The returning warmth of Summer has already manifested its influence in exciting those affections of the stomach and bowels, that depend upon a disordered state of the digestive and biliary organs, produced by the operation of external beat. The Infantile Remittent, formerly described, has greatly predominated over every other acute disorder. It has seldom, however, shown any untractableness in its symptoms; on the contrary, it has, in general, been speedily subdued by the treatment recommended in the last Report. The duration of this disease, was different in different patients; but in most instances, it continued from seven to ten days. In several it termiThe series of mixed and incongruous disor- nated within the first week; and in only a ders mentioned in the preceding Catalogue, few instances, was it protracted beyond the may be considered as an effect of the sudden fourteenth day. The decided efficacy of early commencement of Summer heats, after a and free evacuations from the intestinal calate and cold Spring; and in some degree, nal, in arresting the progress of this disorder, also, as the result of hot sun-shine alternating and in rendering its symptoms more mild and with frequent rains and showers, and in a tractable, was strikingly exemplified in a few instances with sharp easterly and north- number of instances. Indeed, throughout easterly winds. It would seem, indeed, that the whole course of the disease, whenever the complaints of Winter, Spring and Sum- the bowels were suffered to become constimer, had been promiscuously crowded to- pated, an increase of pain and irritation in gether, without any distinct or predominant the abdomen, and an augmentation of fever, character. But notwithstanding, the month supervened. Under these circumstances, the of June appears to have been, generally only relief was from the operation of a purspeaking, healthy. From an amelioration of the temperature of the weather, the Inflammatory constitution so conspicuous throughout the Spring, has much declined. Acute disorders of the organs of respiration, and other inflammatory affections, have, in consequence, become less frequent. This amend ment of temperature appears also to have been favourable to the convalescent and phthisical. Only two new cases of Phthisis pulmonalis have been reported at the Dispensary during this interval; but in the two preceding months there were fourteen cases of this disease, which were inadvertently left out of the list prefixed to the last Report. It may here be remarked, that the state of the weather has frequently more influence in producing a favourable change in some of the affections of the lungs, than any of the remedies that are usually applied. A few cases of Intermittent, Remittent, and Typhous Fevers, appeared in different quarters of the city. Fourteen deaths from Ty. phus alone are recorded in the New-York bills of mortality. Only four cases of this disease occurred in the practice of the Dispensary, all of which terminated favourably. In four other patients it was associated with gative. In short, to the successful management of the complaint, an open state of the bowels is indispensable; without which, all other treatment will be of little avail. And so great is usually the torpor and inactivity of the intestines, that it is surprising what large active doses of aperient medicines are often required to excite their peristaltic motion. But in the use of purgatives, it must be observed, that some circumspection is certainly necessary. The intention is merely to remove from the bowels their stagnant and irritating contents, and afterwards to keep up gentle action, and not active catharsis, which would only tend to relax the tone of the alimentary canal, and unnecessarily to exhaust the system. A distinct crisis of this fever was seldom or ever observable, the signs of amendment occurring in too gradual a manner to ascertain distinctly the precise time of their commencement. The favourable symptoms, however, of which sometimes one and sometimes another gave the first indication of recovering, were, a return of appetite; the alvine evacuations having a more healthy appearance; the fever becoming less urgent, with longer intervals between the accessions of the paroxysms; the pulse growing stronger, more steady, and less frequent; the tongue beginning to look clean; and the patient acquiring more tranquillity of temper. Chronic affections of the Bronchiæ, were frequent. To this head belong chronic coughs, Tussis cum Dyspnoea, Catarrhus pituitosus, Catarrhus senilis, &c. Cephalic complaints generally were often met with. But the most prevalent of the class of chronic diseases, as will be seen from an inspection of the foregoing list, were dyspepsia and other disorders of the alimentary canal. These were, in a certain degree, to be attributed to the increased temperature of the atmosphere: but, it is a lamentable truth, that in the ma jority of instances, they could be clearly traced to the intemperate use of spirituous liquors. The subject of the case of Chorea is a female, aged 15 years, in whom the catamenia have never appeared. The disease, although of several years standing, appears to be declining under the use of chalybeates, vegetable tonics, and purgatives at intervals of a few days. As a suitable appendage to this account of diseases the Reporter subjoins the number of deaths stated in the New York Bills of Mortality. for the month of June : Abcess, 2; Apoplexy, 8; Asthma, 1; Burn ed, 1; Catarrh, 3; Childbed, 2; Colic, 1; Cholera Morbus, 1; Consumption, 37; Convulsions, 12; Diarrhoea, 1; Dropsy, 7; Dropsy in the Head, 6; Dropsy in the chest, 2; Drowned, 2; Dysentery, 1; Erysipelas, 1; Fe ver, 1; Bilious Fever, 1; Inflammatory Fever, 1; Remittent Fever, 2; Typhous Fever, 14; Gout, 2; Hæmorrhage, 1; Ilives, 1; Inflammation of the Brain, 3; Inflammation of the Chest, 8; Inflammation of the liver, 2; Inflammation of the bowels, 3; Insanity, 1; Jaundice, 1; Marasmus, 2; Mortification, 1; Old age, 8; Palsy, 2; Pleurisy, 2; Quinsy, 1; Rheumatism. 1; Scalded, 1; Scirrhus, 1; Scirrhus of the liver, 1; Spasms, 1; Sprue, 1; Still-born, 15; Sudden Death, 1; Tabes mesenterica, 3; Teething, 1; Vomiting of blood, 1; Worms, 2; Unknown, 1; Casualty, 1; Suicide, 2; Total of deaths. 180. Of this number there died 47 of and under the age of 1 year; 8 between 1 and 2 years; 6 between 2 and 5; 6 between 5 and 10; 10 between 10 and 20; 21 between 20 and 30; 26 between 30 and 40; 24 between 40 and 50; 14 between 50 and 60; 9 between 60 and 70; 7 between 70 and 80; 2 between 80 and 90; and 1 between 90 and 100. JACOB DYCKMAN, M.D. New-York, June 30th, 1817. ART. 17. CABINET OF VARIETIES. EFFECTS OF POLITICAL CHANGES. COMMISSION was executed on Mon A day, the 28th of July, at Tammany Hall, in the city of New-York, under a writ from the court of Chancery, de lunatico inquirendo, on Don Martin Thompson, Minister from the patriots of Buenos Ayres to the United States. The commissioners were Robert Bogardus, Esq. James Campbell. Esq. Hon. Samuel L. Mitchill, M. D. and Archibald Bruce, M. D. From the testimony of the witnesses examined, the Commissioners and the Jury impan nelled to try the question, were fully satisfied of Don Martin's utter mental incapacity. It appears that he never was a man of strong understanding, and apprehension and anxiety easily undermined and subverted his reasoning faculties. His attention to his pecuniary interests has not, however, in any degree diminished since his derangement. On the contrary, solicitude on this subject, was probably one of the causes of the aberration of his mind, and still retains its ascendant. He has a considerable sum deposited in the Mechanics' bank in this city; but upon this he is very reluctant to infringe, whilst he has an irresistible propensity to increase his store, by appropriating whatever he can lay hold of. It was by his extravagances in this way, that his insanity was first discovered. Signor T. arrived in this country about the end of the year 1815. His disease uns been gradually taking hold of him, and since the middle of May last, he has been an absolute lunatic. He seems to have suffered a complete prostration of intellect, and is sinking into idiocy. He is confined in the hospital. The Count Regnaud St. Jean d'Angely has lately exhibited another singular instance of insanity, in New York, though of a very different kind. His delirium was accompanied with a wonderful exaltation of mind. He conceived magnificent projects. He bought estates, ordered expensive improvements, contracted for ships, &c. and gave in payment draughts upon any bank whose printed checks were offered him. He seriously entertained the idea of invading France with a fleet of steam boats, and it is said, had actually bespoken saddles for a corps of cavalry which he intended to embark as a part of his expedition. He suffered some alarm, however, from an idea which had taken possession of him, that the Bourbons had suborned persons to poison him, and that the detention of Madame, his wife, was a part of the scheme of the conspiraey that sought his life. He was several He Professor Playfair, who, I believe, goes as frequently into company as any young man that lives according to the fashion, is often to be seen in the corner of a crowded drawing room. He is now about 60 years of age, and has nothing remarkable in his appearance, excepting a very intelligent, gray eye was at first in the church, but resigned his living and obtained a professor's chair. Be sides his criticisms in the Edinburgh Review, chiefly on mathematical works and travels, he published some years since an explanation of Hutton's geological system, which was very favourably received." He is styled the D'Alembert of Edinburgh, and not without reason, though as great a compliment is thus paid to D'Alembert as to him. What is particularly pleasing in Playfair, is a peculiar simplicity and frankness of manner; and it is truly gratifying to witness the mildness and modesty which character. ize the demeanour of this worthy scholar and philosopher. Playfair is a bachelor, and his unmarried sister at present lives with him. WALTER SCOTT. In another corner-probably the Poet's Corner-you may occasionally find Walter Scott, though he is not a frequent visiter of these places. I should imagine that there is scarcely any other person in the profane world who is so much talked of as Walter Scott, and but few travellers come to Edinburgh with out inquiring whether he be visible.. In a small dark room where one of the courts is held, he is to be seen every morning in term time, seated at a small table with the acts of the court before him. He is a short, broadshouldered, and rather robust man, with light hair, eyes between blue and gray, broad nose, round face, with an almost sleepy look, dress ed in a shabby black gown, his lame leg concealed under the table, and the other extended in such a way as never leg, whether lame or sound, ought to be:-a man, forsooth, to whom you would swear that heaven had given a good-natured, honest soul, not over. burdened with intellect-a jolly, loyal subject, who is fond of port and porter, pays his taxes without grumbling, and can sing: God save the King. Not a poetic feature, nor a ray of genius in his face, except a somewhat animated eye, distinguishes the bust of the author of the Lay of the Last Minstrel, from the stupid, vacant, and unlettered loon. Mr. Scott is about 47 years old, and is descended from an obscure family in Lothian. In his infancy, as he himself relates, the old people took him upon their knees, called him Little Watty, and told him all sorts of old stories and legends, while his brothers were abroad at work, from which he was exempted on account of his lameness. Some of the philosophers who attach a moral to all their fables, will probably make the discovery that the world owed one more great poet to the circumstance that Walter Scott was born with one leg shorter than the other. e'en let them if they will!-Scott has lady, a natural daughter of the late Duke of been some time married to a Guernsey Devonshire, with whom he is said to have received a portion of 10,000l. She was born in the island, and spoke wretched broken English. To her virtues belong an ungowho censure her husband's works. It is revernable fury against all the unlucky wights Well! ported, that when his Marmion was criticised in the Edinburgh Review, she could scarcely be restrained from pulling the ears of the editor when she met him some time after at a dinner party. Mr. Scott is blest with some other good things that rarely fall to the lot of a poet. He is sheriff-depute of a county, commits of fenders to gaol, and sends them to the gallows with great ability. He is also a clerk of the abovementioned court. These two places produce him from 800l. to 1,000 per annum. Though a great number of travellers have letters of recommendation to Mr. Scott, yet his parties are not numerous; he confines himself to a chosen few of the ministerial side, and is warmly attached to the king and the church. His manners are agreeable, untainted with vanity, and the only affectation to be perceived in him is, that he is solicitous not to appear as a poet. He is very lively and full of anecdote; and though not brilliant in company, is always cheerful and unassuming. REV. ARCHIBALD ALISON. VOLCANIC ERUPTIONS OF MUD AND SALT IN ris, among the most celebrated persons of two minutes. From various other parts of their time. Hence the conversation of Mrs. the quagmire round the large globes or bubAlison is peculiarly interesting. The com- bles, there were occasionally small quantities pany too that visits at their house, is the best of mud shot up like rockets to the height of and most select of all classes in Edinburgh. twenty or thirty feet, and accompanied by smoke. This was in parts where the mud was of too stiff a consistency to rise in globes or bubbles. The mud at all the places we came near was cold on the surface, but we were told it was warm beneath. The water which drains from the mud is collected by the Javanese, and by being exposed in the hollows of split bamboos to the rays of the sun, deposits crystals of salt. The salt thus made is reserved exclusively for the Emperor of Solo. In dry weather it yields thirty dudjins of one hundred catties each, every month, but in wet or cloudy weather less. By T. S. Goad, Esq. of the East India Service. Having received an extraordinary account of a natural phenomenon in the Plains of Grobogan, fifty pals or miles NE of Solo, a party, of which I was one, set off from Solo on the 8th of September, 1815, to examine it. On approaching the village of Kuhoo, we saw, between two trees in a plain, an appearance like the surf breaking over rocks, with a strong spray falling leeward. The spot In the afternoon we rode to a place in a was completely surrounded by huts for the forest called Ramsam, to view a salt lake, a manufacture of salt, and at a distance looked mud hillock, and various boiling or rather like a large village. Alighting, we went to bubbling pools. The lake was about half a the Bludugs, as the Javanese call them. They mile in circumference, of a dirty looking are situated in the village of Kuhoo, and by water, boiling up all over in gurgling bodies, Europeans are called by that name. We but more particularly in the centre, which found them to be on an elevated plain of appeared like a strong spring; the water was mud, about two miles in circumference, in quite cold, and tasted bitter, salt, and sour, the centre of which immense bodies of salt and had an offensive smell. About thirty mud were thrown up to the height of from yards from the lake stood the mud hillock, ten to fifteen feet, in the form of large globes, which, bursting, emitted volumes of dense white smoke. The large globes or bubbles, of which there were two, continued throwing up and bursting seven or eight times in a minute by the watch. At times they throw up two or three tons of mud. We got to leeward of the smoke, and found it to smell like the washing of a gun-barrel. As the globes burst, they threw the mud out from the centre, with a pretty loud noise. occasioned by the falling of the mud upon that which surrounded it, and of which the plain is composed. It was difficult and dangerous to approach the large globes or bubbles, as the ground was all a quagmire, except where the surface of the mud had become hardened by the sun; upon this we approached cautiously to within fifty yards of the largest bubble, or mud-pudding, as it might very properly be called. for it was of the consistency of a custard-pudding, and of very considerable diameter; here and there, where the foot accidentally rested on a spot not sufficiently hardened to bear, it sunk, to the no small distress of the walker. which was about fifteen feet high from the level of the earth. The diameter of its base was about twenty-five yards, and its top about eight feet, and in form an exact cone. The top is open, and the interior keeps constantly working and heaving up mud in globular forms, like the Bludugs. The hillock is entirely formed of mud which has flowed out of the top; every rise of the mud was accompanied by a rumbling noise from the bottom of the hillock, which was distinctly heard for some seconds before the bubbles burst. The outside of the hillock was quite firm. We stood on the edge of the opening and sounded it, and found it to be eleven fathoms deep. The mud was more liquid than at the Bludugs, and no smoke was emit ted from the lake, hillock, or pools. Close to the foot of the hillock was a small pool of the same water as the lake, which appeared exactly like a pot of water boiling violently; it was shallow, except in the centre, into which we thrust a stick twelve feet long, but found no bottom. The hole not being perpendicular we could not sound it with a line. We also got close to a small globe or bub- About two hundred yards from the lake ble, (the plain was full of them of different si- were several large pools or springs, two of zes) and observed it closely for some time. which were eight and ten feet in diameter. It appeared to heave and swell, and when They were like the small pool, but boiled the internal air had raised it to some height, more violently, and smelt excessively. The it burst and fell down in concentric circles, ground around them was hot to the feet, and in which shape it remained quiet until a suffi- the air which issued from them quite hot, so cient quantity of air was again formed inter- that it was most probably inflammable; but nally to raise and burst another bubble. This we did not ascertain this. We heard the continued at intervals from about one-half to boiling thirty yards before we came to the |