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1810.]

Literary and Philosophical Intelligence.

Mr. W. SALISBURY has published the following observations on the probable cause of the destruction of a large proportion of the plane trees in this country last year:

"There are three different species of Platanus commonly cultivated in this country; two are natives of the Levant, and the other of the Northern States of America: those of course differ as much in their habits of growth, as the seasons in the climates which produce them. It is well known to all cultivators of exotic plants, that such as are natives of the colder climates are the earliest in vegetating, being most sensibly

acted on and forced forward by the mildness of the weather, commonly in February and March; and are often checked or killed by the return of frost and cold after that period; and this has been evidently the case with the Platanus Occidentalis, American Plane, the one which has suffered so much of late, the other kinds remaining without any injury having occurred to them. The time these trees received their death-blow, was in the spring of 1809, when it will be recollected,

that we had a dreadful flood all over this

kingdom; and that, during March and April, we had very mild weather, during which time these trees were greatly forwarded in germination (as were many other kinds from the same cause, and which suffered consider ably at the time); this was succeeded by a very severe frost, which appears to have ruptured the sap-vessels, so that the greater part of these trees have since died in conse quence. In such an extraordinary season as this was, it would almost appear presumptuous in any persons attempting to explain the real cause of so mortifying a phenomenon; it is therefore only a matter of opinion. That the extreme moisture had been in a great measure the cause, I was firmly persuaded; but there is, moreover, proof that the cold had been a principal agent: for small trees of this kind have escaped, where they have been in thick plantations, protected by other kinds; whilst these growing nearly in the same spot, and not having the same protection, have been completely killed; and this has been the case with several in my garden: I am now speaking of small trees, under 20 feet high, of which I have lost many hundreds; but those of larger growth are, I be lieve, generally destroyed all over the country."

Mr. DUMBELL, in his extensive linen works, Vauxhall-road, Liverpool, has brought to great perfection a new species of lint, which in quality, price, and novelty of invention, attracts at this moment the notice of the medical world. When we consider that this useful article has lain dormant without improvement for many years, and that we are almost

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wholly indebted to foreign countries for
the rags of which the lint hitherto used
is made, we rejoice to find that this sub-
ject has engaged a proper attention in
an establishment where it promises to
be carried on with spirit and science;
and the more so when we reflect that
some of those rags have been last te-
nanted by nothing short of the dead
bodies of the victims of some loathsome,
epidemic, or pestilential disease, from
the contagious influence of which a
simple washing may not have cleansed
them, or from the continuance of which,
a new disorder may be unknowingly
inoculated, or rashly implanted from
this lurking-place, more deadly than the
wound it is meant to cure.
We under-
stand that Mr. Dumbell's process is
(something like hat-making) by felting,
macerating, and bleaching English-grown
flax, with simple water; whereby not
only every noxious ingredient is rejected,
but that venomous mixture of cotton, with
which almost all English rags abound,
is avoided; by which cotton, wounds are
retarded in their cure, festered, and
made virulent. The process is worked
under the protection of letters patent;
but the patentee's object, we are told
from good authority, is to acquire profits
by the very great extent of his sales, and
not by any unfair use of his monopoly;
and we understand he is now bringing
into the market, in very large quantities,
the best lint at four shillings and six-
pence per pound, which is about one-half
the price a very inferior article has
hitherto been sold at. It is got up in
two different states, thin and firm, for the
spatula; and soft, spongy, and porous,
for absorbents, lotions, embrocations,
cataplasms, dossils, pledgets, &c. Το
the philanthrophic mind it is no little
gratification to find, that whilst our gal
lant heroes by sea and land are bleeding
in their country's cause, our fellow sub-
jects at home are emloyed in rendering
their sufferings less poignant, and in
causing their wounds to be sooner heal-
ed: we accordingly hail this discovery
most thankfully, and wish it that success
and countenance from medical men,
which the liberality of their education,
and the progressive improvements in
science, will best insure.

Mr. WHITMORE, of Dudmaston Hall, Shropshire, whose mechanical abilities are well known, has recently obtained a patent for a toy, which appears to carry with it a considerable improvement in

the

the education of children. Its principle chiefly consists in the fit application of the magnet, and on account of the simple connective mechanism, it is denominated the Mechanico-magnetic Toy. It is designed to facilitate the instruction of children in reading, the first rudiments of cyphering and music, and any language, so that they may he acquired with ease to the teacher, delight to the learner, and proportionate expedition.

The same ingenious gentleman has also completed a contrivance, or rather certain naval improvements, which surpass all former a tempts, both in simplicity and effect. This apparatus is principally applicable at sea, to move ships in a calm by the power of the crews; also to assist a ship's company in clearing her water should she spring dangerous leaks, by the action of the men at the capstein, who may relieve each other, and bring the vessel through a voyage of almost any duration..

FRANCE.

One of the public journals has published the following method of employing the horse-chesnut, instead of soap. When it is ripe and drops from the tree, take off the brown husk, and pound the fruit in a large mortar; apply the farina thus obtained to the spots on the linen, and wash it. All the spots will disappear, and more readily than by means of soap. The experience of several housewives, who have tried this process, confirms its efficacy.

M. BRUN, a pupii of the Polytechnic school, residing at Chambery, has resolved, in a highly satisfactory manner, the following problem: "To find the means of giving to telegraphic correspondence, the same certainty as to correspondence by couriers, without requiring of the persons so corresponding more labor and time than is necessary for wring dispatches, while at the same time the merely mechanical agents shall know nothing of the purport of it." He proposes a copper wheel, with one hundred teeth. Each of these teeth is the type not only of a letter of the alphabet, but also of a numerical sign. This wheel, which the correspondent causes to turn in a vertical direction round its axis, has two supports with springs, by means of which he presses at pleasure a tangent point, which will stamp the letter he wants upon different papers rolled one over the other, round a cylinder. As there are not a hundred letters in the alphabet, it is augmented by giving se

veral numbers to those which have several pronunciations, and even to whole syllables that frequently occur in conver sation, such as pronouns, &c. Thus the telegraph will exhibit the printed numbers, one after another, and the last person to whom the dispatch is confided, and who is supposed to be only a mecha nical agent, will unrol the words by an operation, the reverse of the first. He will there find nothing but detached signs, to which the officer alone to whom the dispatch is addressed, must possess the key; since several of the represen. tative numbers introduced among those which have the usual signification, will be real hieroglyphics to the mechanical agents. M. Brun himself proposes very serious objections, which he answers in the clearest manner; and if his process fails short of all the perfection which might be desired, still it may be asserted, that it is capable of engendering the most ingenious ideas in those who would devote their attention to so important a subject.

A remedy for the gout, invented by M. PRADIER, who has hitherto kept its composition secret, has engaged a consi derable share of public attention. It consists of a linseed meal poultice, very thick and very hot, on the surface of which he pours a liquid of a yellow color, and having the smell of spirits mixed with that of saffron. With this poultice, M. Pradier covers, to a considerable extent, the members to which he applies it. These are commonly the legs, be the part affected what it will. The liquid contains no substance, which from its nature can possibly produce a pernicious effect, nor any opium. Its general effects are of four different kinds. It moistens and softens the skin, and even produces folds in that which covers the soles of the feet, and the palms of the hands, but without doing the least injury to its texture. Its natural color is preserved, and the epidermies remains entire. Secondly, it provokes a humid, whitish exsudation, inore or less abun dant, which partly adheres to the surface of the skin, and partly to the surface of the poultice, when removed. Thirdly, it occasions a pain resembling the sensa tion of a burning heat, which is particu larly felt in the sole of the foot and the heel, is unattended with redness, or any apparent sign of inflammation; and, though sometimes slight, is often so violent as to become insupportable. Lastly, it induces a weakness and ema

ciation,

ciation of the legs, in consequence of repeated applications, and abundant exsudations; an extraordinary tenderness of the sole of the foot, which makes it painful to walk; and in some persons, agitation, restlessness, and at times a general increase in the activity of all the functions. M. Pradier has offered to sell to government the secret of this remedy, which a committee of the faculty of medicine at Paris, have been appointed to examine and report upon.

The first class of the National Institute, has nominated M. von HUMBOLDT to the place of foreign associate, vacant by the death of Mr. Cavendish.

The following method of keeping green-pease, and French beans, is given in Sonnini's Bibliotheque Physico-économique. Into a midding-sized stew-pan, filled with young green-pease, put two or three table spoonfuls of sugar, and place the pan over a brisk charcoal fire. As soon as the pease begin to feel the heat, stir them twice or three times, and when they yield water, pour them out on a dish to drain. When drained, spread them out on paper in an airy room, out of the sun, and turn the frequently that they may dry the sooner. It is necessary for their keeping, that they should not retain any moisture; for if they do, they will soon grow mouldy. French beans may be managed in the same way, and will thus keep till the next season, as well flavored as when first gathered.

GERMANY.

A society of men of learning, and lovers of the arts, at Munich, bave published the prospectus of a work which will comprise the biography of all the artists born in Bavaria, with descriptions and engravings of their best productions. The collection will form six volumes, in thirty large portfolios, containing upwards of 6000 original drawings, engra vings, &c.

The literary life, public and private, of the late hustorian of Switzerland, Johannes von Müller, is the subject of a great number of publications, among which those of professors Heyne and Heeren, of Gottingen, are advantageously distinguished. The latter in particular has admirably appreciated Müller's historic talents. M. Woltmann, a Prussian, though formerly a friend of that celebrated writer, thought fit to disturb the general concert of praise, with which Müller's memory was honored. He reproaches him with having lighted metaphysics, and yielded too

readily to the vocation which detached him from Prussia. He even attacks his private character: but Müller's brother has refuted his imputations.

The Chevalier SARTORI, imperial counsellor, and librarian of the Theresian academy at Vienna, has collected the political papers, and principally the fa miliar letters, of prince Eugene of Savoy, not hitherto printed. This collection, consisting of nineteen volumes, has been purchased by M. Cotta, bookseller of Tübingen, who will print it in French, with all possible dispatch, illustrated with more than seventy plans, portraits, and medals. It may not be amiss to observe, that this work will comprehend only political papers, nothing connected with military affairs, and still less what is contained in the Memoirs of the prince recently published at Weimar, and at Paris. It will rather be composed of a collection of anecdotes and facts, heretofore unknown, which will throw great light upon various political events.

It is said that Madame de STAEL, who has resided for some years in Germany, and whose literary fame has extended throughout all Europe, is about to quit this part of the world for America, and that she intends to settle at New York, whither she will be accompanied by her friend, Mr. William Schlegel.

ITALY.

M. ANTONIO VIGNOZZI, of Florence, has discovered an easy and sure method of pointing a cannon at any particular objec, either at sea or on land, by means of a small machine. This discovery increases the effects of artillery, and enables the most unskilful person to point with precision.

A Mosaic pavement has been discovered at the Villa Palumbara, at Rome. This discovery has occasioned various other researches. A year ago, a discobulus was found in the same place, and a very fine engraved stone, which was sold for 25 paoli, by the first possessor. The proprietor of the villa claimed the stone, and instituted a legal process against the workman who found it.

The temple of Vesta, at Rome, is to be restored as much as possible, and it is even intended to level the ground about that ancient monument.

The celebrated Roman sculptor, Canova, is at present engaged upon the tomb of Alfieri. He has just finished his two pugilists, which are placed in the Belvedere of the Vatican.

The researches commenced at Ostia, have

have been for some time suspended. Important discoveries might nevertheless be expected to be made there, if they were continued, as that town, formerly so spacious and opulent, was almost entirely overwhelmed by a sudden inundation of the Tyber, and all the valuable objects which it contained were buried in the mud of the river. If it were completely explored, it would exhibit an appearance not less interesting than Pompeji. People may still walk upon the tops of the houses, and trace out whole streets, by following the direction of the roofs. They may descend into some of these houses which have been cleared, and which are built in the same style as those of Pompeji. The only edifice that has been entirely disencumbered, is the temple of Neptune, situated on an elevation; that of Mercury, in which the deity is represented holding a purse, is cleared only in part. It was in this antique city, that Fegan found, among other ancient mouuments, a very fine Venus, which is in high preservation, and disputes the palm of excellence with the Venus of the Capitol. It has been carried to England. At present, herds of buffaloes and wild bulls graze, as in former times, over the roofs of Ostia, so that the place cannot be approached without great caution.

During last winter, a phenomenon, which would appear incredible, were it not attested by a great number of persons of known veracity, occurred in the vici nity of Placentia. On the 17th of January, red snow fell upon the mountains in this department, and especially upon that known by the name of Cento-croci. A coat of white snow had covered the tops of these mountains, when several peals of thunder, accompanied with light hing, were heard. From this moment, the snow that fell was red; this continued for some time, after which white snow again fell, so that the red was inclosed between two strata of white. In some places, this snow was only of the color of peach-blossom, but in others of a deep red. Some of it was collected, and the water which it yielded, when melted, retained the same colour. The analysis of it by M. GUIDOTTI, a chemist of Parma, promises interesting results. This phenomenon seems to furnish us with the means of explaining the showers of blood, which are mentioned by the ancients in their histories. We have already ascertained the existence of pesinites, or stones fallen from the atmos

phere, which the Greeks and Latins have spoken of; and now it is impossible to deny the reality of showers of a blood-red colour, which are described by the same

authors.

RUSSIA.

Some curious particulars respecting one of the uncivilized tribes of this vast empire, are given in a letter, dated from the fortress of Troiz Rossawast, in Siberia, December 25, 1809. It is as follows: On the 28th of November, the Cho

In the

rinzian Burætes held a solemn festival here, on occasion of the Sans Hur, or mysterious book of their religion, which they have received from Thibet. These people, called by the Russians Bratsky, came about the middle of the 17th century, with their chiefs, to the number of several thousands, from the frontiers of China, and settled to the south of the great lake Baikal, along the rivers Ona, Uda, and Aga. Till the year 1689, they lived unknown, and without fixing themselves in a permanent manner. sequel, their intercourse with Russia led them to become subjects to that govern ment, to which they paid tribute, and performed the service of the frontiers. But after they had acquired a civil existence, still continuing attached to their religion, they began to devise the means of recovering its mysterious book, the Sans Hur. Their efforts for upwards of a century proved unsuccessful, because they had quitted their native country for a foreign land. At length, Calsan Marduitsen, the great chief of the eleven tribes, has had the good fortune to ac complish the pious wishes of the Burætes.

As soon as he had received intelligence that the sacred book was approaching the Russian frontiers, he repaired hither, accompanied by the priests and chief persons of his nation, acquainted the public functionaries with the motive of his visit, and begged per. mission to receive the Sans Hur with due solemnity, according to their religious rites. Next day, about noon, six carri ages arrived with the Sans Hur, which consists of one hundred and twelve volumes. In a seventh, was their Burchan, or idol, made of clay, and gilt all over. The Russian authorities were invited to the ceremony. The Chorinzians encamped in the extensive plain surrounding this fortress, and placed their lamas (priests) on carpets, cushions, mats, according to their rank and dignity; but others seated themselves, on the bare ground on each side of a pulpit, covered

with

with a magnificent canopy, adorned with two flags, and which was brought upon a carriage that preceded the others. They then began to read and sing the sacred. book, to the sound of trumpets, cymbals, drums, and bells. Before the conclusion of the ceremony, the principal lamas saluted the great chief of the Chorinzians, and his retinue, with small books, with which they at the same time struck themselves on the head, and the chief bowed respectfully. The principal lamas then rose, and commenced their journey; stopping from time to time to shew their respect to the sacred objects which they were escorting. In this manner they went in procession before them the whole way. At length, after a journey of fifteen days, they reached the river Ona, on the banks of which the great chief resides. It is 370 wersts from this place. The chiefs of the eleven tribes, and several thousands of, the Burætes, had assembled to receive the Sans Hur and the Burchan. The solemnities continued several days, during which, all the people met to hear the mysterious book read. The Chorinzians are said to have given a great quantity of furs and cattle to procure this book, to which they attachi such great value.

SOUTH AMERICA.

Accounts from Santa Fé, in New Gre nada, dated August 19, 1809, mention the death of the celebrated MUTIs, the friend of Linnæus, and one of the greatest botanists of the age. This venerable and worthy man, had devoted upwards of fifty years to the examination of the vegetable productions of America. Attached at first as physician to the viceroy, the count of Casa Flores, he began

at his own expense to have drawings made by native painters, formed by himseif, for the Flora of Bagota. This grand work he continued and greatly extended, since he was appointed director of the botanical expedition of New Grenada. He had collected in his house considerable herbaries, more than 1500 coloured drawings of new plants, philosophical and astronomical instruments, and a collection of botanical works, inferior only to that of the illustrious president of the Royal Society of London. M. Rea, one of Mutis's pupils, is the present director of the botanical garden of Madrid. His nephew, Don Sinforosa Mutis, has been commissioned by the government to complete the Flora of Bagota, for which no more than 566 descriptions of new species, have been found drawn up by the deceased. Messrs. Mutis and Rixa, two distinguished artists, natives of Santa Fé, are finishing the numerous drawings that were begun. M. Mutis, who in his old age had embraced the ecclesiastical profession, was equally distinguished for the variety and solidity of his attainments, and for the liberality and elevation of his sentiments. Previous to his death, he directed that his library, collections, and instruments, should be applied to the public use of his fellow-citizens. Europe is indebted to him for the important discovery of the Quinquina of New Grenada. The orange-coloured Quinquina of Santa Fé (cinchona lanceifolia), which is not inferior in quality to the bark of Loxa (cinchona condaminea), has become an important branch of commerce at the ports of Carthagena and Santa Martha.

LIST OF NEW PUBLICATIONS IN OCTOBER.

As the List of New Publications, contained in the Monthly Magazine, is the ONLY COMPLETE LIST PUBLISHED, and consequently the only one that can be useful to the Public for Purposes of general Reference, it is requested that Authors and Publishers will continue to communicate Notices of their Works (Post paid,) and they will always be faithfully inserted, FREE of EXPENSE.

ARTS, FINE.

A PRINT of his Majesty, in the fiftieth
Year of his Reign. By Mr. Rosenberg,
Plain, 10s. 64 colored, 148.

The Architectural Antiquities of Wales. By Charles Norris, esq. No. II. 11. 1s. proofs, 11. 11s. 63.

ARTS AND SCIENCES.

losophy, Chemistry, Anatomy, Physiology, and other Branches of Science pertaining to the Material World. By the Rev. J. Joyce.

12mo, 10s. 6d.

BIOGRAPHY.

The Life of Beilby Porteus, Lord Bishop of London. By a Layman of Merton College,

Letters on Natural and Experimental Phi. Oxford. 8vo. 98. ·

BOTANY.

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