ammonia (liquor: ammonia: pur:) unto saturation, and found the effect produced precisely the same, to all appearance, as when a solution of the sulphate of copper and ammonia are united. This liquor I put aside, without further thought on the subject for that evening, but the next morning, to my surprise, I found in the phial a copious precipitation of beautiful purple crystals; these I partially examined, and obtained the following results. By placing a few grains on the bar of the fire grate when quite hot, I found that they fused, swelled, and exploded, like unconfined gunpowder, with a dense vapour, but without flame-to the smell, this vapour is not so noxious as the nitrous gas, nor so pungent as the ammoniacal gas, and yet it seems to partake of both. On live coals they explode with flame, and without vapour. and leave a blue tinge behind. Their taste is highly styptic. A medical friend, to whom I have stated the experiment, conceives it probable that the preparation might be employed in epilepsy, with better success than the ammoniated copper of the pharmacopeias. The action of the air causes a slight efflorescence. Such crystals as appear of a determinate form, are hexagonal. of which I was an eye-witness, on a gentleman bitten by a mad dog twenty years ago, and who is still alive, and can vouch for the truth of my statement. As soon as he was bitten, he hastened and took a large glass of brandy, and put between thirty and forty drops of Turlington's Balsam into it, which he immediately drank up. Quickly after this he took his penknife, and opening the wounds made by the bite, took another large glass of brandy, and double the quantity of Turlington's Balsam, or rather more, with which liquor he bathed the wounds profusely, at the same time squeezing out the blood and venom as well as he was able. This he repeated two or three times, and took another draught inwardly. But although he had been bitten by the animal in both the wrists of his hands, in two or three places, he never felt the least inconvenience from the wound after this operation. In administering this simple remedy, the quantity may be given according to the patient's age and strength. A trial of this experiment, with the blessing of God, may have some good effect. However, should it not succeed in all cases, it cannot do any hurt. Yours, &c. a constant reader, GLEANINGS FROM LITERATURE, SCIENCE, &c. The purple colour of the crystals proving the action of the ammonia on the copper, and consequently its presence in the salt-and the combustion which takes place on the application of caloric, shewing that it has the property of a nitrate, have induced Chemical Agency by the Magnet.-Mr. J. me to call the preparation a nitro-am- Murray states, that he has succeeded in decommoniaret of copper; but I leave it to which he has applied it. One instance of this posing by the magnet, every metallic salt to the further investigation of more ex-fact, so interesting to science, we quote for perienced chemists, whose thoughts on the subject I shall be happy to see in reply, as I think it worthy their attention. I am, Sir, your obedient servant, GEORGIUS. CURE FOR THE BITE OF A MAD DOG. MR. EDITOR. SIR,-Having observed in your publication for January last, an account of the various methods tried by the faculty for the cure of that terrible malady, the Hydrophobia, I beg leave to recommend for trial, an operation, the sake of its practical tendency. "A solution of permuriate of mercury was, by the magnet, soon reduced into running or metallio mercury. Hence fine steel filings, magnetized, and administered in syrup, will be an admirable antidote to corrosive sublimate. Iodine in Scrofula. Dr. Conidet, of Geneva, has communicated to the Editor of the Quarterly Journal of Science, the great success he has met with in the treatment of scrofula, by the use of iodine. In cases of goitre, or scrofulous glands, combined with hydriodate of potash or soda, this remedy appears to have been highly successful, whether administered externally or internally. Substitute for Alcohol.-The Society of Arts, of London, has adjudged a silver medal to Mr. Cooke, for the discovery of a substitute for alcohol, now used for the preservation of anatomical objects. It consists of a saturated solution of muriate of soda, or common salt, taking about 3lbs. of salt for four pints of water. Where spirits of wine are dear, this discovery is likely to be of great utility. Improvements in Bleaching Linen.Mr. Crookshank, of Dublin, has, it is said, made a very great improvement in bleaching linen; this improvement consists in the disengagement of the chlorine from the oxymuriate of lime, by which ingenious process it is enabled to act with full force upon the cloth and yarn. This process combines many important advantages; it has already been tried upon a considerable scale, and has met with the full approbation of a gentleman of chemical celebrity. Correspondence with the Blind.-A printing press has been constructed at Geneva, under the direction of M. Huber, the celebrated historian of bees, (who is himself blind,) by Claude Lechet. It was constructed at the express desire of a young lady, a relation of M. Huber, who is also blind, and who conceived a desire of expressing her thoughts in this way. In a very short time after it was sent to her, with all the necessary apparatus of letters, &c. she acquired a complete command of it, so as to be able to express her ideas with the greatest ease. We have seen, says the Editor of the Revue Encyclopedique, a letter of thirty-three lines, addressed to her benefactor, composed and printed by her, with common ink, without a fault, and without any irregularity in the printing. barge about 20 inches: to this is fixed a paddle-wheel, similar to those used by vessels propelled by steam; each of these wheels contains six paddles. Supposing the man who treads to weigh 135lbs. and deduct 35lbs. for friction, he will then tread the axle round at a force of 100lbs. This newly invented machinery is very simple, and can be taken off the vessel in a moment, and so light that a man can walk away with it with as much ease as be can with a pair of oars. Two men can propel a canal barge with this contrivance at the rate of five miles an hour. The expense of keeping track roads for horses to draw the barges, and the expense of keeping the horses themselves, seem to make this a great desideratum to all canal property. Astronomical Society of London.-A communication has been made to this society by M. Gauss, respecting a very simple contrivance for a signal, in geodetical operations, which may be seen at an immense distance. This contrivance is nothing more than the common reflecting speculum of a sextant; being about two inches long, and an inch and a half broad; and mounted in such a manner that it may always reflect the solar rays to the given distant point, notwithstanding the motion of the sun. The instrument, thus mounted, he calls a " Heliotrope;" and the reflected light was so powerful, that, at ten miles distant, it was too bright for the telescope of the theodolite, and it was requisite to cover a part of the mirror. At 25 miles, the light appeared like a beautiful star, even when one of the stations was enveloped in fog and rain: and at 66 miles distant, it was sufficiently powerful as a signal. In fact, the only limit which appears to the use of this beautiful instrument, is that New Metal.-Counsellor Giesse, of Dorpat, has communicated to the world, the discovery of what he at present thinks to be a new metal, extracted from the residue of English sulphuric acid, on distilling it to dryness. One variety left, out of 16 ounces, 9 grains of a white residuum, in which there was no sul-which arises from the curvature of the earth. phate of lead. It changed colour several times during the experiments made upon it, and he thinks it was formed of the sulphur employed in manufacturing the acid. It is susceptible of oxidation, and its alkaline combinations form double salts with acids. Temperature of Rooms.-Mr. John Murray has published some curious observations on the temperature of a room indicated by two thermometers at different altitudes. Two thermometers being placed one on the floor and the other suspended 6 feet above it, between the 5th and 24th of November, indicated differences of from 1 to 5°, the greater heat being in that 6 feet above the floor. Earthquakes and Magnetism.-M. Arago has transmitted to the French Academy of Sciences, an account of an observation he had made, which proves that the recent earth- Spontaneous Explosion of Chlorine and Hydroquake, the shocks of which were felt at Lyons gen.-It has been long known, that a mixture and its neighbourhood, also extended its of chlorine and hydrogen explodes when exaction to Paris. M. Arago has an observatory posed to the direct action of the sun's rays, in Paris, for the purpose of noticing the vari- In order to try if this effect could be produced ations of the magnetic needle. On the 19th of by the radiation of a common culinary fire, February, the needle remained perfectly stea- Professor Silliman filled a common Florence dy until half-past eight o'clock; at a quarter oil-flask (well cleaned) half full of chlorine before nine it became agitated in a very extra- gas, and was in the act of introducing the byordinary manner, with an oscillatory motion, drogen in the pneumatic cistern. "There was strongly inclining towards the magnetic meri-not only no direct emanation from the sun, but dian. On observing this truly singular phenomenon, M. Arago was of opinion that it was occasioned by an earthquake. At the same day and hour, M. Biot remarked an oscillatory movement produced by the same earthquake, at his own residence in the College de France. Canal Boats. Mr. T. M. Van Heythusen has lately obtained a patent for propelling barges or boats through canals; of which we give the following description:-A treadwheel is fixed either to the fore, or both to the fore and after part of a barge, which is trod round. The axle passes through the tread-wheel, and projects from the sides of the even the diffuse light was rendered much feebler than common by a thick snow storm, which had covered the sky light above with a thick mantle, and veiled the heavens in a singular degree for such a storm. Under these circumstances the hydrogen was scarcely all introduced before the flask exploded with a distinct flame. This occurrence then proves, that a mixture of chlorine and hydrogen gas may explode spontaneously, in a diffuse light, and even in a very dim light." Blowpipes. Some time ago, Mr. J. Tofts, of Cambridge, contrived a curious blowpipe, calculated to maintain, uninterruptedly, during two hours, a degree of heat capable of melting platinum. Mr. H. B. Leeson, of Nottingham, has devised a method by which Toft's blowpipe may be adapted with perfect safety to the burning of the gaseous constituents of water, and used as an oxy-hydrogen, or gas blowpipe. Tin Pipes.-Block Tin pipes have been lately made by Mr. J. Milne, brass-founder, of Edinburgh, which promise to be of considerable utility for the conveyance of gas, and for other purposes. The chief advantages of the block-tin pipe over any other are, in its being less liable to he acted upon by gas, and, from the nature of the metal, not likely to oxidate or corrode; from its ductility, it is easily bent to suit the different situations required; and, as the joinings are made with solder, nearly of the same nature as the pipe itself, any blow or strain which the pipe may receive at or near the joint, can do little injury. The facility of joining it is also of considerable advantage; any ordinary workman will make a perfect joint in less than two minutes. These pipes may also be joined and soldered while full of water. Improved Preparation of Coal for Fuel.-A patent has lately been obtained by Mr. Davey, of Chelsea, for an improved preparation of coal, which he calls Gaseous Coke; it consists of "very small coal mixed with coal tar, either in a pure state, which is the best, or combined with naphtha, and those other ingredients with which it is generally found impregnated." These materials are made to coagulate and cement together by the application of beat, so as to form large cakes capable of being broken into lamps of such sizes as may be found convenient for the purpose of fuel. Literary Notices. Just published, in 8vo. The Rules and Orders of the Court for Relief of Insolvent Debtors, and Regulations of the Office; also a List of the Officers; the London and Country Attorneys, with the Agents of the latter, corrected to the present time; a Table of the Fees, &c. &c. and an Appendix, containing a new and most useful summary of the Insolvent Debtor's Act. The Imitation of Christ; in Three Books. By Thomas à Kempis. Translated from the Latin, by John Payne. With a Recommendatory Preface, by Thomas Chalmers, D. D. Minister of St. John's Church, Glasgow. Dr. Chalmers' Christian and Civic Economy of Large Towns, No. XI. On Pauperism. Published quarterly. This Number is the second of the Series of Essays, by Dr. Chalmers, on the Causes and Cure of Pauperism. Dr. Chalmers' Scripture References, for the Use of Sabbath Schools, and Private Fami lies. An Edition of the References is also published, with the Scripture Passages printed in full, for the Use of Parents and Teachers, when hearing the Lessons of their Children or Scholars. 18mo. An Address to the Promoters of the late Concert, at Surrey Chapel. By the Rev. Dr. James Kidd, of Aberdeen, A Dissertation on the Eternal Sonship of our Blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. An Abridgment of the Youth's Spelling and Pronouncing Theological Dictionary. By E. Dawson. The School of the Sabbath, a poem, 8vo. By William M'Comb, of Belfast. Elements of Self-Improvement; comprising a familiar view of the intellectual powers and moral characteristics of Human Nature, 8vo. By Thomas Finch. The Preacher, or Sketches of Original Sermons, chiefly selected from the MSS. of two eminent Divines of the last century, in two small vols. 8vo. Mr. Jehoshaphat Aspin is preparing for the press, the third volume of his Analysis of Universal History; which is expected to appear in the course of the ensuing autumn. The Rev. J. W. Bellamy, B. D. is preparing for publication, by subscription, a Selection of the Poems of the Rev. Thomas Cherry, B. D. late Head Master of Merchant Tailors' School. Mr. George Downe, of Trinity College, Dublin, will publish in a few days, Letters from Mecklenburgh and Holstein, including an Account of the Cities of Hamburgh and Lubeck, written in the summer of 1820. We understand that an Historical Account and Delineation of Aberdeen, compiled and drawn up by Robert Wilson, A. M. will shortly be published. It will also be embellished with Engravings of the principal Bridges, Public Buildings, and Sacred Edifices, in and about the city. In the press, by the author of "Select Female Biography," The Wonders of the Vegetable Kingdom displayed. This work is particularly calculated to lead the attention of the reader from the minor wonders of creation, to a consideration of their Divine Artificer. On May 1, 1822, will be published, An original set of Psalm and Hymn Tunes, with a Funeral Ode, adapted for Public Worship, and harmonized for three and four Voices, with Figured Basses for the Organ and PianoBy the Rev. David Everard Ford, Second Edition, corLymington, Hants. rected. forte. QUERIES TO CORRESPONDENTS. 1. On Poetry. Emma asks, Is Poetry independent of the Passions? 2. On the King of Poland's Speech. S. H. would esteem it a favour if any correspondent would inform her in what work or history she can meet with the (last) King of Poland's speech to the judges appointed to try the regicides? 3. Man of Bath. Z. of Aberdeen, asks, Who is the author of the Man of Bath? 3 per Cent. 871 8 Б 11 2 Ditto, £500, 3 6 pm. per 50c.; Exch. 25f. 20c. to 25c. Neapolitan ditto, with div. fr. Jan. 1, 68). Spanish 5 per Cent. with div. from Oct. 30, 65) COMMERCIAL REPORT, LIVERPOOL, 24th APRIL, 1822. THE occurrences in trade during the last month have not been marked by any thing interesting, nor are there as yet any symptoms of a general improvement. The transactions have been exclusively confined to the supply of the consumers: and the record of last week's transactions will be the criterion to shew the present actual state of commerce in this port. British Plantation Sugar.-Six hundred hogsheads of Sugar have been sold by auction at former rates. Demarara Molasses have fetched 24s. per cwt.-Some considerable sales of Coffee have taken place; fine ordinary quality of Dutch sold at 112s. middling 118s. to 120s. and good middling 125s. per cwt.-The sales of Rum have chiefly been confined to Leewards, at 1s. 10d. per gallon for 19 O. P.; and 2s. 4d. to 2s. 6d. per gallon, for 30 to 36 O. P. Cottons. We have had a fair inquiry during the week from the trade, but the business done is limited, the expected heavy arrivals having had the effect of deterring buyers from supplying themselves as freely as they otherwise would have done; and as some of the holders have been anxious sellers, a reduction of th per lb. has been submitted to in boweds, in order to effect sales. Brazils are still very dull, and the prices of last week are with difficulty supported; other sorts remain without alteration. The total sales of the week amount to 5523 packages, and consist of 2690 Boweds, at 83d. to 10d.; 238 Tennesses at 8d. to 88; 375 Orleans, at 10 d. to 12 d.; 299 Sea-Islands, at 13 d. to 18d.; 187 Pernams, at 103d. to 11 d.; 560 Maranhams, at 104d. to 103d.; 425 Bahias, at 10d. to 10 d.; 10 Paras, at 10d.; 230 Mina Novas, at 10d.; 110 Mina Geras, at 94d. to 9jd.; 229 Denreraras, at 10d. to 10d.; 45 Smyrnas, at 7d.; 50 Surats, at 74d. to 8d.; 75 Bengals, at 6jd, to 61d. Tobacco-Virginia and Kentucky stemmed have been in good request by the trade. The public sale of 106 chests of Madras Indigo, on the 19th instant, went off rather heavily; good and fine tender purple and blue at 7s. to 8s. per lb.; middling to good, at 6s. to 6s. Id. per lb.; middling, 5s. to 5s. 9d. per lb, in bond; being a reduction of 6d. to 9d. per lb. in the fine, and 9d. to Is. on the middling qualities, from the Company's last sale. Ashes.-The stock of Ashes being small, the sales are necessarily trivial, consisting of Montreal pots, from 36s. to 37s.; Boston pearls, at 47s.-Nothing has been done in Tar.Turpentine of fair quality has been sold at 13s. 6d. per cwt.-There has been some inquiry for Quercitron Bark, and middling to good Philadelphia has been disposed of at 13s. 6d. to 16s. 9d. and fine at 17s. per cwt.-190 tons of Dutch Oak Bark for tanner's use, have been disposed of at £8. 5s. per ton.-110 tons of good solid Nicaragua wood have changed bands at £3. per ton.-Logwood, Jamaica, £10. 10s. per ton.-Mediterranean produce is without alteration. Tallows continue very dull. The Hide sales have gone off at a small advance, consisting of 4700 Buenos Ayres Cow and Ox, at 10 d. to 114d. per lb. ; 300 North American, salted, at 5d. per lb.; and 1100 Horse, at 7s. 2d. per hide. Grain.--At yesterday's Corn Market there was a tolerable attendance of buyers from the country; the holders of Wheat demanded an advance of 3d. per 701b. which, in some instances, was realized; upon the best qualities of Irish and fine English may be rated 3d. to 6d. per 70lb. higher than in the preceding week's market. The holders of Oats are rather sanguine in their expectations as to higher prices, and therefore are not anxious to effect sales. Sweet American Flour, in bond, readily obtains 32s. to 33s. per barrel. The sales of Rice are, 770 barrels. of inferior old Carolina, at 10s. 3d. to 12s. 3d.; and 100 good new, 15s. to 15s. 3d. per owt. 800 hhds. New York Flax Seed have been sold, at 47s. to 52s. per hhd: 350 Wilmington, at 38s. to 41s.; and 20 casks of Dutch, at 56s. per hhd. LONDON: PRINTED AT THE CAXTON PRESS, BY H. FISHER. |