28 NOTES BY THE EDITOR 



paper, and no mere human volume can ever surpass it in immediate 

 and enduring value. A greater boon to science, to inventors, and to the 

 world at large, could hardly be named. It would be consulted as long as 

 the arts are cherished, and would rather increase than diminish in interest 

 as time rolls on." 



Among the inventions for which patents have been applied for during 

 the past year, are two of more than ordinary interest : The first for an 

 improved grain reaping machine. This machine not only cuts regularly 

 and completely the grain, but also collects it, bundles it in nearly equal 

 quantities, binds and delivers. The other is for a wool-combing machine, 

 which entirely supersedes the old method of hand-combing. This ma- 

 chine accomplishes the labor of from six to eight men, separating the 

 long from the short fibres in the most perfect and thorough manner. 



Among the various important contributions made to Science during 1852, 

 other than mechanical, we would call attention to the following : the re- 

 searches of M. Melsens, of Brussels, on the pix>duction and formation of 

 artificial cellular tissue ; the researches of Arago, on the physical con- 

 stitution of the sun, one of the most brilliant and interesting of the publi- 

 cations of this eminent astronomer ; the researches and discoveries of 

 Prof. Stokes, on the " epipolic dispersion of light," and of M. Nicpce, of 

 France, on the production and fixation of colored photographs. Some 

 interesting researches have been also published by Renault, the Director 

 of the Veterinary School of Alfort, France, " On the Effects of Swallow- 

 ing virulent matters in the digestive organs of man and animals." This 

 author shows that the baking and roasting of meats, and the boiling of 

 liquids arising from animals aifected with contagious diseases, have the 

 effect of completely annihilating the virulent properties of these substances 

 The practical value of this fact will be appreciated by many of the inhab- 

 itants of large cities, who are obliged to use milk and some other articles 

 of food, which are not of the best quality. 



The year 18-52, will also be memorable for the discovery of eight new 

 asteroidal planets, making the whole number of planets now known to 

 exist between Mars and Jupiter twenty-three. 



The following geological surveys have been authorized or continued dur- 

 ing the past year: 



The legislature of Massachusetts have authorized a re-survey of some 

 portions of the State under the direction of its geologist, Pres. Hitchcock. 

 Steps have also been taken for the completion of the survey of Vermont, 

 commenced by the late Professor C. 13. Adams. The State of Mississippi 

 has also authorized a survey under the direction of Messrs. "Wailes and 

 Millington, and has appropriated $6,000 per annum, for the maintamance 

 of the same. The survey of Illinois has been commenced under the direc- 



