156 



[March, 1842. 



a number of Anthracite and Bituminous coal of Europe and 

 this country, on which he had experimented wiih a view of 

 ascertaining the relative proportions in each, of volatile mat- 

 ter, earthy matter, and carbon. The experiments were per- 

 formed on all in a similar manner, viz. by exposing the coal 

 to a red heat, raised as rapidly as possible. As the moisture, 

 however, is in such cases brought in contact with carbon at 

 a high temperature, it may, by decomposition, cause some of 

 the carbon to be carried off, and thus raise the estimate of the 

 volatile matter above what it would be, if more slowly con- 

 ducted. Incineration was conducted in a muffle, at a high 

 and long continued temperature. 



The following are the results of the analysis of some of 

 these coals : 



Dr. Chaloner referred to the question agitated of late 

 among medical men, whether muscular action could excite 

 electricity, and cited the case of a lady, described in Silli- 

 man's Journal ; a similar instance had come under his own 

 notice in this city. 



