1835.] Analyses of Books. 71 



deposition of calcareous matter around these vegetables, had preserved 

 the plants in a perfect state, unaffected by the violence of currents or 

 by any of the atmospheric commotions, which a later or less heated 

 condition of the globe has invoked. 



Dr. Hibbert in following out his subject, has identified the fresh 

 water limestone of Burdiehouse, with similar deposits at East and 

 Mid Calder, Burntisland, and Kirkton near Bathgate. We have 

 little doubt that discoveries of formations analogous in their nature 

 will soon be multiplied. We have before us a tooth transmitted by 

 Dr. Johnston of Berwick, from the Rev. Mr. Knight of Ford, which 

 was found in a sandstone belonging to the coal measures in the 

 north of Northumberland, and appears to approach some of those 

 figured by Dr. Hibbert ; but is considered by a distinguished com- 

 parative anatomist as that of a fish. 



It would be improper to close this brief notice without an expres- 

 sion of admiration, for the enthusiasm exhibited by the author in the 

 prosecution of his researches in the new field which he has opened 

 to geologists ; his exertions I in preserving the fossil remains, and 

 the candour with which he has acknowledged the observations and 

 assistance of his fellow-labourers. 



The memoir concludes with a chemical analysis by Mr. Connell, 

 of the fossil remains and lithographic illustrations which are very 

 important additions. 



Article XI. 



SCIENTIFIC INTELLIGENCE. 



I. — Royal Institution. Dt. Faraday on Sound. — \bth May. 

 Dr. Faraday illustrated the recent discoveries of Savart upon sound, 

 which although well known are still of a highly important nature. 

 They establish the fact, that low notes when formed by drawing a bow 

 across the edge of a plate of glass strewed over with sand, exhibit 

 the points of quiescence in the regular form of a right angle ; while 

 in membranes, irregular figures are produced; the sand being arranged 

 along the quiescent parts. When lycopodium is used, however, it 

 is thrown upon the points of vibration. The effect of vibrating 

 bodies, when allowed to communicate their action to membranes, is 

 interesting, because it illustrates the nature of the ear. An experi- 

 ment, devised by Mr. Wheatstone, exhibits the connexion of the 

 bones of the ear with the membrana tympani. A membrane is 

 stretched over a basin, and a piece of flat wood communicates with 

 the membranes, projecting over the rim of the basin, externally to a 

 considerably extent. The wood and membrane are strewed over 

 with sand, and a bell-glass which has been vibrated, is brought into 

 the vicinity of the membrane. The sand immediately arranges itself 

 in a straight line along the w^ood ; but the same result does not en- 

 sue, when the vibration is communicated through the wood. 



The effect which the bones of the ear have in varying the tension 

 of the membrana tympani, was illustrated by means of a membrane 



