The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. 373 



which might have interfered with the course of the river Jor- 

 dan, is not only in itself a probable circumstance, but one that 

 derives some support from the sacred writings themselves. 



Much, however, it is confessed, remains to be explored, be- 

 fore this or any other theory can be finally adopted; and it is 

 to be hoped, that the first individual who has spirit and resolu- 

 tion enough to venture into these inhospitable regions, will pay 

 attention to the physical structure of the country. 



He should, in particular, search the rocks which bound the 

 Dead Sea, in order to discover, if possible, the crater of the vol- 

 cano which was in a state of eruption at the period alluded to ; 

 he should ascertain, whether there are any proofs of that sink- 

 ing of the ground, which, notwithstanding Volney's authority, I 

 have regarded as so problematical ; whether traces of the ancient 

 bed of the river can be discovered south of the lake, or of a bar- 

 rier of lava stretching across it ; nor should he omit to examine, 

 whether the vestiges of these devoted cities have been sub- 

 merged, as some have stated, beneath the waters, or are buried, 

 like Pompeii, under heaps of the ejected materials. — From Dr 

 Dauhenifs lately published xvork on Volcanoes, 



Notice on Oil in the Human Blood, by Dr Adam ; and on the 

 effects of the Bite of the Ceylon Leech, by John Tytler, 

 Esq. Assistant-Surgeon, Garrison of Monghyr. 



Oil in Human Blood. 



JL HE following brief notice may prove interesting, as it re- 

 lates to a peculiarity in the human subject, which I have not 

 hitherto met with ; nor do I remember to have read of a similar 

 occurrence in medical writings. The body of Serjeant Macdo- 

 nald was sent from the garrison to the general hospital, for in- 

 spection ; as certain circumstances had created a suspicion re- 

 garding the manner of his death. He had gone to bed in the 

 barrack-room apparently in good health, and was found in the 

 morning lying dead on his couch. He had had a quarrel, it'' 

 was stated, the preceding evening, with some of his comrades, 

 and, it was currently surmised, had met with his death by vio- 



