338 Analysis of Scientific Books and Memoirs. 



7. Perkins's Steam- Engine. 



Mr Perkins has now completed an engine, which he considers as em- 

 bracing the ultimatum of his present intentions, and which is designed 

 to show the absolute realization of his anticipated hopes, or their decided 

 failure. The possibility of the latter Mr P. has never for a moment ad- 

 mitted, and he now considers that he has only perfected those plans he 

 contemplated from the first, and which required but patience and time to 

 bring to maturity. 



The very transient view of the engine which we have been enabled to 

 take, precludes the possibility of our describing its construction ; besides 

 we should, by so doing, anticipate a more perfect account, which we hope 

 to give hereafter. There are many parts which exhibit considerable no- 

 velty and ingenuity, and the whole is comprised in a very compact form. 

 The power of the engine, which stands upon a base of about four feet 

 square, is said to be capable of variation, from fifteen to thirty horses, ac- 

 cording to circumstances, connected with the economisation of fuel. It 

 has not yet been exhibited in operation, but that is expected to take place 

 in a few days. — Newton's Journal of the Arts, Feb. 1827, p. 367. 



6. Method of producing 1 a fine Black Colour. By M. Peticolas of Nash- 

 ville. 

 Having set fire to some camphor, there will arise from the flame a very 

 dense smoke, which may be collected on a common saucer held above the 

 flame. This black, mixed with gum-arabic, is stated to be far superior to 

 any India ink. After giving the above process, Mr Newton adds, that 

 minature painters, who use colours in small quantities, sometimes obtain a 

 most beautiful and perfect black, by using the buttons which form on the 

 snuff of a candle when allowed to burn undisturbed. These are made to 

 fall into a small thimble, or any other convenient vessel, which can be im- 

 mediately covered with the thumb to exclude the air. This is found to 

 be perfectly free from grease, and to possess every desirable quality. — 

 Newton's Journal of the Arts, Feb. 1827, p. 371. 



Art. XLI.-ANALYSIS OF SCIENTIFIC BOOKS AND ME- 

 MOIRS. 



Elements of Chemistry, including the recent discoveries and doctrines of 

 the Science. By Edward Turner, M.D. F. R. S. E. Fellow of the 

 Royal College of Physicians, and Lecturer on Chemistry, Edinburgh. 

 In one large volume 8vo, pp. 723. Edinburgh, 1827. With two plates. 



It is impossible to survey the present state of our elementary literature, 

 without the most painful reflections. The field of scientific instruction, 

 which was once occupied by men of taste and genius, has been lately trod- 

 den down by herds of authors, and the discoveries of Newton, and of Black, 

 have been expounded by men who never read their works, and who arc in- 



