PLYMOUTH INSTITUTION. 181 



The Lecturer supposed that thermo-electricity is perhaps de- 

 veloped by elective affinity ; as the electric fluid was proved to 

 be compound. But such elective affinity has not yet been 

 detected. 



It was subsequently shown that electricity can be decomposed 

 by metallic contact in galvanism; notwithstanding the demon- 

 strative experiment of Dr. Faraday : and that simple metallic 

 contact, even without the aid of heat or liquid, was capable of 

 such decomposition. 



The paper was concluded by a summary of our present know- 

 ledge of thermo-electricity, and the practical application of this 

 power. 



February 12tii. — Rev. Mr. St. John's Lecture on Rhetoric. 



Section 1st, treated on rhetorical subjects — such as are neither 

 demonstratively certain nor morally impossible, but contingent. 

 Contingent subjects were distinguished, either as beyond human 

 controul or partly depending on human will and exertions, and 

 partly on an unforeseen combination of circumstances. Reasons 

 were given why the former kind of contingent subjects are exclu- 

 ded from Rhetoric. The Lecturer illustrated and explained the 

 subdistinction of contingent subjects, in relation to past, present, 

 and future time. From which subdistinction were deduced three 

 kinds of hearers; the judicial judge, the member of a popular 

 assembly, and the spectator or listener. From the kinds of 

 hearers moreover were deduced three kinds of oration; the judic- 

 ial, the deliberative, and the laudatory or demonstrative. The 

 business and end of the judicial, deliberative and demonstrative 

 orator were illustrated and explained. 



Section 2nd, treated on persuasives peculiar to demonstrative 

 speeches, and the origin of the term demonstrative — as well as its 

 equivocal sense and improper use. The definition of a demon- 

 strative speech was given, and this definition was considered. 

 ISt. With reference to the subject matter, its twofold arrangement 

 — the historical method and the logical : the historical and logical 

 methods were explained and illustrated. 2nd. With reference to 

 the argument. The general question and the special, were dis- 

 tinguished, explained and illustrated. 1st. On Virtue, 2nd. On . 

 Actions. Elements or sources of argument on each question 

 were explained and illustrated. 



February 19th. — The Rev. Dr. Jacob Lectured on Education. 



