196 Mr. T. T. Wilkinson on Mathematics and Mathematicians : 



bon amounting to 1 per cent., and in that of the potash of 1*5 

 per cent., errors which can hardly occur in the analysis of a pure, 

 crystallized potash salt. 



I must apologise for the length of this communication. But 

 though the subject may not be of great importance, still correct 

 views as to the proper method of investigating the processes of 

 nature, and a correct standard whereby to measure the labours 

 of others, are matters of importance. In chemistry, ad in every 

 other natural science, the groundwork of the system must con- 

 sist of facts. From correctly observed phenomena, laws will 

 develope themselves spontaneously. But if, in obedience to cer- 

 tain assumed a priori laws, we abandon the safe ground of obser- 

 vation and experiment, we embark on a boundless ocean without 

 star or compass to guide us. 



I am, Gentlemen, 



Belfield Hall, Rochdale, Your obedient Servant, 



August 12, 1853. E. SCHUNCK. 



XXIX. Mathematics and Mathematicians. The Journals of the 

 late Reuben Burrow. By T. T. Wilkinson, Esq., F.R.A.S., 

 and Corresponding Member of the Manchester Literary and 

 Philosophical Society. 



[Continued from vol. v. page 522.] 

 No. III. 



THE next Journal is simply endorsed "Reuben Burrow," 

 and on the inside of the cover an entry is made of several 

 books he had lent to Messrs. Coote and Linsing. The Journal 

 itself commences by stating that "on the 30th of April 1782" 

 he "left the Drawing Room in the Tower to go to Colonel 

 Watson," and then gives at considerable length his applications 

 to the Duke of Richmond for " additional pay," and the circum- 

 stances which led to his resignation as Mathematical Master ; 

 but since these particulars have already formed the subject of a 

 paper in the Mechanics' Magazine, by Senex, on " The Board 

 of Ordnance in other days," there is no necessity for again trans- 

 cribing them. From the opening notice, it appears that Mr. 

 Burrow "received c€50 from Mr. Wildman to buy necessaries 

 for the voyage, and he (Mr. W.) paid 100 guineas to Capt. 

 Hoare for the passage to Bengal. He likewise received 50 gui- 

 neas back on condition of my (Mr. B.) teaching the Captain's 

 two sons during the voyage ; this 50 guineas only just served to 

 clear my debts and expenses." 



The following extracts are of a more melancholy character ; 



