168 



MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS. 



Remedy for Jlrsenicdl preparations. For several years already, it 

 has been known that Iron, in its state of hydrated peroxide as obtained 

 by precipitating the persulphate by a solution of ammonia, is a valuable 

 antidote to poisoning by arsenic. It has been recently ascertained that, 

 in those cases in which its ordinary use has had no efficacy, success is 

 insured by adding acetic acid, so that the peroxide however may re- 

 main in excess. This preparation largely administered, diluted- with 

 water, is much more certain in its results than the simple peroxide. 



JVewly discovered Metals. — The list of metals has within the last 

 few years been greatly enlarged by the discoveries of chemists. Within 

 a little more than a year just past tliree new ones have been discovered, 

 viz : Pelopium, Niobium, and Paithenium. The list now contains 48. 



Prof. Faraday announces the fact, that the polarization of light can 

 be essentially modified and controlled by means of the galvanic current. 

 Hence he infers, (or we should say conjectures) that the magnetic cur- 

 rents of the earth are evolved from air and water by means of the ac- 

 tion of light. — s. vv. M. 



A Pennsylvanian has invented a new method of propelling steam- 

 boats by which it is claimed a speed of twenty-five to thirty miles an 

 hour may be obtained even in the ocean. Models are now before a 

 committee of the U. S. Senate, and arrangements are making to carry it 

 into operation. The invention entirely supercedes paddle wheels, screw 

 propellers, kc, and operates under water out of reach of an enemy's 

 fire. — s. w. m. 



An important improvement on the Belier Hydraulicque or Hydraulic 

 Ram has been made by Benjamin S. Benson, of Jerusalem Mills, Har- 

 ford Co., Md., by which the power of the machine can be applied to 

 raising water from a different stream from the one which furnishes the 

 povver. Heretofore the water raised by these machines was always a 

 part of the stream which set them in motion, and of course partook of 

 all its impurities. — s. w. m. 



The U. S. Topographical Engineers are engaged in surveying the 

 coast of Texas. It is thought that an inland navigation, by means of 

 the numerous sounds and bayous existing along the coast, may be con- 

 structed for steam boats at a small expense, the entire distance from the 

 Mississippi to the Rio Grande. — s. v\\ M. 



Mr. Samarre Picquot, a French Naturalist, arrived at Detroit a kw 

 weeks since from a protracted scientific excursion round Lake Huron. 

 He has collected over three hundred difiereut kinds of marine plants, 

 many of which are new. — s. w. n. 



