REPORTS. 
ON 
: THE STATE OF SCIENCE. 
Report on the Variations of the Magnetic Intensity observed 
at different Points of the Earth's Surface. By Major 
Epwarp Sasine, R.A., F.R.S. 
[With Plates. ] 
Ir has been justly remarked by M. de Humboldt, “ that the 
phenomena of the earth’s magnetism, in its three forms of 
variation, dip, and intensity, have of late years been examined 
with great care, in the most different zones, by the united ef- 
forts of many travellers ; and that there is scarcely any branch 
of the physical knowledge of the earth in which, in so small 
a number of years; so much has been gained towards an ac- 
quaintance with its laws, though not perhaps with its causes.” 
(Ann. der Physik, vol. xv. p. 320.) 
Be it here remarked, that it is to the example and the 
writings of this illustrious philosopher that the accelerated pro- 
gress in this, as in so many other branches of physical science, 
is eminently due. His writings exhibit, in the most pleasing 
manner, the delightful, the never-failing interest which such 
pursuits afford, awaken thereby a taste for them in those who 
were previously unconscious of its existence, and stimulate its 
exercise in all. It is in this respect that M. de Humboldt has 
| been not only a great promoter of science, but a moral be- 
| nefactor to many; for it is the privilege of such pursuits that 
__ tedious hours are little known to the mind that engages in them, 
and the enjoyment which they yield is unimpaired by advancing 
ears*. 
: M. de Humboldt’s remark is particularly true in regard to the 
“Magnetic intensity. At the commencement of the present cen- 
* The surviving friends of the late Major Rennell have, in their recollection 
_ of that true philosopher, when engaged in his latter years in his important work 
on the currents of the Atlantic Ocean, a memorable example of this power of 
physical research, to preserve its interest vivid and unbroken amidst the infirmi- 
_ ties of declining years. 
VOL. vi. 1837. B 
