On, the Divisibility of Matter. 309 



would appear to the mere superficial observer, as beyond 

 credulity, though it is capable of actual and practical proof, 

 and even, as in the case of gilt silver wire, to an extent im- 

 mensely beyond. Why, therefore, doubt the deductions made 

 upon principles that cannot err, merely because they are 

 beyond our present ideas of possibility ? As well might we deny 

 the existence of the Creator, because his works transcend our 

 limited powers of conception. And may we not, from this 

 deduce a powerful argument in favour of the truths of revealed 

 religion : for if each individual is to doubt of every thing that 

 exceeds his own peculiar ideas of probability, at what point 

 shall incredulity find a barrier ? That immensity and divisi- 

 bility (and who shall say where they may find a limit ?) approach 

 the confines of infinity, must appear evident to every one who 

 has seriously contemplated the results ; and if the preceding 

 may, in any way, tend to illustrate the subject, or induce 

 others to lend their aid thereto, the end of the present attempt 

 will be accomplished. 



Art. XL On a New Pyrometer. By J. F. Daniell, 

 Esq. F.R.S. and M.R.I. 



[With a Plate.] 



It would be needless to preface much upon the utility of an 

 instrument to measure the higher degrees of heat, as nothing in 

 science has been more eagerly desired, and nothing, it is ge- 

 nerally allowed, would tend more to the perfection of many of 

 the arts. The difficulties which oppose themselves in practice 

 to any contrivance for this purpose, are best appreciated from 

 the knowledge of the fact, that but one attempt has ever been 

 made, with any degree of success, to solve so interesting a 

 problem. The late Mr. Wedgwood invented an instrument 

 with this view, founded on the principle that clay contracts in 



Vol. XI. Y 



