240 Miscellaneous Notices in Mineralogy, Geology, && 
country, and is creditable both to the patrons and agents iu In 
this work, which appears to be executed with laudable fidel- 
ity and ability. We wish it may be followed by similar ef- 
forts in other parts of this country. We observe also, among 
numerous other important subjects discussed in the fourth 
volume of the Transactions of the Society for the promo- 
tion of useful arts in the state of New-York, an elaborate 
per on alum, by one of the obove gentlemen, namely, Dr. 
‘Theodore R. Beck. 
e He has concentrated much useful information on this m- 
t practical subject and the paper may be advanta- 
petsly consulted by those who wish to obtain the most im- 
portant facts without the trouble of consulting numerous au- 
ors. 
Dr. Beck’s memoir contains the following remarkable 
fact:—A distinguished American general was interred, sev- 
eral years since, at the town of Erie, on the border of the 
jake of the same name. His son, three or four years ago, 
removed the remains to Chester county, in Pennsylvania. 
«On raising the body, it was found in a high state of pres- 
- ervation, so much so, that the features were reac recog- 
nized by those who had previously known the general. The 
flesh was indurated to such a degree that it could not be 
separated from the bones by a kn fe.’ 
In short, the body appears to have es a perfect natur- 
al mummy ; the preservation is imputed to aluminous. salts 
which abound so much there that “ quantities of rene 
— are found on the sir ae of the grou und.” 
20. Alum i im decomposed mica slate. 
Masia macnn the sources of sists there is one exthich we have 
‘erin of soe Steed an Bee d eae as 
the towns of Preston, Waterbury and Hunting- 
to ‘on, in Connecticut, and indeed we have seen but a few 
stance = occupa nha 2 in tg epee ae 
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