128 Perkins a7id Fairman on Engraving. 



ters, and which presents peculiar difficulties to successful imi- 

 tation. 



We are inclined to maintain that no other system hitherto de- 

 vised, in which the fine arts are employed, comes at all into com- 

 petition with the present plan ; and we need scarcely add, 

 that in respect to bank notes printed in the usual way, identi- 

 fication is impossible, since no two plates of the same denomi- 

 nation are in all respects alike. In this remark we would by no 

 means be considered as making the smallest allusion to the 

 new plan adopted by the Bank, at the suggestion of the Com- 

 mission appointed under the Great Seal for the purpose ; and 

 with the merits and nature of which we are entirely unac- 

 quainted. 



If we suppose a bank-note, with a sufficient quantity of or- 

 naments, or vignettes, executed upon the principle which we 

 explained, we conceive that the receiver of notes may render 

 himself nearly, if not absolutely, safe, by furnishing himself 

 with an original impression of the engraved parts, by the close 

 inspection of which he may surely determine whether the im- 

 pressions upon the note are from the same plate ; and forgers, 

 knowing that every person may, if he choose, put himself in 

 possession of the means of detecting the spurious note, will, 

 probably, not be induced to risk so much with a trifling pros- 

 pect of success, since those only who will not be at the trouble 

 of informing themselves, can be imposed upon. 



Art. XI. On the new Hygrometer, by J. F. Daniell, Esq., 

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



Being desirous of ascertaining whether the superior power 

 of metals in conducting heat, together with the high polish of 

 which they are susceptible, might not be rendered conducive to 

 the perfection of the instrument which I described in the last 

 number of the Journal, 1 endeavoured to modify its form in 

 such a way as to allow of its being so constructed. After some 

 trials I completed one which answered my expectations, and 

 of which the subjoined is an outhne. 



