OUTLINES OF PERIODICAL LITERATURE. 519 
ments for the alleviation of deafness. Then comes the closing meteorological 
tables and observations. 
Fresruary.—For the three first articles of this month’s publication, you 
have Major Sabine’s comparison of the magnetic lines of no dip and of least 
intensity, represented on a map; Mr. Watkins on the evolution of heat by 
thermo-electricity ; and M. Leise’s preliminary notice of some experiments 
on the action of acetone on the bichloride of platinum; he obtains a conside- 
rable quantity ofa substance which he calls Metacechlorplatin, by keeping for 
twenty-four hours a mixture of acetone with the bichloride in a well-closed 
vessel. Three additional numbers of Professor Johnston’s experiments on 
the composition of mineral substances of organic origin, relate to his analyses 
of the mineral resins—the Highgate resin or fossil copal; resin from settling 
stones ; and berengelite : he also treats of the origin of the fossil copal, reti- 
naspalt, middletonite, guayaquillite and berengelite. Another portion of 
Col. Wright’s meteorological observations during a residence in Colombia 
between the years 1820 and 1830, is followed by Mr. Hopkins’ extended ob- 
servations on Malaria, with suggestions for ascertaining its nature. Prof. 
Forbes communicates his curious experiments on the colour of steam under 
certain circumstances; and then come three papers on particular demonstra- 
tion of Euclid: Mr. Drury’s notice of the electrical excitation of a leather 
strap, connecting the drums of a worsted mill; and Mr. Grove’s suggestions 
on the voltaic series and the combination of gases by platinum. After the 
proceedings of the Royal, Geological, and Cambridge Philosophical societies, 
there are eight miscellanies and articles of intelligence, with the titles—equi- 
valent of carbon and composition of naphthalin ; composition of wax ; amilen 
derived from oil of potatoes ; action of chlorine of zinc upon alcohol; action 
of spongy platina; architectural lectures; French expedition of discovery ; 
and a curious habit of earth-worms. At the end, come the meteorological ta- 
bles and observations, from which you pass to 
Tue Surprremenrary Numer, containing a general index to the Phi- 
losophical Magazine from mpcccxxxir to mpcccxxxvitt, with a title-page, 
index, and table of contents, for the thirteenth volume thus completed. 
Marcu.—Additional facts on the general magnetic relations and charac- 
ters of the metals, are here adduced by Prof. Faraday: in his experiments, 
sixteen metals and twenty-two metallic combinations, when cooled to 112° 
F’. gave no indications of any magnetic power. Dr. Kane’s notice on the 
theory of the zethers is followed by a continuation of Mr. Tovey’s researches 
in the undulatory theory of light, on the elliptical polarization produced by 
quartz, and by Dr. Winn’s communication on a remarkable property of arte- 
ries, considered as a cause of animal heat. Mr. Grooby then illustrates the 
passage of the moon across the Pleiades in March, August, September, and 
November, mpcccxxx1x, with remarks and achart. In a further portion of 
his meteorological observations in Colombia, Col. Wright considers the me- 
thod of measuring heights by boiling water. Three concise articles next ap- 
pear,—these are, Mr. Webster’s letter on the colour of steam : Mr. Cooper’s 
remarks on hydrocyanic acid; and Prof: Silvester’s investigation on the mo- 
tion and rest of rigid bodies. An interesting paper of Sir David Brewster’s 
on the colours of mixed plates, unfolds his experiments on this curious sub- 
ject; and, last in the list of originals, you have some account by Mr. Talbot 
of the art of photogenic drawing, and of the processes employed in its prac- 
