46 Experiments inlroductory to an Aiiempt to exhil'it 



tlon of part of the salt, and consequently a deposition of oxide 

 to afford a sufficient quantity of free acid to induce solution ; that 

 it is rational to conclude, that the free acid in those metallic salts 

 novv called neutral, does not in the least militate against their 

 neutrality when crystallized. 



With these observations, which I submit to the consideration 

 of more able proficients, I trust, the correctness of your corre- 

 spondent's opinion or mine will be so established as may be most 

 for the advantage of the chemical nomenclature. 

 I am, sir. 



Yours obediently. 



Stoke Newington, July 15, 1815. G. S. 



XV. 'Experiments introductory to an Attempt to exhibit the 

 comparative Anatomy of Animals and Vegetables. By Mrs. 

 Agnes Ibbetson *. 



To Mr. Til loch. 



Sir, — 1 HAVE had the happiness to make what appears to 

 me rather a curious discovery, respecting the brains of animals 

 in general, which I hope and trust in this age of inquiry may be 

 of some use in clearing up a little of the darkness that still exists 

 respecting the powers and formation of the brain; especially its 

 connexion with the nerves and muscles, and the consequent 

 eifect arising to them. 



Having been some time employed in studying comparative 

 anatomy, merely for the purpose ol enabling me to draw up a 

 comparison between the vegetable and animal frame, and having 

 at last conquered it sufficiently to send you the sketch you will 

 i-eceive with this letter, which in some measure (though poor) 

 will, I flatter myself, show the exact j^owers of plants, I went 

 to Dawlish to recover the eifects of a too severe study ; but re- 

 solved to make use of that opportunity to examine the Zoophytes. 

 While dissecting them, I rememljercd to have heard that it was 

 once supposed that the brain might possess a sort of vapour ; 

 and it occurred to me to try. Finding in the anemone a quan- 

 tity of brain, taking a small quantity of it on the point of a knife, 

 placing it on the glass of my double compound microscope, 

 and applying the second power ; how great was my astonish- 

 ment to perceive a strong vapour flow from it, so strong as to 



* We hare r ceivecl the enlarged fletails alluded to in this introductory 

 letter, and sliail feel niiich pleasure in layiin; them before our readers next 

 month. Ill tlic inean time we tiasten to comply vvith our learned and in- 

 defatigable correspondent's request, by givnig publicity to her important 

 and valuable discoreries iu their pi'esent shape. — Edit. 



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