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XXX. On a 2)roposed Society for Scientific Information. 

 To the Editors of the Philosophical Magazine and Jou7ital. 

 Gentlemen, 



A FEW young men, following scientific professions, Lavino' 

 ■^^^ observed with regret the want of a Society in which, by 

 the mutual communication of their ideas and information, they 

 might acquire a just method of investigating and discussing 

 philosophical subjects ; and being aware that the scientific so- 

 cieties at present in existence are not calculated for that object, 

 being conducted on principles which suppose a previous and 

 extensive knowledge, are therefore desirous of commencinor 

 one to accomplish the above end ; and have appointed me (as 

 one of their number) to request the insertion of this in your 

 Journal ; trusting, that by its extensive circulation it will meet 

 the eyes of those who may be desirous of forming part of such 

 a Society. 



Persons wishing further information on the subject, may 

 have it by applying by letter (post paid) to me, at Mr. Don- 

 kin's Manufoctory, Blue Anchor Road, Bermondsey. 



I am, gentlemen, yours respectfully, 

 Feb. 18, 1823. Richard Harris. 



We gladly give insertion to Mr. Harris's letter ; and shall be 

 truly happy if we can be in any way instrumental in the promo- 

 tion of the design which it announces, convinced as we feel of 

 the beneficial tendency of institutions for the dissemination of 

 useful knowledge among all classes of the community. It might 

 probably be of essential service, if any of our friends would fur- 

 nish us with accounts of the societies of this kind, which we un- 

 derstand have been instituted among the artisans of Glasgow and 

 Birmingham, and especially of one which has lately been esta- 

 blished in Edinburgh. We should be inclined to recommend, 

 as the means best adapted for the purpose, familiar systematic 

 lectures to classes, accompanied by experiments and examina- 

 tions ; and especially the avoiding of every thing that tends to 

 paratle and vain disputation. — Editors. 



XXXI. Notices respecting New Books. 



Recent Publications. 



T30PULAR Parts of Astronomy, compiled from Brinkley, 

 "*■ Vu»ce, &c. by .John rit/john, F.C.I). 



The Fortieth Volume ol" Transactions of tlie Society of 

 Arts. 



I'osbrookt'.s 



