416 Miscellanies. 
history of unsuccessful patents and of inventions not patented, in or- 
der to prevent the time and labor so frequently lost by inventing that 
a second time which has been long ago invented, thrown aside as 
useless, and forgotten. A complete set of Harper’s Family and 
Classical Library, 99 vols. 18mo. was received, a joint donation 
from Geo. Bruce, Esq. President of the Institute, and the Messrs. 
Harper & Brothers. 
Oct. 18.—James J. Mares, Esq. gave a lecture on the origin and 
progress of Phrenology. The Cor. Sec. read a letter from Mr. 
Ouidinot, of Pottsville, Pa. accompanied with a. box of fossils, &c. 
illustrative of the coal formation of that neighborhood, for which 
thanks were recorded. 
Oct. 25.—L. D. Cuarin, Esq. read an essay on the geology of 
some parts of Virginia, especially in the vicinity of the Natural 
Bridge, in which he gave some new measurements made by himself. 
A suite of minerals was presented by Dr. Feuchtwanger. 
Nov. 8.—Dr. R. Cranparu gave a lecture on Assimilation, ac- 
companied by valuable practical remarks on dietetics. 
- Nov. 15.—Tuos. Ewsxankx, Esq. gave a lecture on the history of 
Syphons, in which he exhibited a number of new ones invented by 
himself. Mr. Chapin exhibited some remarkable specimens of wood 
from the city of Hartford, Conn. with the marks of edged tools upon 
them, and specimens of leaves, all of which were excavated about 
40 feet below the surface. 
Nov. 22.—The President gave a lecture on the history of Print- 
ing, illustrated with a great variety of specimens of the various fash- 
ions of letters and work from the origin of the art down to the pre- 
sent time, which from the request of many members, will be repeat- 
ed on the 8th of December. 
» Nov. 29.—The exercises of the evening were opened by remarks 
from Dr. Gave on the materials generally used for building in diffe- 
rent countries, with the effect of climate, and especially its agency 
in decomposing or disintegrating the materials used. After which 
James Frost, Esq. made some appropriate remarks on the compar- 
ative methods of ;building in England and in the United States. 
The Cor. Sec. of the Institute announced that the associate course 
of lectures would be opened by the President on the 8th of Decem- 
presented a list of cae names of the gentlemen who _ 
as follows : 
