﻿Miscellanies. 395 



made to ascertain the effective power of the different varieties of coal 

 in producing steam, and in a general application to the arts. The ex- 

 periments have been made on a scale commensurate with the importance 

 of the subject, and with every attention that could secure perfect accu- 

 racy to ascertain the evaporative power. From one to six trials were 

 made with the several varieties of coal, 1500 pounds being sometimes 

 consumed in each. The results are tabulated with fullness and perspi- 

 cuity. We defer to another number a fuller account of this very valu- 

 able Report. x 



8. Vestiges of the Natural History of Creation. 288 pp. large 

 12mo, 1845. New York, Wiley & Putnam. — This work commences 

 with a spirited sketch of the astronomical system according to the Nebu- 

 lar theory. The author then proceeds to give an outline of the structure 

 of the earth and the various steps in the progress of its formation, both 

 as regards the origin of its rock strata and the successive changes in 

 animal and vegetable life. Discussions with regard to the origin and 

 development of animals, the early history of mankind, the mental con- 

 stitution of animals, and the general condition of the animated creation, 

 constitute a large part of the work ; and the whole is presented in a 

 novel and interesting light, with many bold conceptions and startling 

 opinions. Although we cannot subscribe to all of the author's views, 

 we would strongly recommend the work to our readers. 



MISCELLANIES. 



DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN. 



Prof 



pp. 177-179 of this volume; by J. E. Teschemacher. 



Gentlemen — In the last number of the American Journal of Science 

 and Arts, I observe a communication from Prof. C. U. Shepard, ac- 

 cusing me of claiming the priority of the discovery of uranium, at 

 Chesterfield, Mass., such priority belonging to himself. His proof is 

 the publication of it under his name in the 2d vol. of Prof. Hitchcock's 

 last report on the Geology of Massachusetts, page 704. 



I think little of the merit of the discovery, but much of the imputa- 

 tion of claiming that to which I am not entitled, and therefore alone 

 request the favor of room for a short reply. 



The minutes of the Boston Society of Natural History,* of the 7th 

 April, 1841, show that my paper announcing the above fact was read at 

 their public meeting held that day — this is always considered equivalent 



* These minutes are always printed and circulated. 



