7 a Philosophibai Intelligence, 4c. 
mon method.—Agreeably toa report of M. Sylves- 
tre a silver medal was granted to Mad. Reine for her Leghorn 
hats and the cultivation of the straw of which they are 
made.—M. De Gerando reminded the society that M. Pra- 
dier last year obtained the gold medal for his excellent 
manufactory of Razors and of mother of pearl. An hon- 
ourable mention was now again made to reward the suc- 
cess of this fine enterprize, which now produces 9000 ra- 
zors per month, and to which M. Pradier has added the fabri- 
cation of table knives, penknives, metallic pens and seals with 
changeable figures If this artist had not received the gold 
medal last year, he would have been rewarded with it at 
the present time.—Another honourable mention was made 
in‘favour of M Vauchelet fo his painting on velvet 
FRANCOEUR. 
4. Philosophical Instrumenis.—In a report made by 
, Franceeur to the société d’encouragement at Paris, on a new 
theodolite made by Gambey, a distinguished artist, after 
speaking inthe most favorable terms of the instruments, 
adds, M. Gambey is not only an estimable artist,—bis 
inventive powers place him in the list of Savans: he is the 
author of a heliostat, conceived upon a new plan, and very 
superior to that in common use; and also of a new com- 
7 of declination, the precision of which is incredible. | 
hese two instruments have been presented by the invent- 
or to the academy of Sciences, and M. Arago, who W! 
shortly report upon them, has spoken of them in terms of 
great : ieee an opinion the more flattering, a5 ' 
comes from a_ philosopher who is known to be sparing © 
his praises. Baron de Zach, also, who seems to have 
adopted the method of praising all foreign inventions at the 
expense of our own, cannot refuse to acknowledge the dis- 
tinguished merit of M. Gambey, and has ordered one of 
his theodolites, This is a mark of respect which could 
have been forced only by the belief that M. Gambey is the 
ablest artist in Europe. 
_. 5+ Astronomical obserwatory.—A new observatory has 
ast been established at Bern in Switzerland, greatly to, the 
the government, and of enlightened individuals in 
that canton. It is erected upon the elevated plain of a 
