396 Scientific Intelligence. [Nov. 



III. Meridians of Greenwich and Paris. 



A vertical reflector, constructed by M. Matliieu, has lately been 

 placed on Fairlight Down, Hastings. Its erection was superintended 

 by the above gentleman and Capt. Mudge, of the Royal Engineers, 

 who have chosen the same spot which was selected by Gen. Roy 30 

 years ago, to enable observations to be taken from the coast of France, 

 for the purpose of remeasuring the distance between the meridian of 

 the observatories of Greenwich and Paris. The light from the reflector 

 is visible at the distance of 90 miles. It consists of four circular wicks, 

 the largest of which is 10 inches in circumference. It consumes two 

 quarts of oil in an hour, and is lighted an hour before sun-rise and sun- 

 set, and is kept burning for two hours. Capt. Mudge and M. Mathieu 

 have since proceeded to join Major Colby and Capt. Kater in France. 



IV. Solar Eclipse hi America. 



The solar eclipse of Aug. 27 was noticed here by a well-regulated 

 time-keeper. At the commencement, the sun was transiently obscured 

 by thin clouds. But the time here noted may be depended on as cor- 

 rect within a few seconds. At the termination, the clouds had dispersed, 

 and the time was ascertained with precision.* 



Beginning 8 h 1' 30"; . .. v ,j j n lf 



■e. %. to ,,-. . ,,, > Appar. time, a. m. Portland Gazette. 



Ending 10 34< 10 S tl 



V. Cashmere Goat. 



It appears from a memoir read before the French Royal Academy, 

 that the Cashmere shawl made from the down of this animal is likely to 

 become an article of European manufacture. Two foreigners, of the 

 names of Jaubertand Terneaux, having introduced a number of these 

 animals, they have much engaged the attention of the French natural- 

 ists, and it appears that their mode of treatment has been so far suc- 

 cessful that, out of a flock of 1229 goats purchased in Astracan there 

 remains more than one third of the original number which produce the 

 finest down. 



VI. Aphlogistic Lamp. 



It appears from a series of experiments made by Mr. Daniell, that the 

 acid formed by the slow combustion of ether in this instrument is 

 acetic combined with some compound of carbon and hydrogen, differing 

 fromether. Most of our readers are acquainted with the form of thislamp, 

 and we merely notice its construction to propose the occasional addition 

 of a smal'I tube similar to the chimney of an Argand lamp, which, on 

 being held over the coil of platinum wire will immediately produce 

 flame, although it had not previously exceeded a red heat. This takes 

 place in consequence of the increased supply of oxygen furnished by 

 the current of atmospheric air, the wire gradually passing from a red to 

 a white heat, and from that to flame. 



VII. Medico- Chivurgical Society of Edinburgh. 



This Societj', which promises to be in the highest degree useful, is 

 formed upon the model of the London Society of that name. Most of 



* The latitude of Portland is 43 39 52 N. and the estimated longitude (for it has 

 never been ascertained by astronomical observation) is 70 12 W. from Greenwich. 



