404 Miscellanies. 
the scum at the surface, being separated either by the fermentation or 
the action of heat. It is then skimmed off, and put away in a cask 
to deposit its impurities ; after which it is drawn off in a pure state, fit 
for immediate use. The oil is limpid, has a slight tinge of the yellow 
color of the corn, and is inoffensive to the taste and smell. It is not 
a drying oil, and therefore cannot be used for paint, but burns freely in 
lamps, and is useful for oiling machinery. « 
Both rye and Indian corn are used for distilling, sometimes . swept 
rate, but often mixed together. When rye is worked, either alone or 
mixed with corn, no oil is produced ; and as the use of corn alone has 
been commonly supposed to be less profitable for whiskey-making, the — : 
existence of corn oil in the froth of the mash-tubs seems not to have 
been generally known among distillers, until within a few years past. 
It is now ascertained that by working Indian corn alone, and using a 
somewhat higher heat than is common, oil may be produced at the rate 
of one pint for every bushel of corn; and that too without diminishing 
the quantity of alcohol or nies its manufacture. The oil sells for 
one dollar a gallon. The pint of oil therefore repays one fourth — 
_ cost of the bushel of enn which produces it. 
“ye. Gold Medal of the "“Goopraphical Society, antes to Prof. 
Robinson.—It must be gratifying to all who. love the reputation of 
American science, to learn, that the Royal Geographical Society of 
London, have recently awarded their gold medal to our distinguished 
countryman, Prof. Robinson, as a proof of the high estimation in which 
they held his work, entities, * Biblical Researches in Palestine, Mount 
Sinai, and Arabia Petrea.” The medal was received by the American 
minister at London, Hon. Edward Everett, who was addressed on the 
occasion by W. R. Hamilton, Esq., president of the society, in a perti- 
nent speech, giving a condensed view of the labors of Prof. Robinson. 
Mr. Everett, on behalf of Prof. ee made a forcible and ice 
Teply. 
13. Discovery of a new Metal.— In Part VII of my Journal, which 
you will receive next week, you will find a notice of the discovery _ 
a new metal; it has been named Didym ; it always accompanies Lan- 
thanium, from which unfortunately it has not yet been separated. All 
‘the researches on Lanthanium, as well as those on Cerium, are erro- 
neous.”—Extract of a letter from M. Poggendorff to W. Francis, in 
CER et D. Phil: Mag: ie September 
oe <a dag — eee pegs = 
Peak Son Rao, of the University of regina regret that 
ly which we had expected, was not 
