164 Miscellaniés. 
21. To mineralogists, geologists, &c.—H. H. Hayden, Esq. au- 
thor of Geological Essays, having on hand a number of volumes of 
the above work, requests us to propose to the mineralogists of the 
United States; am exchange of one or more copies, for an indefinite 
number of the minerals of their respective districts. Mr. H. not be- 
ing aware of the value at which some persons may estimate minerals, 
has mentioned an indefinite number, leaving it diseretionary, and en- 
tirely to the liberality of those who may feel a desire to possess the 
work, He hopes, however, that it will not be undervalued by those 
who knew how to appreciate the labor, and unavoidable expense 
necessarily required in its prosecution. ‘To any person or persons 
wishing for one or more copies, “Mr. H. will send them to any part 
of the United States, free, as far as practicable, of all expense, and 
will, likewise, incur the expense of transport of such minerals as 
may be sent in return. Mr. Hayden adds :— 
“In my visit to the gold regions I found, at several of the mining 
locations, that what many called a mica slate, was in fact a talcose 
slate. Mr. Keating is now on a tour to the Floridas, taking the gold 
region in his course. A few days since he wrote me from Charlotis- 
ville, Va.—He informs me that he has crossed the gold region and 
has visited several of tlie mines, and finds that the rock in which the 
veins occur is ‘a talcose slate.” With such authority to support me, 
I think my word may pass current.”’* Baltimore, Ma. 
22. Reflections on the decline of Science in England; by Charles 
Babbage, Lucasian Prof. of Math, in the Univ. of Cambridge— 
Some notices in the English Journals had prepared us for this vol 
umet of 232 pages. Even if the task were a grateful one, we have 
neither time nor room to present an analysis of this work. We confess 
we cannot be gratified by learning that the Royal Society of London, 
so long admired and venerated, is in a state of dotage, and that t's 
abused for purposes of personal ambition and aggrandizement. It be- 
comes its members, however, to vindicate themselves from the cbarg 
which Prof. Babbage, openly and fearlessly, brings against them, ® 
well as against other societies and distinguished individuals. 1* 
AE ee A overeat eee aaa 
* It will be observed that this view coincides with Prof. Eaton’s opinion expressed 
in this and a former number.— Zd. 
t Received through the kindness of a friend in London. We have also received 3 
pamphiet of 23 pages, (second edition,) containing thirty six charges against the pres 
dent and councils of the Royal Society, by Sir James South, a member, who, in anticl: 
ation of a possible result, concludes by saying, that “where admission is 2? honors 
expulsion can be no disgrace.” 
