394 Miscellanies, 
clusion of the Plutonic rocks, he gives an account of the mineral 
wealth of the gneiss, granite, and mica schist, and other rocks of this 
class; of their precious gems, and ornamental and architectural stones. 
There are two chapters on grottoes and caves, with an account of the 
ancient false ideas and suppositions concerning them, and their physi- 
cal phenomena. The volume ends with a chapter on the mercury 
mines of the coal measures and other formations, and the metallur- 
gic processes by which the metal is reduced from its ores. 
Numerous well executed steel engravings are given, representing 
in many cases, views and scenery illustrative of his subject, which are 
not usually seen in works of this class. We believe that there is no 
one who would not feel himself both interested and instructed by its 
perusal. 
21. The American Rererrory of Arts, Sciences, and Manufac- 
tures, embracing records of American and other patent inventions— 
accounts of Manufactures, Arts, §-c.—observations on Natural His- 
tory and Mechanical Science, &c. Gc. Edited by J. P. Marss, Prof. 
of Chemistry and Natural Philosophy in the National Academy of 
Design, N 
The first number of this journal made its appearance in February 
of the present year, and we are reminded, by the receipt of the con- 
cluding (sixth) number of the first volume, of our remissness in not 
sooner recognizing so valuable a contemporary. The prospectus 
states that it is intended peculiarly for the mechanics of this country, 
and the leading articles have had a corresponding character. Thus, 
a series of papers has been published ‘*On the Art of Building,” 
“Manufacture of white lead,’? ‘Mechanics’ vade mecum,” bein 
tables of strength, weight, &c., with rules for the practical applica- 
tion of the same to the daily requisitions of the mechanic. Reports 
of the Mechanics’ Institute are also given regularly, as well as those 
of several other societies, as the N. Y. Lyceum of Natural History, 
National Academy of Design, General Society of Tradesmen, &c. 
This journal is so successfully applied to the elucidation of practi- 
eal science, and its applications to the arts, that it seems peculiarly 
suited to the character of the American mechanic and practitioner, 
while the excellence of some of its original articles entitles it to the 
high consideration of all. These features will, we hope, ensure for 
the American Repertory ‘an extensive patronage. We shall take 
pleasure in enriching our pages, as opportunity occurs, with miscella- 
ects from it. It is published monthly in New York, at $4 
aw aa at the fest: “aon contains 483 pages. 
