254 Scientific Intelligerice: [MArcmy 
To the first query, R. M.A. replies, that in the year 1814 he 
received from Col. Mudge himself the declaration, that the pen- 
dulum experiments at the different stations had long been a part of 
his proposed operations. R. M. A. does not now affirm, nor did he 
in his communication of Oct. 4, 1816, that the pendulum experi- 
ments, ‘ as connected with the subject of weights and measures,” 
were in Col. Mudge’s contemplation. He apprehends that the 
Colonel’s intentions were to make such experiments, with reference 
to the determination of the figure of the earth: but this is a point 
on which R. M. A. is not inclined to speak positively, however 
decisively he can aver as to the Colonel’s declaration. 
In answer to the second guery, R. M. A. has to remark, that he 
saw at Woolwich, more than a year and a half ago, the astrono- 
mical clock which he mentioned in his former communication ; and 
was then told for what purpose it was principally intended. As to « - 
“ the operations which are mow pursuing on that important subject,” 
R. M. A. does not pretend to be in possession of the secret with 
respect to them, and he is unwilling to occupy the space of the 
Annals of Philosophy in the detail of mere rumours. If R.M. A., 
however, has been rightly informed, there are no ‘* operations now 
pursuing” in consequence of the Resolution of the House of 
Commons to which Civis refers. Lord Stanhope’s measures in the 
House of Lords rendered that resolution nugatory. The subject of 
pendulums for a while exercised the ingenuity of some of the ma~ 
thematical Fellows of the Royal Society, and of Mr. Troughton, 
the deservedly celebrated astronomical instrument maker. But 
unless R. ©. A. has been misinformed, every thing of this kind is 
now suspended ; and it is doubtful whether it will be resumed, 
except by MM. Biot and Arago, in conjunction with Col. Mudge. 
Should these three philosophers employ, as is conjectured, a part 
of the present year in such operations, there can be no question, 
from the nature of their previous labours, that what they may thus 
accomplish will have reference principally (though, of course, not 
altogether) to the figure of the earth. 
Feb. 1, 1817. 
XX. Lectures. 
Mr. Clarke will commence his next Course of Lectures on 
Midwifery, and the Diseases of Women and Children, on Thursday, 
March 20. The lectures are read every morning, from a quarter 
past ten toa quarter past eleven, for the convenience of students 
attending the hospitals, at the lecture room, No. 10, Saville-row, 
Burlington Gardens. 
XXI. System of Chemistry. 
Dr. Thomson has just commenced the printing of a new edition 
of his “ System of Chemistry.” The work will be entirely re- 
modelled; and, it is expected, will be comprised in four octave 
volumes. 
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