1817.) Scientific Intelligence. 409 
chemist died (of fever, I think) during 1787; but the University, 
on May 1, 1788, I think, announced as a prize essay, © The best 
account of the modern discoveries respecting the composition of 
water ;”” prize—a silver medal; the candidates to be such students 
as had finished the logic, ethic, and natural philosophy classes. As 
few such students had turned their attention to chemistry, the same 
prize essay was again announced May 1, 1789, and adjudged May 
1, 1790. Of this essay I possess the first copy. It was composed 
during the session 1789, 1790; and contains Lavoisier’s doctrines 
respecting caloric, carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, &c.; with the appli- 
cation of these doctrines to explode the theory of phlogiston, and 
to explain a variety of phenomena. 
Although this author’s atomic theory had been as extensively 
known as Lavoisier’s work, the above facts would subvert his claim 
to the sole honour of exploding the phlogistic doctrine ; but as this 
work has been long out of print, and has never been till now heard 
of, by many readers of chemical works, the claim seems still more 
extravagant. 
I am far from wishing to depreciate the character of this author. 
T believe he is a distinguished chemist: but by claiming more than 
his due, he will be in danger of reducing his reputation, as a man, 
below its proper level. ; 
Iam, Sir, your most obedient servant, 
Glasgow, March 12, 1817. James Warr, M.D. 
XI. Sale of Minerals. 
(To Dr. Thomson.) 
SIR, 25, King-street, St. James’s, March 19, 18117. 
Finding that you have occasionally allowed a place in your pages 
to notices respecting sales of minerals, I beg leave to inform. you 
that 1 am preparing one which is to begin about the end of April. 
I cannot speak of its duration; but I purpose to divide the whole 
into sections of three days each, to take place at short intervals. 
Very often having been asked -after what manner I would arrange 
my two private collections (which I have some intention to place 
according to Werner, modifying them, however, as I may see 
proper) I have been led by those questions to lot my sale agreeably 
with Werner’s system, deviating from it only in those cases where 
chemistry does not permit the families to be followed up, conform- 
ably with the opinions of other enlightened naturalists. That the 
patience of the collectors may not be wearied, I shall intersect each 
day’s sale with labelled lots, not referring to the system, but always 
consisting of some interesting and scarce substances. On former 
occasions the earlier days’ sales principally consisted of products, 
which I sacrificed with pleasure in favour of young collectors and of 
trade ; but J confess that I found it somewhat amusing to perceive 
combinations amongst some of the purchasers, who on such an oc- 
casion, about two years ago, were assured in the sale-room that it 
