tl2 Miscellanies. 



* 



hops and Holland gin preparations (tincture of hops) for about one 

 year* I imagined that the gin part injured my memory; although 

 my physicians would not assent to it. Since I am in a measure in- 

 dependent of its use, I am sure my memory is restored. Alcohol has 

 its uses; but still, I verily believe, that none but Armstrong's "ath- 

 letic fools" (where want of brain is compensated by having brawny 

 limbs) can use it in the stomach with impunity. I had never swal- 

 lowed a thimble-full, until I was forty-eight years old. I neither drank 

 cider, nor wine, nor beer. While I used only a very little, as a tinc- 

 ture of hops, my mind seemed clouded, and I could not remember 

 as well. Wine never aids me in the asthma ; therefore I have tried 

 the effects of old Holland gin only. It relieves, temporarily, by pro- 

 tnoting expectoration. I assure you, that after a trial of several years, 

 I have scarcely any confidence in any preparation of alcohol. 



\ 



15. Outlines of Geology, <^c, by Dr. J. L. Comstock. — Dr. Corn- 

 stock is advantageously known to the public, by the compilation, with 

 additional elucidations of his own, of several treatises on different 

 branches of science, for the use of schools. 



His last production is that whose title is stated above. In this 

 work, Dr. C. gives sufficient proof, that he has industriously and care- 

 fully examined the principal modern treatises on geology ; and his 

 abstract, which abounds in interesting and important facts, will serve 

 a valuable purpose to those who have not time and opportunity to ex- 

 amine the original works, and still less, the numerous original memoirs 

 and reports which have supplied the materials. Dr. Comstock's 

 "01111*11165" are perspicuously written, and are illustrated by copies 

 of diagrams and figures from the various works that were consulted. 



A fuller description of the rocks would perhaps have been desira- 

 ble, but this deficiency is, to a degree, compensated, by the facts ci- 

 ted, to support the general views contained in the work. As to the 

 days, Dr. Comstock, (in common with the high authorities whom he 

 has cited) has left the question embarrassed with all the geological 

 difficulties. If we pay any regard to the Mosaic history, the remains 

 of both organic kingdoms, must be disposed of, under the days, and 

 it is impossible that they should be, upon the present limited view of 

 time. All attempts which we have hitherto seen to solve this difficul- 

 ty, without more time than the common interpretation allows, (not 

 more than the history, fairly considered, permits) are in our view, 

 utterly nugatory ; the title of the last chapter of Rasselas, would 

 well describe them all. 



