Miscttlaiiee, on 
without any other electrical agency, than such as was iene bi im- 
mersing the copper in the meget apis © ickbbete 
5. Shooting Stars of Dicesibee 4s 1838.—Ata Bie, of the Royal 
Academy of Brussels, Feb. 6, 1841, M. Quetelet communicated the 
following extract of a letter from M. A. Bravais, officer of the French 
marine, and engaged in the French scientific expedition to the north, 
“ The meteoric shower of December 7, 1838, of which Mr. Herrick 
speaks, (report of session of Oct. 17, 1840,*) was noticed by us at Bos- 
sekop. I am not able to state the whole number of meteors seen at 
that time, but I well remember that nearly all diverged (apparently) 
from the same point of the heavens, situated between the constellations 
of Perseus, Cepheus and Andromeda, about seven o’clock in the eve- 
ning. This point could be determined with great exactness, as we 
noted the places of origin and extinction of each meteor. We have 
then a phenomenon seen at the same time in New Haven, China, Eng- 
land, North Cape, and in France, (Toulon, by M. Flaugergues,) that is, 
over nearly all the northern hemisphere; which argues lat extent 
in the meteoric cloud.”—L’ Institut, No. 385, May 13, 1841... 
6. Scientific Visit of Charles Lyell, Esq. of London, to the United 
ates-—This eminent geologist and gifted writer, arrived at Boston 
say in August with his lady. He will, by invitation, deliver a course 
of lectures on geology in the Lowell Institute, beginning October 19, 
and continuing through six weeks. We doubt not that this etn A 
tained, as we understand it will be, by large and sp 
will be worthy of the distinguished reputation of Mr. "Lyell, and of the 
interest and dignity of the science. We are gratified to learn that he 
will spend a year in this country, occupied in viewing it g geologically. 
He has already visited the States of Massachusetts, Connecticut, New 
nad. after the gonelupan of his course of lec- 
to return to the north in the 
spring. We are haniy. to learn, 
ological interest of this country, : > eur 
of its geologists, are such as will aie ita pleasure to the gentlemen 
engaged in these pursuits in our different states and territories, to facil- 
itate his researches, which we cannot doubt will advance the common 
cause ; while we feel assured that a social intercourse with the accom- 
plished strangers who are now beginning to visit us in - iat num- 
bers, will promote every good national and personal fe 
7. Shower of red matter like blood and muscle —We ae indeed 
» Prof. ‘Troost, of Nashyille, Tennessee, for an interesting ate a 
Tae a er 
> tas Oia Sacdiel: Vol, xxxv, p. 361, and Vol. XEXVI, ps 355. 
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