12 HENRY, LORD BROUGHAM. 



siders that Sir Isaac Newton's experiments to prove thai the fringes formed by 

 the inflexion and bordering the shadows of all bodies, are of different breadths 

 when formed by the homogeneous rays of different kinds, are the foundation of 

 his theory, and would be perfectly conclusive if the different rays were equally 

 bent out of their course by inflexion : for in that case the line joining the centres 

 of the fringes of the shadow being, as he fmnd them, of different lengths, the 

 fringes must be of different breadths. Experiments are adduced in the paper 

 to show that this property of different flexibility exists, which Sir Isaac Neil ban 

 had not remarked.* 



Wi'.h the record of the pnblieation of his Lordship's comprehensive work, en- 

 titled The British Constitution ; if a Sutory, Structure, and Jhmetiont, our sketch 

 most close. This volume has appeared within the present month (January), 

 with an admirable dedication to Hit Majesty, in which graceful allusion is made 

 to the course adopted with respect to the second pati ragbam peer* 



age, giving him the same title, but with limitation, in default of heirs male, to 

 Lis brother, William Brougham, Esq., and his heirs male. 

 " To the Queen. 

 "Madame, — I presume to lay at your Majesty's feet a work, the result of 

 ears' diligent study, much cabxi reflection, and a long life's experience. 

 It professes to record facts, institute comparisons, draw conclusions, and ex- 

 pound principles, often too little considered in tins country by those who enjoy 

 ittmabie blessings of our political System ; and little understood in other 

 countries by those who are endeavouring to naturalize il among themselves, and 

 for whose success the wishes of all must be more hearty than their hopes can be 

 sanguine. 



"The subject of the book, The British Constitution, has a natural con- 

 nexion with your Majesty's auspicious reign, which is not more adorned by the 

 domestic virtues of the Sovereign than by the strictly constitutional oxer 

 her high office, redounding to the Becurity of the Crown, the true glory of the 

 monarch, and the happiness of the people. Entirely joining with all my fellow- 

 citizens in feelings of gratitude towards such a ruler, I have individually a deep 

 of the kindness with which vour Majesty has gnu-ioit-ly extended the 



honours formerly bestowed, the reasons assigned for that favour, and the 

 dents followed in granting it, 



"With these sentiments of humble attachment and respect, I am, your 

 Majesty's most faithful and most dutiful servant, 



" Brougham. 



" Brougham Hall, 11th December, 1S60." 



The accompanying portrait, which represents Lord Brougham addressing the 

 House of Lords, is from a remarkably fine photograph bj Mayall. 



* Year-Book of Facts, 1854, p. 171. 



CONTENTS. 



Mechanical and Useful Arts 13 — 127 



Natural Pbixosopht 128 — I5t3 



Electrical Science 157 — 168 



On mica i. Science 109 — 201 



Natubai History : 



Zoology 202—232 



Botajtz 



m,v and Mini:kai.m<;y 288 



ABTBOBOMIOAL and MbTBOBOIiOQIGAI I '-277 



Obituary Li-t 278— 2S3 



