164 Miscellanies. 



2L To miner cilogists, geologists, <^c. — H. H. Haydeii, Esq. au- 

 thor of Geological Essays, having on hand a number of volurries of 

 the above work, requests us to propose to the mineralogists of the 

 United States, an exchange of one or more copies, for an indefinite 

 number of the minerals of their respective districts. Mr. H. not be- 

 ing aware of the value at which some persons may estimate minerals, 

 has mentioned an indefinite number, leaving it discretionary, and en- 

 tirely to the liberality of those who may fee! a desire to possess the 

 work. He hopes, hov/ever, that it will not be undervalued by those 

 who know how to appreciate the labor, and unavoidable expense 

 C'scessarily required in its prosecution. To any person or persons 

 wishing for one or more copies, Mr. H. will send them to any part 

 of the United States, free, as far as practicable, of all expense, and 

 will, likewise, incur the expense of transport of such minerals as 

 may be sent in return. Mr. Hay den adds : — 



"In my visit to the gold regions I found, at several of the mining 

 locations, that what many called a mica slate, was in fact a talcose 

 slate. Mr. Keating is now on a tour to the Floridas, taking the gold 

 region in his course. A few days since he wrote me from Charloits- 

 ville, Va. — He informs me that he has crossed the gold region and 

 has visited several of the mines, and finds that the rock in which the 

 veins occur is " a talcose slate." With such authority to support me, 

 I think my word may pass current."* Baltimore, Md. 



22. Reflections on the decline of Scie7ice in England ; by Charles 

 Babhage, Lucasian Prof, of Math, in the Univ. of Cambridge. — 

 Some notices in the English Journals had prepared us for this vol- 

 umef of 232 pages. Even if the task were a grateful one, we have 

 neither time nor room to present an analysis of this work. We confess 

 we cannot be gratified by learning, that the Royal Society of London, 

 so long admired and venerated^, is in a state of dotage, and that it is 

 abused for purposes of personal ambition and aggrandizement. It be- 

 comes its members, however, to vindicate themselves from the charges 

 which Prof. Babbage, openly and fearlessly, brings against them, as 

 well as against other societies and distinguished individuals. His 



* It will be observed that this view coincides with Prof. Eaton's opinion, expressed 

 in- this and a former number. — Ed. 



t Received through the kindness of a friend in London. We have also received a 

 pampnletof23pages, (second edition,) containing thirty six charges against the presi- 

 dent and councils of the Royal Saciety , by Sir James South, a member, who, in antici- 

 pation of a possible result, concludes by saying, that '■'where admission is no honor, 

 expulsion can be no disgrace.''^ 



