Miscellanies. 189, 
The, form of the “Conversations” is generally considered as de- 
tracting from its merits and utility, and any attempt at improvement 
in books for elementary instruction is recommended by the previous 
familiarity and experience of the author, which in the present in- 
stance give the work claims to public notice. 
_ 6. Lyceum of Natural History, New York.—This Society, since 
our last notice of its proceedings, has been actively engaged in en- 
deavors to extend its resources, and enlarge its prospects of future 
usefulness, which appear likely to result in speedy and gratifying 
success. ‘The friends of science in New York have come forward to 
aid it, by subscription to shares of a stock, formed by the Society, 
which has already enabled them to purchase ground in a command- 
ing and desirable spot, where, when the subscription is completed, a 
building adequate to all the purposes of the Lyceum will be erected ; 
in which their valuable and rapidly increasmg Museum can be efficient- 
ly displayed; courses of lectures on scientific subjects delivered; and 
where the students, and friends of natural science, may find a ren- 
dezvous not unworthy of. this great metropolis. The following are 
some extracts from their minutes. - 
July 14, 1834.—A specimen of the new mineral, named by Dr. 
Thomson of Glasgow, Bytownite, from Bytown, U. C. where it is 
found, was presented (together with some books,) by Dr. Holmes 
of Montreal. 
Sept. 15.—Dr. Metcalf read a paper, entitled “On molecular 
affinities,” in which he attributed all attractions and repulsions of 
matter, all chemical and electrical affinities, and all motion, to the 
operation of caloric alone. 
Dr. Harlan communicated information received from Dr. Troost, 
of the discovery of the remains of the Megalonyx in a cave in Ten- 
nessee, called Big-bone Cave. Dr. H. further remarked, that the 
bones of the Megalonyx, which he himself had formerly described, 
as having been found in White Cave, Kentucky, he has since ascertain- 
ed to. have come from Big-bone Cave in Tennessee. Through the lib- 
erality of these gentlemen, the Lyceum has received casts of all 
these bones, which are now displayed in their cabinet. 
Mr. D. J. Browne presented a number of shells, principally from 
Teneriffe, among which were several rare species. 
Sept. 22.—Mr. Whelpley, of Cleaveland, Ohio, siseutped the 
formation of a S ciety of Natural History at that place, for which he 
requested donatioi's of minerals. 
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