Scientific Intelligence, 305 



2. Dr. Webster'' s Cabinet. 



Dr. Webster, having spent two or three years in Europe, 

 in professional studies, during which time he devoted much 

 attention to mineralogy and geology, with the ample aide 

 afforded by the cabinets and distinguished teachers in Scotland, 

 France, and England, has recently returned to his own coun- 

 try, and has brought with him a very select and considerably 

 extensive cabinet of minerals, with which, and with American 

 specimens, he illustrates his lectures. We understand that 

 the collection contains some thousand specimens, and is good 

 in the English and Scotch minerals ; also in the Siberian cop- 

 pers ; it contains a suite of three hundred geological specimens 

 from Freyberg, from granite to gravel. The geological part 

 is extensive, and was increased by numerous pedestrian tours 

 in England and Scotland ; most of the geological specimens 

 have been examined, in company with Professor Jameson. 

 The volcanic part is good, from the extensive opportunities 

 which Dr. Webster enjoyed in the Azores, in which, on his 

 return to this country, he spent some time, and found much to 

 interest him. His observations will soon be given to the pub- 

 lic, in a work entitled Remarks on the Azores or Western Islands. 



It is well known that they are volcanic, and of course afford 

 the usual volcanic substances. The most interesting part is 

 that occupied by the boiling fountains, in many respects similar 

 to the Geysers of Iceland, excepting that the water is not 

 ejected to any considerable height ; but the incrustations, the 

 sinter, and sulphur, are every way equal to any specimens 

 which Dr. Webster saw in Sir G. Mackenzie's collection. 



We are much gratified in noticing both what Dr. Webster 

 has done and is still doing. We are persuaded that he will 

 do much towards promoting the cultivation of American mine- 

 ralogy and geology, and especially in the enlightened commu- 

 nity in which he resides. 



We cordially wish him success, and trust that it will be en- 

 sured by the patronage of the citizens of Boston. 



Vol. I. ...No. 3. 24 



