Miscellanies. 18ft 



al nerves the author thinks there may be some connection between 

 the electrical and the respiratory functions, and that the electricity 

 developed is perhaps employed to decompose water so as to furnish 

 air to the organs, in positions in which the animal cannot obtain that 

 of the atmosphere. The author considers the mucous system of the 

 torpedo as fulfilling important functions in the economy of this ani- 

 mal, in consequence of its connections with electric nerves. Con- 

 trary to the assertion of Mr. Hunter, he finds that the electric or- 

 gans, are slightly furnished with blood vessels. He concludes by 

 some remarks upon the particular characters of the electricity of the 

 torpedo, the different employments to which it appears to be destined, 

 and the varieties which different individuals offer in this respect, ac- 

 cording to age, sex and other circumstances. — Philos. Mag. and 

 Journal of Science, JVo. 1. July, 1832. 



4. Montyon Prizes. 

 Extracted and Translated by 0. P. Hubbard. 



In Mechanics. — ^The Academy awarded two medals of gold, of 

 the value of three hundred francs each, one to M. Thilorier, for his 

 new air pump, which operates without the aid of a movable piece, 

 the other to M. Pixii fils, for the ingenious arrangements which he 

 has introduced into electro-magnetic apparatus. 



For the discovery of the means of rendering any art or trade less 

 unhealthy. — The Academy awarded nine thousand francs, to M. Is- 

 raael Robinet, glass worker, of the glass house of Bacarat, for the 

 invention of an instrument, a proper substitute for the blowing of the 

 lungs in the construction of crystal glass, — giving more power and 

 perfection to the processes of fabrication. 



A memoir by Gendrin, upon the use of sulphuric lemonade as a 

 preventive of, and remedy in lead colic, — was presented to the Acad- 

 emy and recommitted to the author for more observations in support 

 of the efficacy of this mode of treatment. 



In medicine. — The Academy awarded to M. Dr. Rousseau, for his 

 experiments upon the efficacy of the leaves of the holly in intermit- 

 tent fevers, fifteen hundred francs. 2. M. Lecanu, for his chemi- 

 cal researches upon blood, the same sum. 3. M. Parent Du Chate- 

 let, for his eperiraents to ascertain at what point, the water-rotting of 

 hemp is injurious to its soundness, an equal sum. 4. M. Manec, for 

 his treatise, theoretical and practical, upon the ligature of the arte- 

 ries, four thousand francs. 5. M. Bennati, for his physiological re- 



