284 THE OBSERVATORY AT ST, MARTIN, ISLE JESUS, C. E. 



its spark. On this subject we cannot avoid a reflection on the fate of 

 the unfortunate Richman. In this case such precautions are adopted 

 as will obviate any casualties whatever ; great precaution, however, is 

 required in these experiments, and Dr. Smallwood, fully aware of it, 

 has the whole placed in connection with the earth by means of a brass 

 chain and iron rod. As another proof of Dr. Smallwood's ingenuity 

 and mechanical skill, we may notice that the whole of this apparatus, 

 even to the electrometers, is the result of his own handicraft; and the 

 whole arrangements in the little room are a signal proof how much a 

 man may do unaided, and how well he can effect an object if thrown 

 entirely upon his own resources. 



On the right wall of the apartment are suspended the barometers, 

 of which there are three. 1. A standard of Newman's ; 2. Another 

 of Negretti's, but of different construction ; and 3. One of Dr. 

 Smallwood's own construction. The means of the three observations 

 is the measure adopted for the observation. 



The only other instrument deserving of notice is the one to deter- 

 mine the terrestrial radiation ; and this also has been made by Dr. 

 Smallwood. It consists of a mirror of speculum metal, (composed 

 of copper, zinc, and tin,) of six inches in diameter, and wrought into 

 the form of a parabolic surface, in the focus of which, at the distance 

 of eight feet, a self-registering spirit thermometer is placed. The 

 construction of this was a labor requiring great nicety in execution, 

 and involving the sacrifice of much time ; but perseverance even here 

 conquered the difficulties, and we witnessed a mirror whose reflecting 

 powers would not have disgraced Lord Ross' telescope. In fact, 

 placed in a telescope, it has, we are informed, proved itself capable of 

 resolving those singular stellar curiosities— the double stars. 



Dr. Smallwood certainly deserves great credit for his perseverance 

 in a favorite study, under the most unpromising circumstances ; but 

 in nothing is he so remarkable as in that peculiar ingenuity which 

 has led him to overcome difficulties in the prosecution of scientific 

 enquiry, which, to most minds, would have been utterly discouraging. 



The Natural History Society of Montreal have petitioned the 

 legislature for a grant of money to enable them to publish Dr. Small- 

 wood's tables of observations for the last twelve years. This is a 

 measure, on which no diff"erence of opinion can be anticipated, and 

 must meet with the support of every man who has the welfare of 

 science and Canada at heart. 



