212 JMiscellanies. 
hops and Holland gin preparations (tincture of hops) for about one 
year. J imagined that the gin part injured my memory; although 
my physicians would not assent to it. Since [ am in a measure in- 
dependent of its use, | am sure my memory is restored. Alcohol has 
its uses; but still, I verily believe, that none but ArmsTrone’s ‘‘ath- 
letic fools” (where want of brain is compensated by having brawny 
limbs) can use it in the stomach with impunity. I had never swal- 
lowed a thimble-full, until I was forty-eight years old. I neither drank 
cider, nor wine, nor beer. While I used only a very little, as a tinc- 
ture of hops, my mind seemed clouded, and I could not remember 
as well. Wine never aids me in the asthma; therefore I have tried 
the effects of old Holland gin only. It relieves, temporarily, by pro- 
moting expectoration. J assure you, that after a trial of several years, 
I have scarcely any confidence in any preparation of alcohol. 
15. Outlines of Geology, &c., by Dr. J. L. Comstock.—Dr. Com- 
stock is advantageously known to the public, by the compilation, with 
additional elucidations of his own, of several treatises on different 
branches of science, for the use of schools. 
His last production is that whose title is stated above. In this - 
work, Dr. C. gives sufficient proof, that he has industriously and care- 
fully examined the principal modern treatises on geology; and his 
abstract, which abounds in interesting and important facts, will serve 
a valuable purpose to those who have not time and opportunity to ex- 
amine the original works, and still less, the numerous original memoirs 
and reports which have supplied the materials. Dr. Comstock’s 
“Outlines” are perspicuously written, and are illustrated by copies 
of diagrams and figures from the various works that were consulted. 
A fuller description of the rocks would perhaps have been desira- 
ble, but this deficiency is, to a degree, compensated, by the facts ci- 
ted, to support the general views contained in the work. As to the 
days, Dr. Comstock, (in common with the high authorities whom he 
has cited) has left the question embarrassed with all the geological 
difficulties. If we pay any regard to the Mosaic history, the remains 
of both organic kingdoms, must be disposed of, under the days, and 
it is impossible that they should be, upon the present limited view of 
time. All attempts which we have hitherto seen to solve this difficul- 
ty, without more time than the common interpretation allows, (not 
more than the history, fairly considered, permits) are in our view, 
utterly nugatory ; the tile of the last chapter of Rasselas, would 
well describe them all. . 
