48 M. Arago on the Egyptian Hieroglyphical Writings* 



the phonetic values assigned by Young to different hieroglyphics, 

 could only repose upon readings which had not, and could not, 

 be made. From his ignorance of the composition of white light, 

 Hooke had not an exact idea of the nature of interferences, as 

 Young, on his part, deceived himself concerning a pretended 

 syllabic and disyllabic value of hieroglyphics. Young, by una- 

 nimous consent, is considered as the author of the theory of in- 

 terferences ; and hence, as it appears to me, by inevitable con- 

 sequence, Champollion ought to be regarded as the author of 

 the discovery of hieroglyphics. 



I regret I did not sooner think of this method of agree- 

 ment. If Dr Young whilst living had been offered the alterna- 

 tive of being considered the author of the doctrine of interfer- 

 ences, making over the hieroglyphics to Champollion, or of keep- 

 ing the hieroglyphics, and giving over to Hooke the ingenious 

 optical theory, I have no doubt he would have been all anxiety 

 to recognize the claims of our illustrious compatriot. Even then 

 there would have remained to him, what none would have dis- 

 puted, the right of bearing in the history of the memorable 

 discovery of hieroglyphics, that part which Kepler, Borelli, 

 Hooke, and Wren, bear in the history of universal gravitation. 



Remarks on the GarnMrk and Glasgow Railway. By Mr 

 George Martin, Edinburgh. * 



Railroads, notwithstanding the visionary objections of cer- 

 tain theorists, and the prejudices of a few individuals denomi- 

 nating themselves practical men, are gradually securing for 

 themselves the approbation and support of the enlightened por- 

 tion of the community. 



The Stockton and Darlington, the Liverpool and Manches- 

 ter Railways, two of the greatest undertakings of this descrip- 

 tion yet opened for the benefit of the public, have deservedly 

 attracted the attention of all who feel interested in the advance- 

 ment of science and commerce. 



Much has been written on their construction, and not a little 



* Head before the Society of Arts for Scotland, 22d April 1835. 



