424 



Correspondence. 



has had of making observations, Capt. Miller wishes it to be understood 

 that he merely ascended the causeway or breach in the side of the 

 amphitheatre communicating with the sea, and then ascended about 

 one-third of the inner cone ; unable to get higher, he returned, and next 

 tried to ascend the sides of the amphitheatre, and after climbing half 

 way, was unable to proceed further. 



Capt. Miller has also brought away the seeds of a plant growing on 

 a patch of grass near the causeway, on the margin of the sea, in the 

 curious form of a tent, the stem ascending in the middle, and the 

 leaves falling on every side externally, so as to form a perfect en- 

 closure or shelter within. These seeds are to be sent to Dr. Voigt for 

 the Botanical Garden. J. M. 



The Annals of Electricity, Magnetism, and Chemistry; and Guardian of 

 Experimental Science. On the Chemical Relations now subsisting between 

 Plants and Animals, with reference to those which have subsisted in 

 former ages. In a Lecture delivered at the Conversazione, on Wednes- 

 day, March 9th, 1842. By Dr. Lyon Playfair, Royal Victoria Gallery, 

 Manchester.* 



It is not an idle task to cast a retrospective glance to ages far 

 beyond human ken, or to try to discover the physical and chemical 

 causes which then regulated the production and maintenance of 

 animal and vegetable life. Races of animated beings once lived 

 and performed their destined functions on the earth, but have now 

 passed away for ever. Ages rolled on, and other races were called 

 into being, which have again disappeared, and yielded their places 



* We admire the freedom and success with which the laws of Chemistry are brought to 

 bear, in the elucidation of organic life in the early conditions of our planet, in this paper. 

 We never before recollect to have seen the subject treated in so much detail ; it is at least one 

 of the first attempts to reconcile the laws of chemistry with the progression of organic life, or 

 rather to reconcile the various phases which the latter has assumed, with the chemical condi- 

 tions of the atmosphere during the early ages of the earth; and the ease with which the pro- 

 gressive development of an atmosphere, suited to the existence of the higher classes of animals, 

 is traced from physical causes in this paper, evinces a philosophical spirit of high promise in 

 the author.— Ed. Cat. Jour. Nat. Hist. 



