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might be resorted to as a temporary float in a moment of 
emergency; or drifting upon the ocean, to convey a line from 
a distressed ship to the shore ; the only condition requisite to 
sustain the floating qualities of the buoy being the continued 
wetness of the surface, which would retain the atmospheric 
air. Capillary attraction was exhibited in the absorption of 
moisture by inferior bricks of houses, and by various articles 
of clothing. This interesting subject was so treated as to 
render it popular and highly attractive ; and it is much to 
be regretted that there was not a larger company to profit by 
the results of Mr. Pearsall's philosophical research. A 
promise was given for a renewal of the subject on a future 
occasion. 
