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POPULAR SCIENCE REVIEW. 
Influence of Tobacco upon the Nervous System lohcn absorbed by the Skin . — 
Some time ago a French sailor, in endeavouring to smuggle a quantity of 
tobacco, placed the leaves next his skin in this way, covering nearly the entire 
surface of his body. The result was that the perspiratory fluid acting upon 
the tobacco extracted some of its poisonous principles, which being then 
absorbed, produced excessive stupor and nausea. This case having been 
reported to the French Academy, and having interested the savans, M. Gal- 
lavardin compiled a list of various cases of tobacco-poisoning, as shovm by 
intoxication, and presented them in memon-fashion to the society. Among 
the cases cited we find the followino- ; — 
1st. After the application of tobacco-juice in a case of chronic exanthema 
of the neck.^ — {Landerer.) 
2nd. After the external application of tobacco. — [Truchsess.) 
3rd. By frictions made with the residue of tobacco on parts denuded of 
skin. — ( Westrumb.) 
4th. After the application of tobacco juice to an ulcer. — (W alterhall.) 
5th. After the application of powdered tobacco to the skin of the bend of 
the thigh. — {Keskring.) 
6th. After the application of a liniment composed of tobacco and butter 
to the heads of three children. — {Keskring.) 
7th. After the envelopment of the hands, arms, thighs, and legs in linen 
soaked in a warm and strong decoction of tobacco. — (Marigues.) 
From the above list of cases we are fully justified in concluding that tobacco 
when applied to the skin (whether the latter be entire or not), produces 
symptoms of intoxication which are quite analogous to those observed when 
the active principle of tobacco has been absorbed into the system, through 
other channels. — Vide report of M. Gallavardin’s paper in Comptes Bendns, 
August 1. 
METALLUKGY AND MINING. 
Hoiu to Supply High-Pressure Air for the Lights in Mines. — A new method 
of supplying compressed air to the lanterns in mines, is proposed by the Eev. 
W. K. Bowdich, of Wakefield, and is as follows : — The air having been con- 
densed by a pump or other suitable means, is conveyed in pipes to a receiver, 
and thence to the light to be supplied. The light naked, or in a safety lamp, 
is placed in a lantern, which has an aperture for the admission of the pure air, 
and one for the exit of the surplus air and products of combustion. The 
condensed air is conducted through a pipe which fits closely into the lantern, 
and by this air combustion is supported. The air being supplied to the 
lantern under pressure, prevents the entry of fire-damp or any other dangerous 
gas that may surround the apparatus. Air under pressure is apt occasionally 
to extinguish the light to which it is supphed, and to flow to waste, if the 
current be not properly regulated : to prevent this it is passed through a pipe 
obstructed by screw-plugs, so that its flow may be regulated according to the 
supply needed. — Vide Mining and Smelting Magazine for September. 
A huge casting of a 160-ton anvil block was some time ago successfully 
accomplished at the works of Messrs. Stanley & Co. The casting-shop in 
which the monster was brought into shape and form, was that in which 
