Scientific Intelligence.*- Anthropology. 875 
same thing for us to measure the increase by units of depth, or 
to measure the excess of temperature of the surface. When we 
examine attentively, and according to the principles of dynamic 
theories, all the observations relative to the figure of the earth, 
we cannot doubt that this planet had received a very elevated 
temperature at its origin ; and, on the other hand, thermometri- 
cal observations shew that the actual distribution of heat in the 
earth’s envelope is precisely that which would have taken place 
if the globe had been formed in a medium of a very high tem- 
perature, and had afterwards been constantly cooled. This ac- 
cordance of the two kinds of observations is worthy of being re- 
marked. The question of the terrestrial temperature has always 
appeared to us, adds M. Fourier, one of the greatest objects in 
cosmological studies ; and we have had it chiefly in view in es- 
tablishing the mathematical theory of heat . — Bulletin Universe L 
18. On Molasse Sandstone .* — Studer of Eerne has published a 
large volume in 8vo. with two plates, on the particular sandstone 
rock named in Switzerland Molasse. In it he agrees with Boue 
and Necker in separating the true tertiary molasse from a far 
older calcareous sandstone deposit, which extends from Savoy 
to Austria, all along the base of the Alps. This older molasse 
somewhat resembles the grey wacke of the Apennines, but differs 
from it in containing more organic remains. 
14. Boracic Acid in Lava ?— According to Moricand, in the 
iEolian Isles, boracic acid assists in rendering the lavas more 
easily fusible. Do the lavas and obsidian of Lipari really con- 
tain boracic acid ? The greenstone of Salisbury Craigs in this 
neighbourhood, contains Humboldite, a mineral rich in boracic 
acid. Does the mass of the greenstone rock contain any of this 
curious substance ? 
ANTHROPOLOGY. 
15. Spontaneous Combustion of Spirit Drinkers . — Dr Traill 
has again detected oil in the serum of the human blood. The 
patient was a man addicted to over-indulgence in strong liquors, 
as was the case with all the other individuals in whose blood 
the doctor found oil. This fact, he remarks, suggests curious 
speculations on the connection between intemperance and those 
