41 8 Sdentijic I ntelligence. 
Specific gravity at IT centigrade, 1.2288. It contains also ^ 
small quantity of muriate of potash, and traces of a sulphate, 
which is probably sulphate of lime. — Ann. de Chim. et de 
Phys. tom. xi. p. 197. 
16. New Vegetable Alkali called DelpMne^ discovered by M. 
M, Lassaigne and Feneuelle, — In analysing the seed of the Del- 
phinium Staphysagria^ these able chemists have discovered a 
new alkali combined with malic acid. It is a very fine white 
crystalline powder, without smell, appearing brilliant in the sun. 
When thrown upon burning coals, it melts, and burns without 
residue, emitting a white thick smoke of a particular odour. 
It is little soluble in water, but alcohol and sulphuric ether dis- 
solve it with facility. It forms with the sulphuric, nitric, hy- 
drochloric and acetic acids, salts which are very soluble, and 
are extremely bitter and acrid. Potash, soda, and ammonia, 
precipitate the new alkali in a flocculent form. — Ann. de Chim. 
et de Phys.y tom. xi. p. 188. 
III. NATURAL HISTORY. 
MINERALOGY. 
17. Mineralogical Map of Scotland. — Professor Jameson has 
been employed for many years in investigating the minera- 
logical structure of ^ his native country, and has now, we un- 
derstand, collected so extensive a series of facts and observa- 
tions, that he will soon be able to present to the public a Map 
of the Mineralogy of Scotland. Dr MacCulloch, who has had 
the good fortune to be employed in mineral researches in 
Scotland, at the expence of Government, has it also in agitation 
to publish a Map illustrative of the Geology of this country. 
18. American Geological Society.- — An American Geological 
Society has been lately established by an association of gentle- 
men, residing in various parts of the United States. 
19. Mineralogical Society ^ Peter sburg.--^K mineralogical 
society has been established in St Petersburg, of which Baron 
Von VietinghofF is president. When we consider the extent of 
the Russian Empire, and the extra ordinary variety of mineral 
2 
