1 9'^ Scientific Intelligence. — Political Eco^iomij, 
a foot, the usual estimate of chemists. Where the gas has to be 
made ou purpose for the engine, its application appears still more 
dubious, as gas-mahing forms a business abundantly nice and 
complex of itself, and quite incompatible with that simplicity 
which every mechanical power should possess. 
POLITICAL ECONOMY. 
S9. Friendlif Societies. — In a former Number, we noticed the 
Eesults of the Highland Society’s Inquiry into the rate of Sick- 
ness and Mortality among the members of Friendly Societies in 
Scotland. From the able and perspicuous Report drawn up by' 
a Committee of that body, we were led to anticipate, that those 
laudable and highly useful institutions would immediately per" 
eeive the erroneous principles upon which they had hitherto very 
generally proceeded, and take speedy measures for placing them- 
selves on a more secure footing. We are now happy to state, 
that our expectations have been realised, and that numerous So- 
cieties have already begun to revise their laws, and to regulate 
their contributions and allowances according to rules deduced 
fi'om experience and distinctly laid down in the Report. By 
many Societies, recourse has been had to professional account- 
ants for assistance ; and we know that The Edinburgh Com- 
positors’ Society has already in the press a very judicious set of 
Laws, with Remarks on the Constitution and prevailing Errors of 
Friendly Societies. These Remarks we have seen. They are writ-' 
ten in a clear and popular style, and contain an interesting state- 
ment on the subject by James Skirving, Esq. accountant, a gen- 
tleman who assisted in framing the Tables in the Highland So- 
ciety’s Report. These Remarks and Laws, are, we believe, to 
be immediately published ; and we would strongly recommend 
a perusal of them, to all those who take an interest in securing 
the stability and success of Benefit Societies. , 
Aut. XXIX. qf Patents granted in Scotland from ISih 
August to 2d December 
55. Joseph Foot of Church Street, Spittalfields, in the 
county of Middlesex, silk-manufacturer, for “ An improved 
umbrella.” Sealed at Edinburgh 1st September 18,^4. 
