404 Scimtijic Intelligence.’^Geography. 
tion of the magnetic poles of the earth may be determined from 
observations with regard to the variation of the compass in their 
neighbourhood. The observations of the English navigators in 
the north-west polar seas, have proved, in the most satisfactory 
manner^ the situation of the North American magnetic pole. In 
Siberia, where the other north magnetic pole lies, we have no 
determinations of that sort, except those founded on Stadtsraad 
Schubert’s observations of the variation of the compass, which I 
have employed in that paper. In a particular manner, we v^ant 
altogether the observations both with regard to the dip of the 
needle, and the magnetic intensity which are so necessary to de- 
termine the longitude of the magnetic axis, and its comparative 
internal force. To supply this want, and to promote the inves- 
tigation of a theory so important both to navigation and to our 
physical knowledge of the earth, his Majesty our gracious King 
has given permission to the undersigned to undertake a journey 
of from two to three years through Siberia to Kamtchatka. Be- 
sides the magnetic observations, which are the chief purpose of 
this journey, experiments will be made with the pendulum, to 
assist in obtaining a more accurate determination of the figure of 
the globe, together with such observations as may tend to ascer- 
tain geographical, hypsometrical, and meteorological points ; and, 
in short, every thing contributing to physical science, which abi- 
lity, time and circumstances enable him to accomplish. He 
trusts, too, that steps will be taken to prevent so fine an oppoi% 
tunity of enriching natural history from passing without advan- 
tage — -Hanstecn, 
HISTORY. 
4. Notice regarding Copernicus . — The name of this celebrated 
* It must be a matter of hopeful expectation to men of science to look forward 
to the accomplishment of the expedition which Professor Haristeen has here an- 
nounced. Particular circumstances, we understand, have as yet prevented its com- 
mencement. We trust, however, that an undertaking so worthy of the patronage 
of the King, and of a country in which science is taking fast and deep root, - not 
be long delayed. In the mean time, the public will not fail to give the credit "so 
amply due to the Professor, whose zeal for science, which he is so wxll qualified to 
promote, makes him desirous, leaving for so long a time his interesting family, to 
expose himself to the hardships and dangers of every kind attending such a journey, 
of which it is scarcely possible for us to have aay conception^ 
