1846 .] 
THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE. 
513 
P. S. T received at the same time the following letter from M. Lebrun, peer of 
France, Director of the royal printing: office, and of the Journal des Savuns. 
Paris, March 17, 1846. 
Sir : I have the honor to advise you that, at my suggestion, his Excellency the 
Keeper of the Seals (Minister of Justice) has just granted to the National Institute 
a gratuitous subscription to the “Journal des Savans,” including the volumes 
published since 1st January, 1844. These numbers, and those to be published 
hereafter, will be placed at your disposition, &c. LEBRUN 
The continuation of this important work, with that of the Bulletin de l’Academie 
des Sciences, and numbers of other important publications, of which but one copy 
is to be disposed of in behalf of the United States, have been sent to me to be pre¬ 
sented to the National Institute, &c. ^ y 
Francis Markoe, Jr. Esq., 
Corresponding Secretary of the National Institute , Washington. 
LETTER FROM Dr. MACGOWAN, PRESENTING VARIOUS ARTICLES 
OF CHINESE MANUFACTURES. 
Ningpo, October , 1845. 
Sir : I beg to transmit for the museum of the National Institute the accompany¬ 
ing articles, to illustrate the state of some of tho manufactures of this part of the 
Chinese empire. I purpose forwarding by some future opportunity a variety of 
seeds, with specimens of horticultural produce, with a view to their introduction 
into the United States. I am, sir, respectfully, yours, 
D. J. MACGOWAN. 
P. S. Does tho Institute publish a journal of its proceedings? If so, I should be 
glad to receive a copy. Address D. J. Macgowan, M. D., Ningpo, China. 
To F. Markoe, Jr., Esq. 
Corresponding Secretary of the National Institute , Washington. 
List. 
1. The common brick, used in the north of China for building purposes generally, 
but especially for thin, light walls. The groove on the upper surface receives a 
bamboo rod, connected at each end to posts which extend from the ground to the 
ceiling. They are well adapted for partitions in upper rooms, and in China are 
cheaper than boards. 
2. The tile, used in the construction of thick walls. A series of hollow squares 
are formed with them, which are filled up with earth and rubbish. 
3. The tile used for roofs. These articles aro all made from a ferruginous clay 
which turns blue in burning. They are made of various sizes. 
4. Straw shoes and sandals—articles which, at some future day, if not now, 
might be introduced into some parts of the Union. 
5. Specimens of Chinese cutlery—a pair of scissors, a razor, and some needles. 
The first two articles are sold for between two and three cents each. Twenty-four 
of the latter are sold for a cent. 
6. Specimen of the grass twine in common use in China. 
7. A brush, of bamboo and hogs’ bristles. 
8. Soap made from lard and a species of steatite. It possesses active detergent 
properties, but is employed only for cloth. 
9. Specimen of the candles made from the product of the tallow tree, ( craton 
sibiferum.) The size sent sells for less than half a cent. The accompanying 
candlestick is of the usual form. 
10. A Chinese lock and key ; cost but five cents each. 
The box will leave Canton for New York probably in December, and will be 
forwarded to Washington by my friends in New York. 
