45 
MISCELLANEOUS INTELLIGENCE. 
On the Constant of the Aberration of Light.—Mr. Richardson of the Green- 
wich observatory, has found the constant of aberration to be 20’505 by Trough- 
ton’s circle, and 20502 by Jones’ circle, from 4119 observations made during 
the years 1825, 6, 7, and 8. — 
Analysis of the Hisingeriie, or Silicate of Iron, from Riddarhytian in Swes 
den.—-Mr. Hisinger has given an analysis of this mineral, which has for its for- 
mula, 
fS+FS+4Aq. 
Poggendorff’s Annaien, vol. xili. p. 55. 
Analysis of the Thrauliie or Silicate of Iron, from Bodenmais in Bavaria.— 
According to Dr. Kobell’s analysis, the following formula may be deduced, 
fS43TS+5Aq : 7 
Ibid, vol. xiv. p. 467. 
Seleniuret of Silver found in Seleniuret of Lead.—Professor G. Rose of Ber- 
lin, has found seleniuret of silver in the specimens of seleniuret of lead, from Til- 
kerode on the Harz.—Jbid, vol. xiv. p. 471. 
Quartz Crystals containing Anthracite Coal and Liquids.—The students of 
Rensselaer school have found many quartz crystals containing anthracite coal. 
There were two specimens with liquid, and one of them had a piece of coal float- 
ing in the liquid.—Siliiman’s Journal, No. xxxii. p. 362. 
Edinburgh.—On Friday evening, July 31. at the close of his lectures, Pro- 
fessor Graham delivered his annual prizes for the best essays and collections of 
plants. Three herbaria, collected in the environs of Edinburgh, appeared in 
competition ; but one of them was declared unqualified, from some accidental 
irregularity in its presentation. The gold medal was adjudged to a very respec- 
table collection of plants, made by Mr. John Bushnan, member of the Pli- 
nian Society, and the silver medal to Mr. John Balfour. The subject which had 
been proposed for an essay, was ‘‘ the relation of the properties of plants to their 
natural affinities 5” but there was not a single competitor. The professor, in ree 
marking that this was the first time that Snel an occurrence had happened, took 
the opportunity of expressing his surprise that so interesting a subject should 
have been neglected by his class,—a subject which he thought might be made the 
ebject of an excellent thesis, and which he should take care to propose again next 
year, when it might be better appreciated. Professor Graham concluded by an 
elegant address to his pupils on the advantage to be derived from botanical 
studies, and by a sincere expression of his wishes for their welfare. 
Glasgow.—The king has been pleased to appoint William Couper, M.D. 
F.R.S.E. to the chair of Natural History in this university, vacant by the death 
of Lockhart Muirhead, LL. D.— Observer, Sept. 18 Who is Dr. Couper? 
Manchester Banksien Society.—A new society has been established in Man- 
chester under this name, the object of which is the prosecution of the different 
branches of Natural History. The society is to form a library, to hold meetings 
for the reading of papers and discussions, and to give occasional lectures. 
Natural History Society of Montreal.—This society has originated almost 
entirely from the labours of a member of the Plinian Society, Mr. Robert Ar- 
mour; and from the spirit which has actuated its members, even in its earliest 
infancy, and from its peculiarly advantageous situation, much real benefit to 
natural science may be anticipated. Its museum already contains, besides many 






