1809.] 
, 
hehds that this substance is not a simple 
earth, as it has been hitherto supposed 
and classed by modern chemists, but the 
acidifying principle, oxygen, in an actu- 
ally concrete state; since he conceives 
that not omy lime, but-the whole list of 
the earths, differ so manifestly in their 
nature and properties from silez, that, 
according to our author, it would appear 
preposterous to associate them in the: 
same class. The earths possess the 
powers of alkaline bodies neutralizing 
the acids, and forming with each spe- 
cies peculiar neutfal salts; having all 
that distinctly marked attraction for 
_acids which the alkalies themselves have. 
“Silex,” says he, ‘€ on the contrary, 
has not only no such character, but in 
all its combinations it acts rather the 
part of an acid, and prefers evidently 
an alkali, an earth, or a metal, to any 
ya 
acid whatever; and the most complete 
combinations are those in which this 
element predominates.” See Monthly 
Magazine for June, p.185. The au- 
thor is, we appreliend, right in conjec- 
turing that any controversy to which 
this perfectly novel notion might give 
birth, will be speedily dissipated by the 
transcendental, the omnipotent powers, 
and agency of the Voltaic Electricity. 
However it may terminate, Mr. Hume 
is entitled to every praise for his perse- 
vering in a course so eccentric, and for 
giving a new and quite opposite character 
and designation to si/ex than has hereto- 
fore been thought of by chemists; and 
which, though it may not be just, -vet 
such is the present condition of the 
science, that the contrary of what he has 
advanced cannot be maintained. But 
more are busied on this important topic; 
and the dispute must be speedily put to 
rest. We shall think it altogether pre- 
mature to offer our opinion, in the 
present state of the question. Severe 
experiment will, as it ought, decide. 
~With the conclusion of the session of 
parhament, the hopes of Mr. Windsor, 
and those who had applied for the cer- 
tain exclusive privileges, under the name 
of the Gas Light und Coke Company, were 
suspended, by the Bill having been lost. 
We are, however, well convinced, that 
this subject is by no means condemned 
to eternal oblivion. The potent and 
gratefully-splendid illumination, produ- 
cible by a fit employment of the purified 
gaseous combustible products of common 
- coal, has excited the admiration of all 
who have beheld it. There are, it is 
true, many obstacles to couquer, before it 
 Gught to be expected, thac apparatus of 
Montury Mac, No, 183. BS 
Literary and Philosophical Intelligence. 
57 
so simple, safe, and certain a nature, 
could be devised, as would render the 
application of this principle part of our 
constant domestic economy. It was re- 
quisite that cheapness should be con- 
nected with simplicity, utility, and effect. 
A graduate of the university, and a well- 
known public lecturer, Dr. StancLrrFe, 
of Cambridge, has completely ac- 
complished these objects = and the means 
_by which his end has been attained, are 
applicable to other departments of prac-= 
tical utility. We can at present only 
announce, that the results of his 
labours are about to be laid before the 
public; and we shall take the earliest op- 
portunity of communicating all that is 
valuable and interesting on this sub- 
ject. : 
The Rev. T. D. Fosprooxr has in the 
press a Dictionary of Antiquities, gene- 
ral and local, on the plan of the French | 
dictionary in the Hncyclopédie Methodique. 
It will inelude the antiquities of ail na- 
tions, as well as those of Great Briain, 
and will be illustrated with plates, ~ 
Literary Intelligence.—A new edition 
of Woon’s Athen2 Oxoniensis is in the 
press, with corrections, and consider- 
able additions. 9 
A Catalogue of the Library of the 
Royal Institution is nearly ready for pub= 
lication: it is methodically arranged, with 
an alphabetical index, and will serve for 
an index to any library. 
The Rev. Ricuarp Cecrt being dis- 
abled by his infirmities, has entrusted the 
publication of his works to his friend, 
Mr. Pratt. They will form three vo- 
lumes octavo, each independent of the 
others. One will contain the Memoirs of 
the Hon. and Rev. W. B. Cadovan, John 
Bacon, esq. R.A. and the Rev. John 
‘Newton. This volume is considerably 
advanced in the press, the Memoirs of 
Mr. Cadogan being finished. It will con- 
tain portraits of Mr, Cecil’s three friends, 
and will appear in the autumn. A second 
volume will consist of Miscellanies; and 
wil contain the different sermons and 
tracts which have been already separate- 
ly printed, with a few pieces which have 
not yet appeared. A third volume wilh 
contain a selection from a very consider= 
able number of Sermons, taken down 
accurately in short-hand, from Mr. C.’s 
‘preaching, by a friend. The Miscella- 
nies will probably be published about 
Christmas, aud the Sermons in the 
spring. e 
The Works of the neglected and de- _ 
spised, but ilustrious, JaMrs Barry, ex- 
professor of painting in the Royal Aca- 
HH demy ; 
