shells. These upon examination proved to be all bivalves, and for the most part of a single genus-Arca. The fragments are agglutinated together, and are used as a building stone. From the appearances presented by this island, Mr. Dietz concludes that we have here under our own eyes the actual formation of a shell limestone analogous to the secondary shell marbles of Blevberg, Killkenny, and the variegated limestone in the neighbourhood of Hudson, New York.

Botany The first volume of the Flora of the Northern and middle states by Dr. Torrey of this city has just issued from the press. The learned author has embraced all the botanical discoveries made in this country up to this date, and comprised his own, which are neither few nor unimportant. The lovers of botany anxiously look for the appearance of his second and last volume.

Zoology. Mr. J. J. Audubon of New Orleans has been for the last twenty years collecting materials for a history of the birds of this country. We have had an opportunity of inspecting the drawings for this work. They amount to 400 in number, and every drawing is of the size of life. It is estimated that the expense of the engraving alone, if executed in this country, will exceed one hundred thousand dollars.

Chemistry. Professor Hare of Philadelphia has published a pamphlet in reply to Mr. Van Uxem's examination of the pretended diamonds of Professor Silliman. Professor H. maintains that the substance analysed by Mr Van Uxem was not the same product with that formed by professor Silliman. No conclusive evidence, however, is brought forward to invalidate the statement of Mr. Van Uxem, and we must continue to think that Professor Silliman has merely melted the metallic impurities, instead of fusing the charcoal itself. The subject is one which, as our readers are aware, requires the employment of intense heat; we regret that much unnecessary warmth has been betrayed in its discussion.

FOREIGN.

A writer in Jameson's Edinburgh Philosophical Journal comments, at some length, upon the account of Perkins' steam engine, as published by one of the friends of that gentleman, in the Bibliotheque Universelle. "Having read the paper," the writer proceeds to state," we really see nothing to alter the opinions we had previously formed. In place of that clar and philosophical exposition of causes and effects which such a subject demands, and certainly admits of, if any real discovery has been made, we are here presented with such a mass of mere theories and assumptions, together with such fanciful paradoxes and downright absurdities, as we believe have seldom been brought forward in the shape of philosophy. Instead of proceeding with a plain statement of experiments and of consequences deducible from them, or advancing clearly and boldly forward from principles already known to some great and striking conclusion, the author is continually halting in his career, and bewilders himself in a maze of obscure unintelligible speculation, ingeniously contrived, one would think, to puzzle himself and his readers. He occasionally proceeds so clearly and methodically with his principles that you are prepared for some important consequences; instead of which you are landed in some ingenious paradox-some palpable inconsistency-some result which turns out, after all, mere assertion or assumption, or some obvious truth in which you are surprised the author can discover any thing new or important.

"We shall state in proof of what we have said, one or two as a specimen of the propositions maintained by Mr. Perkins. 1. It is said, that, in the generator, or high pressure boiler, the heat is greatest at the top, and decreases towards the bottom against which the flame and heat of the furnace

are principally directed; so that while the temperature of the upper part of the boiler is at 400 degrees, that of the lower parts next the fire, may, in extreme cases, be so low as 40 degrees. 2. Although the water exposed in this manner to the intense heat of a furnace remains permanently cold, yet if any crack or opening should take place in the bottom of the boiler, within which the water is pressed with a force of at least 400 lb. on the inch, no water will issue at the opening. The reason assigned for this we are unable to comprehend or to render intelligible. 3. It is proposed to " pump back the heat" into the boiler, after it has done its office of impelling the piston in the cylinder; to pump it back in the generator, and to cause it, in this way, to act again and again upon the piston; so that in this manner, the author, in the fervor of his imagination, thinks it but reasonable to expect that an apparatus of this kind may be constructed, which, when once sufficiently heated, will continue to move forever, and to drive machinery of itself without any farther consumption of fuel. On looking into his description of this part of the apparatus, we find the plan consists merely in heating the water of the generator by the waste steam of the cylinder,-a plan which has already been frequently proposed, and which is indeed practised, to a certain extent, in every steam-engine in the kingdom."

If these remarks have not been dictated by professional or national jealousy, the pretensions of our ingenious countryman to the discovery of a "new principle" have been overrated. It will be recollected, however, that the account was not written by Mr. Perkins himself, but furnished by one of his friends. It would surely be nothing more than justice towards Mr. Perkins to suspend our opinion until he has completed his experiments. At all events, the charges specified above come with an ill grace from a nation whose only claim to the discovery of the steam engine rests upon a rude guess in the marquis of Salisbury's century of inventions.

LITERARY INTELLIGENCE.

WORKS IN PRESS.

Lionel Lincoln, or the Leaguer of Boston, a Novel, in two volumes, being the first of a series of novels entitled the Legend of the Thirteen Republics.-Charles Wiley. This new work, we understand, is from the pen of the well known author of "The Spy," and will doubtless be worthy of his increasing reputation.

The Valley of Shenandoah, a Novel, in two volumes, descriptive of Southern scenery and manners.-Charles Wiley.

Tales of an American Landlord, containing Sketches of Life South of the Potomac, in two volumes 12mo.—W. B. Gilley. Those who have seen the manuscript of this work speak in very high terms of it.

Todd's Johnson's Dictionary, with Walker's Pronunciation, in one volume, royal octavo.-William Borradaile. This work is intended to supersede Walker's Dictionary, the imperfections of which are now generally acknowledged.

Rollin's Ancient History, in four volumes, 8vo.-William Borradaile. The Works of Robert Burns, in four volumes.-Solomon King.

Universal Geography, or a Description of all the Parts of the World, on a new plan, according to the great natural divisions of the Globe; accompanied with Analytical, Synoptical, and Elementary Tables, By M. Malte Vol. II. No. I.

11

Brun. Improved by the addition of the most recent information, derived from various sources.-Wells & Lilly.-Bliss & White.

Of this very valuable work, which is to consist of seven volumes, one is already published, and executed in a style of typography highly creditable to the publishers.

A Peep at the Pilgrims in Sixteen Hundred and Thirty-six. A Tale of Olden Times. By the Author of Divers Unfinished Manuscripts, &c. In two volumes.-Wells & Lilly.

Major Long's Second Expedition.-H C. Carey & I. Lea.

Memoirs of Richard Henry Lee of Virginia. By his Grandson Richard Henry Lee, in two volumes 8vo. With a portrait.

Jefferson's Notes on Virginia, one volume, royal 18mo.

Digest of American Reports. In four volumes, royal 8vo. By T. J. Wharton, Esq.

The Scottish Orphans, a Moral Tale, founded on an Historical Fact. Part. II.-Wilder & Campbell.

We understand that Carey & Lea of Philadelphia, have it in contemplation to reprint Sir Astley Cooper's great work on Dislocation and Fractures.

RECENT PUBLICATIONS.

The Life of Andrew Jackson, Major-General in the service of the United States: comprising a History of the War in the South, from the commencement of the Creek Campaign, to the termination of Hostilities before NewOrleans. By John Henry Eaton, Senator of the United States, one volume, 8vo. Illustrated by a fine engraving of the General.

Astronomical Recreations: or Sketches of the Relative Position and Mythological History of the Constellations. Illustrated by a series of coloured plates, one volume, 4to.

Tales of a Traveller. By Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. author of " The Sketch Book," " Bracebridge Hall," "Knickerbocker's New-York," &c. Parts I. II. III. IV. 8vo.

An Inquiry into the Moral Character of Lord Byron. By J. M. Sim

mons.

Trial of James Robertson, on an indictment for Perjury, before the General Sessions of New-York, on Tuesday and Wednesday, the 12th and 13th days of October, 1824. By N. B. Blunt.

The Misrepresentations of Anna Braithwaite, in relation to the Doctrines preached by Elias Hicks, together with the Refutation of the same, in a Letter from Elias Hicks to Dr. Atlee of Philadelphia.

Calumny Refuted, or, Plain Facts versus Misrepresentations; being a reply to a pamphlet, entitled, "The Misrepresentations of Anna Braithwaite, in relation to the Doctrines preached by Elias Hicks."

A Letter in Dispute of the Statements of Anna Braithwaite and Elias Hicks, said to have been written by Ann Shipley, reprinted from the New-York Edition, with a Review of the same. Pamphlet, 12mo.'

:

A Catalogue of Minerals, found in the State of Vermont, and in the adjacent states; together with their Localities including a number of the most interesting minerals, which have been discovered in other parts of the United States, arranged alphabetically. Designed principally for the use of persons who have attended mineralogical lectures, in making collections of specimens. By Frederick Hall, Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy, and Lecturer on Mineralogy, in Middleburg College.

An Address to the Republicans and People of New-York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, upon the state of the Presidential Parties. By a citizen of New-York.

The Theatrical Register, containing Remarks upon the Drama. This Work is published weekly, containing general Theatrical Intelligence,

Critiques on the Performances of every evening at both houses-Biography of celebrated Actors and Actresses-New pieces to be brought forwardPerformers that are engaged, &c. &c.

The New-York Monthly Chronicle of Medicine and Surgery, conducted by an Association of Physicians.

Pulaski Vindicated from an Unsupported Charge, inconsiderately or malignantly introduced in Judge Johnson's Life of Greene.

The Practical Manipulator, or American Depository of Arts and Sciences By Richard Willcox, Engineer, Machinist, &c.

Elements of Latin Prosody, compiled from the best authorities; together with a Synopsis of Poetic Licences, occurring in the Versification of Virgil, a Metrical Index to the Lyric Compositions of Horace, and the Scanning of the Mixed Trimeter and Dimeter Iambics of the latter Poet. By Charles Anthon, Adjunct Professor of Languages in Columbia College, New-York, 12mo.

Swain's Initial Book, for learning the Latin Language; improved and adapted to the use of American Schools. By an experienced Teacher, one volume, 18mo.

A Pocket Guide for the Tourist and Traveller, along the line of the Canals, and the Interior Commerce of the State of New-York. By Horatio Gates Spafford, L. L. D. Author of the Gazetteer of New-York. One volume, 18mo.

Spafford's Gazetteer of the State of New.York. Second edition, one volume, 8vo.

Geographical Exercises; containing 10,000 questions for Practical Examinations on the most important features of the maps of the World and the United States, by Melish, Lay's Map of the State of New-York, and the Maps of America, Europe, Asia and Africa, by Arrowsmith, written for the use of the Mechanics' Society. By Joseph C. Hart, Principal. One volume, 18mo.

Memoirs of the Pennsylvania Agricultural Society; with Selections from the most approved Farmers of the United States, published by order of the Directors, 1823 and 1824. One volume, 8vo. illustrated by several beautiful Engravings.

Zion's Harp; or a New Collection of Music, intended as a companion to Village Hymns for social worship. By the Rev. Asakel Nettleton. One volume, 24mo.

The Maniacs, or Fantasia of Bos Bibens; characteristic of some of the Fanatics, who are conspiring the ruin of their country at home. By West-Indian. One volume, 12mo.

A General Abridgement and Digest of American Law, with occasional Notes and Comments. By Nathan Dane, L.L. D. Counsellor at Law, in eight volumes, royal 8vo.

A Practical Treatise upon the Authority and Duty of Justices of the Peace in Criminal Prosecutions. By Daniel Davis, Solicitor General of Massachusetts, One volume, 8vo.

Recollections of the Peninsula, by the author of Sketches in India, one. vol. 12mo.

Don Juan, first complete edition, with plates, 2 vols.

The Works of sir Walter Scott, complete in seven volumes, with an elegant design

The Woks of Lord Byron, complete in seven volumes.

Narrative of a Pedestrian Journey through Russia and Siberian Tartary, from the Frontiers of China to the Frozen Sea and Kamtchatka; performed during the years 1820, 1821, 1822, and 1823; by Capt. John DundasCochrane, R. N.

Charlton's Reports of Cases argued and determined in the Superior Court of the state of Georgia.

American Popular Lessons, chiefly selected from the writings of Mrs. Barbauld, Miss Edgworth, and other approved authors. Fourth Edition. Some Further Facts in Vision, by Edward C. Cooper, M. D.

REPUBLICATIONS.

The Genuine Works of Flavius Josephus, the Jewish Historian: containing twenty books of the Jewish Antiquities, seven books of the Jewish War, and the life of Josephus, written by himself. Translated from the original Greek According to Havercamp's accurate edition, together with explanatory notes and observations; parellel texts of scripture; the true chronology of the several histories; an account of the Jewish coins, weights, and measures; and a complete index. Embellished with superb engravings. By the late William Whiston, M. A. professor of mathematics in the University of Cambridge, &c. &c. Revised and illustrated with notes, by the Rev. Samuel Burder, A. M. of Clare Hall, Cambridge; lecturer of the United Parishes of Christ Church, Newgate Street, and St. Leonard, Foster Lane, London; Chaplain to his Royal Highness the Duke of Kent; and Author of Oriental Customs, &c. &c. In four volumes.

Reminiscences of Charles Butler, Esq. of Lincoln's Inn. With a Letter to a Lady on ancient and modern music. From the fourth London edition. one volume 12 mo.

The Cataract of the Ganges: or, the Rajah's Daughter. A grand MeloDrama, in Two Acts. As performed at the Theatres Royal, Drury Lane, and at the New-York Theatre. By W. T. Moncrief, Esq. author of "Monsieur Tonson," &c. &c.

The Economy of the Eyes; Precepts for the improvement and preservaof the sight; plain rules which will enable all to judge exactly when, and what spectacles are best calculated for their eyes; Observations on opera glasses at theatres, and an account of the Pancratic Magnifer, for double stars and day telescopes. Qui visum, vitam dat." By William Kitchiner, M. D. Author of the Cook's Oracle, &c. &c. &c. One volume 18 mo. plates.

A view of the Internal Evidence of the Christian Religion. By Soame Jenyns. "Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian." A new edition one volume 18 mo.

A Dictionary of Select and Popular Quotations, which are in daily use: taken from the Latin, French, Greek, Spanish and Italian languages, together with a copious collection of law maxims and law terms. Translated into English, with Illustrations Historical and Idiomatic. By D. E. Madonnel. Fourth American edition, corrected, with additions. one vol. 12 mo. Indocti discant, ament meminisse periti. "He has been at a great feast

of languages, and stolen all the scraps." Shaksp.

A Discourse of Church Government, wherein the Rights of the Church and the supremacy of Christian princes, are vindicated and adjusted. By John Potter, D. D. Bishop of Oxford, and afterwards Archbishop of Can terbury. First American edition, one vol. 8 vo.

Body and Soul. A Novel in two volumes. First American from the third English edition.

The works of W. Paley D. D. complete in five volumes, to which is prefixed a life of the Author.

Cobbett's Cottage Economy, containing information on all subjects useful to domestic economy in the country.

The Elements of Pleas in Equity, with precedents of such Pleas. By John Beames, Esq. of Lincoln's Inn, Barrister at law, Translator of Glenville, &c.