put an end to his existence. Every precaution to prevent such a catastrophe was adopted by his afflicted family; but one morning he escaped from the house, taking with him a razor. His relations used every effort to discover him, but in vain. The dog of the unfortunate man quitted the house shortly after his master, and remained absent. This circumstance was regarded as a certain proof that the master was dead, and that the dog had remained by the body. At night, to the surprise and joy of the family, the two fugitives returned. The inan, whose fit of insanity had left him, stated, that he was joined by his dog at the moment when he was about to cut his throat, when the faithful animal caught hold of his arm and prevented it. The same thing was repeated several times with success, and towards night, when his mental derangement had completely left him, the grateful master caressed his dog, and returned with him to cheer his desponding family.

Mermaid. Some time since a mermaid arrived in the Thames, on board the Borneo, Ross, from Bencoolen; it is of the class denominated Mammalia, erroneously called mermaid, or maid of the sea; has since been deposited in the Surgeons' Museum; it is about eight feet in length, and bears a strong resemblance to the common seal. There is also a young female, of the same species, in the same museum. The fins terminate internally in a structure like the human hand; the breasts of the female are very prominent, and in suckling its young, not only this appearance, but their situation on the body, must cause that extraordinary phenomenon which has led to the popular belief. In other respects the face is far from looking like that of the human race, and the long hair is entirely wanted.

Botanic Garden at Glasgow.-A valuable assortment of succulent plants, consisting of 400 species, many of them extremely curious and rare, has recently been presented to the Botanic Garden at Glasgow, which was before one of the finest collections in the kingdom.

Improvement in Gunpowder.-M. Warnhagen has discovered that sawdust, especially of wood of the softest kinds, mixed with gunpowder in equal shares, triples the force of the powder. It is intended to be used for the blowing up of rocks.

Effect of Hot Water in Reviving Flowers.-If flowers, which have been twenty-four hours out of water, and are decayed, are plunged into hot water, as the water gradually cools they become quite fresh again. This fact, which many denied until they tried it, has long been familiar to those who live in the vicinity of hot springs; and who have remarked, that decayed flowers plunged into the waters of the springs, become again fresh and beautiful.

Hydrogen Gas.-Mr. Cooper has lately discovered a curious property in this gas. If the lips be applied to a gasometer for a short time, it has the singular effect of changing the voice. This is observed immediately the person who has inhaled the gas leaves the vessel; its effect, however, is for but a short time.

Straw Ropes Conductors of Electricity.-M. M. Capestolle, a French professor of chemistry, affirms, that a rope of straw will form an excellent conductor for lightning, and supply the place of metallic conductors

Provisions rendered Incorruptible; Vessel not Submergible.-M. de Boucher, a Frenchman by birth, counsellor of state to his majesty the emperor of Russia, has discovered a method of rendering the provisions intended for victualling ships absolutely incorruptible. This discovery has been approved by the Economical Society, and by a committee of physicians. A gold medal has been decreed to him. The same gentleman has also presented to the Economical Society, the model of a vessel that cannot sink, which has been greatly commended by a practical ship-builder.

New Mode of Preservation from Drowning.—A writer in a Liverpool paper makes mention of the following very simple method of preserving persons in the water from drowning: Take a silk handkerchief, and placing it on the ground, place a hat in the centre, with the crown upwards in the ordinary position of wearing, and gather up the corners, giving them a twist to keep them more securely together. Any one may then venture into the water without being in any fear of the drowning person taking hold of him, as the quantity of air in the hat is sufficient to support two persons; or it might be advisable to place the corners of the handkerchief in the hands of the person drowning, who would thus be kept floating, and easily conveyed to the side.

New Printing Press.--Mr. Hellfarth, a printer at Erfurt, has invented a press to print eight sheets at a time. This machine, which may be made of any size, supplies 7,000 copies of each sheet in twelve hours, making 56,000 sheets printed on both sides. The machine is put in motion by one horse; and three men are sufficient to supply it with sheets, and take them away. Each sheet perfects itself.

Luminous Direction Posts. Mr. H. Harvey, of Wickham Keith, has prepared a model for direction posts, the letters being so painted as to be legible in the night time, and retaining that property for several years.

Perambulator.-Mr. Pritty has invented a machine for measuring distances with the greatest accuracy, and upon an entirely new principle. It may be affixed to a gig, or any other carriage, or to a wheel for running by hand. The distance is not marked by an index, like the hand of a clock on a circular superficies; but the number of miles, of furlongs, and of rods, is shown in a line, by proper figures, in their proper places. These figures are constantly changing of course, as the machine is moved either backward or forward. The machinery, which is so simple that it cannot be out of order for many years, will ineasure a distance of 100 miles before it recommences its work.

Nautical Improvements-A simple mechanical apparatus, to impel boats instead of oars, has lately been employed on the Thames, and appears equally eligible for canal conveyance. It consists of the machinery of steam vessels, but the moving power is the hand applied to a windlass. Boats have been used on this principle with success, between London and Greenwich. The labour is less than that of oars, and the impulse of the boat through the water is much increased in swiftness. Though we consider this a very judicious mode of employing a rotatory motion to impel vessels on a small scale, it possesses no merit on the score of novelty, engravings of a similar apparatus being to be found in Leopaldo Theatrum Machinarum, and other scientific works of a very early period.

Roman Antiquities near Tynemouth.-A short time since the lower part of the horn of a deer of extraordinary size was dug up in the grounds at Campville, South Preston, near Tynemouth. Mr. Fenwick, the proprietor, had ordered a well to be filled up, first removing the walling stones. Considerably in the earth, near the stones, the remains of this large antler were found in the north-east angle of the Roman camp, called, in Brand, Blake Chesters, and referred to by Camden as one of the oblong squares (Blake Chesters being the principal) running in a zigzag style from Segedunum (Wallsend) to Tynemouth. Sacrifices of wild animals to the gods were frequently made in those stations; and some faint tradition yet remains of a temple to Diana, or some heathen deity, having stood at Middle Chirton, the western side of this camp, or chain of forts. The head of an ancient spear was recently dug up in the same site.

Relics of Charles 1.-The sheet which received the head of Charles I.,

after his decapitation, is carefully preserved, along with the communion plate, in the church of Ashburnham, in Sussex; the blood, with which it has been almost entirely covered, now appears nearly black. The watch of the unfortunate monarch is also deposited with the linen, the movements of which are still perfect. These relics came into the possession of lord Ashburnham immediately after the death of the king.

The Statue of Memnon.-The Russian ambassador at the court of Rome, has received a letter from Sir A. Smith, an English traveller, who is at present at the Egyptian Thebes. He states, that he has himself examined the celebrated statue of Memnon, accompanied by a numerous escort. At six o'clock in the morning he heard very distinctly the sound so much spoken of in former times, and which had been generally treated as fabulous. "One may," he says, 66 assign to this phenomenon a thousand different causes, before it could be supposed to be simply the result of a certain arrangement of the stones." The statue of Memnon was overturned by an earthquake, and it is from the, pedestal that this mysterious sound is emitted, of which the cause has never been ascertained, and which was denied merely because it was inexplicable.

British Antiquities. In removing the library, and clearing away the floor and book-cases, that have long incumbered the Lady Chapel of Exeter Cathedral, a discovery has been made of two ancient tombs. The sculpture of both is early. They are placed in Gothic niches of much later date; and appear to be the lids only of sarcophagi, and to have been removed from some other station to that which they now occupy. The material is the Purbeck marble. The most ancient of them is ornamented with the figure of a prelate with a depressed mitre, a beard and mustachios; the two first fingers of the right hand pointing upwards, in the act of benediction; in the left hand is a crosier. In spandrils, above the head, are on each side cherubs. The feet of the figure and the crosier rest on two birds, which terminate in the centre with a single head, the face of which is human. The sides and ends are wrought into wide flutes, without fillets, like the fluting of the Doric column; the front is placed parallel with the niche, and the upper corner of the lid at the back inserted four or five inches into the wall. This tomb is on the north side of the chapel: the other is placed in a niche on the south side, immediately opposite. This has likewise the figure of a prelate, carved in good style, and in much higher relief than the former. The arms and hands are placed in easy and natural positions on the body, over the staff of the crosier; the head, or crook, is defaced. The mitre of this figure is of a more recent form than the other; the feet rest on a chimera, carved in a style of spirit and beauty that would do honour to a period of more refined art.

Cleopatra's Needle. This celebrated monument of antiquity has been presented to his Britannic majesty, by the pacha of Egypt, and is expected to arrive shortly from Alexandria. It is intended to be set up in Waterloo Place, opposite Carlton Palace. The weight of the column is about 200 tons, the diameter at the pedestal is 7 feet. This magnificent column was obtained through the influence of S. Briggs, Esq., the British resident at Grand Cairo, with the pacha of Egypt.

Prevention of Contagion.-Gauze veils, on the principles of Davy's safety lamp, have been recommended by Mr. Bartlett, as preservatives from contagion. This is a point of so much importance to humanity, that we hope the efficacy of the recommendation will be tried by the most critical experiments.

Cheap Mode of Preserving Anatomical Preparations. It has been usual to employ, for this purpose, spirits of wine, somewhat above proof, and

which costs 18 or 20s. a gallon. It has, however, been ascertained, by Mr. Cooke, of London, that a saturated solution of muriate of soda (common salt) answers the purpose equally well; and this solution, about three pounds of salt to the gallon, does not cost above 10d. per gallon. Mr. Cooke has received from the Society of Arts, for this discovery, the society's medal.

Sight Preservers.-A gentleman has invented a machine to take off the glare of white paper, or needle work; and which cools and softens the rays of light issuing from a lamp, or candle. It sheds a delicate tinge of green upon paper, or any other substance, placed within its influence; and renders print, however small, quite distinct by candlelight.

Spontaneous Separation of Warts.-In the New French Journal of Medicine, Dr. Cheneau relates the following singular case :-Numerous warty excrescences had long occupied the hands of a hysterical, highly susceptible lady, aged forty-four. On the night following the decease of her husband, an event by which she was deeply affected, they all separated, leaving the spots which they had occupied wrinkled, but without induration.

Succedaneum for Leeches. — M. Salandiere, physician, has invented an instrument to serve as a succedaneum for leeches. It possesses considerable advantages, measuring exactly the quantity of blood to be taken; causing the fluid to move with greater or less rapidity on a determinate scale, and producing an effect called by the physicians resolving, much superior to the leech. It has nothing to disgust, like those animals, excites little or no pain, and may be used in all countries, and at all seasons.

Sideographic Engraving.-The sideographic printing and engraving establishment of Messrs. Perkins, Fairman, and Heath, has been commenced in the house in Fleet Street, late Parker's glass manufactory; and, it is said, with every prospect of success. Already they have engaged to manufacture Bank notes, on their inimitable plan, for several Yorkshire, and other banks; and they are also preparing various engravings for popular books, all of which will have proof impressions, though tens of thousands are sold annually. Over and above these applications, they are making preparations to print cotton dresses, of greater, beauty than ever were fabricated before. The merit of this invention consists in obtaining with great facility, from one engraving, any required number of plates, all of which are equal to the original, and by which millions of impressions may be produced; while, by the common process, one engraving produces only a few thousands. The process of multiplying engravings, etchings, or engine work, is as follows:-Steel blocks, or plates, of sufficient size to receive the intended engravings, have their surfaces softened, or decarbonated, and thereby rendered a better material for receiving all kinds of work, than even copper itself. After the intended engraving has been executed on the block, it is then hardened, with great care, by a new process, which prevents injury to the most delicate work. A cylinder of steel, previously softened, is then placed in the transferring press, and repeatedly passed over the engraved block, by which the engraving is transferred, in relief, to the periphery of the cylinder; the press having a vibrating motion, equalling that of the cylinder upon its periphery, by which new surfaces of the cylinder are presented, equal in extent to the engraving. This cylinder is then hardened, and employed to indent copper or steel plates with engravings identically the same with that upon the original block; and this may be repeated ad infinitum, as the original engraving will remain, from which other cylinders may be impressed if required. This invention promises to be of great advantage to some of our manufactures, particularly that of pottery, which may now be embellished

with beautiful engravings, so as to place the successful competition of other nations at a great distance. It may also be applied with great advantage to calico printing, by producing entire new patterns upon the cylinders from which they are printed, an object of great importance to our manufacturing interest; and to the production of highly finished engravings for all standard books; whilst, as a means of improving the taste of the rising generation, school books may be embellished with the best specimens of art, in place of the more humble wood-cuts that now adorn them, Engravings of greater size than can be transferred, are executed upon steel plates, which, when hardened, will print 200,000 perfect impressions.

Musical Invention.-M. Galin, a musical professor, has lately introduced, in Paris, a new instrument for teaching music, called the meloplaste. His method consists in making his pupils sing from a stave, without either clefs or notes, according to the movements of a portable rod. The meloplaste is now almost universally substituted for books of Solfeggi, which were formerly considered indispensable.

Polymorphoscope. A small mirror, called by this name, is now made at Paris, which is said to reflect, not only the face of the lady who looks into it, but by means of painting, contrived in a curious manner, shows her in various kinds of dress and taste, so that she may see what becomes her best, and be guided accordingly in her choice.

Lithography.-This ingenious mode of multiplying graphic representations is, we are happy to find, making considerable progress in this country. A large and accurate chronological chart of the contemporary sovereigns of Europe, from 1060 to 1820, has been printed, which is supposed to be the largest and finest specimen of lithography that has yet appeared, and is entirely done on English stone.

New Bank Note Paper and Stamp.-Sir William Congreve has invented a new Bank note paper and stamp, to prevent forgery of country notes. The paper, which is called triple paper, is coloured throughout in the interior, but not on the surface, and forms a brilliant and indelible water-mark. Every note of this triple paper is dipped three times, and couched twice, as it is technically termed, instead of only one dipping and one couching, as in the ordinary paper. The price is one-fourth more than common paper.

Method of Playing on the Violin and Violoncello, at the same time.Mr. James Watson, a blind musician from Dundee, has invented a method, by which he can play upon these two instruments at once, with the greatest facility and correctness. He plays on the violin in the usual manner, and on the violoncello by means of his feet. His right foot goes in a sort of shoe at the end of the bow, and in consequence of his right thigh being supported by a spring attached to the chair in which he sits, he has the full command of his foot, without suffering any fatigue. By means of his left foot, he acts upon a sort of lever, by which he shortens the strings with great facility. Mr. Watson has frequently played, in this manner, thirteen and fourteen hours in one day, without any extraordinary fatigue. Improved Mode of Printing Copper-Plates. A late number of the Annales de Chimie, treating on the progress of French industry, announces a discovery by M. Gonord, by the adoption of which engraved plates of a large atlas size may be adapted to an edition in octavo, without any reduction of the copper from whence the impression is obtained.

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New Lamp--A new lamp has been invented by Mr. Parker, of Argyle Street, which removes a general objection to the lamps now in use. casts no shadow, and can increase its light on the lower or upper part of the apartment at pleasure. Its application is either for reading, or general illumination.