nite work ends; then commences a short passage, gradually ascending towards the centre, 22 feet 7 inches at the end, on which is a perpendicular of 15 feet; on the left is a small forced passage, cut in the rock, and also above, on the right, is another forced passage, which runs upwards and turns to the north 30 feet, just over the portcullis. There is no doubt that this passage was made by the same persons who forced the other, in order to ascertain if there were any others which might ascend above, in conformity to that of the pyramid of Cheops. I descended the perpendicular by means of a rope, and found a large quantity of stones and earth accumulated beneath, which very nearly filled up the entrance into the passage below, which inclines towards the north. I next proceeded towards the channel that leads to the centre, and soon reached the horizontal passage. This passage is 5 feet 11 inches high, 3 feet 6 inches wide, and the whole length, from the above mentioned perpendicular to the great chamber, is 158 feet 8 inches. These passages are partly cut out of the living rock, and at half-way there is some mason's work, probably to fill up some vacancy in the rock; the walls of this passage are in several parts covered with incrustations of salts.

On entering the great chamber, I found it to be 46 feet 3 inches long, 16 feet 3 inches wide, and 23 feet 6 inches high; for the most part cut out of the rock, except that part of the roof towards the western end. In the midst we observed a sarcophagus of granite, partly buried in the ground to the level of the floor, 8 feet long, 3 feet 6 inches wide, and 2 feet 3 inches deep inside, surrounded by large blocks of granite, being placed apparently to guard it from being taken away, which could not be effected without great labour; the lid of it had been opened; I found in it only a few bones of a human skeleton, which merit preservation as curious relics, they being, in all probability, those of Cephrenes, the reported builder of this pyramid. On the wall of the western side of the chamber is an Arabic inscription, a translation of which has been sent to the British Museum. It testifies," that this pyramid was opened by the Masters Mahomet El Aghar and Otman, and that it was inspected in presence of the Sultan Ali Mahomet the first, Ugloch." There are also several other inscriptions on the walls supposed to be Coptic. Part of the floor of this chamber had been removed in different places, evidently in search of treasure, by some of those who had found their way into it. Under one of the stones I found a piece of metal something like the thick part of an axe, but it is so rusty and decayed, that it is almost impossible to form a just idea of its form. High up and near the centre there are two small square holes, one on the north and the other on the south, each one foot square; they enter into the

wall like those in the great chamber of the first pyramid. I returned to the beforementioned perpendicular, and found a passage to the north in the same inclination of 26 deg. as that above: this descends 48 feet inches, where the horizontal passage commences, which keeps the same direction north 55 feet, and half-way along it there is on the east a recess of 11 feet deep. On the west side there is a passage 20 feet long, which descends into a chamber 32 feet long and 9 feet 9 inches wide, 8 and 6 feet high: this chamber contains a quantity of small square blocks of stone, and some unknown inscriptions written on the walls. Returning to the original passage, and advancing north, near the end of it is a niche to receive a portcullis like that above. Fragments of granite, of which it was made, are lying near the spot. Advancing still to the north, I entered a passage which runs in the same inclination as that before mentioned, and at 47 feet 6 inches from the niche it is filled up with some large blocks of stone, put there to close the entrance which issues out precisely at the base of the pyramid. According to the measurements, it is to be observed, that all the works below the base are cut into the living rock, as well as part of the passages and chambers before mentioned. Before I conclude, I have to mention, that I caused a range of steps to be built, from the upper part of the perpendicular to the passage below, for the accommodation of visitors.

It may be mentioned, that at the time I excavated on the north side of the pyramid, I caused the ground to be removed to the eastward, between the pyramid and the remaining portico, which lies nearly on a line with the pyramid and the sphinx. I opened the ground in several places, and, in particular, at the base of the pyramid; and in a few days I came to the foundation and walls of an extensive temple, which stood before the pyramid, at the distance of only 40 feet. The whole of this space is covered with a fine platform, which no doubt. runs all round the pyramid. The pavement of this temple, where I uncovered it, consists of fine blocks of calcareous stone, some of which are beautifully cut, and in fine preservation. The blocks of stone that form the foundation are of an immense size. I measured one of 21 feet long, 10 feet high, and 8 in breadth (120 tons weight each); there are some others above ground in the porticoes, which measured 24 feet in length, but not so broad nor so thick.

Anglo-Gallic Operation, for determining the Figure of the Earth, &c.Colonel Mudge and Captain Coulby have just returned from Dunkirk, with the scientific instruments belonging to the Hon. Board of Ordnance, which they have employed, in conjunction with MM. Biot and Arago, two very able astronomers appointed by the French Government, in determining the la

titude of that important place. The reception which these gentlemen and their associates found, was highly honourable to the French nation and to Dunkirk: nothing could exceed the attentions paid them by all the principal authorities in the town; and unlimited orders were given by the French Government to ensure them a similar reception in Lisle, and any other towns they might visit. It is pleasing to observe the perfect concurrence of two great nations in an operation for the benefit of science. Several years ago the two governments united in directing a Trigonometrical Operation, for determining the relative situations of the observatories of Greenwich and Paris: since that time, the English have taken measures for determining the longest meridional arc that the Bristish Isles will admit; and the French have determined the meridional arc between Dunkirk and Formentera, the southernmost of the Balcaric Islands. The junction of these two arcs forms the most extensive arc which can probably be measured, in the present state of Europe, and therefore the best that can be found for deducing an universal standard of measure. As the French astronomers had determined their latitudes by means of the circle of repetition, and the English theirs with a zenith sector of eight feet radius, it became desirable to try the latitude of the connecting point of the two arcs with both instruments together, in order that no doubt might remain on either side. This has now been done, and we are informed that the result is satisfactory.

Knebelite. This is a name given by Dobereiner to a mineral which was given him by Major Von Knebel, and which differs in its composition and characters from all other minerals hitherto observed. Nothing is stated respecting the place where this mineral was found; but its description, as drawn up by Mr Lenz, is as follows:

Its principal colour is gray, but it is spotted smutty white, brownish red, brown, and green.

It is massive.

External surface, uneven, and full of holes. Lustre, both external and internal, glistening.

Fracture, imperfect conchoidal. Fragments indeterminate; sharp edged. Opaque, hard, brittle, difficulty frangible. Sp. gravity 3.714.

Infusible by itself before the blow-pipe; but with borax it melts into a dark olive coloured bead.

Its constituents, according to the analysis of Dobereiner, are as follows:

Silica.

32.5

Protoxide of iron.32.0 Protoxide of manganese35.0

99.5

or it consists of an atom of silicate of iron united to an atom of silicate of manganese.

Dobereiner is of opinion that if this mineral were to be found in abundance, it would yield at once, simply by reducing it to the metallic state, excellent steel. Schweigger's Journal, xxi. 49.

Spodumene, or Triphane.-This mineral, which was supposed confined to Sweden and Norway, where it was first observed, has been discovered lately in the Tyrol, on the road to Sterzing, in a granite rock along with tourmaline. Its specific gravity is 3.1158, and it has not been found crystallized in this locality any more than in Sweden. It was analyzed by Vogel, and found to consist of Silica Alumina

Lime. Potash.

Manganese.............

63.50

23.50

1.75

6.00

2.50

2.00

Trace

99.25

Our readers are aware that the alkali to which the name of potash is given in this analysis is lithina, which Arfvredson found in spodumene to the amount of eight per cent. It deserves inquiry, however, whether the new alkali be an essential constituent of this mineral. If it be only an accidental ingredient, it is very possible that the Tyrol spodumene may merely contain potash.

Tantalite. This mineral, hitherto confined to Sweden, has been lately found at Bodenmais, in Germany. Its specific gravi ty is 6.464. Leonhard and Vogel extracted from it, by mechanical division, a foursided prism terminated by oblique faces, making angles of 94° and 86° with the sides of the prism. Vogel attempted to analyze it by the method followed by Berzelius, but could not succeed. He found its constituents as follows:

Oxide of tantalum.....
Protoxide of iron.

Protoxide of manganese
Oxide of tin...w

75

17

5

1

98

Schweigger's Journal, xxi. 60. Carriages without Horses.-Mr Charles Drais, who, according to the testimony of credible witnesses, had already, in July last, with one of the latest improved carriages, without horse, invented by him, gone from Manheim to the Swiss reley-house, and back again, a distance of four hours journey by the posts, in one short hour; has, with the same machine, ascended the steep hill from Gernsback to Baden, which generally requires two hours, in about an hour, and convinced a number of amateurs, assembled on the occasion, of the great swiftness of this very interesting species of carriage. The principle of the invention is taken from the art of skating, and consists

in the simple idea of a seat upon wheels driven forward by the feet acting upon the ground. The fore part (vorhandene ausfishrung) in particular, consists of a riding seat upon two double-shoed wheels running after each other, so that they can go upon the footways, which, in summer, are almost always good. To preserve the balance, a little board, covered and stuffed, is placed before, on which the arms are laid, and in front of which is the little guiding pole, which is held in the hand to direct the route. These machines will answer very well for couriers and other purposes, and even for long journies; they do not weigh 50 pounds, and can be had with travelling pockets, &c. in a very handsome and durable form, for a mere trifle.

Botanic Garden. We have much pleasure in learning, that a Royal Charter has been received, constituting the proprietors of our botanic garden into a body politic and corporate, by the name and title of the Royal Botanic Institution of Glasgow. It is the first institution of the kind in Scotland so honoured. The directors had conceived, that a seal of cause from the corporation of the city would have given them a sufficient Persona standi in judicis," but the property lying without the burgh, they resolved, under the advice of their venerable and learned president, and other legal friends, on applying, by memorial, to the Prince Regent for a royal charter. The expense incurred in obtaining it has been much less than usual, their agents in Edinburgh and London having given, in the most handsome and liberal manner, their valuable professional services gratuitously.

The royal charter will give additional security to the property, and increased efficiency to the laws and regulations, of the institution, besides other present advantages, and may lead the way to some of great importance.

It is highly honourable to our city and university to have formed such an establishment for the advancement of science as our botanic garden, which is daily visited as a leading object of curiosity by the strangers who come to Glasgow. Hardly a ship now arrives in the Clyde from our foreign settlements that does not bring some rare seeds, or other donations, and were we allowed, we could mention many very generous acts in its favour, by individual proprietors, and other friends of the science.

The directors have found it necessary to construct an additional hothouse for a conservatory and for stove-plants. It is intended to have it heated by steam, which will be introduced into the other houses, if found to answer the expectations entertained.

The Directors, we understand, look forward to enrolling a number of new proprietors next season, by which addition to the funds of the institution they will be enabled, when advisable, to complete the en

tire range of green and hot houses, according to the original projection.-Glasgow.

Internal Prosperity of the Highlands. It is calculated that the black cattle, wool, sheep, and herrings, sold and sent from the Highland district of Scotland, north of the Spey, to the other quarters of the kingdom, within the last six months, amount in value to at least £500,000; a greater sum than was perhaps ever before received in one year, for the whole produce of this district. We are happy in being able to state, that these great branches of our provincial exports, have been at no period in more flourishing circumstances than at present. And it gives us much pleasure also to mention, that the only extensive manufactories in this quarter, viz. those of hemp bagging, begin to participate likewise in the rapidly returning prosperity of the country.-Inverness Courier.

Royal Geological Society of Cornwall. The Fifth Anniversary Meeting of this Patriotic Association, was held in the Society's New Museum, in Penzance, on Tuesday, the 6th instant. The meeting was numerously, and most respectably attended, and many very valuable and interesting papers were read; of which we are enabled to present our readers with a short account, through the kindness of a member of the Society. From this, we doubt not, it will appear, that this Institution continues to flourish, a proud monument of the liberality and public spirit of the gentlemen of this county. On this occasion, the new and commodious apartments of the Society were completely filled; and it must have been particularly gratifying to the members, as affording a proof of the general interest taken in their labours, to see so very numerous an assemblage of ladies; there being, we are informed, not fewer than 60 of these fair auditors present. The Chair was taken at 12 o'clock, by the President, Mr Gilbert, who was supported and assisted by the Vice-Patron, Lord De Dunstanville. Among the members present, were, Sir Rose Price, Sir Christopher Hawkins, and most of the gentlemen of the neighbourhood, as well as from Truro, Redruth, Helston, &c. &c. The sitting lasted from twelve to half-past three, when the members retired to the Hotel, where they partook of an elegant dinner, and spent the evening in the greatest cordiality and harmony. An account of the papers read at the meeting will be given in our next.

All the officers of the Society were reelected, and the following gentlemen chosen Vice-Presidents, and Members of the Council for the ensuing year: viz.

Vice-Presidents.-Sir C. Hawkins, Bart. W. Rashleigh, Esq. F. H. Rodd, Esq. Rev. John Rogers.

Members of the Council.-Jos. Carne, L. C. Daubuz, Ř. W. Fox, Jun. W. R. Hill, H. Grylls, S. Davey, S. John, H. P. Tremenheere, Esquires, Rev. W Hockin, and Captain E. Scobell, R. N.

A curious discovery has recently been made at Tarn, a small commune near Va lence, in the department of the Drome. An individual, on digging rather deeply in the ground, found a very curious object, which may ultimately figure in the galleries of the Museum of Natural History. It is the body of an elephant, which lay buried in the soil; the head only has been exposed. The mayor of the commune has forbidden further research until means can be adopted for raising the skeleton of the animal. Here is a fresh subject for the discussion of geologists.-Paris Paper.

Suffocation by Carbonic Acid Gas.-Several instances have lately occurred of the fatal effects of carbonic acid gas, upon persons who had inhaled that pernicious air. The manner in which this gas operates, in causing suffocation, has not been distinctly ascertained; but it is generally supposed to produce an instantaneous irritation of the larynx or wind-pipe, and, by shutting that organ, to suspend the power of respiration. It is probable, however, that it has a more diffused influence over the system, and that its action, as a sedative, extends to the lungs, and even to the heart itself; as Bergman, the celebrated Swedish chemist, ascertained, that animals deprived of life by this subtile poison, present no signs of irritability the moment they become lifeless,-a sufficient proof of its paralyzing influence over the nervous system. But in whatever manner it produces its deadly effects, the instances of these are so numerous, as to render it extremely desirable to be acquainted with some method by which we may either check its operation, or counteract its destructive properties. If the caustic alkalis, or slaked

quicklime, could readily be procured, solutions of these substances sprinkled into wells, cavities, vats, &c. containing carbonic gas, would speedily absorb the deleterious air, and thus prevent its destructive consequences upon persons, who, not aware of their danger, had incautiously ventured into such places. But when accidents of this kind occur, these substances can seldom be obtained either quickly enough or in sufficient quantity to answer the purpose in view, so that, in general, life would be gone before we could avail ourselves of their chemical properties. In these circumstances we beg to suggest, that probably the most effectual remedy for the evil is to pour water from a common watering-pan into the place containing the noxious air. This will produce a two-fold effect: the water dispersed in drops will be in the most favourable circumstances for absorbing the gas, while it will carry down with it a large portion of pure air, upon the principle of the water-blowing machine. The quantity of water necessary for the purpose will not be so great as to endanger suffocation by drowning; and at any rate, the person exposed to it, would have a greater chance of surviving, even if he were completely immersed in water, than if he were to remain the same length of time surrounded by an atmosphere of carbonic acid gas. Not a moment should be lost in pouring in the water, and if no wateringpan is at hand, the water should be laved in expeditiously with the hand. To some of our readers it may be necessary to state, that the suffocating air extricated from fermenting liquors, and burning charcoal, is the same as the air we have denominated carbonic acid gaș.

LONDON.

THE Life of the Right Hon. R. B. Sheridan, from a variety of interesting Documents, and original Communications; by Thomas Moore, Esq. author of Lalla Rookh.

4to.

The Works of the Right Hon. R. B. Sheridan, now first collected, comprising many hitherto unpublished Writings, and printed from authentic and original Copies communicated by his Friends. The whole arranged and edited, with an Essay on the Life and Genius of the Author; by Thomas Moore, Esq. 6 vols 8vo.

Specimens of the British Poets, with Biographical and Critical Notices; to which is prefixed an Introduction to the Study of English Poetry by Thomas Campbell, Esq. author of the Pleasures of Hope. 7 vols post 8vo. Will be published in a few days.

VOL. IV.

The Principles of Political Economy considered, with a View to their Practical Application; by T. R. Malthus, A. M. 8vo. The Works of the Right Hon. Lord ByA new and uniform edition, very handsomely printed in 3 vols Svo.

ron.

History of the late War in Spain and Portugal; by Robert Southey, Esq. 3 vols 4to.

The Life of Mary Queen of Scots; drawn from the State Papers. With Six subsidi ary Memoirs: 1. Of the Calumnies concerning the Scottish Queen;-2. Memoirs of Francis II. ;-3. Of Lord Darnley;4. Of James, Earl Bothwell ;-5. Of the Earl of Murray-6. Of Secretary Maitland. By George Chalmers, F.R.S. S.A. Illustrated with ten plates of Medals, Portraits, and Views. 2 vols. 4to.

Journal of an Expedition over part of the hitherto) Terra Incognita of Australasia, performed by command of the British Goy 2 H