[Illustration: BENJAMIN SILLIMAN M.D., LL. D ]
PROFESSOR OF CHEMISTRY, PHARMACY, MINERALOGY AND GEOLOGY.
IN YALE COLLEGE.
[Illustration: B. Silliman signature ]
THE
AMERICAN JOURNAL
OF
SCIENCE AND ARTS.
CONDUCTED BY
PROFESSOR SILLIMAN
AND
BENJAMIN SILLIMAN, JR.
VOLUME L.
GENERAL INDEX TO FORTY-NINE VOLUMES.
NEW HAVEN:
PRINTED FOR THE EDITORS BY B. L. HAMLEN, Printer to Yale College.
PREFACE.
The project of the American Journal of Science and Arts was first
suggested by Col. Gibbs, in November, 1817, during an accidental
interview on board the steamboat Fulton in Long Island Sound.[A] The
American Mineralogical Journal, by the late Dr. Archibald Bruce, (our
earliest purely scientific journal,) which had been begun a few years
before, was most favorably received both at home and abroad, but it
never passed beyond one volume of 270 pages; and as the declining
health of Dr. Bruce rendered the prospect of its continuance hopeless,
it was thought that we ought not to lose the advantage already gained,
and that a high demand of duty required that some man devoted to
science, should undertake to sustain its interests and those of the
connected arts, in our rising country. Although a different selection
of an editor would have been much preferred, and many reasons, public
and personal, concurred to produce diffidence of success, the arguments
of Col. Gibbs, whose views on subjects of science were entitled to
the most respectful consideration, and had justly great weight,
being pressed with zeal and ability, induced a reluctant assent;
and accordingly, after due consultation with many competent judges,
the proposals were issued early in 1818, embracing the whole range
of physical science and its applications. The Editor in entering on
the duty, regarded it as an affair for life, and the thirty years of
experience which he has now had, have proved that his views of the
exigencies of the service were not erroneous.
This Journal first appeared in July, 1818, and in June, 1819, the
first volume of four numbers and 448 pages was completed. This scale
of publication, originally deemed sufficient, was found inadequate to
receive all the communications, and as the receipts proved insufficient
to sustain the expenses, the work, having but three hundred and fifty
subscribers, was, at the end of the year, abandoned by the publishers.
An unprofitable enterprise not being attractive to the trade, ten
months elapsed before another arrangement could be carried into
effect, and therefore No. 1 of Vol. ii was not published until April,
1820. The new arrangement was one of mutual responsibility for the
expenses, but the Editor was constrained nevertheless to pledge his
own personal credit to obtain from a bank the funds necessary to begin
again, and from this responsibility he was, for a series of years,
seldom released. The single volume per annum being found insufficient
for the communications, two volumes a year were afterwards published,
commencing with the second volume.
At the conclusion of Vol. x, in February, 1826, the work was again
left upon the hands of its Editor; all its receipts had been absorbed
by the expenses, and it became necessary now to pay a heavy sum to
the retiring publisher, as an equivalent for his copies of previous
volumes, as it was deemed necessary either to control the work entirely
or to abandon it. The Editor was not willing to think of the latter,
especially as he was encouraged by public approbation, and was cheered
onward in his labors by eminent men both at home and abroad, and he saw
distinctly that the Journal was rendering service not only to science
and the arts, but to the reputation of his country. He reflected
moreover that in almost every valuable enterprise perseverance in
effort is necessary to success. He being now sole proprietor, a new
arrangement was made for a single year, the publishers being at
liberty, at the end of that time, to retire, and the Editor to resume
the Journal should he prefer that course.
The latter alternative he adopted, taking upon himself the entire
concern, including both the business and the editorial duties, and of
course, all the correspondence and accounts. From that time the work
has proceeded without interruption, two volumes per annum having been
published for the last twenty years; and its pecuniary claims ceased to
be onerous, although its means have never been large.
Forty-nine volumes having been published, ending with Number 100,
October, 1845, it was deemed expedient to close the series with a
fiftieth volume, which should contain an ample and well digested INDEX
of the whole. This great labor, vastly more arduous and protracted than
had been anticipated, is at last accomplished. The strict verification
of every reference in this Index, by actual comparison of the proof
with the volume and page, has been a labor surpassed only by the
toil of constructing the Index itself. The printing was commenced
in October, 1846, and so toilsome and time-consuming has been the
correction of the proofs, that although the work has gone steadily
forward, without interruption, it is only at this late day completed.
We may confidently believe that the volume will prove useful, not
only to those who may possess the whole series, but to all who are
connected in any way with the arts or sciences; for, whatever the
department, the reader is directed by it to the various memoirs that
have been published in the Journal on the subject that interests him,
whether relating to the progress of science, to details of facts in the
different departments of knowledge, or to the various resources of this
and other countries: with such a guide, the entire copies of the work
in public libraries or in those of individuals, become available.
As this volume may be consulted by many who have never seen the plan
and prospectus of the Journal with which the first volume began, we
republish, on this occasion, both the "Plan of the Work," and also
those parts of the "Introductory Remarks" in which our early views
were explained. Our readers will thus be able to judge how far we have
fulfilled our engagements, and also how far our prospective views have
been realized in the course of our now long experience. They will have
moreover before them in this Prospectus of 1817, the principles that
are still to guide us in our continued editorial labors.
"PLAN OF THE WORK.[B]
"This Journal is intended to embrace the circle of the PHYSICAL
SCIENCES, with their applications to the ARTS, and to every useful
purpose.
It is designed as a deposit for original American communications;
but will contain also occasional selections from Foreign Journals,
and notices of the progress of Science in other countries.
Within its plan are embraced,
NATURAL HISTORY, in its three great departments of MINERALOGY,
BOTANY and ZOOLOGY:--
CHEMISTRY and NATURAL PHILOSOPHY, in their various branches; and
MATHEMATICS, pure and mixed.
It will be a leading object to illustrate AMERICAN NATURAL HISTORY,
and especially our MINERALOGY and GEOLOGY.
The APPLICATIONS of these sciences are obviously as numerous as
physical arts and physical wants; for no one of these arts or wants
can be named which is not connected with them.
While SCIENCE will be cherished _for its own sake_, and with a due
respect for its own inherent dignity; it will also be employed as
the handmaid to the Arts. Its numerous applications to AGRICULTURE,
the earliest and most important of them; to our MANUFACTURES both
mechanical and chemical; and to our DOMESTIC ECONOMY, will be
carefully sought out, and faithfully made.
It is also within the design of this Journal to receive
communications on MUSIC, SCULPTURE, ENGRAVING, PAINTING, and
generally on the fine and liberal, as well as useful arts:--
On Military and Civil Engineering, and the art of Navigation:--
Notices, Reviews and Analyses of new scientific works, and of new
Inventions, and Specifications of Patents:--
Bibliographical and Obituary Notices of scientific men; essays on
Comparative Anatomy and Physiology, and generally on such other
branches of medicine as depend on scientific principles:--
Meteorological Registers, and Reports of Agricultural Experiments:
and we would leave room also for interesting miscellaneous things,
not exactly included under either of the above heads.
Communications are respectfully solicited from men of science, and
from men versed in the practical arts.
Learned Societies are invited to make this Journal, occasionally,
the vehicle of their communications to the public.
The Editor will not hold himself responsible for the sentiments and
opinions advanced by his correspondents; but he will consider it as
an allowed liberty to make slight verbal alterations, where errors
may be presumed to have arisen from inadvertency."
"INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.
"The age in which we live is not less distinguished by a vigorous
and successful cultivation of physical science, than by its
numerous and important applications to the practical arts, and to
the common purposes of life.
"In every enlightened country, men illustrious for talent, worth,
and knowledge, are ardently engaged in enlarging the boundaries of
natural science; and the history of their labors and discoveries is
communicated to the world chiefly through the medium of Scientific
Journals. The utility of such Journals has thus become generally
evident; they are the heralds of science; they proclaim its toils
and its achievements; they demonstrate its intimate connexion
as well with the comfort, as with the intellectual and moral
improvement of our species; and they often procure for it enviable
honors and substantial rewards.
"In England, the interests of science have been, for a series of
years, greatly promoted by the excellent Journals of Tilloch and
Nicholson; and for the loss of the latter, the scientific world has
been fully compensated by Dr. Thomson's Annals of Philosophy, and
by the Journal of Science and the Arts, both published in London.
"In France, the Annales de Chimie et de Physique, the Journal des
Mines, the Journal de Physique, &c. have long enjoyed a high and
deserved reputation. Indeed, there are few countries in Europe
which do not produce some similar publication; not to mention the
transactions of learned societies and numerous medical journals.
"From these sources _our_ country reaps, and will long continue
to reap, an abundant harvest of information: and if the light of
science, as well as of day, springs from the east, we will welcome
the rays of both; nor should national pride induce us to reject so
rich an offering.
"But can we do nothing in return?
"In a general diffusion of useful information through the various
classes of society, in activity of intellect, and fertility of
resource and invention, producing a highly intelligent population,
we have no reason to shrink from a comparison with any country.
But the devoted cultivators of science in the United States,
are comparatively few; they are, however, rapidly increasing in
number. Among them are persons distinguished for their capacity
and attainments, and, notwithstanding the local feelings nourished
by our state sovereignties, and the rival claims of several of
our larger cities, there is evidently a predisposition towards a
concentration of effort, from which we may hope for the happiest
results, with regard to the advancement of both the science and
reputation of our country.
"Is it not, therefore, desirable to furnish some rallying point,
some object sufficiently interesting to be nurtured by common
efforts, and thus to become the basis of an enduring, common
interest? To produce these efforts, and to excite this interest,
nothing, perhaps, bids fairer than a SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL.
"No one, it is presumed, will doubt that a Journal devoted to
science, and embracing a sphere sufficiently extensive to allure
to its support the principal scientific men of our country, is
greatly needed; if cordially supported, it will be successful, and
if successful, it will be a great public benefit.
"Even a failure, in so good a cause, (unless it should arise from
incapacity or unfaithfulness,) cannot be regarded as dishonorable.
It may prove only that the attempt was _premature_, and that our
country is not yet ripe for such an undertaking; for _without the
efficient support of talent, knowledge_, and _money, it cannot long
proceed_. No editor can hope to carry forward such a work without
the active aid of scientific and practical men; but, at the same
time, the public have a right to expect that he will not be sparing
of his own labor, and that his work shall be generally marked by
the impress of his own hand. To this extent the editor cheerfully
acknowledges his obligations to the public; and it will be his
endeavor faithfully to redeem his pledge.
"Most of the periodical works of our country have been short-lived.
_This_, also, _may_ perish in its infancy; and if any degree
of confidence is cherished that it will attain a maturer age,
it is derived from the obvious and intrinsic importance of the
undertaking; from its being built upon permanent and momentous
national interests; from the evidence of a decided approbation
of the design, on the part of gentlemen of the first eminence,
obtained in the progress of an extensive correspondence; from
assurances of support, in the way of contributions, from men of
ability in many sections of the union; and from the existence of
_such a crisis_ in the affairs of this country and of the world, as
appears peculiarly auspicious to the success of every wise and good
undertaking.
"As regards the subjects of the contemplated work, it is not in
our power to do much in the department of the natural history of
this country. Our Zoology has been more fully investigated than our
mineralogy and botany; but neither department is in danger of being
exhausted. The interesting travels of Lewis and Clark have recently
brought to our knowledge several plants and animals before unknown.
Foreign naturalists are frequently exploring our territory; and,
for the most part, convey to Europe the fruits of their researches,
while but a small part of our own productions is examined and
described by Americans: certainly, this is little to our credit,
and still less to our advantage. Honorable exceptions to the truth
of this remark are furnished by the exertions of some gentlemen in
our principal cities, and in various other parts of the Union.
"Our botany, it is true, has been extensively and successfully
investigated; but this field is still _rich_, and rewards every
new research with some interesting discovery. Our mineralogy,
however, is a treasure but just opened. That both science and art
may expect much advantage from this source, is sufficiently evinced
by the success which has crowned the active efforts of a few
ardent cultivators of this science: several new species have been
added to it in this country; great numbers of American localities
of minerals discovered, and interesting additions made to our
materials, for the useful and ornamental arts.
"Mineralogy is most intimately connected with our arts, and
especially with agriculture. Such are the disguises worn by many
most useful mineral substances, that an unskilful observer is
liable to pass a thing by, as worthless, which, if better informed,
he would seize with avidity; and, still more frequently, a
worthless substance, clothed perhaps in a brilliant and attractive
exterior, excites hopes altogether delusive, and induces expense,
without a possibility of remuneration. A diffusion of correct
knowledge on this subject is the only adequate remedy for either
evil.
"Our geology, also, presents a most interesting field of inquiry.
A grand outline has recently been drawn by Mr. Maclure, with a
masterly hand, and with a vast extent of personal observation and
labor: but to fill up the detail, both observation and labor still
more extensive are demanded; nor can the object be effected till
more good geologists are formed, and distributed over our extensive
territory.
"To account for the formation and changes of our globe, by
excursions of the imagination, often splendid and imposing, but
usually visionary, and almost always baseless, was, till within
half a century, the business of geological speculations; but this
research has now assumed a more sober character; the science of
geology has been reared upon numerous and accurate observations
of _facts_; and standing thus upon the basis of induction, it
is entitled to a rank among those sciences which Lord Bacon's
Philosophy has contributed to create.
"The outlines of American geology appear to be particularly grand,
simple, and instructive; and a knowledge of the important facts,
and general principles of this science, is of vast practical use,
as regards the interests of agriculture, and the research for
useful minerals. Geological and mineralogical descriptions, and
maps of particular states and districts, are very much needed in
the United States; and to excite a spirit to furnish them will form
one leading object of the contemplated journal.
"The science of natural philosophy, with its powerful auxiliary
mathematics, and the science of chemistry, the twin sister of
natural philosophy, are of incalculable importance to this country.
A volume would not suffice to trace their applications, and to
enumerate the instances of their utility.
"As one which may be allowed to stand, _instar omnium_, we may
mention the steam engine; that legitimate child of physical and
chemical science--at once more powerful than the united force
of the strongest and largest animals, and more manageable than
the smallest and gentlest; raising from the bowels of the earth
the massy treasures of its mines, drawing up rivers from their
channels, and pouring them, in streams of life, into the bosom
of cities; and, above all, propelling against the currents, the
winds, and the waves, of the ocean, those stupendous vessels, which
combine speed with certainty, and establish upon the bosom of the
deep the luxuries and accommodations of the land.
"The successful execution of this magnificent design was first
effected by Fulton and witnessed upon the waters of the Hudson, but
is now imitated in almost every civilized country; and it remains
to be seen whether steam will be applied in war.
"The mechanical inventions of this country are numerous; many of
them are ingenious, and some are highly important. In no way can
a knowledge of them be so readily and extensively diffused as in
a scientific journal. To this object, therefore, a part of our
labors (should there be a call for it) will be devoted, and every
necessary aid will be given by plates and descriptions.
"Science and art mutually assist each other; the arts furnish facts
and materials to science, and science illuminates the path of the
arts.
"Geometry, and mathematics both pure and mixed, can never cease
to be interesting and important to man, as long as the relations
of quantity shall exist, as long as ships shall traverse the
ocean, as long as man shall measure the surface or heights of the
earth on which he lives, or calculate the distances and examine
the relations of the planets and stars; and as long as the iron
reign of war shall demand the discharge of projectiles, or the
construction of complicated defenses.
"In a word, the whole circle of physical science is directly
applicable to human wants, and constantly holds out a light to the
practical arts; it thus polishes and benefits society, and every
where demonstrates both supreme intelligence, and harmony and
beneficence of design in the CREATOR."
Such was the pledge which, on entering upon our editorial labors in
1818, we gave to the public, and such were the views which we then
entertained, regarding science and the arts as connected with the
interests and honor of our country and of mankind. In the retrospect,
we realize a sober but grateful feeling of satisfaction, in having, to
the extent of our power, discharged these self-imposed obligations;
this feeling is chastened also by a deep sense of gratitude, first,
to God for life and power continued for so high a purpose; and next,
to our noble band of contributors, whose labors are recorded in half
a century of volumes, and in more than a quarter of a century of
years. We need not conceal our conviction, that the views expressed in
these "Introductory Remarks," have been fully sustained by our fellow
laborers.
Should we appear to take higher ground than becomes us, we find our
vindication in the fact, that we have heralded chiefly the doings
and the fame of others. The work has indeed borne throughout "the
impress" of editorial unity of design, and much that has flowed from
one pen, and not a little from the pens of others, has been without
a name. The materials for the pile, have however been selected and
brought in, chiefly by other hands, and if the monument which has
been reared should prove to be "_ære perennius_," the honor is not
the sole property of the architect; those who have quarried, hewn and
polished the granite and the marble, are fully entitled to the enduring
record of their names already deeply cut into the massy blocks, which
themselves have furnished.
If a retrospective survey of the labors of thirty years, on this
occasion, has rekindled a degree of enthusiasm, it is the natural
result of an examination of all our volumes, from the contents of which
we have endeavored to make out a summary both of the laborers and their
works.
We find that there have been about 600 contributors of original matter
to the Journal, and we have the unexpected satisfaction of believing
that probably five-sixths of them are still living; for we are not
certain that more than fifty are among the dead; of perhaps fifty more
we are without information, and if that additional number is to be
enrolled among the "stelligeri," we have still 500 remaining. Among
them are not a few of the veterans with whom we began our career,
and several of these are still active contributors. Shall we then
conclude that the peaceful pursuits of knowledge are favorable to long
life? This we think is, _cæteris paribus_, certainly true: but in the
present instance, another reason can be assigned for the large amount
of survivorship. As the Journal has advanced and death has removed
its scientific contributors, younger men and men still younger, have
recruited the ranks, and volunteers have enlisted in numbers constantly
increasing, so that the flower of the host are now in the morning and
meridian of life.
We have been constantly advancing, like a traveller from the
equinoctial towards the colder zones,--as we have increased our
latitude, stars have set and new stars have risen, while a few
planetary orbs visible in every zone, have continued to cheer us on our
course.
The number of articles, almost exclusively original, contained in the
Journal is about 1800, and the Index will show how many have been
contributed by each individual; we have doubtless included in this
number _some few_ articles republished from foreign Journals--but
we think they are even more than counterbalanced by original
communications without a name and by editorial articles, both of which
have been generally omitted in the enumeration.
Of smaller articles and notices in the Miscellany, we have not made
any enumeration, but they evidently are more numerous than the regular
articles, and we presume that they may amount to at least 2500.
Of party, either in politics or religion, there is no trace in our
work; of personalities there are none, except those that relate
to priority of claims or other rights of individuals. Of these
vindications the number is not great, and we could heartily have wished
that there had been no occasion for any.
* * * * *
During twenty years from the inception of this Journal, the editor
labored alone, although overtures for editorial coöperation had been
made to him by gentlemen commanding his confidence and esteem, and
who would personally have been very acceptable. It was, however, his
opinion that the unity of purpose and action so essential to the
success of such a work were best secured by _individuality_; but he
made every effort, and not without success, to conciliate the good
will and to secure the assistance of gentlemen eminent in particular
departments of knowledge. On the title page of No. 1, Vol. xxxiv,
published in July, 1838, a new name is introduced: the individual to
whom it belongs having been for several years more or less concerned
in the management of the Journal, and from his education, position,
pursuits and taste, as well as from affinity, being almost identified
with the editor, he seemed to be quite a natural ally, and his adoption
into the editorship was scarcely a violation of individual unity. His
assistance has proved to be very important:--his near relation to the
senior editor prevents him from saying more, while justice does not
permit him to say less.
It may be interesting to our readers to know something of the patronage
of the Journal. It has never reached one thousand paying subscribers,
and has rarely exceeded seven or eight hundred--for many years it
fluctuated between six and seven hundred.
It has been far from paying a reasonable editorial compensation; often
it has paid nothing, and at present it does little more than pay its
bills. The number of engravings and the extra labor in printer's
composition, cause it to be an expensive work, while its patronage is
limited.
It has a large gratuitous distribution, both at home and abroad, and
an extensive good-will exchange with works often having no particular
bearing upon its peculiar objects. It has incurred a heavy extra
expenditure in reprinting exhausted numbers, for the purpose of
furnishing entire sets of the work. No application for an entire set
has ever yet been disappointed, and complete sets of the volumes are
to be found in many institutions and in the hands of many individuals,
both in Europe and in the United States. Entire sets have often been
presented gratuitously to our infant colleges and to scientific
institutions and distinguished individuals in Europe. A few remain on
hand, and it is our intention to furnish them as long as we can afford
to republish, or can repurchase numbers that have run out.
* * * * *
The series of volumes must ever form a work of permanent interest on
account of its exhibiting the progress of American science during the
long period which it covers. Comparing 1817[C] with 1847, we mark on
this subject a very gratifying change. The cultivators of science in
the United States were then few--now they are numerous. Societies
and associations of various names, for the cultivation of natural
history, have been instituted in very many of our cities and towns,
and several of them have been active and efficient in making original
observations and forming collections. The American Philosophical
Society at Philadelphia, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences
at Boston, and the Academy of Natural Sciences also at Philadelphia,
numbered distinguished names among their members, and had published
valuable volumes of Transactions before our publication began. The
Connecticut Academy of Arts and Sciences had also published a single
volume as early as 1813. Since that time the Lyceum of Natural History
of New York, the Boston Society of Natural History, the Albany
Institute, and the Maryland Academy of Sciences have stood prominent
among associations of a like nature, and their memoirs now constitute
an important item in our scientific history. Other associations for the
departments of history and ethnography have also published memoirs;
and we must not omit to mention the American Geological Society, and
the Geological Society of Pennsylvania, which has issued one valuable
volume.
Of scientific collections we may say, that in the Institution from
which we date these remarks, going back only fourteen years from the
issuing of our first number, the entire mineralogical and geological
collection of the college was transported to Philadelphia in one small
box, and there, for lack of information elsewhere, the specimens were
named by the late Dr. Adam Seybert, then fresh from the celebrated
school of Werner at Freiburg in Germany, perhaps the only man then in
this country who could be regarded as a mineralogist scientifically
trained. Now, mineralogy and geology are familiar to our legislators
and our youth; and the institution which sent forth its little box
of unknown mineral treasures, unfolds to its pupils and the world a
magnificent collection not surpassed, if equalled, in the United States.
Boston, which at our earliest date presented only the limited
collection of the Linnæan Society, now opens to the student a rich
and beautiful museum of natural history; and Harvard University at
Cambridge has a fine botanical garden under an able and zealous
botanist--a well furnished and successful observatory, and a rich
collection of minerals and fossils, including a skeleton of the
Mastodon, which is rivalled only by the specimen of unexampled
magnitude and perfection, in the private museum of Dr. John C. Warren
in Boston.
Philadelphia may also boast of her cabinets of natural history, public
and private: and one of the noblest collections of birds in the
world,[D] bestowed on his country by Mr. Wilson of Delaware, has been,
within a few months, added to the valuable collections of the Academy
of Natural Sciences at that place.
When we began our Journal, not one of the States had been surveyed in
relation to its geology and natural history; now those that have not
been explored are few in number. State collections and a United States
Museum hold forth many allurements to the young naturalist, as well as
to the archæologist and the student of his own race. The late Exploring
Expedition with the National Institute, has enriched the capital
with treasures rarely equalled in any country, and the Smithsonian
Institution recently organized at Washington, is about to begin its
labors for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men.
It must not be forgotten that the American Association of Geologists
and Naturalists--composed of individuals assembled from widely separate
portions of the Union--by the seven sessions which it has held, and by
its rich volume of reports, has produced a concentration and harmony
of effort which promise happy results, especially as, like the British
Association, it visits different towns and cities in its annual
progress.
Astronomy now lifts its exploring tubes from the observatories of many
of our institutions. Even the Ohio, which within the memory of the
oldest living men, rolled along its dark waters through interminable
forests, or received the stains of blood from deadly Indian warfare,
now beholds on one of its most beautiful hills, and near its splendid
city, a permanent observatory with a noble telescope sweeping the
heavens, by the hand of a zealous and gifted observer. At Washington
also, under the powerful patronage of the general government, an
excellent observatory has been established, and is furnished with
superior instruments, under the direction of a vigilant and well
instructed astronomer--seconded by able and zealous assistants.
Here also (in Yale College) successful observations have been made with
good instruments, although no permanent building has been erected for
an Observatory.
We only give single examples by way of illustration, for the history of
the progress of science in the United States, and of institutions for
its promotion, during the present generation, would demand a volume.
It is enough for our purpose that science is understood and valued,
and the right methods of prosecuting it are known, and the time is at
hand when its moral and intellectual uses will be as obvious as its
physical applications. Nor is it to be forgotten that we have awakened
an European interest in our researches: general science has been
illustrated by treasures of facts drawn from this country, and our
discoveries are eagerly sought for and published abroad.
While with our co-workers[E] in many parts of our broad land, we
rejoice in this auspicious change, we are far from arrogating it to
ourselves. Multiplied labors of many hands have produced the great
result. In the place which we have occupied, we have persevered despite
of all discouragements, and may, with our numerous coadjutors, claim
some share in the honors of the day. We do not say that our work might
not have been better done--but we may declare with truth that we have
done all in our power, and it is something to have excited many others
to effort and to have chronicled their deeds in our annals. Let those
that follow us labor with the like zeal and perseverance, and the
good cause will continue to advance and prosper. It is the cause of
truth--science is only embodied and systematized truth, and in the
beautiful conception of our noble Agassiz--"_it tells the thoughts of
God_."
* * * * *
Although we are writing a preface to our first series already closed,
we may, without impropriety, say something of the Second Series now in
successful progress. It began on the first of January, 1846; instead
of being quarterly like the First Series, it appears once in two
months--six times in a year, giving two volumes of 450 pages each.
In this Series, the name of a third editor appears upon the title
page, and the remarks which have been already made are, in their
spirit and almost in the letter, applicable in the present instance.
The _unity_ is still preserved, and both counsel and action--favored
by juxta-position and constant intercourse--are almost as if one
individual presided alone. It will be perceived, therefore, that we
have not departed from the principle which has governed us from the
beginning, and when our mantle shall fall, there are those at hand who
may, if it be worth the effort, arrest it in its descent and wear it
more worthily than we have done.
* * * * *
The portrait prefixed to this volume was engraved for a very different
purpose and for others than the patrons of this Journal. It has been
suggested by friends, whose judgment we are accustomed to respect, that
it ought to find a place here, since it is regarded as an authentic,
although, perhaps, a rather austere resemblance. In yielding to this
suggestion, it may be sufficient to quote the sentiment of Cowper on a
similar occasion, who remarked--"that after a man has, for many years,
turned his mind _inside out_ before the world, it is only affectation
to attempt to hide his face."
* * * * *
In tracing back the associations of many gone-by years, a host of
thoughts rush in, and pensive remembrance of the dead who have labored
with us casts deep shadows into the vista through which we view the
past.
Anticipation of the hour of discharge, when our summons shall arrive,
gives sobriety to thought and checks the confidence which health and
continued power to act might naturally inspire, were we not reproved,
almost every day, by the death of some coeval, co-worker, companion,
friend or patron. This very hour is saddened by such an event,--but
we will continue to labor on, and strive to be found at our post of
duty, until there is nothing more for us to do; trusting our hopes for
a future life in the hands of him who placed us in the midst of the
splendid garniture of this lower world, and who has made not less ample
provision for another and a better.
Yale College, April 19, 1847.
EXPLANATIONS.
Names of authors and subjects are arranged together alphabetically.
References to species of animals described or noticed in the Journal,
though to some extent distributed through the Index, are systematically
catalogued under the word _Zoology_. The same plan is followed
with _Botany_.
Obituary notices are collected together under _Obituary_.
The references under authors' names, when numerous, are sometimes
alphabetized, or distributed according to subjects, but often follow the
order of the volumes.
Works reviewed are mentioned under the names of their authors, and
also under the word _Works_.
When an article is illustrated by figures or plates, the fact is noted
by adding to the number of the page, the letter f.
A Supplement, is added, containing some omitted references.
The list of plates and wood cuts, is arranged according to volumes, and
the page or article is mentioned which each illustrates. The numbers in
this list indicate the proper order of succession in each volume, and
not the numbers that may appear on the plates.
[Footnote A: Vol. xxv, p. 215. Obituary notice of Col. Gibbs.]
[Footnote B: Taken from Vol. i, Am. Jour. Sci. and Arts, pp. v, vi;
also pp. 1 to 8, July, 1818.]
[Footnote C: The date of the incipient movements.]
[Footnote D: Late the _Rivoli_ collection of Paris.]
[Footnote E: Especially our ancient compeer, The Journal of the
Franklin Institute at Philadelphia.]
ERRATA.
Page 14, col. 1, line 24 from bottom, for "Lea," read "Lee."
" 22, " 2, " 22 " " for "368," read "367."
" 23, " 2, " 12 " " dele "Barnes, D. W."
" 75, " 1, " 15 from top, for "156," read "157."
" 86, " 2, " 22 " " for "358," read "354."
" 98, " 2, " 4 from bottom, for "xxxiii," read "xxxii."
" 156, " 2, " 12 and 13 from bottom, dele the lines.
" 185, " 1, " 16 from bottom, for "xxxiii," read "xxiii."
" 185, " 1, " 21 " " for "271," read "371."
" 212, " 1, " 12 from top, dele "x, 203; xi, 335," and insert
the same in the 2d line from top.
Page 287, col. 2, line 21 from top, insert xliii, 390.
" 287, " 2, " 3 from bottom, insert xxiv, 151.
[ TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE:
The above errata from the printed edition have been applied to
this e-text, also see further transcriber notes at the end. ]
INDEX
_Abbot, J. H._, Description of some new electro-magnetic, and
magneto-electric instruments and experiments, xl, 104.^f
----, theory of the pneumatic paradox, xxxix, 296^f; xl, 144.^f
Aberration of the fixed stars, _F. Struve_, xlvii, 91.
Absorption in animals, mechanism of, _F. Magendie_, iii, 288.
Academy of Sciences of Philadelphia, history of, xlvii, 6.
---- ---- ----, notice of, viii, 399; xix, 88, 355; xxii, 183.
---- ---- ----, Journal of, when commenced, xix, 91.
---- ---- ----, notice of the Catalogue of the Library, xxxiii, 181.
---- ---- ----, _Dr. Burrough's_ collections, xix, 355.
---- ---- ----, _McClure's_ donation to, xxx, 187.
---- ---- ----, notice of Journal or Proceedings of, xx, 414;
xxxix, 395; xlix, 183.
----, Maryland, of Science and Literature, xxx, 192, 395; xxxi, 395;
xxxii, 204.
----, Delaware, of Natural Sciences, xxiv, 177.
----, St. Petersburgh, of Sciences, xx, 389; xxii, 203.
----, Stockholm, of Sciences, iv, 387.
Acarus, _Crosse's_, xxxii, 374^f; xxxv, 125^f; xlix, 227.
----, experiments of _W. H. Weekes_, xliii, 395.
----, the supposed microscopic fungus, xliii, 205.^f
Acetic acid, a new process for obtaining from alcohol, xxviii, 358.
---- ----, on crystallizable, _C. Despretz_, xxvii, 197.
Achromatic microscope, improvements in, _E. Thomas_, xx, 265.^f
Acid, acetic, new process for, from alcohol, xxviii, 358.
----, ----, on crystallizable, _C. Despretz_, xxvii, 197.
----, angelicic, xlvii, 196.
----, apocrenic, _Berzelius_, xxviii, 121.
----, argento-cyanic, xviii, 334.
----, aspartic, xvii, 173.
----, benzoic, xlix, 194.
----, of butter, volatile, _J. U. Lezch_, xlix, 202.
----, boracic, of Tuscany, ii, 349; xxviii, 143; xxxvii, 270.
----, ----, in the waters of Vulcano, ii, 349.
----, butyric, xlviii, 186.
----, carbonic, see _carbonic acid_.
----, chlorovinic, _A. A. Hayes_, xxii, 142.
----, chlorovinous, xxii, 142.
----, citric, from gooseberries, xvi, 385.
----, citricic, _S. Baup_, xxxiv, 206.
----, columbic, _A. A. Hayes_, xlvi, 166.
----, crenic, _J. Berzelius_, xxviii, 121.
----, cyanic, xvi, 258.
----, formic, see _formic acid_.
----, gallic, new process for, _E. N. Kent_, xlvi, 78.
----, hydriodic, preparation of, xvi, 383; xlvii, 192.
----, hydrobromic, xlvii, 192.
----, hydrochloric, experiments with reference to, _Macaire_ and
_de la Rive_, xi, 393.
----, hydro-carbo-sulphuric, preparation of, vii, 187.
----, hydroxanthic, vii, 376.
----, iodic, xx, 185; xxviii, 136.
----, ----, combinations with vegetable alkalies, xix, 371.
----, kinic, detection of, _J. Stenhouse_, xlix, 391.
----, malic, _M. Liebig_, xxi, 156.
----, meconic, mode of obtaining, _R. Hare_, xii, 293.
----, metagallic, _M. Pelouze_, xxviii, 126.
----, muriatic, see _Muriatic_.
----, nitric, see _Nitric_.
----, opianic, xlvii, 196; xlix, 205.
----, opiano-sulphurous, xlix, 205.
----, oxalic, _Gay Lussac_, xxvii, 400.
----, phosphovinic, _M. Pelouze_, xxviii, 129.
----, prussic, see _Prussic_.
----, pyrocitric, vii, 187.
----, pyrogallic, _M. Pelouze_, xxviii, 126.
----, pyroligneous, ii, 340; v, 188; ix, 201; xiii, 175.
----, rosaic, in urine, xvii, 385.
----, saccharic, _M. Heintz_, xlviii, 193.
----, silicic, see _Silica_.
----, succinic, xlvii, 196.
----, sulphacetic, _M. Melsens_, xlviii, 193.
----, sulphuric, see _Sulphuric_.
----, sulphurous, see _Sulphurous_.
----, tartaric, manufacture at Glasgow, xli, 50.
----, of tomatos, xvii, 115.
----, uric, _Liebig_, xxxiv, 40.
Acids and salts, _R. Hare's_ views on, xxvii, 63, 67.
----, on the formation of, in vegetables, _M. Vauquelin_, xviii, 150.
Acoustic rainbow, xxi, 381.
Actinolite, in Canada, viii, 68.
----, glassy, from Concord, Penn., analysis of, _H. Seybert_, vi, 331.
----, in Connecticut, vi, 226; vii, 253; viii, 259.
----, in Maryland, xiv, 12.
----, in Massachusetts, i, 114; ii, 236; viii, 48, 235; ix, 54; x, 214.
----, in New Jersey, v, 246.
----, in New York, ix, 243, 250.
----, in North Carolina, v, 261.
----, in Pennsylvania, viii, 239; ix, 246; xiv, 9, 12, 13.
----, in Rhode Island, iv, 285; viii, 227; x, 10, 226.
----, in Vermont, iii, 76; iv, 54; v, 40, 271; xvii, 354.
_Adams, C. B._, mollusca of Middlebury, Vt., xl, 266.
----, new species of Thracia, xliii, 145.^f
----, note on the Pasithea sordida of Lea, xlii, 392.
_Adams, E._, divisibility of matter, xxviii, 163.
_Adams, J._, movement of rocks by ice, ix, 136.
----, theory of the construction of the thermometer, viii, 121.
_Adams, S._, observations and experiments on light, xlii, 123.
_Adams, W. A._, human footprints in rocks, and other artificial
impressions, xliv, 200.
Adularia, in Connecticut, ii, 239, 240; vi, 221.
----, in Massachusetts, v, 41.
----, in New York, vii, 57.
Adulterations of various substances, on the detection of,
_E. D. Faust_, xix, 70.
---- of alcohol, xix, 71.
---- of ammonia, xix, 72.
---- of arrow root, xix, 72.
---- of calomel, xix, 72.
---- of castor oil, xix, 77.
---- of chromate of lead, xix, 73.
---- of copaiva, xix, 73.
---- of iodide of potassium, xix, 74.
---- of lemon juice, xix, 75.
---- of morphine, xix, 75.
---- of oil of sweet almonds, xix, 76.
---- of oil of olives, xix, 76.
---- of peroxide of manganese, xix, 78.
---- of peruvian bark, xix, 81.
---- of phosphate of soda, xix, 82.
---- of prussic acid, xix, 70.
---- of soda, xix, 83.
---- of sulphate of magnesia, xix, 84.
---- of sulphate of quinine, xix, 84.
---- of tartrate of potash, xix, 85.
---- of tartar emetic, xix, 86.
---- of vinegar, xix, 86.
Aerial navigation, principles of, _H. Strait_, xxv, 15.^f
Aerolite, see _Meteorite_.
Aerostation, observations made during an ascent, _E. Robertson_,
xii, 166, 325.
Africa, alum and other minerals in a cavern in Southern, xxviii, 290.
----, white race of Atlas in, xxxii, 400.
----, Journey in Northern, by _Ehrenberg_ and _Hemprich_, vii, 195.
----, Northern, geological notices of, iv, 32.
----, geology of desert between Suez and Cairo, xxxiii, 288.
----, geology of Cape of Good Hope, _G. Champion_, xxix, 230.
African Cold Bokkeveld meteorite, notice of, xl, 199.
---- dialects, _J. W. Gibbs_, xxxviii, 41;
xxxix, 255.
_Afzelius_, obituary notice of, xxxiii, 211.
_Agardh's_ Systema Algarum, announced, ii, 363; iv, 200.
Agaric mineral in N. York, xxv, 347.
---- ----, in Vermont, iii, 234, 242.
_Agassiz_ on fossil fishes, notice of, xxviii, 193; xxxiv, 212;
abstract of, xxx, 33.
----, on the freshwater fishes of Central Europe, xxxix, 390; xlv, 211.
----, on the echinodermata, noticed, xxxiv, 212; xxxvii, 369;
xlii, 378; xlv, 399.
----, glaciers and bowlders in Switzerland, xli, 59, 190.
----, former existence of glaciers in Scotland, xli, 191.
----, glacial theory of, xlii, 346.^f
----, visit of, to Mantell's Museum, xxviii, 194.
----, Wollaston medal awarded to, xxx, 382.
----, notice of the several works of, xli, 194.
Agate, in Canada, viii, 64.
----, in Connecticut, i, 134; v, 44, 45; vi, 216.
----, in Massachusetts, i, 113, 115; v, 407; vi, 52.
----, in New Jersey, i, 236; ii, 197; v, 239.
----, in North Carolina, v, 261, 264.
----, in Rhode Island, ix, 46.
----, in the Western States, i, 132; iii, 71; vii, 49.
----, cause of red color of, xxxvi, 207.
----, coralline, in the West Indies, i, 141.
Agave plant, and cordage from its fibre, xxi, 32.
---- and other plants used for cordage, _J. Mease_ and _H. Perrine_,
xxv, 330.
Agricultural chemistry, remarks on, xli, 262.
Agriculture, rotation of crops in, _M. Macaire_, xxiii, 138.
_Aikin, W. E. A._, notices of the country between Baltimore and the
Ohio river, xxvi, 219.^f
----, apparent diminution of weight in some circumstances, xxvii, 224.
Air, on the color of, by _Count Xavier de Maistre_, xxvi, 65.
----, currents in, see _Winds_.
----, temperature of, see _Meteorology, Heat_ and _Temperature_.
Airpump, new, _J. H. Patten_, viii, 143.^f
----, remarks upon, with suggestions, _J. F. Dana_, viii, 275.^f
----, Patten's, remarks in reply to _J. F. Dana_, ix, 92.
----, new, _M. Thilorier_, xxiv, 379.
----, a new construction, _R. Hare_, xxxiii, 237.^f
----, improved, _J. Johnston_, xxxiv, 86.^f
---- receiver, improved, _J. Bell_, xxviii, 353.^f
_Akerly, S._, on the language of signs, viii, 348.
Alabaster (gypsum) of the Mammoth Cave, Ky., xlii, 206.^f
Alasmodonta and Unio, on the genera and species, _D. H. Barnes_,
vi, 107^f, 258.^f
----, descriptions of some, xiv, 289; xxv, 341.^f
----, see farther under _Zoology, Mollusca_.
Albite, a distinct species from feldspar, vii, 390.
---- of Chesterfield, Massachusetts, analysis of, xxx, 381.
Albumen, precipitated by phosphoric acid, xvi, 396.
----, solubility of, _A. Wurtz_, xlviii, 184.
Alcohol, density in different states, xvi, 388.
----, on the colored flame of, xvi, 390.
----, observations on, by _A. Eaton_, xvi, 173.
----, detection of adulterated, xix, 71.
----, rectification of, ii, 358.
----, rectified without heat, x, 378.
----, proportion of, in wines and various fermented liquors,
_L. C. Beck_, xxviii, 48.
----, combination with oil of turpentine, viii, 390.
----, action of, on alkalies, xl, 216.
----, action of chloride of lime on, xxiii, 134.
----, action of sulphuric acid on, xvi, 267.
---- mixed with water, changes in the volume of, xxiv, 373.
---- in bread, xxiii, 194.
---- not in bread, xxvi, 211.
Alcyonium, in green sand, Maryland, xvii, 288.
_Alden, T._, account of descents in a diving bell at Portsmouth, N. H.,
xxii, 325.
_Alder, J._, notice of, xxxvii, 168.
_Aldini_, on the preservation of firemen from the action of flame, by
asbestus cloth and other means, xx, 96.^f
_Aldridge_, on vegetable impregnation, xli, 62.
Alembic for distilling amalgam of gold, _M. F. Maury_, xxxiii, 66.^f
_Alexander, J. H._, new form of barometer, xlv, 233.^f
Algebraic series, _J. Wallace_, vii, 278.
---- ----, remarks on, viii, 131.
---- ----, reply by _J. Wallace_, ix, 98.
---- ----, reply to _J. Wallace_, ix, 293.
---- solutions, by _C. Wilder_, xvi, 271.