The Sun.
London, England, 1841-02-25 00:00:00

MEDICAL REFORM.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN.
SIR—In your paper of Saturday last you say Sir F. Pollock
presented a petition from the Royal College of Physicians,
praying that one test might be adopted in reference to the qua-
lification of all medical men. I think Sir F. Pollock pre-
sented a petition against Mr. Shawe's Bill (Medical Reform),
and principally on account of its introducing only one test,
perhaps its worst correction, as there are many interested, and
your paper is widely circulated about here.
I am, Sir, 3 our's, &c.
Burnley, Feb. 23, 1141. A SUBSCRIBER.

TIIE NE INFERNAL A C HINE,

The following letter on !his hobby of tl-e Times has
been addressed to that journal :
" Sir—l observe in your paper of this morning a long ac-
count of an experiment said to have been exhibited before Sir
Robert Peel and some of our most distinguished officers. I
hope I shall not be considered impertinent in submitting one or
two observations on a subject of such importance to the country
as that to which it relates.

" The power of exploding gunpowder under water has long
been known, and it never was carried to a greater extent pro-
bably than in the destruction of the Royal George last year;
but, from the description given of what took place on the occa-
sion to which I am referring, it would seem that gunpowder was
not the agent employed. That there are many other chemical
means of producing the same effect we all know : my object,
however, is not to inquire as to the means by which the effect
was produced, but to examine a little into some circumstances
noticed in the statement, on which I shall be glad to have a
little further information.

" Ist. It is stated that the inventor never went near the
workmen employed in the boat, in order that suspicion
might be entertained of any combustible materials being
lodged in the hold of the vessel.' The French have a proverb,
qui s'escuse s'accuse.' I wish the inventor or his friend the
writer of the statement, had not put it into my head that com-
bustibles might be so lodged ; but as he has done so, I am
anxious to knew if the gentlemen who went on board actually
examined the vessel in order to satisfy themselves that it
was the case that no combustibles were lodged in the bottom.
" 2d. It is said that the boat was, soon after being put in
motion, struck just abaft the starboard bow, and instan-
taneously shattered into a thousand fragments,' and this
was produced by collision with an instrument afterwards
described as weighing only 181 b. Now, as this instrument
is also said to be so portable and so safe ' as to admit of its
being kicked round a room when charged with its deadly
contents, I would ask, did any of the gentlemen present see
the instrument ? and also at what rate was the vessel propelled
that the collision should produce an effect not to be produced
by kicking the instrument round a room, or transporting it on
a mule's back ? or what is still more, how is it possible to be-
lieve that an instrument which is exploded by collision with a
vessel is to be projected so as to " destroy the strongest fort-
ress in Europe ?" One word more on a subject coming nearer
home to us in these quarters, and I have done. The writer
speaks of accidents lately occurring from the use of detonating
shells ;* he evidently knows but little what accidents hare oc-
curred, the cause of them, or the manner in which those
shells are used. Two accidents only have occurred ; it is not
necessary to detail the circumstances ; they were in both cases
distressing ; but it is hoped, from the precautions since taken,
the same will not again occur. _ _

" It is not the case that most of the shells fired at Acre
burst before they reached their object, nor is it the case that
these shells are allowed to roll about deck : and no instance
has ever occurred of an accident from them when being car-
ried in a common ammunition cart. So much, then, for the
information of the writer on a subject on which he pretends to
enlighten the public. The statement ends by a sort of threat
on the part of the inventor to carry the invention to some
other country. I congratulate him on the patriotism that gave
rise to such'an intention : I cannot;compliment him on the feel-
ing by which it is evidently dictated, as being a disinterested
one.—l am, Sir, your obedient servant,
" Arsenal, Woolwich, Feb. 22, 1841."

" TECHNITES."

* Although experiments with detonating shells have re-
cently been made, no inch projectile has been adopted or ever
used in the service.

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, LONDON

Yesterday a meeting of the Proprietors of this Institu-
tion was held in the Theatre of the University, to rece've
the Rcirrt of the Council, and to elect a President, Vice-
President, Treasurer, six members of the Council, and
one Auditor. In consequence of the notoriety which Mr.
Tooke lately gained in a correspondence relative to the
borough of Finsbury, the attendance of Shareholders was
unusually numerous. In the absence of Lord Brougham,
President, who was to have presided, 11. Warburton,
Esq., M. P., was csPed to the Chair.
A very long and angry discussion ensued upon the ap-
pointment of scrutineers, which was of no puhlic importance
beyond that of exhibiting strong dissatisfaction on the part
of the Shareholders as to the way in which the officers
of the College were nominated. Colonel Leicester Stan-
hope, M. P., J. 'l'. Leader, M. P., Mr. Hume, M. P.,
Mr. Rainsford, and Mr. J. L. Robinson, took a part in the
discussion, which terminated in the appointment of Major
Naylor, and Messrs. Leader, Browne, and Cope as
scrutineers.

The Report baying been read and adopted, the ballot
fur the officers was returned, when the following were an-
nounced :—Lord Brougham, President; Duke of Somer-
set, Vice-President. For Treasurer, Mr. Tooke, 98 %Iles ;
Mr. Taylor, 89 votes. Mr. Tooke was theref,)re &aired
the successful candiJate

Messrs. Wood, Easthope, Tineornhe, jun. and other
gentlemen addressed the meeting in reference to the ap-
pointment cf Treasurer. The addresses of the several
speakers alluded to the late charges preferred against
Mr. Tooke, of which the public hive already heard so
much.

Thinks Laying been voted to the Chairman, the mect-
ing sepaiated.

LAW INTELLIGENCE.

ROLLS' COURT, FEB. 24.
RE NICHOL'S PATENT.
The arguments in this case, which was opened on Monday
week, were resumed this morning and concluded. It came
before the Court upon a petition for leave to amend a specifi-
cation which had been duly enrolled.
The MAsTER of the ROLLS deferred his judgment, in or-
der that he might have an opportunity of con.ulting with the
Lord ChaiieeLor.
BAILEY V. THE BURGESSES OF ctronuroN-UPON-mEDLoc.K.
The arguients in this case were then resumed.