The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1836-12-16 00:00:00

THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD.

LECTURE VIII

. _
On Saturday evening Mr. Hemming continued.
Water exists naturally in three separate states. It exists in
the solid at the arctic and antarctic regions, in the liquid be-
tween the temperatures of 32 and 212, and in the vaporous at
all temperatures. It is erroneously supposed that water will not
vaporize under 212 degrees : ice itself will do so. Steam is the
vapour of water at 212 degrees ; but vapour is the term applied
when vaporization takei place at lower temperatures. ['here
are various causes which regulate vaporization, amongst these
temperature, the motion of the air, and its dryness, are the
principal. , The amount of evaporation, as stated in the preced-
ing lecture, which takes place daily, is so prodigious that had
we not sufficient data for the fact, it would appear incredible.
We find the quantity of vapour held in solution by the atmo-
sphere to be variable; under some circumstances, as when the
Harmattan blows, it is almost dry. Under high temperatures
there is a larger quantity of vapour contained.in the atmosphere,
and this often when we think it is the dryest. Thus, on
a hot day, there is a very great quantity, of vapour contained
in it. A very large quantity of vapour is precipitated in the
form of hail, rain, and snow; but a very great quantity is silently
returned to the earth in the form of dew. There have been two
theories to account for the formation of rain, both of which are
ingenious, and both of them exceedingly probable. ' It has been
ascertained that the capacity of the atmosphere for retaining
moisture increases with its temperature according to a certain
ratio. Thus, at a temperature of 30 degrees, if we will suppose
the air capable of holding 2 grains of water in solution, at a
temperature of 60, it will hold 4 times that quantity, or 8 grains;
and, as we increase the heat, we shall increase the quantity, by
the square of the increase; if 90 degrees, it will hold 9 times i,
or 18 grains, and so on. It is very important that such is the
case, or the action of the air upon the ocean would cause the
vapour to ascend visibly, as steam from boiling water, whereas,
on account of this increased capacity for holding water iu estate
of solution, it is capable of holding the prodigious quantities
evaporating at high temperatures during the day, and in the
evening we find it again falling as a mist or dew upon the sur-
faceof the earth. Dr. Hutton imagines that when two clouds
of different temperatures meet, there is an interchange of calo-
ric; and as the mean temperature thereby produced will not
hold the same quantity of vapour in solution, that the superfluity
is precipitated in the form of rain, snow, or hail. The other
theory is the electric theory, in which it is mentioned that the
aqueous particles of the clouds exist in different states of elec-
tricity with regard to each other, and that when a cloud posi-
tively charged with electricity approaches one negatively charged
an interchange of electricity will take place, and rain be pre-
cipitated. We find that electricity does tend to precipitate
water, for if a sponge be soaked in water, and well squeezed, we
can cause it to give out more water by the application of elec-
tiicity. In the same manner, if we take a syphon of such a mi-
nute diameter that the water will only issue from it drop by drop,
and connect it with an electrical machine, the water will flow in
a continuous stream. Each of these theories may be correct—
there is nothing to militate against either of them. We have
only lately been acquainted with the theory of dew, and we are
indebted for it to Dr. Wells. It was known that dew was only
precipitated when it was most wanted—on a cloudless night,
when the plant seems most to require it; but no correct notions
were entertained with respect to the cause of this phenomena.
Dr. Wells found that the earth is wanner at night on the surface
than a few feet above it. This is accounted for by the earth
giving back again at night the heat which it received from the
sun during the day. This heat, if there be no clouds to inter-
cept it, will pass off into space. On this account it is found that
if a thermometer is placed on the ground on a cloudless night it
may stand in our climate from 10 to 15 degrees higher than it
will at six feet from the ground. The consequence of this is,
that the vapour contained in the atmosphere on the surface of
the earth will be precipitated upon its arrival amongst a colder
stratum of air, and fall down in the form of dew. Dr. Wells
was led to this by several experiments; for example, lie placed
small portions of cotton wool upon sticks, at certain altitudes.
If the night was cloudless the wool was found to have increased
in weight; but in every case, if he covered the wool with a pent-
house or a handkerchief, there was little or no clew precipitated.
This is the reason why we have no preciaitation on cloudy
nights, because the heat that is given off by the earth is
received by the clouds, end returned back again, by which the
deposition of dew is prevented. Dr. Wells candidly acknow-
ledged that in the pride of his heart he had laughed at persons
who covered their plants at night, little supposing that by this
means the radiation of the heat of the earth around the plants
was prevented.
We have now to consider the boiling points of water under
different circumstances. It is found that whatever degree of
heat we apply to water, that is, whenever it is exposed to the
atmosphere, we cannot compel it to assume a higher tempera-
ture than 212 degrees. At that heat it begins to boil. This is
our usual exposition of the boiling point of water; but it is an
incorrect one, for at the bottom of some of the London brewers'
boilers, in which the liquor is 30 feet high, the temperature is
250 degrees in consequence of the pressure of the column of
water, which is equal to another atmosphere. It is a fact that
moue but the great brewhouses of London can brew porter of
much better quality than the smaller ones. The probability is,
that this superiority is owing to the depth of their boilers, as
by that means they may be aisle to extract a certain quantity of
matter which cannot be extracted at lower temperatures. If
we boil w der in vacuo, we shall find that the tempereture of
the boiling water will be only 88 degrees instead of 212; and we
find that, as we ascend a mountain, the water boils at a lower
temperature as the atmosphere becomes rarer. Saussure
boiled water at the top of Mont Blanc at 187 degrees. Dr.
Wollaston constructed an instrument on this principle for inea-
, suring elevations, by indicating the temperature of boiling water,
on which a degree was divided into a thousand parts. We find
that, if water boils at 212 degrees on the surface of the earth, it
will boil at one degree less 550 feet high. Dr. Wollaston found,
by means of this instrument, that there was an appreciable dif-
ference between water boiling on the floor and water boiling in
the same vessel on a table. The variation of temperature was
very visible between the water boiled in the cellar of a house_
and in the garret. The height of St. Paul's Cathedral was ac-
ascended in a balloon for the purpose of colitrasting the indica-
tions of altitude furnished by that instrument. with those of a
barometer. He kept the water boiling all the time he was in
the air by means of sulphuric acid and water. On his return,
lie gave the indications of the barometer to a friend of his to
calculate the different elevations, whilst he himself calculated
those of Dr. Woilaston's instrument. When they met to corn-
, pare their calculations, there was only a difference of six feet
between them, although the balloon had ascended two miles in
;height. This will show that we may measure altitude with as
much precision by means of a boiling liquid as by means of a
column of mercury. We say that water boils at 212; but in
reality it seldom boils at that temperature. Much depends upon
the slate of the atmosphere, the vessel in which the water is
boiled, and the pdrity of the water, and from these causes there
is a difference of several degrees in the boiling point. The heat
which is imparted to water after it has reached the boiling point
is carried off by the steam in a latent form; and it has been
calculated that it requires 1000 degrees of heat to convert water
into steam. 'Phis latent heat becomes free again as the steam
is converted into water. If this quantity of heat were not car-
ried away with the vapour, the inevitable consequence would be,
that the instant water reached the boiling temperature, the
whole mass would be carried away simultaneously, and produce
a terrible explosion. Ice also absorbs latent heat in its con-
version into water to the amount of 140 degrees. The simplest
mode of proving this is to mix a pound weight of water at 32
degrees with another pound at 172 degrees, when the water will
be found of a mean temperature; but if a pound weight of water
at 172 be mixed with a pound
of pounded ice, the temperature
will be reduced ta32 degrees. We are indebted to Dr. Black
for our knowledge of this property of ice. Ile was led to enter-
tain the idea that such was the case by noticing that the surface
of his pond was covered with ice although the temperature of
portion
tra°t Id
this by heat., and
e
the air had been at 40 degrees for several days previously. He
immersed a thermometer in the pond, and hound that it re-
mained stationary at 32 degrees until the whole of the ice con-
tained in the pond was dissolved. In the same manner, when
expandswatel. is
inovi converted toefd
itsinto
bulk.ie ice, gives Mr.
Hemmingou
t a i
freezing some water in a bottle, when it cracked in every direc-
tion. According to some experiments made by the Florentine
academicians, it was found that this expansion takes place with
a force of 271 tons on the square inch. The disinteuration of
rocks is owing to this circumstance. The rain which has en-
tered their pores in the autumn freezes, and the expansion winch
takes place tears the strongest rocks asunder. Rapid evapora-
tion, by taking away the caloric from the water, produces ice.
Mr. 'lemming beautifully illustrated this by means of Dr.
Wollaston's eryophorus, the principle of which he explained.
When water is heated in a boiler, the fire should always be
applied to the lower surface, as water is with difficulty heated
from above. Mr. Hemming illustrated this by means of a glass
tube containing water, at the bottom and top of which were
pieces of lard. He applied heat to the middle of the tube, when
the upper portion of lard melted, and the water boiled, but the
lard at the bottom of the water remained in the solid slate.
This arises from the bad conducting powers of water. This
may likewise be illustrated by colouring some water and heat-
ing it, when it will be found that the heated water may be
poured upon cold water without mixing with it. The densities
of fresh and sea water are very different; hence persons swim
with more ease in the latter than in the former. The water of
the Dead Sea is so remarkably buoyant that a person may float
in it with his head and shoulders out of the water without any
exertion. This difference of density is owing to the saline
matter which sea water contains in solution. Mr. Hemming,
illustrated this by causing a bottle to rise from the bottom of a
glass jar by adding salt to the water.

LEcTuns IX

On Wednesday evening Mr. Hemming continued.
We have now to consider the various distinguishing properties
of those bodies called metals. These are a numerous and im-
portant class of substances, amounting so far as at present
known, to forty-two, in number. Some of these, it is true, have
not. vet been reduced from their earthly state, as for instance,
Yttrium, Thorium, and Zircorium, but we are led from several
circumstances to suppose, that they possess a metallic base.
We find on decomposition, that they combine with mercury,
from which they cannot be however, separated in the metallic
state. We have another proof that they are metals, which is
this, if we throw the amalgam into water, hydrogen gas will
arise. It appears in this instance that the bases of these bodies
are like those of the alkalies, because they combine with the
oxygen, and release the hydrogen of water. Some have never
been discovered in the separate state. Gold, silver, mercury,
,copper. tin, iron, and lead were known to the ancients in early
times. The iron and copper known at these periods were not,
however, similar to those which we are now acquainted with.
The iron was in that state which we call cast iron, and the cop-
per was alloyed with zinc, silver, tin, or other metals. At that
period the tools, and the spears, and other warlike weapons,
were not formed of iron or steel, but of copper, and some alloy
like our bell metal or gun metal. In the remains of Hercu-
laneum and Pompeii, various implements ,are daily found con-
taining a certain alloy which renders them durable, hard, and
sharp. We find the term brass used in scripture, but it refers
to this alloy, for, copper is one of the most difficult metals to
reduce to a state,of purity. In like manner iron is difficult to
reduce, it is easy to convert iron ore into cast iron, but not into
wrought iron. We are, therefore, sure that the ancients were
not acquainted with pure copper, or with wrought iron. Iron
was first used in a wrought state, in the reign of King Solomon,
the mode of so manufacturing it having been discoved by some
Phoenician workmen. At that time Daedalus cud Cadmus in-
vented the gimlet, and saw, and lathe, which enabled Minos to
build a.fleet, and reign tiiumphant as king of the seas. It is
remarkable that the majority of the ancient metals are found
in their native state, gold and silver especially; mercury is found
in such a state as by distillhtion to he easily separated from the
ore, which contains it. In like manner copper is found in a
native state" Lead is not found in the native state, but chiefly
as a so;pheret. The seven metals known to the ancients were
distinguished by the different symbols applied to the seven
ptiknets..; Thus gold was typified as the sun, bye circle ; silver,
as the moon, L.' a crescent ; copper was t:k pitita by a circle with

a cross underneath, the emblem of the looking glass of Venus.
7vleriniry was represented by a caduceus like -figure, consisting
of a cross, a circle and half a circle one over another, emble-
matical of Mercury. Iron was represented by the shield and
dart, used to represent Mars. Tin was typified by a figure in-
tended to represent the lightening of Jupiter, and lead by a
symbol emblematical of the scythe of Saturn. All the remain-
ing metals have been discovered within the last two or three
centuries.

The metals all possess certain general properties, viz , lustre,
opacity, combustibility, and fusibility ; they reflect light and
heat, and are conductors of elect icily and heat; many of them
have the properties of malleability and ductility. Before no-
tieing these properties more at large it may be useful to say a
few words of them as they exist in the mineral state. The use-
ful metals are seldom found in their metallic state near the sur-
face of the earth. They generally abound in mountainous and
hilly. countries, and here-the previous remark will not apply, for
by sinking a shaft near the base of mountains we arrive some-
times quickly at the solid ore. This is found in veins contain-
ing the matrix of the ore, which matrix performs a very im-
portant part in reducing the ore to the solid state. This de-
scription will not apply to all the metals, as some of them are
obtained without this difficulty. The ore is reduced, in most
cases, to a coarse powder, and then it is placed on an inclined
surface, and partly separated from the matrix by washing, which,
being lighter than the metal, is carried away with the water.
After this the ore is roasted in order to drive off as much as pos-
sible of the arsenic and sulphur, for most of the metallic ores
contain a quantity of these substances. In the course of this
roasting or torrefaction the ore imbibes a portion of oxygen,
which we then have to separate from the metal by fusian. An
intense heat is applied, and carbonaceous matter introduced to
unite with the oxygen, by which means we obtain the metal in
a separate state, and the lime or other earthy material floats on
the surface of the metal, and prevents oxidation from taking
place, which would otherwise be the case were the metal ex-
posed to the action of the atmosphere. The metals when found
in the state of minerals always bear a name indicative of their
composition. Thus, when we say a metal is found in its native
state, it is considered a native metal. Gold is always found in
its native state, and is called native gold. But we sometimes
have metals combined with others, they are then called native
alloys ; if they are combined with mercury they are called
amalgams; if combined with sulphur, sulithurets ; if with iron,
carburets ; if with phosphorus, phosphurets ; and so on.
The first of the metallic properties is their lustre. All of
them possess a certain degree of lustre, and this lustre, unlike
the lustre of many substances we are acquainted with, is not
superficial, but it pervades the whole muss. if we take a metal
and break it, or cut it, we shall find the lustre is uniform
throughout the whole mass. We are acquainted with many
substances besides the metals which exhibit a lustre, hvt very
few except the metals possess an internal lustre. The lustre of
a metal may be increased by artificial means,i and polishing.
Nickel and cobalt have the least lustre of all the metals. The
lustre cf a metal is very soon lost by exposure to the atmos-
phere. Sometimes the metal loses its lustre on exposure to the
atmosphere by combining with oxygen; this is the case with
iron, especially in damp weather. cold: and silver soon
loose their lustre by exposure, and become what' is called
tarnished. Now, this tarnish is found to be owing to the action
of sulphuretted hydrogen with the metal.,- Mr. 7-lemming here
exhibited a leaf of silver which displayed the same hue as cop-
per in consequence of being exposed in his laboratory to the
flumes of sulphuretted hydrogen gas. In countries where there
are many silver images of saints, especially in the Netherlands,
flakes of sulphuret of silver are continually dropping on the
floors of the churches. Platinum is not acted upon by either of
these agents, and we may expose it to a fire or to an acid with-
out any change. It is difficult to work, and so expensive, that
its use is limited. It has beets stated that these ores may be re-
duced to their natural states by a simple process; but it is stated
in the 4th chapter of Genesis, that " Tubal Cain was an in-
structor of every artificer in brass and iron." We find that in
very early times they found the art of purifying and refining
gold, and also the art of dissolving gold in water. We have an
example of this in Exodus. During the temporary absence of
Moses, Aaron was prevailed upon by the Israelites to form them
a golden calf out of the ornaments which they brought with
them out of Egypt. When Moses returned he was indignant
at their conduct, "And he took the calf which they had made,
and burnt it in the fire, and ground it to powder, and strewed it
upon the water, and made the children of Israel drink of it."
This passage of scripture has given rise to much controversy
amongst the learned. We know that gold may be exposed to
the most intense heat for a length of time, without undergoing
any sensible diminution of weight. Geld has been bailed by
exposure to the Tschii:nhausen burning lens, but it has merely
been converted into vapour. It was conjectured by some that
Moses accomplished the dissolution of the gold by miraculous
inteyposition. Stahl, the Swedish chemist, wrote a work to li
show that there was no need of miraculous interposition to ef-
fect this phenomenon. .Moses was skilled in all the learning of
the Egyptians, and there is no doubt that he was acquainted
with sulphur, and also with the alkali uatron, for in those coun-
tries this substance abounds If we heat gold with natron and
sulphur we form a mixture which may be reduced to powder, and
dissolved in water. Indeed, so perfectly dissolved is the gold,
that it will pass through a filtering paper. There is no doubt,
therefore, that this was the manner in which Moses dissolved
gold when he compelled the Israelites to drink of it. Gold is
very frequently combined with silver, as well as other metals.
It is easy to separate gold and silver from other metals, but the
same process will not separate the gold and silver from one
another. It appears that this was known in early periods, and
that the method usually employed to separate these metals
was merely to melt them with sulphur, when the sulphur com-
bined with the silver, but not with the gold. If the quantity of
silver be very small, we cannot separate it until we add more
silver to the mass, when the sulphur will not only combine with
the silver we have added but also with whatavas in the gold be-
fore. This mode of refining gold was known as early as 600
years before Christ. Isaiah, in his beautiful and peculiar lan-
guage, says, " Behold I have refined thee, but not with silver; I
have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction." Gold is the me-
tal here alluded to, as there is no other nietal which can be re-
fined with silver. Metals lose their lustre by exposure to the
atmosphere, the more so if exposed in a molten state. Lead
thus exposed for twenty-four hours becomes coated with a film
of oxide, and is converted into red lead.
The-next of the general properties of the metals appears to be
capacity. There appears to be no general exception to this pro-
perty. We are acquainted with a great variety of substances
which are impervious to light in the mass, but not in a state of
fine division; thus if a shaving were cut from a board it would
allow the light to pass throught it. A sheet of paper will do the
same. We can divide metals to a state of division 'Much moreg
minute tnan any other suostance; accoruin o some, a teat of
gold can be fabricated 1-360-000th part of an inch iii thickness,
and yet they will not allow the light to pass through them. If
we hold a leaf of gold near the candle, we see a greenish ray of
light, but this is no proof of transparency, fur it is possible that
the laminae of the gold may be separated from one another by
,the beating they have undergone, and the rays of light may not
pass through the gold, but between its particles. Silver may be
reduced to 1-100,0;.)0th part of an inch in thickness. and yet it
will exclude light. The metals are transparent, however, in a
state of solution.

The next of the general properties is combustibility. All the
metals are combustible if we apply sufficient heat to them.
Many require au intense degree of heat to effect this. Platina
requires the greatest heat that a chemist can produce—either by
means of the oxyhydrogen blow-pipe, or from the voltaic battery.
It is remarkable that metals, otherwise refractory, will sponta-
neously take fire when immersed in chlorine gas. Mr. Hem-
ming then exhibited the combustion of plaints, iron, copper, and
lead, by means of the oxyhydrogen blow-pipe, as well as the
ignition and dissipation -of gold, silver, and copper leaf, and tin
foil, by means of the voltaic battery, remarking, en peasant, that
the power of the voltaic battery is greatly increased if a little
sulphate of copper be added to the acid and water in which the
plates of copper and zinc are immersed. The metals we then
have seen are all combustible. The next property which they
possess is fusibility, which they undergo at various heats. Many
of them, when in a state of fusion, combine with oxygen. •
The next of the general properties of metals is their power of
conveying heat and electricity. These they possess in different
degrees. With respect to heat, seine are bad conductors of it :
platinum is one of the worst. It is a difficult matter to ascertain
which is the best conductor of electricity, because the progress
of electricity is so instantaneous; nevertheless there is reason
to 'relive that some of them are better than others.
Malleability and ductility are not possessed by all metals.
Malleable metals are rolled into sheets by passing them between
rollers with diminishing spaces between them. When a metal
is required to be made thinner than can be accomplished by this
process, it is beaten, out with heavy hammers to the required
size. . The term ductility is used_ to describe the capability of
a metal for being drawn into wire. Most of those metals which
are malleable are ductile; amongst these are gold, silver, pla-
tina, and copper, and iron to a certain extent. Tin and lead can be
brought into a state of leaf; but neither of these bodies is capa-
ble of being draWn into fine wire. Ductility depends upon the
tenacity or strength of the metal. • The metal is drawn into
wire by passing a rod of considerable thickness through aper-
tures continually diminishing in size,'until the wire becomes of
the required diameter. In this•process- the metals become brit-
tle, and would be so if not annealed by heating them, to restore
the properties of the wire. But we may, by a very ingenious
process, obtain platinumavire 1-39,000 th of an inch in diameter.
The mode of doing this was discovered by Dr. Wollaston. Gold
and platinum cannot be dissolved except by means of nitro-
muriatic acid, whilst the other' metals are all soluble in nitric
acid. Dr. Wollaston therefore enclosed a fine platinum wire in
the centre of a rod of silver, and drew the united wires to as fine
a state as possible. He then dissolved the silver in nitric acid,
when the platinum wire remained of the abovementioned thick-
ness.

Platinum was discovered by Don Antonio Ulloa, in 1735, and
was first brought to England by Mr. Charles Wood, in 1741.
It is found in South America, at Choco, and Santafe, and also
at St. Domingo, and the Brazils. It has since been found in
the Georgian mountains. Indeed, so abundantly is it fou
in the :Russian dominions, that it is used for coin. It is foili
in the state of grains containing a great variety of fore _
matter, such as lead, antimony, bismouth, &c., and also iridium,
palladium, osmium, and rhodium. In order to separate these,
a difficult process is to be resorted to, which Mr. Flemming
minutely explained. Platinum is the heaviest of metals, being
21 times heavier than water. It is the most durable and un-
changeable of all metals we are acquainted with, as it is not liable
to be affected by fire, water, or acid. We require the greatest
heat of a wind furnace to melt it. It is invaluable to the la-
boratory in the manufactory of articles which are exposed to an
intense heat, as well as for its bad conducting power, and its
little expansibility by heat. The ends of the voltic wires are
tipped with platinum, otherwise oxygen would combine with
them. In a spongy state it is heated to redness by hydrogen
gas, which it inflames. It has been used of late years for the
purpose of concentrating acids, as no simple acid will act upon
it. The expense of a moderate boiler composed of it will
amount to between £BOO and £lOOO, although it is merely used as
a thin lining or casing of an iron boiler. The expense
arises from the heavy weight of the metal, and its great value,
its price being 355. per ounce. Notwithstanding its expense,
such is its durability that it is much cheaper than lead or
glass boilers, and has this advantage, that it will always be
worth nearly as much as what it cost.
I'o-morrow evening Mr, Hemming will resume the subject of
metallurgy.

FLOUR FROM FROZEN POTATOES.—In our paper of Johnston'
we published a very remarkable statement by Mr. ,
factor to the Earl of Glasgow, that potatoes which have been •
frosted to such a degree as even to resemble pulp, will-still yield
by proper treatment, farina of a perfectly pure and pleasant
kind. A gentleman in our own neighbourhood having 01-!tierved
this paragraph in our journal last Friday, determined instantly
to try the experiment. Having gone to a field where the pota•
toes bad been raised and the land harrowed previous to the se-
vere frosts in the end of October, be there picked up a number
of potatoes that had been left on the surface as useless,. and had
lain bleaching through all the rains and frosts we since have
had.' None of them were so fresh and firm that he could not
have crushed them into a jelly with his hand. Very well; he
Put them through the usual process of flour or starch making;
and the result was, as in Mr. Johnson's recorded case, a farina
perfectly wholesome and good. A parcel •of the potato flour,
thus obtained by him, he brought. to our Herald office, on Wed-
nesday, and, as we supped on it that same evening, we can bear
ample tes.itoony to its excellence.. - We trust that none who see
this corrobative statement will.barto.toolish as to throw away
their frozon iotatoes.—Dumfries Herald,

LITERARY, SCIENTIFIC, AND COMMERCIAL

INSTITUTION.

The second anneal meeting of the friends of this. institution
was held on Tuesday evening last, at the Music-hall, in Bold-
street, Mr. Charles Horsfall, president of the society, in the
chair. The report, which appeared to give much-satisfaction,
stated that the number of members who had subscribed during
the last half year amounted to 591, namely, 3 honorary mem-
bers, 9 life subscribers, 6 donors of various sums of £5 and up-
wards, constituting members; 576 half-yearly subscribers.
The language classes still continued to be numerously attend
ed, particularly that of the French. The committee regretted
that the nature of Mr. Black's engagements prevented his
valuable services from being secured to the institution, at the
same time the inconvenience had beets to a great degree ob-
viated by the appointment of Mr. Hubert, whose exertions to
promote the improvement of his pupils had given the highest
satisfaction both to the committee and to the members generally.
The Spanish language class still continued under the tabe
superintendence of M. Vidal. The drawing class continued to
auswer the most sanguine expectations of its original pro-
moters. The committee felt that it would he unnecessary to
speak in terms of praise of the recognised talents of the pro-
fessor, Mr. George Pickering,. the rapid improvement of his
pupils in this interesting and elegant accomplishment, and the
unabated attendance at the class-room, being sufficieat proofs
of the ability of the teacher and the popular nature of the study.
The library had been increased by 800 volumes, 20-1 of which
had been presented by the friends and members of the institu-
tion. Mr. William Potter had presented the magnificent do-
rktion of a complete series of the Annual liegister, comprising
in the_whole 76 splendidly-bound volumes. Twenty-nine vols.
had also been presented by John Eden, Esq., and :10 by James
Parker, Esq. The whole number of volumes in the library was
now 2,006.
The adoption of the report was then moved by Mr. GEORGE
Hour, seconded by Mr. Wil LIAMs, and unanimuuslY carried.
Mr. HENRY LAWRENCE, after drawing attention to the utility
of the institution, as affording an advantageous opprtuuity for
improvement to the young men of the town, during their un-
occupied time, concluded by proposing a resolution to the effect
that institutions of this nature were calculated to advance the
moral and intellectual character of the members, which was
seconded by Mr. ATKINSON, the secretary to the institution,
and unanimously adopted.
Mr. J. C. EWART proposed a vote of thanks to the Patrons
and Vice-Patrons of the institution, which was ably seconded
by Mr. DOWDALL, and unanimously adopted.
A vote of thanks to the President and lionorasy Officers of
the institution, on the motion of Mr. RATCLIFFE, seconded by
Mr. CHEESEBOISOUGH, was then unanimously carried.
Mr. JAMES LEWIN proposed a vote of thanks to Dr. Jeffrey,
president of the discussion class, of whose services he spoke in
warm terms.

Mr. J. E. GLADSTONE, in an eloquent speech, seconded the
resolution, which was unanimously carried.
The thanks of the meeting to the Managing Committee were
then moved by Mr. CHAPMAN and seconded by Mr. GAW-
THORPE, and carried.
Mr. C. TINLING moved a vote of thanks to the donors to the
institution, which was seconded by Mr. D. I.EDSt, ai and carried_
Mr. R. E. LEWIN expatiated cm the merits of several philo
sophical and literary authors of the present day, and concluded
with proposing that they be added to the list of the members of
the institute, which was seconded by Mr. STEEL and carried.
A vote of thanks was then proposed to the Chairman by Mr.
Collet, and after he had returned thanks the meeting separated.

EXAMINATION OF THE PUPILS OF THE ROYAL
INSTITUTION.

Yesterday the annual examination of the pupils of this In-
stitution was held in the Theatre of the Royal Institution. The
following are the pieces recited by the different pupils.
Master B ROOK u.s....Battle of the Angels Ifilton.
„ Fit ECK LETON .. Retrospect-of School Days.. Gray. Odd
on Eton.
F LKTCH ER Changing Quarters W. M. Prized.
„ SW A INSON Defeuce of Milo, Cicero.

„ BANNEU..Siege of Corinth... Lord Byron.
„ BA H a.. Socrates appeals t. his Judges l'lol3.
s, RusisToN—Orestes Killed in a Chariot Race Mins-
lated from. Sop/lodes.
9, PICK ERING..Dido's Suicido Dryden's Virgil.
„ Gitoom—Ditto Virgil.
„ Runs cr..Medea's Soliloquy Euripides.
„ B. BisaNckEß—The Immuring of Constance.... Scott.

The manner in which the various pieces were delivered, was
highly creditable, and spoke much for the care and attention
bestowed upon the tuition of the pupils by the Rev. Mr. Iliff
the master, and his assistants. The Theatre was exceedingly
crowded by the friends and relations of the young orators, who
appeared highly delighted with their juvenile efforts. The fol-
lowing is a list of the prizes which were awarded after the reci•
tations. by the Rev. Rector Brooks :—For Classical Compo-
sition, the President's prize, Master Swainson. The Master's
prize, Muster Groom. For Mathematics—The President's
prize. Master Swainson ; the Master's prize, Masters Fletcher
and Groom, equal. General Prizes—Masters Ramsay, Glad-
stone, A. Robertson, and Aspinall. The President's report
read after the recitation spoke in very gratifying terms of
the progress of the institution, and of its increasing utility. The
new buildings connected with this institution, which are very
commodious, and rendered now necessary from the increase of
the members, will be opened after the vacation.