The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-04-27


by the addition of little fresh milk; but substitute
the milk for the water and acid, and Introduce a
new element by means Of a nutmeg Crater, and
the combination will excessively crafty most per
sons of taste We were prompted TO make this
sage and philosophic remark by seeng yesterday
a very fine silk dress carrying market basket up
ON its arm, while the skirt, of fashionable length,
swept the muddy pavement Nov. a fine silk dress
is Of course proper thing, and 30 Is market
basket, and so is n drzzly day; but the con-
junction is sadly misplaced that ever connects the
first and either Of the others together. or attempts
10 show any relation between them.
SMITHSONIAN LEcTuaEs.-A gentleman who has
devoted many years of his life to the dissemination
of knowledge, and especially to the encouragement
of accurate elementary instruction, has presented
to US the following remarks, which we take plea
sure in laying before our readers, with the hope
that his suggestions may be well considered and
practically adopted by many of the families of
Washington.
The lectures on Geology by Prot. Rogers will form
appropriate and beautiful counterpart To those
Just closed by DR.. Beck, the Chemistry of Ma
ture. prominent feature Of the lectures by DIR.
Beck the connection between the sciences and
the connexion of all science with the pursuits and
the wants of life Indeed, his subject, treated,
could not well avoid making that feature promi-
nent. For example, how could the chemistry Of
the atmosphere be treated Of except in its relations
to the objects which il surrounds. The chemistry
of air is shown by its action animal, vegetable,
and mineral creation.
In like manner, the chemistry Of the ocean, of
the solid earth, embracing volcanoes, &c, of vege
table and animal matter, must be presented, if
Ill
exhibited, in some measure, to common OBJ
servers, who will thus be greatly aided in their
observations.
Between chemistry and geology very
merous and very important points of cohnexion.
To class of society is either of these subjects,
and especially the two connected, more important
than to farmers. 1t has been remarked that farm
ing ia little less than a continued series Of
chemical experiments. Almost the first principle
Of geology is the nature of soils, the ee-
ments of mountains and Of the whole earth.
With these elements, every farmer ought to be
entirely familiar. 1t is the chemistry of Geology,
the chemical relations and operations of soils and
Of their action upon the vegetable creation, which is
especially interesting and important TO everybody,
but most of all to the farmer. If the Smithsonian
Institution could do but the one thing Of teaching
Chemistry and Geology to farmers the whole
globe, and teach it well-practically, thorough
ly, experimentally-it would not fail of accom-
plishing the design of its benevolent founder,
which "fo increase and difuse knowledge among
men,"
To accomplish this benevolent design in any
way, requires reciprocating action the part OF
those to be benefited. The nature of the proposed
lectures by Professor Rogers will be enhanced
many fold, by specimens showing the elements,
thao fr md ta,,, ~
the whole earth. 1t is most gratifying to know
that such specimens arc already in the possession
of very numerous families in Washington, and the
better for being the work, in great measure, of
the younger members of the families thus possess
ing them.
Not only citizens but families on a temporary
residence in the city, are known, in considerable
numbers, to have respectable and increasing col
lections of geological and mineral specimens.
About one hundred members of Congress have their
families with them during the present session.
Some of these are, all may be, furnished with spc
cimens, and that by the hands of the younger mem
bers. Such collections need not, and will not be
confined to those members having their families
with them. Every member so disposed could make
the forthcoming lectures geology an occasion
for procuring geological specimens to be used as a
nucleus for a large and valuable collection in his
own immediate vicinity. And what step would
plant science more deeply or more generally
through the country? What one step would dc
more to develop the resources of the country
What more for the diffusion of useful, substantial
knowledge? What more TO carry out the be-
nevolent design of the Smithsonian Institution
What more TO diffuse to increase knowledge
through our land, and eventually through all landsi
Surely, then, the lectures of Dr. Beck, followed by
those about to be commenced by Professor Rogers,
not tospeak of those previously attended by crowds
are answering the design Of the Smithsonian be-
quest.
The alarm Of fire between II and ~ o'clock yes :
terday occasioned by the burning Of Chin
ney Louisiana avenue, near the City Hall.