Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1851-05-02
AMERICAN SCIENCE.

We have received from their distinguished author Lieut.
Marry copy of his investigations ot the winds and cur
rents OF the sea- published by the authority OF the Secela
~ of the Navy and Of the Chief Of the Bureau of Ordnance
and Hvdrography We proud TO publish such cornp
ment TO the work of native Vrynan is contained in
the fllowng remarks Of the Editor of the Unon the late
Minister TO Prussia:
Ths work is favoraby received by the friends Of
philsophic research in Europe and particularly IN Berlin
where the most liberal encouragement is afforded 10
every effort OF the scientific kind In this respect The
kim OF Prussia has ousrpped his predecessors and ha-
laid The foundation Of character which will survive The
changes which have marked his policy political rctornis
He has had good fortune keep him! and in his con-
fdence Alex Humboldt under whose patronage nothing has
been omitted 20 build up the institutions devoted to science
and art This great watches all that passes in other
countries and is uncrng in the accuracy OF those dscrlmln-
lions which separate the good rom The bad oil what Is n
nearing in the great republic OF science and art And
il should be generally known that not only this work OF
lieutenant Naury is regarded by this distinguished
an eminent addition the materials of the practical Phluso
phy of the uac but that in the departments vi history and
language. sculpture and poetry, the high tributes {" his
praise are given American genius Two years ago We
were delighted hear this declare that next 10 kanHG
as historian lac placed Prescott and that IN many
of the qualities essential the OF historical painting
he considered the latter his equal We trust that the
time is not far distant when the hbOrs OF Lieutenant aaury
NAV be equally successful and that he will not be disc"ura
eed by the fear that what he doing encountered by
loo great mass of figures and calculations. There are ma
nv minds in the obscrvaoes and schools Of Europe that
understand them and aiming Ike him 10 extract from
them the of the ocean and the atmosphere ana 10
convert them the service OF man.
or The ,rcat Humboldt himself the New York Tribune
gives some interesting anecdotes. Mr. Hene German artist
of talent in NJ York. who about TO accompany that strange
genius Mr. l.. c. Squer the recalled Charge to New IRE
nada wrote his father in Berlin enclosing letter 10 Hum
bodt in which he asked Of that philosopher some information
in regard TO the subjects most worthy Of notice. to be met
with in his projected tour Mr. HeInc the a'her' mus re-
plies to his son in New York:
~ found this great philosopher the amiahle old man
whom have met in word the friend OF Man. as
of Nature The mild clear eye the friendly features sur
rounded with halo of silver hair made powerful liP'es
sion on me- decide whether reverence or
an instant affection for him. the prevailing feeling In my
mind He speaks very fast, yet dlstnciy his voice Is
soft and winning and his slightly bent stature scarcely m
your mother the sola and drew cane CHAIR ianiatiy To-
ward me. In answer TO movement OF NINE he sad ne
"never sat SOFAS VIII endeaVor 10 reca! MS own
words, as near as possible;
"Ptay Go not interrupt me, for my time is very limited
only Your son has written me charming lei
ter which has given great pleasure and iny informs me
about his plans know Mr. Squcr ana am ALREADY &C
quained with his undertaking. have also sgokrt To ll'r
King about it, and he is pleased that young German artist
will be Mr. Squers companion ne King mas n"ch respect
ur Mr. Squrr; but first little a-t"nndnd "Grfnhs
his reports of the monsrons dimensions OF The aGGen Amer
lean monuments. II is therefore Agreeable Ia ils Majesty
10 find those reports thoroughly conrncd hnd he taxes
no less interest the undertaking than myself! uu can
think how kecny everything interests me- NAich l. -"
ing on in the great distance 10 discover Tor w NJ" rnts
and beauties and here Hum5os clear eyes said palny
that he would willingly tc young aganso n he mas dune
rs he did not already enough Of wcil-carnrd honnrs
wish could better describe his Unified and yet uGpeien
ding expression which impressed strongly with The pre-
sence of great The highest degree 81 perfection
which Man can reach said he, is tho knowledge o what
still remains for him 10 achieve have arranged Tor your
son. he continued what wish him t. do tor me- bnt wait
moment, | must write something more WIN mat he
into adjoining room, and soon returned WIN TWO
volumes smiling he said II want ID write well! must
write very slowly-ycs, yes, these 81 years
~ asked whether he desired should give nm r'er &c
lilo vb. Slo auai hear
pleasure he answered TO hear them from your own lips
bu, don't write for then shonld very likely hear nothing
receive 1000 letters year; how should read them all
Many necessarily lie unrend though this troubles me
Tou think how many Claims are made upon me- all
Of which expected 10 answer See mere are nn,s
which got up nj o'clock this morning TO write MS
very day Obliged 10 pay large amount o postage
and for what! piece Of embroidery which was expected
up lottery o! chari,ab!e purpose Now me a..
sign of this praiscwory and therefore ono must d" The
favor. But shall keep my promise and send tomorrow
friendly letter 10 ynur most heartily wish him ioE
result in whatever he undertakes reminded MN oil
your promise concerning the palm blossoms A sah me-
how can describe them mlnutcy! 1t cnid Z" my
SELF would be better able 10 do III and again the longing Tor
new activity and discovery shonc in his eyes Then
left him but the halt hour spent in his Company will al
WAYS remain one the delightful "reminiscences Of my
life"
The following is portion Of the letter TO young lene
from Humboldt the Ncs0r Of scientific men,
AT season when am unusually active and prcoccu?ed
my dear Herr Hcnc can only thank yon in few words
for Your very friendly letter. consider y'u fortunate mat
your talents have met with favorable OPPORTUNITY |" repre-
sent grand Of the rroic world ana Ie fehefah
remains of ancient culture recommend 10 You the correct
illustration of the volcanic peaks much more lnpoan
than that OF the Physi""my Of the vegetable world when
has already been enriched by the extensive and faithful
sketches of Rugendas Edward Hdebrnndt ana bs"rRih
STILL those great lakes filled with islands, must present ma
nv features of landscape painting IA regards the ho
numcns lin Yucatan, Guatemala and Ncarasua there Is
great lack Of illustrations which preserve the correct pro-
portions. Your architectural knowege will enable you 10
supply this deficiency.
INGENIOUS MACHINE.
| Mr. Martin Of Philadelphia is at the City Hotel, with his
Tccgraphc Sewing Machine the patent OF which has been
purchased by him. We saw it in operation last summer, IN
the immense factories OF Lowell and then struck with
simncity and remarkable ngenMY Seams Of any des