Daily evening star. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1852-1854, 1853-01-21
Anecdote of James ) m h son.

the taOle.
Anecdote of James smithson.
DR.. B. A Gould, jr., in lecture on "The
Theory CT Probabilities" delivered, on the
Oath of November, before the American
Academy of Arts and Sciences, in Boston,
illustrated a proposition by narrating an
occurrence in the life Of James Smithson.
1t is related Of him that, when in Paris.
being addicted to indulgence in "Rouge ct
Nou,' he at one time experienced almost
constant reverses, aud narrated the circum-
stance to his friend NJ. Arago, the eminent
SaUdn
NJ. Arago Intercepted him as to the mum
Der and the time of his losses, and their pro-
portion to the times of playing, and then,
rapidly calculating, surprised him by declar-
ing the exact amount
Some time after, Smithson brought to NJ.
Arago table, in which he had applied the
principles of this previous calculation, say
ing that the excitement Of the game was
necessary to him, and that, by the use of
this table, he now obtained the greatest pos
sible entertainment by the expenditure of a
definite amount.
To this fact of the existence of certainty
in uncertainty, as the lecturer remarked, are
we indebted for the benefits subsequently
conferred on the interests of science by the
establishment of the Smithsonian Institu-
tion.-Putnan's Month1y.
DaF The anniversary Of the birth day of
Daniel Webster was celebrated at Boston in
an appropriate manner on Monday evening,
by a grand banquet at the Revere House.
The Webster Artillery, Captain Thompson,
fired grand salute on the Common, at IL
NJ. One gun was fired for each of the
States composing the sisterhood of the
Union, and seventy in honor of the memory
of Webster; that number corresponding
with the age of the deceased.
w@ Edward P. Little, a member of the
present Congress from Massachusetts,, is the
son of Commodore Little, and served with
him in the American Navy uutil about the
time of his fathers decea Sc, in 1903. Mr..
Little is now rigid mem Der of the Society
of Friends, and has been so for forty years.
Ekly@ The North American Review is of
opinion that the unusual supply of the pre-
;ious metals will not fall below hundred
Millions Of dollars fer many years, and that
na quarter of a century this supply will
lepreciate money to one half or third
IS present value.
NTOTICE.-I have on hand snail lot of Ingram
| and Cotton Carpets, which will close out at
prime cost. Aso Cloths Cassimeres, Festngs and
satinetts which 1 will sell st very I'm .l advance
those in want of great bargains in the above goods
wiz p''"'' Dbl TEBBs, No4,
South side ave- bet. 9th AID 9TH SITS.
jan 21-2w
ORNAMENTS FOR THE HAIR.
MRS 8. PARKER is just opening
Nl Marrabout feathers, for the hair, tipped Win
gold and silver. $40 .
Ostrich feathers, for the hair tipped with gold
and silver
Gold and silver Tule 49,.
A large as ortmeut of rich Paris Ribbons
Pearl. Ivory. Red Bone and Sandal " ood rams
Mtts, Gloves, Flowers, Bracelet, Dress Combs,
&c, IAN n
Fancy and Perfumery Store, Pa av;
ian 2O-3t News copy under National Hotel
ODORs FOR THE HANDKERCHIEF
TUST OPENING one case containing so dozen Ex-
., tracts of the IN st delicate doors extant. Price
20 cents per bottle.
Also, Cold Gre I'm, Lip Balm, Amondine DC
PARKER'S
Fancy and Perfumery Store, Pa av,
ian 20-3t News copy under National hotel.