The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 1850-1873, 1872-07-26

1t seems, by Q paper read before the
French Academy, that many Commu-
mist Nationals were wounded when in
toxicated. The result Of it, says the
report in Matssre, was IN immense
mortality among them, which could
not be prevented with the most assid-
uous care. Tho temperature OF the pa
tients was remarkable low, which is
always indicative If great danger.
Father David, q missionary priest of
the Order of Lazarists, FIR many years
resident at Pekin, and an enthusiastic
naturalist, has discovered In China,
besides several new and extremely in
teresiing species Of animalss gigantic,
aquatic saiamander, allied to the great
sietod ia Of Japan. The remains of a
cl,sely allied reptile (Assdrids) are
found In the tertiary fresh water de-
posits Of Central Europe.
Gutta Percha is the product, gays the
american Chemist, of the Isobandra
gulta-a tree belonging to the Ortier
Ssputaceae. 1t il one OF the largest
trees of the forest in which il grows,
attaining diameter of from three to
six feet, and height of upward Of sew
enty feet. II flourishes IN the juDgles
81 Singapore, SorDeo, and ON tue Ma
layau Peninsula. In Guiana they have
aisu discovered species Of TapOta,
which yield n juice In every way equal
to that Of The true gutta l'ercha tree.
A tree yielding similar gum four
isles at the foot of the Ghauts.
WATER FROM THE DEPTHS OF TIE
OCEAN An apparatus for obtaining
wafer from The depth of the ocean has
been invented in Germany. An open
vessel uf suitable form and size if low
cred by means Of a rope, and hen the
desired depth has been reached, an
electrical current is transmitted through
\ wire that accompanies the lowering
rope, and this current producing ac-
tivily in any electro magnet attached tn
the apparatus, releases powerful spring
which, act upon stOp-cOcks, thus inclo-
sing the water al any degree of depth.
Some useful experiments in the deter
mutation OF the carbOnic acid i'm sea
water have been made through the
agency of this apparatus.
DIR. Parrish is convinced that the in
fictitious msteail of smallpox is prOdo-
zcic, and that even great heat often
fails to destroy iis. vitality. He has
known the Injections communicated
from burning nf patients clothing;
though the fungOid matter may have
heen driven eff before 1t was subjected
To the highest heat.
A WONDERFUL CIOCK.-DrOZ,a me-
chanic of Geneva, produced clock
which excelled oil others i'm ingenuity.
On il were seated negro, a shepherd
and dog. When the clock struck,
the shepherd playei six tunes Oh his
flute, and the dog approached and
fawncd upon him. This wonderful
machine was exhibited t. The King of
Spain, who was greatly delighted with
it. "Fhe gentlencss Of the dog" said
Druz, ''s his least merit. II Your
Majesty touch one of the apples which
yrI see in the shepherds basket, you
will admire the animals fidelity" The
King took AN apple, and the cog: flew
at his hand, barking so loud that the
Kings d0g, which was In the room,
b gan To- bark also. AT this the COURT.
Of wiichcraf, hastily left the room,
crossing themselves as they departed.
Having desire d the minister of Marine
(the only one who ventured to remain)
to ask the negro what O'clock it was,
the Minister did SO, but obtained nc
reply. Droz then observed that the
negro had not learned Spanish, upon
which the question repeated I'm French
when the b ack Immediately answered
him. AT this prodigy the firmuess OF
the Minister forsnok him, and he re.
treated precipitately, declaring that il
must be the work of a supernatural be-
ing.