AMERICAN NATURAL HISTORY. Vol. 1. Part I-Mastology. By John D. Godmun, M.D. Professor of Natural History in the Franklin Institute of Pennsylvania; one of the Professors of the Philadelphia Museum; Member of the American Philosophical Society; of the Philadelphia Aca demy of Natural Sciences, &c. &c. Pluladelphia: H. C. Carey & I. Lea-Chestnut-Street. R. Wright, printer. 1826.

Most of those who cultivate the natural sciences in the United States, have imbibed their love for this interesting study, either from a personal residence in Paris, or from a perusal of French writers on this subject: for it cannot be denied that the natural and physical sciences are more generally and more successfully cultivated in France, than in any other country; and he who expects to excel in them must be conversant with her language and authors. In the ordinary course of things, the pupil not only embraces the science, but the opinions, of his teacher; and it is to this circumstance, we attribute the almost universal scepticism in religion, which is found to prevail among our naturalists. This scepticism, or infidelity, we know does not arise from a candid and careful and elaborate examination of evidence, but is rather owing to some undefined and general ideas of the Divine character. Naturalists are too entirely and agreeably occupie l with their favourite pursuit, to have leisure for other matters. "Man must have been formed by his Maker for happiness-If the religion of the Bible be true, why do we see so much dishonesty, base ness and corruption in some of those who profess to believe? Why do we see so many religious sects, the leading principles of which, are said to be derived from the Bible, and which appear to us so obviously different? But above all, do not the actual appearances on the sur face of the earth, appearances which are our continual study, and in which we cannot be deceived-do not these actually contradict many assertions made in this pretended word of inspiration? among others, do they not give a far higher antiquity to the world than the records of Moses? and do they not declare that all the human race is derived from one stock?" With some such arguments and reflections, our naturalists are contented. They throw aside the Bible with indifference, and resolve to trouble themselves no more with the matter. In our notice of Penn's Geology (Vol. I.), we demonstrated the weakness of the infidel objection built on the discoveries of modern geology. With regard to the second, whether mankind have all descended from the same individual pair, we VOL. V. Ch. Adv.

have noticed the book before us-for the express purpose of allowing the author, who appears to be conversant in this matter, to declare the present opinion of the naturalists themselves on this subject. The objection to the inspiration of the scriptures, which we are here noticing, is one which is not much harped upon in publick, since the late Dr. S. S. Smith's celebrated essay on the Influence of Cli mate, &c.-But it is perpetually introduced into private circles; and in this way is calculated to do much mischief.

"The origin of the North American Indians has justly attracted the attention of philosophers, and produced many interesting researches, as well as fruitless speculations. So long as those engaged in this investigation were content with mere theory without established data, or speculation without fact, no result was obtained except the useless multiplication of words; but, when the geography of the country, the nature of the climate, and the history, manners and polity of the various tribes were studied, the mys tery involving the subject gradually lessened; so that at present, without much difficulty or error, we may come to a satisfactory conclusion, relative to the manner in which this continent was peopled.

"Preliminary to our investigation we must refer to the fact, that the laws of nature, governing the continuance of dif ferent races of animals profusely multiplied over the earth, are fixed and immutable, and what we observe of Nature's regular modes of operating at one period, is unquestionably true of all preceding times. Animals which are of different kinds, or generically distinct, are incapable of producing offspring together, but animals of the same kind, though of different species, may and do produce offspring resembling both parents, by their union; yet this confusion ceases with the first product, inasmuch as these hybrids, or mules, are universally sterile, or incapable of propagating their similitude. This circumstance furnishes the most satisfactory and unequivocal means of deciding whether any beings we examine are specifically distinct or not, since, if they are merely varieties of the same species, they are capable of producing offspring in illimitable progression; but, if they are of different species, the first offspring terminates the race.

"By the application of this test, we are able to pronounce with certainty, that the human race, wherever found, or however different in colour, are merely varieties of the same species, and evidently descended from the same parents. In all countries the marriage of Europeans with the natives, whether Asiatics, AfriL

cans, or Indians, is followed by children more or less resembling their parents, and this offspring is perfectly capable of continuing the race.

"If there be any mode of accounting for the arrival of even a single male and female on this continent, we shall find no difficulty in understanding how so many nations became distributed over this vast region, nor can we, on an unprejudiced view of the whole subject, find any difficulty in believing that the myriads of human beings, that have lived from the beginning of time to the present hour, have all descended from two individuals. The history of the world, as presented to us by the most authentick records, or by the voice of universal tradition, leads us inevitably to conclude that from some point on the Eastern continent the human race originated, and gradually extended in various directions, subject to the influence of all accidents, of place, climate, disease, and facility or difficulty of procuring food: hence, notwithstanding that the connexion of many nations with the parent stock is entirely lost, there is not the slightest evidence that such nations are derived from any but the source we have stated; neither, when philosophically considered, is there any necessity that they should have originated in a different manner, since the cause is perfectly adequate to the effect; and where one sufficient cause is given no other should be sought.

"Under the operation of different motives we find the scattered members of the human family removing by degrees from the centre towards the extremes of the old continent, and subsisting in such remote situations until the disposition or ability to return was entirely lost, and they became inured to the climate, how ever dreadfully inclement.

"Though the human race always remains specifically unchanged in every condition, yet the action of external causes is capable of producing considerable variations in the appearance of indivi. duals, or tribes exposed to their influence. Thus we find those who reside in uniformly warm and spontaneously productive countries, of a slender frame, a relaxed and delicate habit, and of a sallow or tawny complexion. The natives of Africa, who are exposed to the most intense heat of the sun, are full framed, robust and vigorous, being endowed with short, crisped and coarse hair, and a skin whose colour shields them from the destructive fierceness of the solar rays. In the middle latitudes, where the means of subsistence are readily procured, and the vicissitudes of season are never remarkably severe, we find the human frame in

every variety of development, and distinguished by fairness and delicacy of complexion. But on leaving these favoured regions behind us, and visiting the far northern portions of the earth, we see man, like most of the other productions of nature, stunted and dwarfish, displaying little or no mental energy, barely capable of securing the scanty subsistence allowed him by the rigours of his situation, and maintaining an existence scarcely superior to that of the whale or seal, the hunting of which constitutes his highest ambition, as their flesh and oil are his greatest luxuries.

"Since it is not only possible, but unquestionable, that the whole human race are varieties of the same species, most probably descended from one male and female, it remains for us to show in what manner the descendants of this stock may have reached America, and whether our observations can be supported by arguments drawn from the condition of the new world."

The volume before us, which is the first of a series yet to be published, is an interesting collection of facts; and though there are many inaccuracies in the style, it is, upon the whole, a very creditable performance. The plates are neat and well executed.

A SERMON ON PREDESTINATION--Preached in Milledgeville, August, 1826, by Joseph C. Stiles. Milledgeville: printed at the office of the Georgia Statesman, by S. Meacham, 1826. pp. 84.

Although this publication is called a Sermon, it fills 84 large octavo pages, closely printed. It appears, by notes prefixed, that the substance of it, and the substance only, had been delivered in two discourses, preached in the Baptist church at Milledgeville. It also appears, that the author had been in a sort compelled to preach on the topick of Predestination, by misrepresentations affecting his own character, as well as the doctrine itself. In our judgment, he has vindicated both in a masterly manner. There is a perspicuity, energy and point, in this discussion, which we confess we did not suppose that the subject would admit of-Take it altogether, it exhibits talent of a superior order; and united, we are glad to say, with fervent piety and real liberality. We should indeed, for ourselves, wish to change the aspect of one or two minor points, and the language of a few expres. sions. But these affect not the main argument. The subject is placed fairly and strongly on its proper ground. The di vine sovereignty, and the freedom and responsibility of the creature, are both shown to be conclusively taught, by the

united voice of reason and revelation and the method of reconciling these fully, is declared to be beyond the reach of the human intellect, in the present life; and

yet that this affords no just reason at all, why both these truths should not be readily and cordially received. We think this publication will do good.

Burying Alive.It was lately stated that, "on reopening a grave in Frithelstock church-yard, Devon, for the purpose of interring a relative of a former inhabitant, who had been deposited about 70 years, the coffin not being decayed, it was found necessary to take it out, in order to make the grave deeper; and that, on examining its contents, the skeleton of the occupier was found perfect, but with its face downwards, which gives reason to suppose that the defunct was buried alive, and, in struggling, had turned to the position in which it was found." On this paragraph The Liverpool Mercury remarks:-"We never knew an instance of this nature which rested upon that kind of testimony upon which alone any rational mind ought to believe it. For our own part, judging from the shape of the coffin, we doubt whether any living person, confined in one of them, even if he could breathe freely, could turn himself. Independent, however, of this objection, there is another, which justifies us in doubting that any person, screwed down in a coffin, ever moved afterwards. Cases of trance and suspended animation have been too frequent to admit of doubt; and it is notorious that persons supposed to be dead, and laid out for interment, have recovered, and lived, too, for a long time afterwards. If a man, however, in a state of suspended animation, were once buried, and the earth, as usual, thrown over him, we contend, that if he recovered for a moment, that moment would be his last, as he must instantly expire, for want of air to breathe. All the stories, therefore, of moans being heard from the graves, are, in our opinion, idle tales."

Sir W. Ouseley reclaims, in favour of the Oriental writers, a variety of popular fictions; such as, Pope's January and May, Boccacio's fourth story in the Decameron, Parnell's Hermit, the story of Santon Barsisa, several of the tales in the Gesta Romanorum, the story of Whittington, the induction to the Taming of the Shrew, &c.; the praise of inventing which has been long usurped by Eu.

ropeans.

Sugar from Potatoes.-L. Gall, a German, has published a pamphlet of 88 pages, to show the advantage of making sugar from potatoes. He says every farmer can make sugar in great or small quantities, and render the importation of foreign sugar unnecessary. Potatoes, he asserts, are better than beets for sugar, 100 pounds of the former giving 11 pounds of sugar, while the same quantity of the latter gives only 4 pounds.-Hamp. Gaz.

Captain Parry has commissioned the Hecla, at Deptford, the fitting out of which was to commence immediately for the voyage to Spitzbergen. Several officers had been appointed to her, one of whom (Lieut. Ross) would proceed with Captain P. in one of the boats over the ice, in the drawing of which Shetland ponies are to be employed, which will be taken on board at the Orkneys.

"Book of Nature."-The Lectures of Dr. Good, delivered in 1810, at the Surrey Institution, London, and which have lately been published in two octavo vo lumes, under the title of the Book of Nature, should be in every family. The work presents a systematic, but popular, survey, of the most interesting features of the general science of nature, for the purpose of elucidating what has been found obscure, controverting and correcting what may be proved erroneous, and develop ing, by new and original views and hypothesis, much of what yet remains to be more satisfactorily explained. In prosecuting what the author thus declared to be his design, he has been eminently successful.

Growth of a Sycamore.-In the year 1781, Mr. Joseph Smith, of Hadley, brought from Hockanum a sprout of button-ball or sycamore, not so large as his finger, and set it in the earth near his house, where it lived and flourished. He cut it down on the 12th instant, and found by measuring, that what was only a riding stick forty-five years ago, was now a tree ninety-four feet in height, and four feet in diameter about a foot from the ground, where it was chopped off.

Death from Charcoal.-An instance of

sudden death from the use of charcoal occurred recently.

The coals in this instance were taken from the kitchen fire-place. That coals taken from a fire-place are not injurious, is a very common error, and one of the most dangerous kind, especially during the present season of extreme cold. This mistake arises from the ignorance which prevails in the community of the nature and results of combustion. Wood, Lehigh coal, Liverpool coal, coke and charcoal all necessarily produce carbonic acid, the gas which is the cause of death in these instances, whenever they are burning; and there is, under the same circumstances, danger from all, differing only in degree.

On destroying Thistles with Salt.-A correspondent in the Farmer's Journal, who dates from Worcestershire, says, "I have no doubt that salt may be made use of with good effect for destroying thistles. I have made several experiments, which have uniformly been attended with success. The most effectual way is, to cut off or bruise the thistle, and then put a small portion of salt upon it: very few will survive this treatment. It may be accomplished without this trouble; but the land should be gone over more than once, to see if any have escaped. Salt is also very serviceable for destroying weeds of all kinds, say nettles, docks, &c. that grow around farm buildings; but you must be careful not to use it too near fences or trees, or perchance, you may destroy those also." Another correspondent confirms this-he says, "A small quantity of common salt, about a tea spoonful, is taken between the finger and thumb, and placed firmly on the centre of the thistle. In two or three days the thistle will turn quite black; and in eight or ten days the root and every part of it will be destroyed. I have found this a cheap and certain mode of clearing land from thistles. One person will salt as many as four or five would cut up in the usual way; and with this difference, that salt completely destroys the weeds, whereas the spud merely retards them for a short period, to be ultimately more productive. The salt should be applied to the large thistles before the stem is put forth; and care should be taken that it is not dropped upon the grass or cinque-foil."-Liverpool Advertiser.

The following numbers represent the comparative value of several woods and coals:

Richmond Coal,

Pine Charcoal,

These numbers, represent the comparative values of the several fuels.-Thus it is seen, that the relative value of shellbark hickory and Lehigh coal is nearly the same, cord for ton, so that if we could buy a cord of shellbark hickory for 6 dollars, or 6 times 100, we ought to be able to buy a ton of Lehigh coal for 5 dollars 94 cents, or 6 times 99, to be equally cheap. The numbers given, seem to show, what we should not have supposed, that cord for cord, white oak is equally valuable with red-heart hickory, and ought to bring the same price; while chestnut white oak is even more valuable.

Wadsworth's Steam Engine.--We are pleased to inform our readers, that the improvement in the steam engine recently tested by the Providence Steam Engine Company, is, on account of the simplicity of its construction, its economy and perfect safety, deservedly gaining the approbation of the publick. Numerous applications have been made to the company's agent for engines on this plan, and a contract has been made within a few days by a number of enterprising gentlemen of this town, for an engine to drive several sets of stones for grain and plaister, and machinery for other purposes. The engine is to be located in a building already engaged for that purpose in Benefitstreet, near the market. The work is commenced, and will probably be completed in thirty or forty days. We understand the Lehigh or Rhode Island coal will be used for fuel.-Rhode Island Jour.

Some estimate of the number of persons who pass annually upon the Hudson, either from business or pleasure, may be made from the calculation, that the Constellation and Constitution have each carried, during the past season, thirty thousand passengers, making sixty thousand in one line of boats. This calculation is not made from the official returns, but it is believed to be nearly accurate. During the greater part of the season, there were

nineteen steam boats besides the line of tow boats. The probability is, that the passengers in the boats of the Hudson River Association, exceed that of any other single line; but it is a reasonable estimate, that 250,000 persons have passed upon the Hudson during the past season, by this mode of conveyance, exclusive of the tow boats, sloops, &c.