expectations of its novelty and merits upon the suggestions of a prospectus, or the promises of an advertisement. It seems only requisite, therefore, on the present occasion, briefly to sketch the outline of the design. The permanent records of Science are chiefly preserved in the Transactions of learned Societies; and are principally confined to the labours of their Members only. The monthly publications, edited by individuals, furnish an account of what may be regarded as the News of Philosophy. It is proposed that the present JOURNAL shall appear only four times a year; and in this period of activity in Science and Literature, it may be presumed that a sufficiency of useful information respecting the Sciences and the Arts of Life may be collected, to give interest and importance to a quarterly publication. The circumstances of the times likewise are favourable; the great Commonwealth of Europe is recovering its ancient social relations; and it may be hoped that those energies of the human mind which have so long been employed in the operations of War, will be turned to the Arts of Peace, and that enterprise and emulation will principally be directed to objects connected with the happiness of society. It will be the earnest endeavour of the Editors to fulfil the objects of the Quarterly Journal of Science and the Arts, according to the most legi timate precepts, and in the true spirit of Philosophical Literature. They will candidly present to the public every useful discovery, and every promising novelty; confining themselves principally to those objects of experiment which form a permanent part of Science, and to discussions which lead to new experiments; and without presuming either to dispense commendation or convey censure, will endeavour to assist the reader in discriminating the true from the false, and the shadow from the reality. Among those who have already undertaken to contribute to, and otherwise support the present work, are not only many of the most active Members of the Royal Institution, but several Gentlemen of scientific and literary eminence, resident in different parts of the kingdom: and it is earnestly expected, that when these intentions are known, and above all, when the promises here made shall have been verified by the first publication, that others will lend assistance to an undertaking, which, it may be hoped, will enhance the reputation of British Science. The ROYAL INSTITUTION appears a proper point whence a work like the present should emanate. The list of Members contains Names celebrated throughout Europe for high literary and scientific attainments; and the Establishment possesses many important requisites, among which may be enumerated a copious and valuable Library, a Geological and Mineralogical Collection, and a Laboratory well adapted for the prosecution of experimental research, and which has already contributed most essentially to the progress of Chymical knowledge. April, 1816. CONTENTS TO NO. I. I. On the Wire-gauze Safe-lamps for preventing Explosions from Fire-damp, and for giving Light in explosive Atmo- spheres in Coal Mines. By Sir H. Davy L.L.D. V. P. R. I. II. Demonstrations of some of Dr. M. Stewart's General Theorems; to which is added, an Account of some new Properties of the Circle. By C. Babbage, Esq. F. R. S. 6 III. On some Phenomena attending the Process of Solution, and on their Application to the Laws of Crystallization. By J. Frederic Daniell, Esq. F. R. S. and M. R. I. . 24 V. Some Account of the external Changes which take place in the Surinam Frog (Rana Paradoxa of Linnæus,) from its earlier Stages till it becomes a perfect Animal. By W. M. Ireland, Esq. Member of the Royal College of Surgeons; VI. An Account of the physical and chymical Properties of the Malambo Bark, as described in two Memoirs of Messrs. Cadet and Vauquelin, in a Report made to the Supreme Junta of Carthagena, in America. By A. B. Granville, M. D. M. R. C. S. and For. Sec. G. S. 67 IX. On the Freezing of wine; and on the Detection of an Error committed by Vauquelin, respecting the specific Gra- vity of diluted sulphuric Acid. By Samuel Parkes, F. L. S. M. G. S. &c. in a Letter to the Editor. X. Observations on the Application of Coal Gas to the Pur- 86 XII. On the Effects of a Paralytic Stroke upon the Powers of Adjustment of the Eyes to near Distances. By Sir E. Home, Bart. V. P. R. S. M. R. I. &c. XIII. Review of a work entiled, "Essai d'un Cours elemen- taire et général des Sciences physiques. Par F. S. Beudant, Sous-Directeur du Cabinet de Minéralogie du Roi, Profes- XIV. Some Account of the Life and Writings of Hedwig. . 113 117 XV. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. XVI. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.. XVII. A Report on a Memoir of Mons. Methuon, entitled, "Decouverte de la Manière dont se forment les Cristaux terreux et metalliques non salins, &c." By A. B. Granville, M. D. M. R. C. S. For. Sec. G. S. |