J. L. COMSTOCK.
Hartford, Conn. Feb. 17, 1819.
Benjamin Silliman, M. D., &c.
2. Theoretical views of Professor Hare of Philadelphia.
We are authorized to mention, that Dr. Robert Hare has taught in his lectures during the last eighteen months, that acid properties never appearing in the absence of water, this fluid or its elements are most entitled to be considered as the acidifying principle: but that probably it does not exist in acids as water, but is decomposed when added to them, the particles of hydrogen and oxygen by their different polarities taking opposite sides of those composing the base. The extrication of hydrogen by the action of diluted sulphuric acid on iron or zinc, being the consequence of a previous, not simultaneous decomposition of water. Hence when sulphuric or nitric acids are so concentrated as to char or ignite, they are not acids really.
3. New Work on Chemistry.
Dr. John Gorham of Boston, Professor of Chemistry in Harvard University, &c. has published the first volume of his Elements of Chemical Science. The work will be comprised in two volumes, and its completion will be anticipated with interest by the scientific public.
4. Botanical.
Dr. Romer of Zurich, has begun, since 1815, to publish a new edition of the Systema Vegetabilium of Linnæus; he proceeds in its publication; it will form several volumes.