Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1838 edition. Excerpt: ... Chlorite. Crystallized in gcodcs. Agate. Prehnite. Mesotype. Chabasic. The above minerals arc all found in Trap DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL PHILOSOPHY. The Rooms devoted to this department are in the Atheneum, (the old Chapel, ) and consist of a spacious and convenient lecture room called the Philosophical Chamber, of two apparatus rooms, and several small apartments in the tower, one of which is fitted up for a camera obscura, and another for an astronomical observatory. The Apparatus belonging to the department is, in general, executed in plain style, but the greater part of it is the work of distinguished artists. The instruments are sufficiently various, to furnish the means of illustration, to a full course of lectures in Natural Philosophy and Astronomy. Previous to the year 1806, the Philosophical Apparatus consisted chiefly of the following articles: --Gregorian Telescope, feet, mounted on a brass stand. Another of similar construction, 2i feet, very old. Orrery. Land Telescope (4 feet, ) by Dollond. Astronomical clock. Astronomical Quadrant. Hadley's Quadrant. Air pump--old and damaged. Condensing Fountain. Electrical Machine. Magic Lantern--old. This instrument was lost with Professor Fisher, who was taking it to England for the purpose of having it repaired. Compound Microscope. Mechanical Powers. Whirling Tables. Pair of Globes. Most of the foregoing articles were out of repair, and several of them were entirely useless. In 1806, Professor Silliman purchased in London the greater part of the Philosophical Apparatus now belonging to the department, comprising an assortment of instruments in Mechanics, Hydrostatics, Pneumatics, Electricity, Magnetism, Optics, and Astronomy. Nearly the whole were made by Banks, or under his immediate.
