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Show SCIENTIFIC MISCELLANY. A BELGIAN physician, in an investigation made at the request of the government and critics, has ascertained that the main cause of color-blindness in the country is the very general use of tobacco. A RAIN tree in the public gardens of Madras shows a remarkable rapidity of growth. In the nine years since the seed was planted the tree attained a circumference of nine and one-third feet, and a spread of branches of eighty-five feet from north to south. IT HAS been discovered by Dr. Luton, of ??, that the tincture of ergot of rye associated with phosphate of soda produces an hilarious excitement on the ?? when it is administered, the exhilaration resembling that caused by laughing gas. SAND from the desert is seriously encroaching upon the inhabited territory of the Chinese province of Shensi, and has already half buried some cities. High walls have thus far protected Yolin, but the sand is now piled outside nearly to the top of the walls and must soon cover them. FROM THE phenomena of refraction Dr. A. Kerle has estimated the height of the atmosphere at about one hundred and twenty miles. from observations upon meteors and auroras other scientists have concluded that the atmosphere must extend for more than five hundred miles beyond the earth's surface. A NEW electric lamp has appeared in Paris, which is called "Sunlight" on account of its mellow luster. The light is formed by inserting two carbons in holes bored into a block of marble in such a manner that the points of the carbons are separated by a thin partition of the marble. An electric current is passed through the carbons, and in traversing the shell of marble causes it to become white hot, emitting a most agreeable light. FROM observations of the moon when eclipsing the sun Prof. Alexander finds evidence of the existence of some envelope, like an atmosphere on the moon. The explanations usually offerred for the ruddy band of light seen around the lunar disc during eclipses he considers inadequate. This bright band can best be accounted for by supposing an atmosphere to the moon a thin remnant of ancient nebulosity, comparable to that which accompanies the earth and gives rise to the appearance of the aurora borealis. A ?? physician, Dr. George Guttman, has published the results of his experience with pilocarpin, a newly introduced medicinal principle, in his treatment of diphtheria. While studying the effects of this drug he found that it produced a greatly increased flow of saliva without inflammation of the salivary glands; and he was led to believe that the increased secretion of saliva would tend to dissolve and remove the false membrance of diphtheria. He therefore concluded to try the remedy in cases of that disease, and has met with such remarkable success that he pronounces pilocarpin a specific for diphtheria. In eighteen months he treated eighty-one cases of the disease with the best results in every case. Several of the cases must have proved fatal under the old treatment, while in about one-half there was considerable development of false membrane. The patients have invariably recovered in a very short period. With but two or three exceptions, convalescence has followed the most critical cases in from two to five days, and the milder ones in one or two days. LEARNED men have written much of the Talmud, an old work of the Hebrew laws, traditions and commentaries. The Encyclopedia Britannica thus renders the Talmud's history of Adam with its legendary adornments: "He was made as a man-woman out of dust collected from every part of the earth; his head reached to heaven, and the splendor of his face surpassed the sun. The very angels feared him, and all creatures hastened to pay him devotion. The Lord, in order to display his power before the angels, caused a deep sleep to fall upon him, took away something from all his members, and, when he awoke, commanded the part that had been removed to be dispersed over the globe, that the whole earth might be inhabited by his seed. Thus Adam lost his size but not his completeness. His first wife was Silith, mother of the demons. But she flew away through the air, and then the Lord created Eve from his rib, brought her to Adam in the most beautiful dress, and angels descending from heaven played on heavenly instruments sun moon and stars dancing. He blessed the pair and gave them a feast upon a table of precious stones. Angels prepared the most costly viands. But Adam's glory was envied by the angels, and the seraph ?? succeeded in seducing him. The pair were driven out of paradise into the place of darkness, and wandered through the earth." |