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and thence prove that the perimeter of an isosceles, &c. (Exercise, No. 91.)

9. In any right-angled triangle, the square, &c. (Euclid I. 47.)

10. The area of any two parallelograms, &c. (Exercise, No. 122.)-B. S.

253. A Scripture Query.-I think if "Paul Pry's" industry was equal to his "insatiable" curiosity, he would have searched the scriptures for himself; which, to one of his prying nature, and apparently religious taste, would not have been a very arduous task. The word he inquires about is "fruit."-W. L.

253. I have no doubt that the word alluded to by the author from whom "Paul Pry" quotes, is the Greek verb Kaтapyéw, which is thus defined in Liddell and Scott's Large Lexicon :-" Kaτapréw, fut., now, to leave unemployed or idle K. Thν nv, to make the ground barren, N. T. II., to make useless, void, abolish, N. T.; hence also, to set free, Tivà άπó Tivos, N. T." The letters N. T. refer to the New Testament, so that it would appear that the use of the word in the senses in which it is employed by Luke and Paul are peculiar to those writers. As P. P's. question has been deemed worth a place in the "Inquirer," it may, perhaps, be worth while to record, for the benefit of the "insatiably curious," the passages in which the word occurs. I have been able to trace twenty-three out of the twenty-six usages of this word, and any reader who is possessed of or has access to a Greek concordance will be able to supply the three omissions. As being more interesting and intelligible to the generality of readers, I insert the translations given in our bibles, instead of the various inflections, moods, tenses, &c., of the original Greek word.

Luke xiii. 7, 1. Rom. iii. 3, 2. Rom. iii. 31, 3. Rom. iv. 14, 4. Rom. vi. 6, 5. Rom. vii. 2, 6. Rom. vii. 6, 7. 1 Cor. vi. 13, 8. 1 Cor. xiii. 8, 9.

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make without effect. do we make void. made of none effect. might be destroyed. she is loosed. we are delivered. shall destroy. they shall fail. it shall vanish away. 10. 1 Cor. xiii. 10, shall be done away. 11. 1 Cor. xiii. 11, I put away. 12. 1 Cor. xv. 26, shall be destroyed. 13. 2 Cor. iii. 7, was to be done away. 14. 2 Cor. iii. 11, is done away. 15. 2 Cor. iii. 13, is abolished. 16. 2 Cor. iii. 14, is done away. 17. Gal. iii. 17, make of none effect. 18. Gal. v. 4, is become of no effect. 19. Gal. v. 11, is ceased. 20. Ephes. ii. 15, having abolished. 21. 2 Thess. ii. 8, shall destroy. 22. 2 Tim. i. 10, huth abolished. 23. Heb. ii. 14, he might destroy. The above list forms a striking illustration of the very opposite character of the two finest languages of man-those of ancient Greece and modern Britain. In the one, three and twenty different meanings are expressed by as many inflections of one word; in the other, by a series of short sentences. I fear that Paul Pry will not be able to make much out of his "latch-key."B. S.

254. How to obtain Skeletons of Leaves.

The method which I have usually adopted for obtaining skeletons of leaves has been to macerate them in water, until decomposition has proceeded to a sufficient extent; after which, to separate and cleanse them by means of a small syringe and camel hair pencil.-J. W. S., Scarbro'.

In answer to the question by W. S., Liverpool, I copy the following from a "History of Inventions, Discoveries, and Origins," by John Beckmann, translated from the German by William Johnston: -"The preparation is exceedingly simple, but tedious, and can only be well effected by maceration in water, which frequently requires to be considerably prolonged. The pulpy halfdecomposed portions are gradually removed by a camel hair pencil, or other means, with great delicacy and care; they are finally washed and bleached, if necessary, with chloride of lime or soda. By washing in considerably diluted muriatic acid and water, all traces of this re-agent are removed; they are then dried, and will keep for an indefinite period."-H. S.

W. S., Liverpool, inquires for the quickest and safest way to obtain perfect skeletons of plants. By his attending to the following instructions, he will obtain perfect specimens:

Put leaves of a substantial and tough nature, having woody fibres, such as the oak, apple, ivy, poplar, &c., avoiding those without fibres, into an earthen or glass vessel, pour a quantity of rain water over them, and expose them to the action of the air and the heat of the sun, adding additional rain water, to make up for the evaporation, so as to have the leaves always submerged. After they have remained in this state for about eight weeks or more, they will be ready for cleansing. To do this, put the leaf on a flat earthen plate, and the leaf being gently squeezed with the finger will cause the membranes to open, and the green substance to come out at the edges. The membranes require to be taken off very carefully, and great caution must be used in separating them near the middle ribs. When this operation is completed, the leaves must be washed and bleached, which is done by placing them, in a damp state, in a close box, along with a little brimstone, burning in a pan or ladle. In about an hour they will become very white, when they may be taken out and laid on paper, to show the beauty of the fibres. There will be no success, if the water is often changed. The more leaves done at one time the better.

It may be interesting to W. S., and other readers of the Controversialist, to be informed how to obtain skeletons of fruit.

Take, for example, a fine large pear, which is soft; let it be neatly pared, without being squeezed, and without injuring either the crown or the stalk; put it in a pot of rain water, cover it, set over the fire, and boil it gently till it is very soft. Then take it out, and lay it in a dish filled with cold water, and, holding it in one hand by the stalk, rub off as much pulp as you can with the finger and thumb, beginning at the stalk, and rubbing regularly towards the crown. The fibres are most tender towards the extremes, and therefore in these directions require greater care. Any pulp now sticking to the core may be removed by the point of a fine pocket-knife. In order to see how the operation advances, clear water should be substituted as it becomes impure.-J. B., Glasgow.

256. The Meaning of Names.-According to one of the many fables of early British history, Brutus, the great grandson of the Trojan wanderer, Eneas, led by divine oracles, landed at Totness, in Devonshire, and finding our island, "not yet Britain, but Albion," tenanted only by a few giants, he destroyed them, and divided the land between his followers. "After this, Brutus, in a chosen place, builds Troja Nova, changed in time to Trinovantuin, now London; Eli being then high priest in Judæa." Many ages afterwards, a king named Lud came to the British throne. "Lud was he who enlarged and walled about Trinovant; there kept his court, made it the prime city, and called it, from his own name, Caer-Lud, or Lud's Town, now London. He was, saith Huntingdon, buried by the gate, which, from thence, we call Ludgate. Note.Verstegan denies this, and says it was called so by the Saxons, from Lud, in our ancient language'people' and 'gate,' quasi porta populi..." The above quotations as to the origin of the name "London are taken from the first book of Milton's "History of Britain," which contains a most interesting digest of the fables and traditions of ancient "Albion." This work, I believe, is but little known by the generality of readers, but is, I think, not unworthy of its immortal author. It extends from "the first traditional beginning' to the battle of Hastings. I see that in the dictionaries the names Henry and William are re

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presented to be of German origin, and to mean respectively "rich lord," and "defending many." Any reader skilled in the German language will be enabled to give us an opinion as to the probability of these derivations; for myself, I am, unfortunately, ignorant of that noble language." B. S.

The meaning of the word" Henry" is "a rich lord;" it comes from the German. "William," "defending many;" also from the German. "London "-there appears to be very different opinions about the derivation of the word. Some think it is from Lud and Ton, a town (Saxon), q. d., King Lud's Town, by whom it is said to have been built. Others, from Liong, ships, and Dinas, a city; q. d., a ship-city. Others, Llawn, populous, and Dinas, a city (Welsh); q. d., a populous city.-JOSEPH.

"Henry" is derived from the German, and signifies rich lord. "William" is also of German derivation, meaning defender of many. "This name," says Verstegan, the distinguished French antiquary, "was not given anciently to children, but was a title of dignity imposed upon men from a regard to merit. When a German had killed a Roman, the golden helmet of the Roman was placed upon his head, and the soldier was honoured with the title of Gildhelm, or golden helmet, and was hailed as a defender." Wilhelm is the present form of the German William.GROSVENOR.

Che Young Student and Writer's Assistant.

GRAMMAR CLASS.

Perform the Exercise for the Senior Division contained in the June No. for 1854. Page 236.

MODEL EXERCISE, No. XXV.

On the twentieth of next September, I shall have been at my place twelve months.

I purpose visiting Edinburgh in a few days, and, after I have finished my business there, to proceed to Glasgow.

It would have given me great pleasure to have seen him prosecute his studies with success. We have done no more than it was our duty to do.

The man would have assisted one of his friends, if he could have done it without injuring the other; but as that could not be done, he avoided all interference.

Was it not to be expected that the son would defend the character of his father?

Job said,

"Man is of few days, and full of

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QUESTIONS FOR SOLUTION.-V.

(a) 49. A. sells to B. of of of 30 sheep, for of of of £210; what was the average price of each sheep?

50. If 3 lbs. of tea be worth 4 lbs. of coffee, and 6 lbs. of coffee be worth 20 lbs. of sugar, how many lbs. of sugar can be had for 9 lbs. of tea? in

51. Divide £16 0s. 10d. among four persons, the proportion of the following fractions,-1, },

trouble."
It was, indeed, pleasing to receive the approba-
tion of such a person. It would certainly have
afforded me greater pleasure to have received his
approbation at an earlier period; but to receive it,
at all reflected credit on me.

Amazement fills my soul,
And mystery absorbs my mind,
To see the mighty God,

The mangered babe,

Him who of days the Ancient is,
An infant now become ;

52. A straight plank is 3 inches thick and 6 inches broad; what length must be cut off so as to contain 64 cubic feet of timber?

53. There is a number which, when divided by 3 of of 1, will produce 1; find its square. (b) 54. Three chickens and 1 duck sold for as much as 2 geese; and 1 chicken, 2 ducks, and 3

geese were sold together for 25s. Find the price of each, that of a goose being a fourth as much again as that of a duck.

55. What was the total amount of a person's debts, who, when he had paid a half, and then a third, and then a twelfth of them, had still 15 guineas to pay?

56. A workman is engaged for 28 days at 2s. 6d. a day, but instead of receiving anything is to pay ls. a day on all days upon which he is idle; he receives altogether £2 12s. 6d.; for how many idle days did he pay?

57. A man travelled 60 miles. If he had gone a mile an hour faster he would have taken three hours less for the journey. How fast did he travel?

(c) 58. What is the area of a segment, greater than a semicircle, whose height is 66 feet, and the chord of the whole arc 60 feet 10 inches?

59. The chord is 65, and versed sine, 15; what is the area of the segment?

60. Required the area of an ellipse whose two axes are 70 and 50.

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61. Find the area of a parabola, the heighting," No. 4., in the May No., 1851, Vol. II. being 2 and the base 12.

62. Required the area of the parabola whose height is ten, and its base 16.

PHONETIC SHORT-HAND CLASS. Go through the 5th lesson, as directed in the No. for May, 1854, Vol. V., p. 198.

The Societies' Section.

REPORTS OF MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT SOCIETIES.

Glasgow (Dundas Street) Young Men's Mutual Improvement Society.-A few young men, wishing to aid each other in mutual improvement, have formed the above society. The first annual supper was held lately at Graham's Restaurant, Queen-street. The chair was ably filled by Mr. James Ken, who read an excellent address on "Duty." The secretary, Mr. Mallinson, then read his report, which showed the finances to be in a prosperous condition. Mr. H. F. Colquhoun, the croupier, then gave a spirited address on "Sociality." Addresses were delivered by Mr. McCoard, on "Wit and Wisdom;" Mr. Craigie, on "Mutual Improvement Societies:" Mr. Bowie, on "Language," and Mr. Smart, on the "Progress of the Age." Songs and recitations enlivened the intervals. Essays are read every alternate week, while every week there is a debate. Most of the members are subscribers to the British Controversialist.-J. E. M., Secretary.

Glasgow "Wardlaw" Young Men's Literary Association. The members and friends of this society recently held their second annual social meeting in the hall, 37, Renfrew-street. There were no clergymen present; the chairman, George Thompson, Esq., had around him on the platform a group of very promising young laymen. The proceedings commenced by discussing the tea, and we may mention that at a late stage of the meeting a service of fruit was introduced. The chairman, after a few appropriate remarks, called on the secretary to report the present state and prospects of the society, which he briefly and appropriately did, showing that it had struggled

through difficulties, but was now in a fair way of improvement; and he urged the propriety of the young men of the late " Wardlaw's" church join ing the ranks for their own advantage. Mr. Shaw read an essay on " Money," which did him great credit. Other essays were read by young men, as deputations from other churches; and at intervals the audience were enlivened by some anthems, which were well sung. We would advise the other young men of this church to join the Wardlaw Literary Society, and thus improve themselves in composition and public speaking. Liverpool Franklin Mutual Improvement Society. The first annual soirée of this society was held in Hope Hall, Hope-street, on Wednesday evening, January 10th, 1855. After tea, the chair was taken by Mr. Alex. Dewar, who, after a few preliminary remarks, called upon Mr. Ellison, secretary, to read the report, from which it appeared that in October, 1853, a few young men met to consider how they might instruct and improve each other, when it was agreed to form themselves into a mutual improvement society. Rules were drawn up and adopted, and the society consisted of ten members. Their first place of meeting was in Mr. Dewar's shop, 35, Dale-street, with which they were kindly favoured after business hours, and in this they continued to meet for about five months, when they numbered fifteen. They then obtained a more central and convenient room, when they improved their rules, and chose their present designation. Since the commencement, not fewer than thirty-five papers have been read, comprising essays in different branches of

knowledge and literature. The following questions have also been discussed:-Had England any right to interfere in the Quarrel between Turkey and Russia?-Which is the most beneficial for a Young Man to study, Mathematics or Languages?-Which is the most beneficial for the State to possess, a Limited Monarchy or a Republic?-Is the present system of Governing Ireland the most beneficial for the People of Ireland? Is the use of Tobacco beneficial?-Is the moderate use of Intoxicating Liquors or Total Abstinence from them the most beneficial? Ought the Church and State to be united?-Is War beneficial, right, or necessary? &c. After the report had been read, the chairman called upon the following gentlemen respectively to address the meeting on the following subjects:-Mr. Hughes, on "Mutual Improvement Societies; Mr. Watts, "What Makes the Man; " Mr. Warmby," How we Live;" Mr. Hawthorn, "The Influence of Social Gatherings;" and Mr. Moffit on "The Ladies;" after which a vote of thanks was returned to the chairman and secretary, and the meeting broke up by singing the National Anthem.

voyage on the deep blue sea, is heedless of the fearful storm that may wreck his bark. We all know that youth is a season of especial danger; many a promising young man of brilliant mental attainments, and heart of finest feeling, has been hurled from the pedestal on which he was firmly planting his feet; many a flower of beauteous hue has been nipped by the chilling frost, even before it has displayed all its wealth of glory, and both mind and beauty have fallen a prey to the numerous evils of youthful life. One of our cardinal objects is to save from a life so degrading and an end so calamitous. But another of our objects is to impart positive good. We adopt, as one article of our creed, the declaration that for the "soul to be without knowledge, is not good." We know that "knowledge is power;" at the same time we have heard that " a little is a dangerous thing." By the quality as well as the quantity of the information imparted we strive to avoid the evils, and to grasp the lever of mental power. The position we now occupy may be thus described. There are a few things we do know, more that we do but know imperfectly, and a many more of which we know nothing at Retford Mutual Improvement Society.-The all. Our aim is to become more thoroughly confirst annual soirée of this society was held on versant with those things we already know, to Thursday, February 1st, in the Town Hall, which increase our acquaintance with those things we was brilliantly illuminated and tastefully deco- do but know imperfectly, and to bring within the rated with a profusion of flowers and evergreens. range of our observation and reflection those The entertainment of the evening was greatly things of which we have hitherto known nothing. enhanced by the performances of several amateur Our object is to unlock the treasures of science, to vocalists of local celebrity (who gave their services explore the fields of literature, to trace the progratuitously), under the management of G. Dixon, gress of nations; in fact, to shed an electric light Esq., B.M., Oxon, who presided at the pianoforte. upon our mental being. Our aim is to freight Upwards of 400 members and friends sat down to the vessel with treasure ere she finally sets sail tea, after which the president (the Rev. A. Brook) on the troublous ocean of active life. We do not took the chair, and expressed the extreme gratifi- for a moment suppose that all this will be accomcation he felt in seeing the society's first annual plished without effort-effort long-continued and meeting attended by so large and influential a por- untiring. "Truth lies at the bottom of the well." tion of his townspeople; and he could also refer The descent may be deep and perilous, but with with pleasure to their weekly meetings, from steady eye and self-reliant heart we shall eventwhich much good had already resulted. Mr. ually succeed, and clasp the precious jewel to our Tirrel, the hon. secretary, read the report, which breast. We remember that the pathway of knowstated that the society was one of the first-fruits ledge is oftentimes rugged and steep, and the of the extension of the early closing movement, ascent difficult and toilsome; but, impelled by the and might be said to date its origin from the 28th glorious prospect obtainable, we reach some lofty of June last, a meeting being held that evening plateau, and gaze with wondrous emotion upon for the purpose of organizing "a Mutual Im- the landscape filled with beauty presented to our provement Society," at which eleven young men view. We are miners; with single aim and untiring attended, and enrolled their names as members, search we prosecute our enterprise, regardless of a number which had since increased to seventy- the privations we may have to undergo, until at one. Eighteen original essays had been read by length our object is attained, and we secure the the members of the society. Classes had been pure gold of knowledge. We are soldiers in this formed for the study of mathematics, geography, holy war; we are crusaders: our battle-cry is, and phonography. After dwelling upon the great "No quarter to ignorance." We have just entered advantages the society offered to young men, the upon our campaign, with perfect discipline and hope was expressed that they would be appre- steady courage; the "glorious line of red that ciated by them, and lead to a large accession of never yields" will fearlessly encounter the foe. members. Mr. John Plant (vice-president), after The Rev. H. C. Mitchinson referred to and anmaking a few preliminary observations, said-swered the objections some had to such societies, Our objects and aims may be divided into two as tending to foster intellectual pride, and to sap classes: first, we seek to protect from evil; and, the foundations of religious belief. The Rev. secondly, to impart positive good. We are aware Arthur Brook (brother of the president) expatiated of the dangers that beset the pathway of youth, at length on the influence of mutual improvement the gilded form that pleasure takes; and, per- societies in the formation of opinion. He strongly chance, the glorious sunlight that usually falls adverted to the too common habit of adopting upon that pathway, may so dazzle the eye of the opinions without proper inquiry. Mr. Councillor unsuspecting traveller, that he may fail to per- Wilkinson said these societies would improve the ceive the snares and pitfalls that intersect the social condition of the people, and tend to qualify way. The young man may be fitly compared to the young men of the present day for positions an inexperienced mariner, who, taking his first of honour and distinction; they would teach them

to speak in public with ease and fluency. Dr. | Channing had observed that speech was the grand distinction of man over the brute, and the facility of giving a free, graceful, and forcible expression to ideas and opinions was considered a mark of superiority, and distinguished one man from another. This acquirement was desirable for all the purposes of domestic, social, and public life. It qualified a man for conversation, debate, and oratory, and into whatever sphere of life or action he might be called, it would enable him to act his part with influence and power. As regarded the effect of these societies on the political condition of the people, he expected great results. There was one subject which he would press upon the notice of the young men who were present. However careful they might be in the formation of opinion and the composition of their speeches, and however varied their attainments of knowledge, all would be comparatively useless for public purposes without the habit of self-possession. They might link thought to thought, idea to idea, word to word, picture to picture, illus. tration to illustration, fact to fact, and argument to argument, with the nicest precision and logical accuracy, but if their nervous system should happen to be disturbed or shaken by the presence of a numerous audience, the composition, with all its beauties, would be useless. They might depend upon it that self-command was indispensable to a public speaker. Mr. Hawkesley Hall and Mr. Wager also addressed the meeting. After the usual complimentary votes, the proceedings were brought to a close by the singing of the National Anthem. We are happy to learn that since the meeting thirty-two members have been added to the society.

Stainland Mutual Improvement Society.-On Tuesday, February 20th, the annual festival in connection with this society was held in the Wesleyan schoolroom, which was kindly lent for the occasion. In the afternoon, an excellent tea was provided, of which about 270 persons partook. After tea, the audience, which had then greatly increased, was presided over by the Rev. John Eglinton, Wesleyan, and addressed by the Rev. W. Walters, Baptist; the Rev. W. Tatlock, Incumbent of Barkisland; the Rev. W. S. Ball, Congregationalist; Samuel Wimpenny, Esq., of Holmfirth; Mr. John Sugden, of Oakworth, and William Brook, Esq.; and Mr. James Sugden, of Stainland. The report, read by the secretary, stated that the society was in a very favourable position. The library contains upwards of 200 volumes. The classes meet three nights a week, for reading, writing, arithmetic, geography, and

English grammar. The first speaker, Mr. James Sugden, spoke on the "Claims of the Society." The Rev. W. Walters addressed the meeting on "Habit;" showing that to be able to perform the necessary duties of life, good habits must be acquired, and evil ones avoided. William Brook, Esq., gave a description of the "Baneful Influ ences of Opium Eating, and Immoderate Drinking;" reverting in his address to the immortal Coleridge and his son, the father falling a prey to the former evil, and the son to the latter. The Rev. W. Tatlock spoke on the " Advantages of the Present Age compared with Preceding Ones." Mr. John Sugden spoke on the "Individual and Social Advantages of Mental Culture;" Mr. S. Wimpenny on the "Pleasures of Education." After the usual complimentary votes of thanks to chairman, ladies, and others, the meeting con cluded in a very joyous manner.

Walthamstow Mutual Improvement Society.The fifth annual meeting of this society was recently held in the Lecture Room, Wood-street. About six o'clock, the friends assembled partook of tea; after which, the chair was taken by Ebenezer Clarke, Esq., who, in opening the meeting, warmly congratulated the members on the cordiality of feeling existing among them, and the apparent prosperity of the society. The secretary stated that the members had met and transacted the annual business, so that the present meeting might be the more of a festive character; and announced a syllabus of lectures and debates to be delivered during the ensuing quarter. The remainder of the evening was spent in the delivery of addresses and recitations, and in the singing of glees, and other pieces suited to the occasion. Mr. T. W. Talbot recited "Serjeant Buzfuz' address to the Jury ou the Trial of Bardell and Pickwick," "Patience," &c. Mr. Wilkins recited" Hallowed Ground," and "Pairing Time Anticipated." Recitations and addresses were also given by Messrs. W. E. Whittingham, Rowbotham, Caparn, and others. Among the pieces sung by the choir, which gave great satisfaction, were "Evening," and "Spring's Delights." Mr. Edward Nottingham sang, "Look Always on the Sunny Side," in which he was unanimously encored. The chairman, in acknow ledging a vote of thanks, expressed his confident belief that meetings of the character of the present were well adapted to keep up the vitality of the society, and promote its objects. The National Anthem was then sung, and the meeting broke up, being one of the pleasantest meetings, and the most numerously attended, of any the society has held.—W. B. W.

Literature.

LIST OF NEW BOOKS,

ON EDUCATIONAL, LITERARY, AND SCIENTIFIC SUBJECTS.

Arthur's (T. S.) Advice to Young Ladies, 1s. 6d.
Bailey on the Philosophy of the Human Mind, 8s.
Barker's (W. B.) Short Historical Account of the
Crimea, 3s. 6d.

Bell's English Poets, "Thomson, vols. 2 and 3,"
2s. 6d.

Black's (C.) Pathology of the Bronchio Pulmonary Mucous Membrane, Part 2, 3s. 6d. Bohn's Brit. Clas., "Addison's Works, by Hurd, vol. 4.," 3s. 6d.

3s. 6d.

"De Foe's Novels, &c., vol. 4,"

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