that of a spheroid of equilibrium, and in all probability coincides with it entirely. There can be little doubt that the globe was originally in a fluid state. For had the earth, when it began to revolve on its axis, been a solid sphere with water on its surface, it is evident, since the surface at the equator is twelve miles farther from the centre than at the poles, that had the sea alone been subjected to the action of the centrifugal force, the equatorial regions would have been completely subinerged, and the poles left dry. The figure of the earth affords a strong argument in favour of its original fluidity, and destroys the idea that it ever had a different axis from what it has at present. The opinion, therefore, which ascribes the remains of animals, at present confined to the torrid zones, in the polar regions, to a change of the axis of the earth, how convenient soever it might be to explain the phenomena, must be at once abandoned as inconsistent with the mathematical condition of the earth.

The mean temperature of the earth is sixty-eight deg. eight min., which is very nearly the temperature of those portions of France situated at the surface of the sea, and lying in latitude forty-five deg., which is meanway between the equator and the pole. The mean temperature sinks as we advance towards the pole, and is lowest there and highest at the equator. In short, the temperature at the surface is just what it ought to be, supposing that the whole heat of our globe were derived from the sun. At a certain depth below the surface (rather more than fifty feet), it has been observed that the temperature never varies, and that it is always equal to the mean temperature of the place. These facts, which have been long known, induced the greater number of men of science to conclude, that the earth owed its temperature entirely to the action of the sun; but several phenomena, observed of late years in mines, have led many geologists to a different opinion

It has been observed that the temperature of mines is always higher than that of the country where they are situated, and that the deeper a mine is sunk, the higher is its temperature. This observation was first made in the Cornish mines. Mr. Bald afterwards found that it held also in the deep coal mines at Newcastle. Danbuisson made the same observations with respect to the mines at Freyberg; Cordier with respect to several mines in France; and Humboldt with respect to the mines of South America. Thus, for example, in the month of February, 1819, the temperature of the air at Redruth, in

Cornwall, near which Dolcoath mine is situated, was forty-seven deg., while that of the water pumped out of the mine was eighty-four deg. The surface of the ground where the shaft of this mine is sunk, is elevated about three hundred feet above the level of the sea. The depth of the mine was one thousand four hundred and twenty-eight feet, or two hundred and thirty-eight fathoms. If we reckon the mean temperature of the air at Redruth fifty-one deg., and leave out the first two hundred feet of the mine in which the temperature does not sensibly increase, we shall find that the temperature of Dolcoath mine becomes one deg. hotter for every thirty-seven feet of sinking. But the mean of the observations made in Cornwall, Glamorganshire, and at Newcastle, gives an increase of one deg. for every sixty feet that the mine deepens. At Carmeaux, in France, there are three coal mines, the temperature of which was examined by Cordier. In one of them the thermometer rises one deg. for every seventy-eight feet of sinking; in another, one deg. for every seventy-six feet; and in the third, one deg. for every fifty-one feet. At Littry, every thirty-five feet that we descend, the thermometer rises one deg. In a coal mine at Decise, there is the same elevation of temperature for every twenty-nine feet.

M. Cordier has written an elaborate paper, to show that this elevation of temperature, as we descend in mines, is owing to the existence of a central fire in the earth. We do not know how far this opinion of Cordier has been adopted by geologists. But we must pause upon the phenomena presented by the temperature of mines, before we can embrace it. The existence of hot springs has been explained in the same way-the temperature depending upon the depth below the surface from which the spring proceeds.

If the increase in the temperature of mines, as we descend in them, were owing to the existence of a central fire, it ought surely to follow that those parts of the earth which are nearest the centre, should be the hottest. But as the poles are twelve miles nearer the centre than the surface of the earth at the equator-a difference much greater than the depth of the profoundest mine-and, as the surface approaches nearer and nearer the centre in proportion as we advance from the equator towards the poles-if the increased temperature in mines were owing to a central fire, it is quite obvious that the temperature of the earth ought to be regulated by that central flre, and that, therefore, the temperature should increase

the deeper we go, as is observed actually to be the case. This source of heat, too, may, and probably does, vary considerably in different mines; and thus may occasion the variations in the rate of increase of temperature, so conspicuons in different mines situated even near each other, and which could not therefore be accounted for by the agency of a central fire. Every mine, while working, requires to be ventilated, otherwise the workmen could not continue in it. Now, this ventilation consists of a current of air constantly passing through the mine. It is obvious, that this current must consist of air from the surface of the earth at the place where the mine is situated. We need not inquire how this current of air is produced, various methods being employed in different mines, according to circumstances; but that it always exists, is too obvious to require any proof. Now, as this air passes from the surface to the bottom of the mine, it becomes more and more compressed. Its temperature, in consequence, must be continually increasing, and, of course, it must be always giving out heat to the walls of the mine, and to the water with which it comes in contact. The heat given out at the bottom will be greatest, because there the compression is greatest. The greater the quantity of air thus condensed, and the more rapid the current, the greater will be the quantity of heat evolved. This, we ate persuaded, is the true cause of the elevation of temperature as a mine increases in depth. When a mine is abandoned, the ventilation gradually ceases, and the air in a mine becomes stagnant; thence the temperature will sink, and will at last reach the mean temperature of the place. But this diminution of temperature will, for obvious reasons, go on very slowly.

REFINEMENTS OF MODERN

PHRASEOLOGY.†

AMONG all the modern improvements there are none in which the refinements of civilization are more conspicuously developed than in our language, and for this we are principally indebted to the state of the press, which has become so enriched of late that there is now (thanks to the schoolmaster) the most idiomatic turn of 'speech for the most common affairs of life. Thus, on entering a uew year, it is announced in the phraseology of the day, that the old has "merged into the gulph of time;" and when spring has arrived it is + From the Gazette of Variety.

said that the "extended blue arch of heaven had thrown aside its thickened veil, while the thin clouds hanging from the spottern ceiling, freshens the glorious scene.'

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In the time of our plain-spoken ancestors, ladies who lost their husbands were called widows, but now they are fair relicts." We used also to hear of beasts of the field being sometimes killed by lightning but they are now struck by the electric fluid." Only think of drunken women at a police office becoming "interesting females" and if abandoned courtesans, they are " de. votees of the Cyprian goddess," and happily for the cause of temperance and sobriety, men are not now found drunk or intoxicated as formerly-they are only seen "disguised in liquor," or. “under the surveillance of Bacchus." Those who were in times past called swindlers and pickpockets, are now termed "professors of the fine arts," and then again criminals used to be hanged, but now they are "launched into eternity."-Formerly, if any were found in the streets, or elsewhere, in a state of insensibility, a doctor used to be sent for, but now "medical aid is said to be in immediate attendance :", should death ensue before the surgeons' arrival "the vital spark had fled." People were sometimes drowned in olden times, but no occurrences of the kind happen now; they may indeed be "immersed in the "liquid element till the fire of life is extinguished." In ancient times, if one met with a well-cut coat, it used to be who's the maker, but now it is "who's the builder?" or "who suffers?"

Again, in old fashioned days, folks used to be married: with shame be it said that there is no such thing as matrimony now. Brides are only "led to the hymeneal altar," and then the wedding guests danced; but no such a thing now, they only "trip it on the light fantastic toe." A ship used also now and then to be launched, but there is uothing of the sort; she now (mark reader, the Lord Melville or the Sir William) "glides majestically into her native element," an element by the bye in which she never was before. But, this is only a day's march in the career of improvement. It has been observed, that England affords a greater variety of characters than the rest of the world: this is ascribed to the liberty prevailing amongst us, which gives every one the privilege of being wise or foolish his own way; and so it is we find a tailor, in the luxuriance of faucy, embellishes his door plate with "vestiarium.'

The paper-hanger thinks nothing so much the characteristic of genius, as to make known his common calling, in an un

common manner, so designates his shop "the Temple of Fancy." The corncutter is also on tip-toe for distinction, and so styles himself "chiropodist." The milkman quits the beaten track only because, it is known, and takes a new path, and so dubs his cow-house" the metropolitan dairy" or "lactarium." The chandler, to secure only learned customers, writes up "Italian warehouse." The auctioneer, in describing an estate for sale, says "The scene is one of picturesque and entangled wildness; the hard and milk-white rocks are worn into a variety of shapes, the hanging foliage above and below, droops its ornamental fringe over the rugged workmanship of nature, while the torrent foaming between its rough and deepened confines, reminds the beholders of the spot, from whence the ancient Cambrian Bard addressed the invading Edward in the imaginary language of the poet, Grey—

"Ruin seize thee, ruthless King."

"Nowhere will be found such a continuation of beautiful wildness, such fearful and almost unapproachable heights, cataracts so loud and deep, glens terrific, and mountains seeming to rival the clouds in their stupendous heights.”

The writing master, not content to be nuderstood, seeks to stultify by putting on his card, Professor of Calligraphy." The dentist announces his "Succedaneum for decayed teeth," and the barber his "ambrosial soaps and depilatory for removing superfluous hair.' Schools are now Establishments" or "Seminaries," and their play grounds "Gymnasiums." The ladies no longer patronize the stay shop, but visit the "Shape Emporium." A slop-seller is now a "Fashionable Repositarian of Wearables." The wheelwright keeps a "Carriage Repository." Every apothecary is a "Surgeon." Government clerks "Civil Officers." Every lawyer's ditto a "Solicitor." Every hair-cutter a "Frizeur" or "Peruquier." Butchers are Meat Purveyors," and bricklayers "Architects." The huxter's shop is dignified into a "Warehouse," and the broker's "Repository for Miscellaneous Property." Publicans are "Wine Merchants," and their tap-rooms "Divans." A fiddler calls himself a "Professor of Discoustics." Coffee stalls are "Hotels," eating houses" Coffee Rooms," mantua-makers and cooks are Artists," match sellers "Timber Merchants," thieves "Conveyancers," and the gallows a New Drop." Indeed, almost every thing has a new name, which few can comprehend or pronounce without blundering. Turn which way you

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will, you will meet with something about theDiorama," "Cosmorama," "Udoroma," Octorama," Physiorama," "Poecilorama," or the "Perist ephic, or Moving Polygonic Panorama" Then there is the Eidouranion," the "Diastrodocon," "Harmonicon," "Panharmonicon," and "Apollonicon." Next comes the elegancies in shop names, for nothing will do under "Navarino House," "Grafton House," "Waterloo House," or "Compton House." Then we have "Rose Cottage," " Vine Lodge,' "Myrtle Hall," "The Vineyard," "Mon Repos," and a host of pretty named "Retreats," with which the outskirts of the overgrown metropolis abound. The foregoing is but a page in the history of the march of "Grandiloquence;" but enough.

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[We transcribe from the "Literary Gazette," of October 30, the subjoined statements, addressed to the editor, relative to Lady Charlotte Bury's "Separation." As we recollect the puffs preliminary, emanating from the great puff-manufactory in Burlington Street, which ushered in this rifacemento novel, we are inclined to believe Messrs. Colburu and Bentley as gui:tless of fraud in the affair as they profess themselves. The imposition (despite the excuse set up), we can give it no gentler epithet, is of her ladyship's own contrivance.]

To the Editor of the Literary Gazette. SIR,-In consequence of the article which appeared in your "Gazette," relative to the novel published by us called the "Separation" we immediately addressed a note to the authoress (of which we now enclose a copy), requesting an explaination of the circumstances, but we have not yet received a satisfactory answer. We can, therefore, only state for ourselves, that in publishing the work, we were totally unconscious of its resembling in the slightest degree any book already extant, as our note of last Saturday to the authoress will show; that it was submitted to us wholly in manuscript, as an entirely original production; and that we sent it for examination to a literary friend, whose opinion as to its merits induced us to purchase the copyright of the authoress. -We are, sir, your obedient servants, COLBURN and BENTLEY.

New Burlington Street, October 28, 1830.

(Copy.)

New Burlington Street, Saturday, October 23, 1830.

Messrs. Colburn and Bentley present their respects to the authoress of "Separation," and beg to send her a copy of today's Literary Gazette," containing some remarks relative to the publication of her last novel, which remaks, until contradicted, commit the character of their house. Under these circumstances, and she will acknowledge them to be very pressing, Messrs. Colburn and Bentley wait anxiously for an explanation, which the authoress alone can give, and she will therefore excuse them if they solicit from

her an immediate statement calculated to remove from the public mind the disadvantageons impression now existing in consequence of the remarks alluded to.

[The foregoing were in our hands, and, of course, ordered for publication, in justice to Messis. C. and B, who, at the end of five days, could have no other hope of redress, when we received the aunexed paper.-Ed. L. G.]

To the Editor, &c,

The novel entitled "Separation," may certainly be said to have had its foundation in the story of a tale published anonymously eighteen years ago!!! But "Separation" is, in characters, in conduct, in language, and in arrangement, wholly

new.

Shakspeare, Dante, Boccacio, &c. &c., have been resorted to a thousand times for the ground-work of modern fictions; and, if it is allowed to borrow from others, the author of "Separation," assuming that "Self-Indulgence" was written by the same person, had surely a right to borrow from it.

The tale of "Self-Indulgence," though not devoid of interest, was crudely and carelessly written, and, as it deserved, sank speedily into oblivion; nevertheless, it contained striking incidents, which were peculiarly fitted to set forth a great moral

end.

In the manner in which the author of "Separation" has employed these, the work became altogether changed, and such as cannot justify the attack directed against it in the "Literary Gazette. In fact, had any doubt been entertained upon the subject at the time of its publication, a line, by way of preface, stating the case, would have set the matter at rest.

Inasmuch, as Messrs. Colburn and Bentley are involved in this attack, it is only requisite to make one observation, in order

+ It is not seit is merely disguised, and to all other intents and purposes the same.-Ed. L. G.

ALL the world has an opinion. Take the emptiest head that ever gaped, and upon any topic ask, "Pray, sir, what is your opinion?" and ten to one the person so interrogated will tell you something that he is pleased to designate as his opinion. Is there, in short, one individual in a thousand to be found who can understand the question, and who will not return an answer of affected intelligence? It is rare, indeed, to meet with one who will have the candour to say that he has no opinion. An opinion is usually defined as a conclusion which is the result of thought. But whoever thinks that thinking has any thing to do with a man's opinions? And perhaps it has not much. Of a man's moral character it is said, "Noscitur á sociis." The same may be said of his opinions. Nor is it only from his companions that his opinions may be ascertained: they may be learned from his parents, from his temper and constitution. A good-tempered, quiet, inoffensive sort of man generally inherits the opinions of his parents, and carries them with him to the grave, unless he marry a rich wife, and then he takes the opinions which belong to her and her family, or he grafts them upon his own, like an escutcheon of pretence. A coss-grained, obstinate pig of a fellow,

The "Gazette," of November 6, says, that the publishers have redemanded the price, 250l, which. they gave her ladyship, under the impression that was an entirely original work; "but we think," says the Gazette, they will abandon this; for it is a whimsical fact, that the book has sold better, and is in greater request at the circulating libraries, than ever. Like the loss of character upon the stage, it has made the novel popular."

From the Atlas-No. CCXXXIII.