HAZARD'S

REGISTER OF PENNSYLVANIA.

DEVOTED TO THE PRESERVATION OF EVERY KIND OF USEFUL INFORMATION RESPECTING THE STATE.

VOL. VIII.-NO. 1.

EDITED BY SAMUEL HAZARD.

PHILADELPHIA, JULY 2, 1831.

FIRST ANNUAL REPORT

Of the Bucks County Academy of Natural Science. The Committee appointed to make and publish the first Annual Report of the commencement, progress and present situation of the Academy, in obedience to a resolution adopted, and in conformity with a custom obtaining in similar institutions, submit the following

sketch:

NO. 183.

Two convenient

er spirit of the measure, we trust will be productive of the most beneficial results. Some of our members are now actively prosecutng thieir researches in accordance with this division of labor, and it is confidently be lieved that others will be influenced by their example, and by praise worthy ambition to contribute to the common stock of useful information, by judicous observation and the careful treasuring, of natural objects. Many In January, 1829, public attention was first called to specimens, particularly of minerals have already been the formation of a society for promoting the study of na- obtained, and a taste for the study of the riches of the ture in this county by an Editorial paragraph in the In- animal, vegetable and mineral kingdoms, has been widetelligencer. In February following, a number of public ly diffused. Owing to the want of a place specifically spirited gentlemen from different parts of the county, appropriated for the purposes of a Cabinet or Museum, met at Doylestown, and resolved that it was expedient we have not been able to embrace in our collection, to form such a society, and in the same month the draft subjects of the animal and vegetable empires. It is hoped of a constitution was submitted and adopted. On the that the liberality of our citizens and the increasing im29th of April, following, officers pro tempore were ap- portance of collections of objects in the study of nature, pointed, and in accordance with the adopted draft of will ere long authorize the appropriation of a room in the constitution, the first stated meeting of the Aca- some of our public buildings to supply this deficiency demy was held on the 25th of May, 1829; at which theor that the increasing public spirit of the citizens of constitution was finally ratified and signed by twenty Doylestown, will effect the same purpose in some other five members. The spirit which prompted a com- mode. mencement so promising, stimulated to active exertions Having thus traced the general view of our labors for the purpose of surmounting the many difficulties from the commencement to the present time-having which immediately presented themselves on the untried glanced at the greatest difficulty we have yet to provide field we were about entering. Very few of the mem- for, and intimated the possible means by which that probers had made themselves acquainted with even the ru-vision may be made, we turn to the more particular dediments of classification in any branch of natural history. tails of the present situation of the Academy, which at An offer therefore, made by Jonathan C. Jones, one of present occupies in common with the Doylestown Lithe youngest, but most zealous admirers of nature, be-brary, a room in the Union Academy, which is also of longing to the Academy, to deliver an introductory pub- ten used for various other purposes. lic address on the study of Botany, was gladly accepted cases are nearly filled with specimens, principally as which was carried into execution on the 6th of June, above noticed of minerals. The Curators have just and thus a new impulse given to the zeal of those who finished a scientific arrangement of the most valuable of were disposed to foster "the knowledge of things." these specimens, and the study of mineralogy may now We cannot refrain from here mentioning the immense be methodically pursued with the advantage of having loss sustained by the Academy in particular, and by the the distinctive properties of minerals elucidated by refriends of science generally, in the premature decease ference to the Cabinet. Several valuable works have of this enterprising and amiable young man. We know been procured; and as the room is open every Saturday we shall again awaken the unavailing sigh of sorrow, afternoon, for the use of the Library, we would suggest with those who had the pleasure of his personal ac- the propriety of our members taking that opportunity quaintance, and re-inflict the pang of disappointed hope for becoming acquainted with the characteristic differon his bereaved relatives and friends-but we know also ence of mineral substances. It is in contemplation. also, that the memory of their sorrows brings also with it the to construct a Geological column as fast as the materials consolatory recollection of inestimable worth and never can be obtained, and many of them are already in the dying virtue. Before the next annual meeting, the Cabinet, which will enable the student to embrace at Academy were called also to lament their loss by the one view the whole theory of this important study. Two death of John Moore, Esq. their first President. Thus of our members are also prosecuting the study of Entodeprived almost at the outset of two of their most valu-mology, particularly with reference to those insects able and efficient members, it began to be feared that which are injurious, and those which may be made useour strength would fail-but fortunately the example of ful to husbandry and domestic economy. One member Jones had pointed to the true path of successful pro- has undertaken to collect information relative to the gress, and at the annual meeting in May, 1830, a series natural history of the most valuable fishes that frequent of introductory addresses on several departments of the waters of the county, among which the shad and Natural History, was determined on. The gentlemen, herring will receive, as they deserve, a large of attento whom this task was assigned, labored diligently to tion. Several gentlemen commenced in the last sumacquaint themselves in a way to be useful and by these mer, the collection and preservation of plants for the means, a mass of information was obtained and spread purpose of forming a herbarium-they will probably abroad, which cannot fail of being highly useful in all during the present season be able to show a classified our future operations; and which tended immediately collection of plants, embracing all the classes and orders to keep alive the spirit of improvement that had actuated of a complete system of Botany, and also to describe the us at the first. A division of the members into classes cor- habitudes and varieties of the most valuable natives of responding with the objects of inquiry soon followed, the county. Should these reasonable anticipations be which when duly appreciated and acted on in the prop-realized--and nothing but a reprehensible remissness on VOL. VIII.

1

part of our members can prevent their being realized
-we may look forward to our next stated meeting, as
one of peculiar interest; as forming a new era in our
hitherto somewhat obscured progress. Many of our
members will have obtained considerable knowledge of
the particular subjects to which they have respectively
devoted their chief attention.
will be prepared to communicate, and explain by refer-
This knowledge they
ence to well known objects, or to preserved specimens
of those which are more rare, or have been less subject
to common observation. We ask in conclusion, to im-
press upon those of our members particularly, who have
imposed on themselves the honorable obligation, of
starting forward in the race of science, that to them we
look for the fulfilment of our flattering hopes-that dili-
gence and attention will ensure success, and that their
reward is sure.

(JULY

notice taken by Mr. Ewart, the ex-member for Liver. Sir-Your readers will have probably observed the pool, (in the House of Commons, on the 15th of Februa ry,) of the first importation of raw silk from the United Times, of the 24th of February, on the same subjectStates of America; and, likewise, a paragraph in the a subject of sufficient importance to render a more detailed account interesting, to the numerous readers of your widely circulating journal.

Philadelphia, and afforded Mr. Duponceau an opportu
Mr. D'Homergue of Nismes, in France, paid a visit to

establishing a filature under his direction; Mr. D'Ho.
mergue having previously managed one in Nismes, and
in France, felt sanguine of its success in America. The
seen a good deal of the culture and preparation of silk
result of the first trial has shown, that their labours are
likely to be crowned with success.

American Philosophical Society, with his usual foreMr. Duponceau, of Philadelphia, the President of the sight and patriotism, long since thought of the advantages that might arise to the United States, from extending the culture of the white mulberry tree, and the To our distant friends, who have taken an interest in riety of soil and climate prevailing in these states offer propagation of the silk worm, for which the great vaour establishment, we would express our grateful thanks. great facilities. But difficulties arose in preparing the From several we have received liberal donations and en-silk for the market, which, for a long time, retarded the couraging advice. Jacob Pierce and Peter A Browne, accomplishment of his views. Esq. of Philadelphia-Joseph J. Lewis, Esq. of West result was the manufacture in Connecticut, of sewing Chester; Jacob Wagner, of Easton, and James Worth, silk of superior fineness and strength. The earliest successful and Froman Manson, of this courty-are particularly entitled to remembrance and notice in our catalogue of the patrons of science in the best possible mode of panity of carrying his laudable designs into practice, by tronizing-by active and liberal assistance in aid of the means of becoming acquainted with nature's works, from the works themselves. Highly valuable presenta tions of specimens have been received from each of these gentlemen, and from Mr. Brown especially, we have derived much of the knowledge we have attained towards placing a proper value on the articles in our possession. The desire to become acquainted with the natural productions of our country, which is manifested in various places, owes much of its force and intensity to the patriotic labors of this distinguished citizen--but we are aware that we should be doing injustice to his deserts, were we to ascribe this impulse as the chief benefit of those meritorious efforts. A yet greater public service is done by giving that impulse the most favourable direction for the accomplishment of its object, and we yet hope the day will arrive and that right speedily, when this direction will be generally pursued, and the study of the natural sciences, aided by ample collections of natural productions, will become the basis and the support of an enlightened system of public education. When like the industrious bee, our children shall gather treasures from every flowery valley, and like the laborious, find a mine of wealth in every barren hill. And when their intellectual labors, like those of the provident insects, shall each day produce an immediate reward in the sensible increase of their stores of knowledge, and a corresponding expansion of the mind in which those stores are received.

H. MEREDITH,
J. KELLY,
E. WILLIAMS,

Committee.

The officers of the Academy for the year 1831, are:
President-WM. H. JOHNSON.

Vice President-SOLOMON WRIGHT.
Recording Secretary-ALBERT SMITH.
Corresponding Secretary-ED. WILLIAMS.
Curators- DR. J. S. RICH.

JAMES KELLEY.

Treasurer-Revг SAMUEL AARON.

The spotted Catterpillar has committed great ravages in Pennsylvania. Whole forests have been stripped of their leaves. The same reptile has been mischievous in Massachussetts on fruit trees. have shaken them from trees, and then tarred the Some Horticulturists trunks to prevent their ascending.-Hundreds have been found shortly afterwards halted in the tar. They seem to take to plum trees first.

tive, first, employed in a new, and, to them, strange proIt was not to be expected that the American operacess, should turn out of their hands an article as well prepared as that furnished by Italy or France, where it has been so long the staple of the country. Yet the sample received has shown, that Mr. D'Homergue's lessons have been addressed to willing and apt scholars, who will, it is hoped, soon equal the reelers of France and Italy.

has tried a sample of this silk, in the different process of It may now be stated, that an intelligent gentleman winding, throwing, and dying, and the result is highly satisfactory-so much so, that he thinks a fine field is open for the culture of the article in America. In quality, he considers it superior to India silk generally, and fully equal to that of Friuli or Trent. He had some of it dyed black, (the colour which most tries the silk,) and this it takes very well. He concludes by suggesting some improvements in the reeling, which a little more practice may soon effect.

very small package, and was produced (as the corresThe present importation is a mere sample, being a pondent of the Times states) in Pennsylvania, and reeled from the cocoons in Mr. Duponceau's filature at Philadelphia, under the directions of Mr. D'Homergue. It has been submitted to some of the best judges in this country, who think it a very fair beginning. The texture is finer than the Italian silk, and it produces a larger return from the same quantity of cocoons.

Some silk, from the same filature, has been boiled, dyed, and woven into a very fine stuff in America, although not thrown, as they have no throwing mills at present there.

Should the production of silk increase as rapidly in America as cotton has done, in the last thirty years, it will become an article of great consequence in our trade terial, and taking back the manufactured article in rewith that country; the Americans sending the raw maturn, as is now the case with cotton.

latter can be brought forward at the time the former is succeed in almost all the states of the union; and the The white mulberry tree, and silk worm, are said to in life.

This subject has been taken up by a committee of the Congress, and strongly recommended by them to the

tleman. The letter was referred to a committee in the House of Representatives, consisting of Messrs. Ingersoll, Read of Susquehanna, and Craft; and Mr. Ingersoll, from that committee, made a very appropriate report, accompanied by a resolution, that the flag be displayed in the House, under the direction of the Speaker. Agreeably to the resolution, the flag has been very taste-pect, silk worms will be raised in great plenty all over Pennsylvania. The climate beiug peculiarly well adaptfully displayed over the Pennsylvania Arms in the rear of, and above, the Speaker's chair, where it at once con- thrive even in our poorest soil. ed to the cultivation of the mulberry tree, which will mands the attention and admiration of every one entering the hall of the house. We think it a fine specimen of the useful perseverance of its worthy donor, and a strong earnest of what may be expected from the culture and manufacture of silk in Pennsylvania hereafter. The following is the letter and report of the committee. The report was unanimously adopted,

From the increase of the coasting trade of Philadel phia, which has nearly trebled itself within the last eight years, encouraging and unquestionable proof is afforded, that the agriculture, manufactures, and mineral wealth of the state, are in active and increasing demand. If, as is understood to be the case, vessels loaded with the coal of Pennsylvania, are destined to sail for France in the ensuing season, the foreign trade of the state may derive great augmentation from that source. Even the quantity of flour exported from Philadelphia to Europe has much increased of late; and wool bears better prices throughout the country.

With these flattering prospects, no aid, within the power of legislation, should be withheld from the endeavour to domesticate silk, and unite so important a staple to the others. In France, Italy, Flanders, Spain, and England, no wealth or honours were spared by govern ment, when the object was to cherish and reward the culture of this superior article, which, in all ages and nations, from the earliest era to the present, has been in universal request and of the highest value.

The flag presented by Mr. Duponceau is a proof of the natural and artificial resources we possess; and that in the practical skill of Mr. D'Homergue, the country enjoys the fortunate means of obtaining all the instruction and demonstration necessary, for the complete attainment and indefinite extension of the difficult art of reeling silk, without which raw silk for manufacturing, or of the merchantable quality, saleable in foreign markets, cannot be produced.

The patriotic, disinterested, and most praiseworthy exertions of Mr. Duponceau to establish this art among us, entitle him to the gratitude of the state. They constitute another of the public services of a citizen whose career, beginning in the army of the revolution, and continued in the department of foreign affairs, afterwards distinguished by eminent accomplishments in jurisprudence and other sciences, has exalted him to be come the successor of Jefferson, as president of that philosophical society which was founded by Franklin. To the duties and distinctions of such a career, Mr. Duponceau, in the decline of life, superadds a noble effort to confer upon his country the inestimable advantages of the introduction of silk, and to join that to the many honours of which his venerable years are full.

roneous opinions and prejudices fast yielding to the in-
fluence of strict, fair, and impartial investigation. But
the romantic and wonderful, particularly when swelled
with fabulous incidents, terrific relations, and descrip-
|tions of awful scenes, impart such a stimulus to the hu-
man mind, that truth, in its simplicity under natural
colours, can scarcely promise to create an adequate ex-
citement, for it is a well known truth, that it is much
easier to awe than to persuade; and experience teaches
us, that fear holds the sceptre over all nature.
Instead of endeavouring to diminish the catalogue of
human miseries, which has been and is daily swelling to
an alarming degree, every one elbows forward through
the crowd of innumerable writers, to throw in his mite,
not only to enlarge the collection, but to render it more
appalling.

These reflections, I feel convinced, cannot be better applied than to the subject of the present essay, and I propose to give to it that serious attention which its importance merits. But if I am led to deviate from that gravity, which from the predisposition of every one's mind in matters so unquestionably revered, I presume is anticipated, I hope my disquisition may be taken in its true sense and light, and from the whole, a judgment formed upon the whole.

Than hydrophobia, no other disease, if, perhaps, we except the venereal, has favoured the origin of more fabulous reports, and created more terror in the mind, not only of the vulgar, but of the best informed classes of society, from which I cannot even exclude the facul ty; and, yet, without any solid foundation; for I may confidently assert, that there is not one in a thousand that has ever taken the trouble to think seriously upon this subject, and, not unlikely, even a smaller proportion that ever had the opportunity of witnessing the effects resulting from the bites of animals.

The whole of this matter rests, either upon vague reports, preconceived opinions, mistaken notions, or a blind deference to authority.

But after an impartial and unprejudiced inquiry, and a judicious examination of the accounts we have on record, it will be found that they are not only inconsistent, incorrect, and perplexing, but, not unfrequently, shamefully exaggerated; and, in many instances, so visionary, that no reliance can be placed on them. We are, inin-deed, induced to believe that few of the writers have witnessed with a placid eye the scenes they describe. Moreover, their sanative methods are so versatile and incoherent, their remedies so terrific at times, so insignificant at others, that we might well question if many of them had seen a single case of canine madness.

The committee trust, that it will not be deemed appropriate to display this flag in the Hall of the Representatives of Pennsylvania, near the Speaker's chair the same that was once filled by the president of that immortal congress, which, in the city of Philadelphia, declared the independence of these United States.

They, therefore, respectfully submit the foliowing resolutions:

Nevertheless an inconceivable bigotry of opinion, equal to party spirit obstinacy, pervades all classes, and Resolved, That the Representatives of the Common- presents insurmountable obstacles to the admission of wealth of Pennsylvania accept, with great sensibility the most evident facts, if they appear to militate against and satisfaction, the silk flag of the United States, pre-long established prejudices, and sanctioned medical sented to them by Peter S. Duponceau, as an auspicious creeds. promise of national wealth and prosperity, and a proof of the patriotism of the distinguished donor.

Resolved, That the flag be displayed in a conspicuous part of this House, under the direction of the Speaker; and that the Clerk be directed to communicate to Mr. Duponceau copies of these resolutions and report.

AN ESSAY ON HYDROPHOBIA.

An Essay on the Affections supposed to result from the Bites of Animals, and known by the appellation of Hydrophobia. By J. C. ROUSSEAU, M. D., member of several learned societies.

[Read before the Philadelphia Medical Society, March 14, 1829.]

"Je n'ai peur de rien plus que de la peur."-Rabelais. It is unquestionably a most gratifying circumstance, at which every philanthropic mind cannot but rejoice, to perceive, in the present era of science, the sway of er

All impartial inquiry is not only hazardous but scarce. ly attainable. Regardless of communicating useful information, or affording the balm of consolation, every report is calculated to perpetuate the prolific seed of terror; and it is a lamentable truth, that we are, at this day, as much in the dark as our predecessors respecting the cause and true nature of hydrophobia. Why this name should have been exclusively selected to qualify a specific disease, supposed to result from the bite of a mad dog, is not very obvious; the dread of liquids being a symptom occurring in many diseases, where a morbid excitement of the nervous system is predominant, and

attended with constriction of the fauces.

But it is not an easy matter to divest the human mind of prejudices once inculcated and rooted in by time, and afforded an inexhaustible source of romancing. In this, however, we can see nothing more surprising than in the popular frenzy to run, not unfrequently, at the peril of life and limb, to see a fellow mortal launched into eternity.

Disease is invariably a derangement in the constitution; but various agents being the cause of apparently the same disturbance, and the same cause being productive of different aberrations, the utmost circumspection ought to be used in pronouncing upon the origin of diseases. Sex, temperament, constitution, habits, situation, occupation, seasons, former diseases, perturbation of mind, &c. &c. must, necessarily, vary the symp-gether to swell the collection. But cats will not gneraltoms of the same disease, and become the cause of the diversity or identity of the morbid appearances, that have not unfrequently drawn the faculty into error. That bites, more commonly of dogs, because of their greater number, their particular habits and their dwelling among men, have in numerous instances proved fatal, cannot be denied, but that those accidents have result ed from a disease, inoculated by a specific virus generated in the mouth of the animal, under a particular morbid excitement, is merely a supposition, rather disproved than supported by facts, as we hope to be able to prove as we advance in our inquiry.