FOR THE PORT FOLIO. STEWART'S NEW PIANO FORTE, WITH A PLATE. THE Patent Harmonic Piano Forte, which has recently been introduced in this city, is an improvement upon the upright on cabinet instrument. The inventor has effectually overcome that most objectionable part in the cabinet piano, which rendered it useful only as a piece of furniture. As an instrument for an amateur, it has always been considered as of no value, in consequence of the hardness of the touch and inaccuracy of articulation; two of the greatest defects that an instrument can possess. Besides, the action is so constructed that it throws the whole weight of the under hammer, the upright, the damper-lifters, the dampers, and the hammers upon the jack or grasshopper, which not only creates an unpleasant friction, but will, in twelve months use, be completely worn out, or at least become unfit for any thing but very slow music, as both feeling and expression are lost. The dampers or levers of the cabinet, are placed on the outside of the strings, which renders the instrument so complex, that it is unfit for exportation, and it is therefore only suited for large cities where the maker is on the spot. It is ascertained to a certainty that the cabinet is now almost out of use in England: hence it is, that so many of them like the German Pianos have found their way to this country, and are selling almost at any price. The Patent Harmonic Piano differs in its construction altogether from the cabinet, both in its external appearance and interior. This instrument was invented and patented upwards of two years ago by James Stewart, late of Baltimore; and it has been universally admired for its full, clear, and vibrating tones and expression. The Harmonic is about four feet six inches high, and stands obliquely from the keys. The lower notes are consequently shorter than the cabinet and considerably thicker; of course is not so susceptible of change, nor so likely to break. The grasshopper is applied at the top of the striker, and has no other weight than that of the hammer. The dampers being placed behind the strings removes all the difficulty of replacing a string, which is so great an objection in the cabinet. There is a brass regulating rail in the Harmonic, which completely prevents any change of weather affecting the touch. OBITUARY.-FOR THE PORT FOLIO. DIED, on the 30th of last April, Dr. James Philips Freeman, of this city. To recollect the loss of this excellent young man, will excite no ordinary emotions. His amiable character had endeared bin to all his acquaintance; his energetic mind, and persevering industry, had created a prospect of high professional distinction; and the great advantages which he had enjoyed, excited a general anticipation of his future usefulness. Dr. Freeman completed his academical education in the university of Pennsylvania, and graduated with much credit at the last commencement, as doctor in medicine. For the last two years, he filled the office of secretary to the Philadelphia Medical society, and he was always remarked as one of its most influential members. In April, 1818, he was elected one of the house-pupils, of the Philadelphia Alms house. No one ever performed its important duties with more regularity or discretion; and in three days after his attack with the fatal disease, he would have left it with the most flattering testimonials of his skill and assiduity. But Providence had prepared him for another destiny. Not the constant exertion of the highest medical skill, nor the affectionate care of his friends, could arrest the progress of disease. The hopes of the public were not realized, the prayers of the sick and distressed whom he had relieved, were not answered. He expired on the 8th day of his disease, in the 23d year of his age. And he was prepared to die, for his life had been spotless, and his hopes were placed on a Saviour! M. MISCELLANEOUS PARAGRAPHS. THE PRINCESS OF WALES. Extract of a Letter, dated Milan, January 1. "The princess of Wales is making preparations for a trip to the Holy Land. The baron and young Austin (who is always addressed by the title of prince) accompany her royal highness, together with a vast suite. The princess told the marchioness of Douglass, that it was her intention to be absent six months; and that she meant to visit all the palaces of note in Egypt.-During the princess's absence, her new palace will proceed. Two gentlemen lately arrived from England, and had a long conference with her royal highness." WE are informed, says an English paper, in a quarter to which we have often been indebted for important intelligence, that a gentleman, of very high character at the Chancery bar, has visited a distinguished female in Italy, for the purpose of preparing her to expect a minute investigation of her conduct. It must be evident, that the reports which have long been in circulation, and which events are said to render more striking, loudly call for inquiry. If the lady of any nobleman in England continued flirting about the world with similar volatility, would not the husband incur censure if he did not resolutely demand investigation. Horrible Phenomenon. GALVANISM. On the 4th of November last, various galvanic experiments were made on the body of the murderer Clydsdale, by Dr. Ure, with a galvanic battery of 270 pairs of 4 inch plates. The results were truly appalling. On moving the rod from the hip to the heel, the knee being previously bent, the leg was thrown out with such violence, as nearly to overturn one of the assistants, who in vain attempted to prevent its extension! In the second experiment the rod was applied to the phrenic nerve in the neck, when laborious breathing instantly commenced -the chest heaved and fell-the body was portruded and collapsed with the relaxing and retiring diaphragm; and it is thought, that but from the complete evacuation of the blood, pulsation might have occurred! In the third experiment, the supraorbital nerve was touched, when every muscle in the murderer's face, was thrown into fearful action. The scene was hideous-several of the spectators left the room, and one gentleman actually fainted, from terror or sickness! In the fourth experiment, the transmitting of the electral power from the spinal marrow to the ulnar-nerve, at the elbow, the fingers were instantly put in motion, and the agitation of the arm was so great, that the corpse seemed to point to the different spectators, some of whom thought it had come to life! -Dr. Ure appears to be of opinion that had not incisions been made in the blood vessels of the neck, and the spinal marrow been lacerated, the criminal might have been restored to life! |