NOTES AND QUERIES.

Otago Witness, Issue 1480, 27 March 1880, Page 17

NOTES AND QUERIES.

Tiioh, G- T.— Amalgum ia a name given to an alloy of mercury and anoth r metal, in dentistry, cadmium ana copper amalgam are sometimes employed. Cadmium i* a biutsh-white metal like zino ; it is very eofi. though harder and more tenacious than tie, and is vei y mulletiblo and ductile. Theaa amalgams are, when freshly made, dry, pasty »übstancoß, whtoh soon boenme hard, like stone j but the iDJury the mercury may tffeot on the system rtnderi their usa highly obj actionable. No such objections exist to metallic substance*, which ensure permanent fllllnßH. Gold in the form of foil, or in thit condition known as sponge-gold, silver, various prepar«t;ons of gutta-percua, gum-reoius, &c, are all ia

favour. J. G 3., Tuappka, asks— Can a resolution passed at a tegular monthly mooting b3 rescinded at, a special meeting? — Yos. (2) There are a proposition and an amendment before the moetinc, the chairman calls for a Ehnw of bauds for the two, aud altorwarda gives his ordinary vote and casting vote Can he do so?— A chairman is entitled to his ordinary vote,

and hip casting vote in add tion, if the votes are equal otherwise. P. G. D.— We stated a few weeks ago that the prophecy of Mother Shipton i only curiou as a bit (f literature, and hns nofc the slightest claim to any credence as foretelling future events. Mr CharUs Hindley, of Brighton, has made a e'ean breast ot bavisjc' fabricated the prophecy, together with some tan others, included in nis reprint of a cheap boole version published in 1862. Statistician, Tipanui, asus— What is the number of inhabitants in the Australian Colonies, including New Zealand and Tosmauia ?-About 2,800,000 in

roun'i numbers, F. RG , Oamaru.— The English universities are more thorough ia the departments of nuthematica and the classics than American colleges; but their

curriculum is restricted in regard to the scientific

branches, W. E. U., Moßgiel.— Bilious or sick he*dachb is the mobt omraon affection. It generally bezinßin the morning, and is often relieved by a etroDg cup of tea orcoffee. It ciused by a defective action of the dlgeotive organs and bowela, and tho derangement c*n generally be traced to come error in the diet. Geneially, a simple dose of rhubarb and magneiia. with about thirty drops of sal vo'atile, will remove a common sick headache. But where there isnauafa, and vomiting or purging does not come spontaneously to remove it, the former should be excited by an imetio, composed of one grain of tartarised antimony and twenty of lpeoacuanha ; and alter this has acted, a rhubarb and blue pill. All such sufferers should abstain from fat moats, pastry, butter

and rich food generally. J. W., Walhemo.— Letters for the neighbouring Colonies which may be posted wholly unpaid, are opened by the Chief Postmaster, under authority of the Departmental Regulations, and & notice of detention sent to the sender. If paid one single rate when a larger amount ia required, the letter is forwarded to destination, charged with the amount of deficiency, and a fine payable on delivery.