approach of a tempest, there appeared on the surface of the mercury, a small and distinct luminous globe, which could be perceived in day-light, at the distance of several yards. We relate this singular fact; and, not being in possession of farther particulars, we can only conjecture, that such a phenomenon may perhaps be ascribed to the greater rarefaction and electricity of the air in the serene climate of Germany, previous to the explosion of thunder; and likewise to a more phosphorescent nature of the mercury; a property which it doubtless acquires when submitted to the repeated processes of distillation, and other means of purifying that peculiar metallic fluid.—See also Spider.
BARREL, in commerce, is a vessel of an oblong size, made of wood, the form of which is generally known, as well as its use for holding various sorts of merchandize: it is also used as a measure for liquids.
The English barrel, wine measure, contains the eighth part of a tun, the fourth part of a pipe, and one half of a hogshead, or 3112 gallons. A barrel of beer should contain 36, and one of ale 32 gallons. The barrel of beer, vinegar, or liquor preparing for vinegar, ought to contain 34 gallons, according to the standard of the ale quart.
Barrel is also used to denote a certain weight of merchandizes, and which differs according to various commodities. A barrel of Essex butter weighs 106 pounds, and of Suffolk butter 256 pounds. The barrel of herrings ought to contain 32 gallons, wine measure; which amount to about 28 gallons, old standard, and consists of about 1000 herrings. The barrel of salmon ought to contain 42 gallons, and a barrel of eels the same quantity: the barrel of soap must weigh 256 pounds.
BARRENNESS, a term synonimous to sterility, in opposition to fecundity. That the creation might not degenerate, Nature has wisely ordained barrenness to all monstrous productions; and hence the sterility of mules, &c.
Women frequently become barren after a miscarriage, or difficult labour. Sterility in either sex may also arise from a schirrosity or induration in the organs, by which their functions become impaired, and sometimes even destroyed. The causes of sterility, however, are much more frequent in the female than in the male sex: and these causes, in general, are, schirrosities and obstructions, arising from fear, grief, inordinate passions, intemperance, neglect of cleanliness; but more frequently, in consequence oi inveterate complaints of a periodical nature, peculiar to the sex.
Dr. Haselquist, in his Travels to the Levant, advises married persons to drink, every night, a teacupful of clove-water for the cure of this complaint.—We have inserted this whimsical recipe, not because any reliance can be placed on so trifling a remedy, but in order to attest the inefficacy of medicines on such occasions, and to assure those who forsake the path of Nature, and expert relief from Art, that they will certainly be disappointed, unless they adopt a more temperate and regular mode of life.
BARTER, or Truck, is the exchanging of one commodity for another; and forms a rule in the
