I am equally convinced, that Mahomet himself took the thought from the passage in the New Testament, as suggested by your correspondent E. G. R. Each successive writer appears to have added something to what he borrowed. But when the Evangelist, John, had said, "_The world itself_ would not be able to contain the books that should be written," it was easy for one writer to suppose an inkstand capacious as the sea; and for another to supply parchment, pens, and scribes _ad libitum_. That the phrase in the Koran should _now_ be common in the East, is not wonderful, considering the extent to which Mahomedanism has prevailed there. After all, I do not think that the _additions_ are any very great improvements. Without disputing about tastes, I may say at least that, for my own part, I greatly prefer the simplicity of the original idea, as expressed by the beloved disciple. J. W. THOMAS. Dewsbury. * * * * * MACKEY'S THEORY OF THE EARTH. (Vol. viii., pp. 468. 565.; Vol. ix., p. 89.) A friend called on me this morning with the Number containing a notice of S. A. Mackey, supposing that, being a neighbour, I could furnish a few particulars of that extraordinary man. The whole of his MSS. came into my possession after his demise. Amongst these was a MS. of his Life, written by himself, and of which I took a faithful copy: which I have transcribed for gentlemen who wish to possess a copy. I am ready to furnish any gentleman with a copy, neatly written, book included, for 5s. It consists of fifty-two pages large demy 4to. The original is in the possession of a Mr. Brereton of Flitcham, near Lynn, Norfolk, to whom I sold all the MSS., Mr. Brereton being an intimate friend of S. A. Mackey. I have on sale a copy of Mr. Mackey's _Works_, selected by Mr. Shickle, another intimate friend; neatly done up in coloured cloth. Also a copy of his _Mythological Astronomy_, with copious notes, in one hundred pages. Also, an Appendix of forty-eight pages. And another copy of the MS. Astronomy, with notes; but minus the Appendix. I may as well inform you, that a friend of mine has in his possession a half-length full-size portrait of Mr. Mackey; admirably executed, and in prime condition, in a handsome frame. I believe it is for sale. I assure you, when I first saw it, I felt at the moment a kind of impulse to shake hands with my old friend and neighbour. I shall feel great pleasure in answering any inquiries, so far as my knowledge extends. His Life is truly interesting; being that of a man born in sorrow, and cradled in adversity. Like him, I am a self-taught humble individual, and in my eighty-second year. J. DAWSON. 15. Doughty's Hospital, Calvert Street, Norwich.