JEU D'ESPRIT.

To the Editor of the Quotidienne. SIR,-From a late article in your journal, I observe that Madame Krudener, and her principal secretary, M. Keller, announce that the world will soon be at an end, and that the day of judgment is rapidly approaching. Allow me likewise, en passant, to express my satisfaction at finding that my sex now enjoy the privilege of saying and doing the most extraordinary things imaginable. This, together with my own inclination, has induced me to note down such signs as appear to me to presage the grand and awful catastrophe in question. I know not, I confess, whether the planets have deviated from their wonted path, whether the ices have diminished at the poles, whether corn now contains less nutritive substance than formerly, &c. &c.; but, Sir, I think I have discovered many other symptoms of the termination of a world, which, having existed (according to philosophical suppositions) about fifteen thousand years, may certainly be resigned to its fate, and cannot in reason complain of being cut off in the flower of its age.

Within my sphere of observation, I have remarked many things which cannot be natural, and which, I assure you, give rise to the most serious reflections.

To begin then with what concerns myself, I must inform you that my husband is so changed, that I scarcely know him. Would you believe it, Sir? he absolutely refuses to buy me a new Cochemire, or to pay my milliner's last bill, under pretence that he cannot afford it! He declares his determination to be master in his own house! in a word, Sir, his whole conduct towards me proves that he has not a vestige of common sense remaining. However, this is nothing, and even under such a state of things the world might possibly last some little time longer. But a poet of my acquaintance evinced a singular instance of modesty last week: he confessed to me, that there were perhaps a few instances of negligence to be found in his hemistichs; and that he was only the second poet in the world!

But I have something yet more wonderful to tell. The most liberal philosopher I know, who has saved the universe thirty times within the last thirty years, by means of his primordial truths and fundamental principles, this philosopher acknowledged the other day that the world was not yet saved, and that much remained to be done ere that object could be accomplished; that several of his truths were in reality untrue, that one or two of his principles could not possibly be applied, and for that reason appeared somewhat ridiculous. He moreover confessed that several intelligent gentlemen of his acquaintance have not yet attained that degree of perfectibility which they wished to make us believe they had, and that among the perfections of the age a few momentous errors bad accidentally intruded themselves.

To judge from these confessions, Sir, one

could scarcely answer for the world's lasting three weeks longer. I may add, that whilst sitting before my looking-glass the other day, I observed several spots on my forehead, which has always been whiter than the finest satin, (you will be pleased to recollect that this perfectly coincides with the spots on the sun's disk.) Besides, Sir. you cannot fail to have noticed, that almost every day appointed for the promenades at Longchamp has proved rainy, and worse than all, I have every reason to fear that no one so much as noticed my elegant carriage and superb harness, or the new hat which I wore orna mented with a bouquet of polyanthus and lilac. When, in addition to all this, it is recollected that America and Africa repel the lights of this age, and that Potier is going to the Porte Saint-Martin, the best thing we can do is to be speedy in obtaining passports for the chaos which must necessarily follow the end of the world, of which indeed I am heartily tired whenever there is no performance at the opera, or a new piece is repeated night after night at the theatres.

CAROLINE.

We some time ago notified the invention of a self-moving carriage in Germany. This machine has been named a Draisienne, and one of the Paris journals of last week contains the following account of its exhibition in that capital :

"An immense concourse of spectators assembled yesterday at noon, at Luxemburg, to witness the experiments with Draisiennes (a species of carriage moved by machinery without horses.) The crowd was so great that the experiments were but imperfectly made. The machine, however, went quicker than a man running at speed, and the conductors did not appear fatigued. About three, a lady appeared in a Draisienne, conducted by the chasseur of the Baron de Drais, who made with it several turns in the alleys, in the midst of the crowd. The machine, although charged with a double weight, had the same rapidity, and the efforts of the conductor did not seem to be increased. The machine ascended with facility the hillocks which are placed in some parts of the garden. The Draisiennes appear to be convenient for the country, and for short journeys on good roads."

Lon. Lit. Gas.

TOUR OF THE CROWN PRINCE OF BAVARIA,

The eyes of all the lovers of antiquity and the fine arts are, with reason, turned upon the remarkable journey which his royal highness the crown prince of Bavarla has undertaken to the classic ground of Greece. This august patron aud enlightened judge of the arts, having first visited all the most remarkable places in Sicily, and its noblest ruins of antiquity returned to Rome, where he has dedicated some time to profound study, pre

paratory to his intended tour. It is his royal highness's intention to depart from Rome to Greece in the beginning of the present month of April. The prince has sent for M. Klenze, architect to the court of Bavaria, to accompany him in this tour. He goes first through the Peloponnesus, and all Ionia, to Athens, perhaps to Asia Minor, and probably by way of Constantinople back to Bavaria.

ANECDOTE.

The following anecdete of Professor Jahn, in Berlin, whose system for making youth perfect in gymnastic exercises, has given rise to endless disputes in Germany, is highly characteristic. When the French were in Berlin, Jahn went with his scholars to exercise on the heath out of the city. On his return, he took it into his head, to ask a boy who loitered under the Brandenberg gate, "What used to stand upon this gate?" "The Victory." "What is become of her?" "The French have carried her to France!" "What do you think of it?" "Nothing at all." Upon this Jahn gave him a hearty box on the ear, with the serious admonition, She was there, and may be fetched back again, if every one help!" The school never forget it, though the citizens of Berlin thought the Professor mad, because he required that a boy should think something at seeing the gate without the victory, while thousands passed through it every day without think ing any thing.

ANTIQUITIES.

On the 5th of February, a mile and a half from Chiusi, in Tuscany, a countryman digging in the field, found a sepulchral chamber in very good preservation. It is of a rectangular form, six or seven fathoms long and five broad. The entrance is by two folding doors, which move easily on their hinges. In the inside were found eight funeral urns in very good condition: they are adorned with human heads and foliage. On the lids are engraved several Etruscan inscriptions, six of which are very legible. Five of these urns are of different sizes, and smaller than the others; in all of them were found ashes and pieces of burnt bones. The whole sepulchre is now carefully guarded, and all proper measures are taken to preserve uninjured a monument of antiquity which is so interesting and perhaps unique

in its kind.

During the last summer we had occasion to notice an excavation made in a Roman tumulus nearthe old Roman road which oceurs immediately after passing Lord's Bridge, on the left hand of the road leading to Wimpole. Some remains, then discovered, have been deposited in the University Library. On Wednesday last, as some labourers were digging gravel near the same tumulus, at the same distance from the Roman road, they disovered. fourteen inches below the surface

of the soil, a stone slab covering the mouth of a large amphora. Upon raising the stone, there were found within the amphora, which was full of water, a black vase of terra-cotta, of very elegant form, half filled with human bones; also two small vessels of red terra-cotta, with handles. This discovery of the amphora having been actually used by the Romans instead of a sepulchre, remarkably illustrates its meaning, as a symbol upon the gems and medals of the ancients; among the Greeks especially, the figure of an am phora was used as a type of Hades; whence it became also one of the symbols of the Diva triformis.

ANECDOTE OF FOUCHE.

The well known poet Raynouard once read his tragedy of Charles I. to a large company, in which Fouche was present. All eyes were fixed on him, yet his features remained unchanged. The reading began; still he remained unmoved, though at many allusions the scrutinizing eyes of the hear ers were turned upon him. When at last the minister of Charles I. defending his master, exclaims, "Le jugement d'un Roi n'est qu'un assassinat," the company were going to express their approbation aloud, but they were prevented by the presence of the minister. This did not escape him, and seemed to embarrass him for a moment. When the reading was finished, every one went away except Fouche. After some general remarks upon the plan and the characters of the piece, he added, "in respect to that verse, I utterly despise it." Raynaurd did not answer, but Fouche walked up and down with long strides, and said, after a pause, "the political part of your tragedy is very weak, you stand upon the tower of Notre Dame instead of penetrating into the inte rior. In politics every thing has a different point of view. Circumstances-you do not know the effect of circumstaces."-Raynouard interrupted him by repeating the

verse:

"le jugement d'un Roi n'est qu'un assassinal," and Fouche left the room.

A NEW KIND OF GAS.

Mr. George Liebig, in Darmstdadt, announces, that he has made a discovery respecting gas light, from which he promises himself various advantages. His gas yields light and warmth, and the material of which it is made, is of more value when it comes out of the retort where it is burnt than when it is put in. "We will leave," says he, "coals and charcoal to the manufactories; my gas is derived from a finer material, which we have in abundance in our country."

Some one said to Dufresny, "Poverty is no crime."-" It is a great deal worse," said he.

Report of Diseases treated at the Public Dispensary, New-York, during the month of May, 1818.

ACUTE DISEASES.

FEBRIS Intermittens, (Intermittent Fever,) 3; Febris Remittens, (Remittent Fever,) 4; Typhus Mitior, 12; Synocha, 3; Febris Infantum Remittens, (Infantile Remittent Fever,) 6; Phlegmone, 3; Ophthalmia, 9; Cynanche Tonsillaris, (Inflammation of the Tonsils) 2; Bronchitis, 1; Catarrhus, 2; Pneumonia (Inflammation of the Chest,) 28; Pneumonia Typhodes, 5; Pertussis, (Hooping Cough,) 4; Hæmoptysis, (Spitting of Blood,) 1; Angina Pectoris, 1; Cholera Morbus, 2; Hydrocephalus, (Dropsy of the Head, 1; Varicella, (Chicken Pox,) 1; Vaccinia, (Kine Pock,) 152.

CHRONIC AND LOCAL DISEASES.

Asthenia, (Debility) 2; Vertigo, 6; Cephalalgia, 5; Dyspepsia, (Indigestion,) 6; Obstipatio, 3; Colica, (Colic,) I; Epilepsia, (Epilepsy,; Mania, (Madness,) 1; Ophthalmia Chronica, 2; Catarrhus, 3; Bronchitis Chronica, 4; Phthisis Pulmonalis, (Pulmonary Consumption,) 5; Asthma et Dyspnoea, 2; Rheumatismus Chronicus, 12; Pleurodyne, 2; Lumbago, 3; Amenorrhea, 5; Dysmenorrhea, 1; Suppressio Urina, 1; Diarrhoea, 4; Anasarca, 1; Hydrothorax, (Dropsy of the Chest,) 1; Scrophula, (King's Evil,) 1; Vermes, (Worms,) 3; Syphilis, 4; Urethritis Virulenta, 3; Contusio, (Bruise,) 6; Stremma, (Sprain,) 2; Fractura, 1; Vulnus, (Wound,) 5; Abscessus, (Abscess,) 3; Ulcus, (Ulcer,) 4; Psoriasis, 2; Pityriasis, 1; Erysipelas, 1; Scabies et Prurigo, 8; Porrigo 3; Herpes, 2; Eruptiones Variæ, 3.

This month has presented almost every variety of atmospheric change of which the season is susceptible. Frost occurred on several nights; and a cold unseasonable temperature, very unfavourable to vegetation, prevailed until the 20th, after which the weather was generally mild and agreeable. There has been very little thunder, but more or less rain fell on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 9th, 13th, 15th, 16th, 18th, 19th, 27th and 30th; the whole quantity may be estimated at more than 7 inches on a level. The prevailing winds have been from the east, south-east and south. Thermometrical range estimated between sunrise and sunset, has been from 41 to 81°. The lowest temperature in any morning was 41°, highest 68°; lowest temperature in any afternoon 44°, highest 81°; lowest temperature at sunset of any day 42°, highest 74°. Greatest diurnal variation 22.Barometrical range from 29.06 to 30.20 inches.

Notwithstanding the cheerless and unseasonable weather of the greater part of this interval, the health of the city has rather improved. The general quantum of disease appears to have been less than in the

preceding month, and the Weekly Bills afford evidence that the mortality has considerably diminished. Inflammatory affections of the respiratory organs, consequent

on sudden changes of the weather, thougla frequent, considering the time of the year, have not, in general, been of a severe nature.

Typhus still continues to be the most common form of fever, particularly in those parts of the city, where poverty, wretchedness, and filth preserve the fomes of contagion. As this disease was generally gradual or insidious in its attack, so its progress was seldom rapid. In some instances, its attack was slight, or so disguised, that the diseasehas hardly been distinguished, till its character has been manifested by some more prominent symptoms. Its characteristic marks were general languor, or torpor of the nervous system, dejection of spirits, muscular debility, febrile heat and dryness of skin, pain in the head and restlessness, or stupor, and more or less confusion of ideas. In most instances, it was accompanied with difficulty of breathing or oppression at the chest ; and at times was attended by pain in the sides and cough, which induced some to have recourse to Venesection, of which there was soon cause to repent, as a copious evacuation of blood, seldom failed ultimately to destroy the patient. Cleansing the prima via with gentle evacuants, opening the skin by the use of antimonials, or other appropriate remedies, blisters to the chest where the local affection seemed to require their application, and the judicious administration of tonics and cordial medicines as soon as the excessive action was sufficiently diminished to justify their employment, appeared to be the most successful plan of treatment. When there was much tendency to putrescency, recourse was had to the Aristilochia serpentaria and mineral acids. The early exhibition of tonics and stimulants, rarely failed to aggravate the disease, by increasing the excitement and producing stricture of the chest.

In some typhoid cases, the pneumonic symptoms were so exquisitely marked, as to constitute the genuine Pneumonia typhodes. A number of cases of this sort have occurred in the medical practice of my friend and colleague, Dr. Townsend, who has obligingly furnished me with the following result of his observations: "the symptoms of Pneumonia typhodes, according to the observations I have made upon the disease the present season, differ materially.

"1st. The disease was sometimes evidently complicated from the very commencement of the attack; both the local and general affection existing in equal intensity. This is the legitimate form, and the symptoms are then painful (not necessarily difficult or laborious) respiration, with dry and painful cough; full, frequent and weak

PHIEVE.

NO fairy tale is mine: no special powers, No spirits I invoke that love to dwell Above the earthly sphere: I speak of deeds By human means achieved, with only aid, Such wonted aid as Worth may claim of Heaven."

Mr. Eustaphieve's unskilfulness in the idiom of our language frequently betrays him into the use of ungrammatical or inelegant expressions. Of such the most common is the omission of the before a noun, or its improper insertion. His punctuation is also, in very many instances, most absurd." With only aid"—of what? of heaven? No: for heaven refers to worth. If not, there ought to have been a comma at claim. Perhaps he intended that heaven should refer both to worth and aid. Thus the sentence may be interpreted different ways" I speak of deeds achieved by human means, with only the aid of Heaven; such aid as worth may claim of Heaven.-Or-With only such aid of Heaven as worth may claim.-Or-With only such aid as worth may claim of Heaven. It must be allowed, however, that generally his language is perspicuous. His invocation to the Deity

To thee, O God! from whom all wisdom flows, To thee alone my pray'rs ascend! O deign To guide my timid steps to that proud height Where fain my bolder spirit would repose! Instruct me in the choice of devious paths That to the sacred fane of knowledge lead, Where, hid from mortal sight; of many an age Vor. In-No. IV.

31

1818.

The hoarded treasures safely lie! send forth
A ray of thy divine unerring light,
That, while it shows me the abode of truth,
I may, in accents loud and measur'd sound,
Call ancient heroes from the silent grave,
And rescue from oblivion's whelming shade
Their virtue, deeds of valour, just renown."

The direction of this invocation appears to us to be highly improper. Milton with great propriety might solicit such inspiration as guided Moses and Isaiah: his theme was theological. But at once to request the Deity to instruct or inspire a man in the execution of a work acknowledged to be altogether a fiction, is outre and audacious. Prayers is never two syllables, more than tares. It cannot be so sounded; though hour, fire, and other words of one syllable, might. Hence it ought not to have the apostrophe. The note of admiration is used unnecessarily. This is a fault common with many. What is its use? He who can read with propriety needs it not: and, to those who cannot understand what they read, it can be of no advantage. We have generally remarked that, where there is neither sublimity nor pathos, the destitution is supplied by abundant notes of admiration. We know a certain professor of the belles lettres who forbids its admis. sion on any occasion.-We know not why the poet should request to be directed in devious (indirect or erroneous,) paths to knowledge. In asking for more