1814.]

also an interesting image of Death with the words EIACAON AHTOY over it. This figure is accompanied by another with a menacing countenance, and wrapped in a black cloak. On its head is a kind of two-curled wig. In the centre of the inner compartment is a figure representing Fury OIETPOE, and on the two sides are two other figures, that on the left representing Jason, IAEON, who is in the act of falling, and that on the right Medea ΜΗΔΕΙΑ, All the amateurs and antiquaries who have seen these vases prononnce them to be the most valuable in Europe, both for their size, the variety of the figures, and the delicacy of the design. The tomb in which they were found is hollowed out of the solid stone, In the inside are basso relievos representing hunting-matches, and there were also found two helmets, a cuirass, two pieces of leg armour, and an ornament for the cuirass, all of which were gilt. Vases were likewise found without figures

or decorations.

The excavations of Pompeji are prosecuted with unremitted diligence by the Neapolitan government. The latest discoveries are three magnificent tombs adorned with sculpture, and a hall, supposed to have been a court of justice, adorned with a triple row of columns. Bronze stoves were also found in the same place, of an elegant form, with a faun and Bacchus two feet high, and exquisitely formed; and lastly a small gladiator of bronze, precisely similar to that which has already been so much admired, and which is in the attitude of begging his life from the spectators. Not long since was also found a beautiful silver vase apparently used in religious worship; it is covered with figures in relievo, and resembles in form that in the royal cabinet of France, described by Caylus, There is a third of the same kind in the cabinet of the late Cardinal Borgia.

AMERICA.

Mr. David Brown, a native of Baltimore, has lately exhibited near that place, a newly invented mode of setting fire to a ship of war. In the centre of a circle was erected a mast about 90 feet in height, on which 57 barrels were arranged two abreast at equal distances from each other, the whole length of the beam. The combustible substance was then discharged from an o.d.nary fireengine at the distance of 90 feet from the

151

mast. A lighted match was applied, when the combustible matter was thrown from the spout, and a tremendous sheet of liquid fire, wrapped in clouds of pitchy smoke, issued from the orifice, The barrels were all consumed, and the sudden involution of light and darkness added much to the grandeur of the spectacle. In a future number we hope to give a general outline of the boat in which this new engine of destruction is to operate. The Americans, as it appears, design to employ it against our shipping. One of their torpedo boats was lately wrecked in Boston harbour, and while ashore burned by our seamen,

A useful publication is just announced at Boston under the title of " The Political and Historical Register,” devoted to every branch of science as well as politics and commerce. It will be. something like our Annual Registers, but more loc il in its nature, being principally calculated for the state of Massachussets--and be continued annually, There will also be attached to this work an almanac on a new plan, with all the religious and masonic, political and literary observable days during the year. The period embraced by it is from Midsummer to Midsummer.

On the 10th June was announced a "School Geography," by D. Adams, A. M. at 10 dollars per dozen, or one dollar for a single copy. This work will be divided into three parts:-1. Geographical Orthography, divided and accented. 2. A Grammar of Geography to be committed to memory. 3. A Description of the Earth, Manners, aud Customs of the inhabitants, manufactures, commerce, government, natural and artificial curiosities. It will be compiled from the most approved English authors, and be accompanied with maps of the world, North America, United States, New England, South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.

A complete edition of Dr. Lardner's works, in eleven volumes 8vo. is also preparing. The publisher remarks that it will consist of about 6000 pages, and be copied from the only complete Eng lish edition, which sells in England for eleven guineas, whereas this edition, which will be most carefully printed, will be charged to subscribers three dol lars per volume.

Lord Byron's Corsair sells in America for 50 cents.

[Sept. 1,

BIBLIOGRAPHY.

An Introduction to the Study of Bibliography to which is prefixed, a Memoir of the Public Libraries of the Ancients. By Thomas Hartwell Horne. Illustrated with engravings. Two volumes, 8vo. pp. 758, and an appendix of clvi pp. 11. ss.

Every attempt to facilitate the knowledge of books, with respect to their editions, properties, and authors, has a claim to encouragement. It is but of late that we have had any work of value upon bibliography, and though some splendid and useful performances have appeared on the subject, yet there was still wanting such a systematic treatise as that contained in the present volumes, which are evidently the production of one who is conversant with general literature, and particularly well acquainted with that useful branch of science in which he has undertaken the office of a guide. Longman and Co.'s General Catalogue. Part II. 1s. 6d.

A Catalogue of Books selling by T. Albin, Spalding, 1s. 6d.

A Catalogue of Books selling by D. Speare, Southampton-street, Strand, svo. 2s.

BIOGRAPHY.

Memoirs of Lord Cochrane. By James Campbell, esq. 1s. 6d.

The interesting Narrative of the Life of Olandoh Equiano, or Gustavus Vasa, the African. Written by himself, 12mo. 3s. 6d. An Essay on the Life of Michel de l'Hôpital, Chancellor of France. By Charles Butler, Esq. 8vo. pp. 80.

This is a short but admirable memoir of a truly great man and good magistrate, to whom France is indebted for many important benefits, not only in the administration of the law, but for preventing the reception of the council of Trent, and the establishment of the Inquisition. The chancellor was a zealous advocate for toleration; and as such his Life is now brought forward, we suspect, by his worthy biographer, to recommend, by the example here recorded, concession to the claims of the Roman Catholics. But l'Hôpital was more than suspected of being a Huguenot, and on that account a guard was sent to protect him from outrage during the massacre on St. Bartholomew's day it was, therefore, natural for a man of his sentiments to exert all his iufluence on the behalf of the party to whom he was secretly attached.

Memoirs by a celebrated Literary and Political Character, from the Resignation of Sir Robert Walpole, in 1742, to the Establishment of Lord Chatham's Second Admi

nistration, in 1757; containing Strictures on some of the most distinguished men of that time, 8vo. pp. 164, 7s. 6d.

One object intended by the publication of these memoirs is to make the world believe that Richard

Glover, the author of them, was the renowned Junius, whose Letters have obtained a more permanent celebrity on account of the mystery which surrounds their origin, than for any real value which they possess, either as political declamations or literary compositions. That the memoirs before us contain some information illustrative of the characters of public men, must be admitted, but at the same time every page manifests so much vanity on the part of the author, and such a violent hostility to the administrations which he opposed, that little credit can be given to his representations. When the editor endeavoured to impress upon the reader's mind a persuasion that Glover and Junius were the same, he should have added, that one of the strongest proofs of the identity may be drawn pervading alike the Letters and the Memoirs. from the pompous inanity and scurrilous malignity indecent manner in which George the Second is abused in the latter, as fitter for a pawnbroker's shop than a throue, may be good evidence that Glover was Junius, but it will hardly be adduced as an instance, that he was either a man of wit or of liberality.

DIVINITY.

The

1814.]

By John Overton, M. A. Rector of St. Crux and of St. Margaret, 8vo. pp. 32.

This is altogether a political sermon, in which, from Deuteronomy xxvi. 19, the author draws a very animated picture of the state of the country, and traces, with considerable ability, the causes which have led to our present high precminence. The mischief of innovation, under the specious pretences of reform and liberality, is also forcibly depicted; and though, perhaps, the discussion of the Catholic claims might have been spared in a thanksgiving sermon, yet, upon the whole, the discourse does credit to the preacher, and deserves a serious perusal.

Sermons de feu Mr. D. H. Durand, Pasteur à Londres, choises par J. L. Chirol, l'un des Chapelains de la Chapelle François du Roi, &c. et dediés au Roi de Prusse, 1814. Grand 80. Prix 15s.

From these sermons Mr. D. seems to have been endowed with all the qualities which give pre-eminence in the pulpit. Remarkable for the clearness, elegance, and energy of style-the originality of thoughts-the solidity of reasoning-the greatness of sentiments-and the consolatory and practical view in which are exposed all the essential fundamental truths and doctrines of religion, these discourses are calculated to make a deep and most powerful impression. The sermons on the following subjects-Man born to be a Christian-Regeneration The Labours of the Evangelical Ministry-The Immortality of the Soul, and the Resurrection of the Body-The British Consti. tution-The Misery of Life--are particularly, in our opinion, masterly pieces of composition, which certainly rank the author in that first order which we know he deservedly held among the French Protestant preachers. An Historical Discourse is prefixed to this volume, by the editor, the Rev. Mr. Chirol, in which some very important points of morality are delineated in vindication of Mr. D.'s character against those foul calumnies to which a man of transcendent merit is not uncommonly exposed.

Does Faith ensure Good Works? An Answer in the negative. By the Rev. Jas. Beresford, Rector of Kibworth, Leicester,

1s. 6d.

A Sermon preached at Cheshunt, on the Thanksgiving Day, July 7. By the Rev. W. Armstrong, B. A. F. S. A. 1s.

A Sermon preached at Barton-underNeedwood, Staffordshire, on the Thanksgiving Day. By the Rev. Thos. Gisborne, M. A. 1s.

Sermons by the Rev. Percival Stockdale,

8vo. 7s.

menta.

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perdit rum secundi, tertiique sæculi fragAd codices M.S.S. recensuit notisque illustravit, M. J. Routh, S. T. P. Coll. S. Magd. Præses. 2 vols. 8vo. 11. 10s.

The Evidence and Authority of the Christian Revelation. By the Rev. Thos. Chalmers, of Kilmany, fc. 8vo. 7s. 6d.

Sermons on the Duties of Man, and other subjects. By Robert Stevens, Preacher to the Asylum and Magdalen. 8vo. 12s.

Sermon preached at the Abbey Church, Bath, at the Archdeacon's Visitation, July 6. By the Rev. Harvey Marriott, 8vo. 1s. 6d.

Explanation of the Church Catechism. By the Rev. Harvey Marriott. 8d.

Discourses on the Principal Points of the Socinian Controversy. By the Rev. Ralph Wardlaw, 8vo. 10s. 6d.

A Treatise on the Nature and Importance of true Religion. With an Account of the Death of some Christians and Unbelievers. By the Rev. George Marsden, 12mo. 5s.

A Familiar Religious Conversation, in verse, between a Calvinist and an Arminian, on the subjects of dispute between those two religious denominations. By Thomas Wright, 12mo. 2s.

A Sermon on Isaiah xxvi. 12. Preached in Albion-street-chapel, Leeds, on the By the Rev. Richard Thanksgiving Day. Watson. 1s.

A Dissertation on the Dragon, Beast, and False Prophet of the Apocalypse, in which the Number 666 is fully explained. To which is added, an Illustration of Daniel's Vision of the Ram and He-Goat. By John Edward Clarke, 8vo. 10s. 6d.

THE DRAMA.

Tragedies, by William Sotheby, esq. 8vo. PP. 361.

These Tragedies are six in number, and thus denominated-The Death of Darnley-Ivan-Zamorin and Zama-The Confession-and Orestes. The

two first are founded on facts well known, but historical verity is violated by the poet, who has drawn Rizzio as a very estimable personage, and made Ivan commit suicide in a spirit of romantie Zamorin and Zama is admirably friendship. adapted for the stage; and, with respect to plot,

character, and incident. it is far superior to Pizarro. The Confession is still more rich in description, and powerful in language, but the story too soon developes itself. Of the last we would wish to say

nothing, for it has all the horror of the Grecian drama, without any of its beauty.

The New British Theatre; a Selection of Original Dramas, not yet acted, some of which have been offered for representation, but not accepted. With critical remarks by the Editor. Vol. II. 8vo. pp. 500. 10s. 6d.

The decline of dramatic poesy in this country has been a general subject of complaint for several years, and the scarcity of good pieces since the demise of the elder Colman and the secession of Sheridan, proves that the complaint is not without foundation. As this degradation cannot be ascribed to the want of genius, the cause must be sought in the management of the theatres, the taste of the public, or the indifference of our poets. There

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may be, and probably is, a concurrence of all three; bat it is to be feared that the two last are only the necessary consequences of the first. We, therefore, gladly hail the work which is regularly published in a cheap periodical form with the avowed object of rescuing from oblivion pieces that have either been condemned by the capriciousness of managers, of withheld through the diffidence of the authors. Though some of the articles in the collection are not fitted for representation, there are several which possess great merit, and such as could hardly fail to have excited a lively interest in any audience of common feeling and discern

ment.

GEOGRAPHY.

[Sept. 1,

Neele's General Atlas, No. II. imp. 4to. 11. 18.

HISTORY.

EDUCATION.

A Manual of Latin Grammar; intended to combine the ancient plan of Grammatical Institution, originally enjoined by Royal Authority, with the advantages of Modern Improvement; to which are prefixed some Prefatory Hints and Observations on the methods of commencing and pursuing classical learning, in schools, and by private study. By John Pye Smith, D. D. 12mo. pp. 72. 2s. 6d.

We can safely take upon us to recommend this elementary book as extremely well adapted to

prepare the way for the use of the more complex

grammars, in the regular course of instruction; and as being, in itself, an easy guide to those who, without a tutor, are desirous of acquiring or renewing an acquaintance with the Latin language. The Synoptic Tables of the same author will also be found of considerable advantage both to the teacher and the learner, as they shew at one view almost all that is necessary to be fixed in the memory.

A First or Mother's Dictionary for Children; containing upwards of three thousand eight hundred words which occur most frequently in books and conversation; simply and familiarly explained, and interspersed throughout with occasional remarks: the whole adapted to the capacities of younger pupils. By Anna Brownwell Murphy. 12mo. pp. 300.

The very first definition in this excellent little book, will be a convincing proof of its utility: "To ABANDON, is to leave, or go away from; an abandoned man

or womali, means a very

wicked man or woman." After exhibiting this sin gle specimen, it would be needless to say that the pian of the Mother's Dictionary is ingenious, and that the execution of it is such as to deserve our recommendation.

Letters on the Management and Economy of Schools. By the Rev. S. Catlow. 2s. 6d. Grammar of the English Language. By John Grant, A. M. 12mo. 6s.

Continuation of Early Lessons. By Maria Edgworth. 2 vols. 6s.

An Introduction to the Diurnal Readings. By T. Haigh, A. M. 3s.

The Classical English Letter-Writer, or Epistolary Selections. 12mo. 4s. 6d.

A Key to Bonnycastle's Trigonometry. By Griffith Davies. 8vo. 5S.

The Traveller in Africa. By Priscilla Wakefield, 12mo. 5s, 6d.

11. 1s.

This compilation embraces a great variety of information on the military and political history of Europe, and in connexion with the author's former volumes on the northern campaigns of 1812 and 1813, may be properly recommended not only as a necessary work of reference, but as a well connected and accurate narrative of one of the most eventful periods in the annals of the world. Tie editor has sedulously sought out the most authen. tic sources of intelligence, and it is no more than justice to say, that he has made the best use of what they imparted by examining with diligence, and reporting with fidelity.

An Historical View of the Philippine Islands: exhibiting their Discovery, Popula tion, Language, Government, Manners, Customs, Productions, and Commerce. From the Spanish of Martinez de Zuniga. Published at Manilla, 1803. In two volumes, with a new and accurate Map of the Islands, from the best authorities, public and private.

This is a valuable addition to the stock of historical and geographical information; for the author, though a Spaniard, narrates freely the crrors of which his countrymen have been guilty in the acquisition and government of their eastern posses sions, He is also very moderate in his accounts of the expeditions of other nations, and of this a striking instance is given in the detail of the mili tary operations which preceded and followed the conquest of Manilla by Cornish and Draper in 1761. The conduct of the English is faithfully reported, and the whole of this part of the work will afford so much satisfaction in the perusal, as to

convince the reader that the writer is a man of liberality and observation, whose integrity may be fully relied on for the only history which we have of those interesting islands.

Narrative of the late Revolution in Holland. By G. W. Chad. 8vo. 9s. 6d.

A View of the Comparative Advantages and Disadvantages of the Navy and Army Surgeon; and of the Surgeon in Private Practice; together with a proposed Amendment of the Condition of Assistant Surgeons at their outset in the Navy. By William Cullen Brown, M. D. 8vo. pp. 80.

This pamphlet is extremely well written, and on the condition of the surgeous in the navy it exhibits much that calls for the attention of the govern ment. The author has shewn clearly that the op

portunies for improvement in this branch of the service are narrowed by privations and restrictions which do not exist in the army, and that the stock of knowledge which the young surgeon brings with

1814.]

Fim on board of a man of war is more likely to be lessened than increased owing to invidious distinc Lions and improper associations. As the subject of complaint admits of an easy remedy, we trust that the hints hure suggested will be duly regarded. Letters addressed to his Royal Highness the Duke of Kent, on Consumption. taining Remarks on the Efficacy of equable and artificial Teraperature in the treatment of that Disease, &c. By Thomas Sutton, M.D. 8vo. pp. 59.

Con

It seems that a project has been set on foot for the establishment of an hospital for the cure of diseases of the chest and consumptious. Of the proposed institution the Duke of Kent is patron, and the scheme is intended to try the efficacy of a regulated atmosphere in which the patients are to be placed and retained. The principle of this plan is combated in this pamphlet with temper and abie lity, for, as the author plainly states, the prevalence or consumption even in those countries whose atmosphere we are attempting to imitate, is sufficient to shew the fallacy of the measure.

An Essay on the Venereal Disease. Richard Carmichael, M. R. I. A.

4to.

MISCELLANEOUS.

By

Part 1.

The Port-Folio; containing Essays, Letters, and Narratives. 2 vols. 12mo. pp. 550.

Though these little volumes have no claim to the distinction of ranking with the essays of Addison, Johnson, Hawkesworth, or Cumberland, they may be read to advantage, particularly by the la dies, for whose use they seem to have been pur. posely adapted. The tales are, for the most part, very pleasing; but to the last. on the folly of fortune telling, we have a strong objection, for while it is intended to shew the wickedness of that pretended art, it does, in fact, go the length of encouraging the worst species of superstition. by sup porting the notion that mortals may hold an intercourse with the spirits of darkness, and thereby be enabled to disclose the secrets of futurity.

The Flowers of Wit, or a Choice Collection of Bon Mots, both Ancient and Modern, with Biographical and Critical Remarks. By the Rev. Henry Kett. 2 vols. 12mo. 14s.

When the French abounded in anas, the English had their jest books. The present work seems to rank between the two, neither rising to the eleva

tion of the former, nor sinking to the vulgarity of the latter. These volumes, however, are well calculated to beguile the vacant hour with rational amusement, without exciting any disagrecable emotion even in the gravest and most delicate mind. The editor has manifested in the selection equal taste and industry, but he would have increased the value of his collection by giving his authority for each article.

Remarks on Madame de Stael's Work on Germany. In Four Letters addressed to Sir James Mackintosh, Bart. M. P. 8vo. pp.

162, 05.

That the same critics who, in the Edinburgh Review, had so strongly ensured the extravagan. tics of this celebrated female, should all at once veer about and eulogise the identical principles which they before condemned, was such a paradox as could not fail to excite astonishment even in those who were most accustomed to literary versa. tilty. Some persons, however, who pretend to the gift of second-sight, affected to perceive a new manager in that concern, and they even went so

155

far as to say, that the new reviewer was one who had filled a judicial situation of higher character, but who was suspected to be as completely illumi nated by the doctrines of this philosophical lady, as the orientalist Halhed formerly was by the visions of the prophet Brothers. The author of

these letters. however, sets himself to refute the calumny, being indignant at the supposition that a respectable magistrate and senator should stoop so low as to become the panegyrist of the equivo cal morality, and fantastic opinions, scattered throughout Madame de Stael's noted book on Germany. Whether the letter-wiiter be right or wrong in this, we will not pretend to decide, but truth compels us to say, that he has rendered an acceptable service to the public in providing an effectual antidote to the poison contained in the work of which he has here given a faithful analysis.

Apparitions; or the Mystery of Ghosts, Hobgoblins, and Haunted Houses, developed: being a Collection of Entertaining Stories, founded en fact, and selected for the purpose of eradicating those ridiculous fears which the ignorant, the weak, and the superstitious, are but too apt to encourage, for want of properly examining into the causes of such absurd impositions. By Joseph Taylor. 12mo. pp. 223, 55.

Though this volume contains many amusing sto ries, we are far from thinking the collection calculated either to remove superstition where it has already taken place, or to prevent its intrusion when the nature of spiritual subsistencies engages the thoughts. Some of these tales are evidently fictitious, and others only show the effect of mental weakness when credulity contributes to faciltate the operations of the cunning, or the frauds of the designing. The compiler has no doubt provided an agreeable entertaiursent on a subject which never fails to awaken attention; but he would have done botter in selecting relations of more authority, and such as would have afforded room for rational speculation.

A Treatise on Domestic Wine-making, calculated for making excellent Wines from all the various fruits of this United Country, in relation to strength, brilliancy, health, and economy; explanatory of the whole process, and every other requisite guide after the Wine is made, and in the Cellar. Composed from practical knowledge, and written expressly and exclusively for domestic use. By P. P. Carnell, Esq. 8vo. pp. 158.

The great merit of this treatise is its simplicity and pe.spicuity; for though the author is evidently a man of science, he has wisely communicated his instructions in language level to the capacities of those who may be desirous of practising the valu. able improvement in family economy here recom mended, but who would be deterred from making any essay towards it, if the book had been written in an elevated style, and encumbered with a multiplicity of observations. Plain directions are given for making sixty different sorts of wines, from the most agreeable and wholesome productions of our own country, the use of which, by following the rules here laid down, will be found equally bene. ficial to the purse and the constitution.

The Family Magazine. No. I. The Domestic Magazine. No. I. (To be continued monthly.)

15.

Detached Philosophic Thoughts of more