Brief Notices.

A History of Inventions, Discoveries, and Origins. By John Beckmann, Professor of Economy in the University of Gottingen. Translated from the German, by William Johnston. Fourth Edition, carefully Revised and Enlarged, by William Francis, Ph. D., F.L.S.; and J. W. Griffith, M.D., F.L.S. Vol 1. London: Henry G. Bohn.

THIS is another volume of Bohn's Standard Library,' and the selection is judicious The title is somewhat unique, and will scarcely convey to general readers an accurate idea of the work. As is remarked by the editors of the present edition, the book may be classed as a compound of learned research and light reading, suitable both to the popular reader and the scholar.' It displays a wide range of reading on a vast variety of topics, and traces the various discoveries and inventions, whose progress it narrates from their earliest developement to their most perfected form. It therefore combines, in a very unwonted degree, the elements of scientific and of popular interest, and may be read with equal zeal by the philosopher and the man of light reading, the teacher and the pupil. The author, John Beckmann, was born at Hoye, a small town of Hanover, in 1739, and was appointed, in 1766, Professor Extraordinary of Philosophy in the University of Gottingen. His lectures were numerously attended, and amongst his auditors were some of the most distinguished public functionaries of the day. He was in the habit of accompanying his pupils to the workshops of the town, in order to give them a practical knowledge of the several handicrafts, the history and theory of which he had explained. In this manner, combining extensive reading with practical observation, the materials for the present work were collected, and the result is now laid before the English reader, with the advantages of an enlightened and able editorship. Such additions have been made to the original work, as seemed necessary to bring the accounts of the subjects treated of to the present state of knowledge,' though in some instances, we fear, without sufficient investigation. We are informed, for example, (page 242), that at present the number of British Fire Offices amounts to nearly twenty,' and that the premium varies from 1s. 6d to 10s. 6d, per cent., whereas the number is very considerably greater, and the premium rises in many cases to five or six times the rate stated. A careful revision will easily remove these defects.

The History of Civilization, from the Fall of the Roman Empire to the French Revolution. By F. Guizot, author of History of the English Revolution in 1640.' Translated by William Hazlitt, Esq. Vol. I. London: David Bogue.

WE are no great admirers of the Guizot school, or of the policy of the existing French government. The one is too temporizing and conservative, and the other too hostile to practical liberty to meet our views. It is the fashion with many amongst us to laud both, and the French minister has, in consequence, a name somewhat above his merits. Those merits, however, we do not wish to disparage. As a literary man, M. Guizot has earned a reputation which will survive his day; and Mr. Bogue has done wisely in including his History of Civilisation' in the European Library. The work is now published for the first time in our language, and will be read with great interest,-whatever may be thought of some of the author's views, by all who are concerned to trace the progress of nations from the fall of the Roman empire to the breaking out of the French revolution. The lectures of which it consists, delivered to a numerous and enthusiastic audience, were designed to trace the various phases of representative government in modern Europe, and are of course tinctured throughout with that political bias to which the violent death of his father might primarily incline him, and which according to the writer of the brief biographical notice prefixed to the volume, would determine him, if things were to come to the worst, of throwing himself, without hesitation, into the arms of despotism, which he does not love, rather than undergo the anarchy he abhors.'

History of the Reformation of the Sixteenth Century. Vol. IV. By J. H. Merle D'Aubigné, D.D. Assisted in the preparation of the English original by H. White. A new edition, carefully revised Edinburgh: Oliver & Boyd.

WE have already expressed in such decided terms our conviction of the superiority of this edition over all its rivals, as to supersede the necessity of saying another word on this point. We will therefore merely congratulate our readers on its completion-so far, at least, as Dr. D'Aubigné has yet proceeded, and recommend each one of them instantly to possess himself of a copy. The four volumes, printed in neat and handsome style, are published for fourteen shillings, and it would probably be impossible within the whole range of English literature, to purchase for the same sum so much attractive and useful reading. To all the charms of romance, the history of Dr. D'Aubigné adds the sterling value of a history, the subject of which is the reformation of the church and the spiritual emancipation of the soul of man.

Sale's Brigade in Afghanistan, with an account of the seizure and defence of Jellalabad. By the Rev. G. R. Gleig, M.A. London: John Murray.

THIS Volume forms No. 34 of 'The Home and Colonial Library,' and can scarcely fail to obtain a wide circulation. It had its origin, the author informs us, in an accidental meeting with the thirteenth regiment at the sea-bathing quarter of Walmer, in the autumn of last year, and has been compiled from the narratives of eye-witnesses, checked by official records. Mr. Gleig is well known as a popular writer, and with such a narrative and materials we need scarcely say that he has furnished a volume which Englishmen will love to read. Of the soldier-like and gallant bearing of our troops on the occasion referred to, there can be no question. We do all honour to their bravery, discipline, and power of endurance. In these and in all other military qualities they were worthy of the name they bear; and their prowess will be registered in British history. But we regard war with such utter detestation, and have so entire a conviction of the injustice of the expedition in which our countrymen were engaged, that the story of their proudest triumphs fills us with sorrow and shame, rather than the exultation in which many around us indulge. When will the healthful state of the public mind compel our rulers to refrain from the wholesale murders which they have hitherto been accustomed so recklessly to perpetrate.

Lectures on Divine Sovereignty, Election, the Atonement, Justification, and Regeneration, to which are appended, Strictures upon recent publications by Dr. Marshall and Mr. Haldane on the Atonement, and upon the Statements of Dr. Jenkyn on the Influences of the Holy Spirit. By George Payne, LL.D. Third Edition, enlarged. London: John Gladding.

THE third edition of a work on doctrinal theology is a novelty nowa-day, and we congratulate Dr. Payne on the distinction to which he has attained. Having expressed a high opinion of this work in our notice of a former edition, we need only say at present, that its value is considerably increased by the revision to which it has been subjected, and the additions which have been made, more particularly in the appendix. The strictures on Dr. Marshall and Mr. Haldane's publications on the Atonement, and on Dr. Jenkyn's work on the Holy Spirit, may be read with great advantage by all classes of theologians, and we especially recommend them to the close study of our younger ministers. Calm, clear, and dispassionate, at once acute and logical, Dr Payne is well qualified to guide the enquiries of younger minds, and to clear up many difficulties by which their progress is impeded.

The Modern Poetical Speaker; or, a Collection of Pieces adapted for recitation, carefully selected from the Poets of the Nineteenth Century. By Mrs. Palliser. London: Longman and Co.

IT is somewhat difficult to discriminate between works of this class. They possess so much in common, as to render it no easy task to specify wherein they differ, or to show cause' why one should be preferred before all others. In the present case, the range of selection is limited; and within the bounds prescribed, has been judicious and well timed. The range of reading indicated is extensive, the taste exercised sound, and the sense of responsibility under which the work has been prepared, such as should always be entertained by those who cater for the young. Bearing in mind,' says Mrs. Palliser, 'the lasting impression that may be made by pieces committed to the memory, the compiler has rigorously excluded all passages, however beautiful, which contain anything objectionable in either word or sentiment.' This is as it should be, and when found in combination with the other good qualities which distinguish this selection, fully warrants the cordial recommendation with which we introduce Mrs. Palliser's labours to our readers.

Royal Gems from the Galleries of Europe. Engraved after National Pictures of the Great Masters. With Notices, Biographical, Historical and Descriptive. By S. C. Hall, F. S. A. Parts I-III. London George Virtue.

The

THIS is one of the best publications of its class, and only requires to be known in order to obtain the patronage it merits. It is designed to meet the increased demand for engravings of acknowleged excellence, by supplying the most famous productions of the ancient and modern schools at an extremely low price, and promises to compete with the most costly and valuable publications of the day. Selections of the most admirable paintings of the old masters have been made, not alone from the various public depositaries of Europe, but from the treasures gathered in private collections,' and these are to be combined with examples of the genius of existing schools.' entire series will be engraved in the line manner by the most accomplished English engravers, several of whom 'of high ability and established fame' have already been engaged. Each number will contain three engravings with literary illustrations by Mr. Hall, to whom the general superintendence of the work has been committed, and the price is only three shillings. The engravings contained in the parts now before us, are The Rent Day, by Wilkie; Cup Tossing, by Crowley; The Cottage Door, by Gainsborough; A Sunny Day, by Cuyp; The Blind Fiddler, by Wilkie; The Covenanter's Marriage, by Johnston; The Village Politicians, by Wilkie; The Empty Cradle, by Mrs. M'Ian; and The Noon-Day Rest, by Cuyp.

The Modern British Plutarch; or Lives of Men distinguished in the recent History of our Country for their Talents, Virtues, or Achievements. W. C. Taylor, LL.D. 12mo. London: Grant and

Griffith. THE design and execution of this volume are good, It supplies what has long been needed, and may be advantageously used in the training of our young people. It contains thirty-eight biographies of some of the leading men in the past and present generation of statesmen, military and naval commanders, poets, men of science, and divines, and compresses into a narrow compass, information which must otherwise be sought for through many volumes. 'In describing the career of statesmen, Dr. Taylor has been careful to abstain from any manifestation of political bias or party feeling, and has, therefore, avoided giving any opinion on questions that yet remain within the arena of controversy. He has been more anxious to set forth facts as a narrator, than to set himself up as a dictator to the judgment, or even a guide to opinion.'

Literary Entelligence.

Just Published.

The Privateer's Man One Hundred Years Ago. By Capt. Marryatt, R.N. 2 vols.

Euclid's Elements of Geometry, chiefly from the Text of Dr. Simson, with Explanatory Notes; together with a Selection of Geometrical Exercises from the Senate House and College Examination Papers; to which is prefixed an Introduction, containing a Brief Outline of the History of Geometry. Designed for the Use of the Higher Forms in Public Schools, and Students in the Universities. By Robert Potts, M.A.

The Brain and its Physiology, a critical disquisition on the Methods of Determining the Relations subsisting between the Structure and Functions of the Encephalon. By Daniel Noble.

Sale's Brigade in Afghanistan, with an Account of the Seizure and Defence of Jellalabad. By the Rev. J. R. Gleig, M.A.

An Historical and Critical View of the Speculative Philosophy of Europe in the Nineteenth Century. By J. D. Morrell, A.M. 2 vols. Volume the First.

History of the Reformation of the Sixteenth Century. By J. H. Merle D'Aubigné, D.D. Assisted in the Preparation of the English Original, by H. White. Volume the Fourth.

Life at the Water Cure, or a Month at Malvern. A Diary, by Richard J. Lane, Lithographer to Her Majesty, and H. R. H. Prince Albert. With Numerous Illustrations. To which is added the Sequel.

Letters to a Clergyman on Institutions for Ameliorating the Condition of the People. Chiefly from Paris, in the Autumn of 1845. By John Minter Morgan.

The Merits of Calvin, as an Interpreter of the Holy Scriptures; translated from the German of Professor Tholuck, of Halle. By Professor Woods, of Andover. To which are added, Opinions and Testimonies of Foreign and British Divines and Scholars, as to the value and importance of the Writings of John Calvin. With a Preface, by the Rev. W. Pringle. Christianity in its various Aspects, from the Birth of Christ to the French Revolution. By E. Quinet, of the College of France. Translated with the author's approbation, by C. Cocks, Professor of the Royal Colleges.