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1818.]

Critical Notices of New Books.

before Aug. 5, 1816, having engines of less content than fifty cubic feet, or to persons having license in force.

If the content of the engine exceed, by three cubic feet, the number mentioned in the return, the paper-maker shall forfeit

501.

Officer shall make a return of the inereased contents of the engine, and the duty payable thereon,-which shall be paid in fourteen days, on penalty of 201. Cap. XLII. For enabling the Trustee of certain Premises at Great Yarmouth, in the County of Norfolk, held in Trust for his Majesty, to execute a Conveyance of the same to a Purchaser thereof. -May 28.

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Cap. XLIII. For preventing the
Destruction of the Breed of Salmon, and
England.-May 28.
Fish of Salmon kind, in the Rivers of

Justices at sessions to appoint conser vators of rivers; and to fix periods iu which salmon shall not be taken, &c.

Cap. XLIV. To alter the Applica tion of Part of the Sum of fifty thousand Pounds, granted by an Act passed in the 56th year of the Reign of his present Majesty, intituled, proving the Road from the City of "An Act for imGlasgow to the City of Carlisle.May 28.

NEW PUBLICATIONS IN JULY;
With an HISTORICAL and CRITICAL PROËMIUM.

Authors or Publishers, desirous of seeing an early notice of their works, are re-
quested to transmit copies before the 20th of the month.

THE chief acquisition of the library in July is to be found in Mr. HALLAM'S View of the State of Europe during the Middle Ages, in two quartos. In character, it takes a middle course between the formal dissertations on the same times which Mr. Godwin has introduced into his Life of Chaucer, and the dull matter-of-fact style of Puffendorf, in his History of Modern Europe. It is, however, more historical than the one, and more philosophical than the other. Mr. HALLAM'S pretensions in his Preface are very modcrate; but, in our opinion, his performance far exceeds his pretensions, and his work can scarcely fail to rank high among our historical treatises. The period which it embraces, is from the decline of the Roman empire to the Reformation, or about a thousand years. In every part the author displays extensive reading and careful research; and, viewed as a collection of facts from authorities difficult of access, the work may be regarded as an acquisition to the student and enquiring reader. It is impossible to give any specimen of a work which treats on general subjects, and of which severe, but judicious, retrenchment, is the useful characteristic. The uninteresting tameness of the German character, and the stupidity of legitimacy-as it vegetates in the petty German courts, is brought under the eye in a very lively manner, in a volume called An Autumn near the Rhine. We do not suppose, however, that the author intended to draw pictures of moral deformity, for he appears to be deeply smitten by the smiles of Grand

Duchesses, and only to see the people and country through the medium of the several courts. His work is, nevertheless, a very amusing one, and abounds in anecdotes, at once novel and interesting; while they are calculated to render more accurate our acquaintance with the character and policy of the several states on the Rhine. It merits notice, that even this courtly traveller mentions several facts tending to prove that the Napoleon regime was as popular on the Rhine, and even at Frankfort, as, on the evidence of all travellers, it seems to have been through France and Italy. How grossly, and in every point how completely, have the people of England been imposed upon by the agency of a corrupted press!

Mr. SAMUEL YOUNG'S second publication of Minutes of Cases of Cancer, at the Cancer Institution, instituted by the late Mr. Whitbread, merit the notice of the entire body of the faculty; and to the afflicted they will recommend themselves. To the cases Mr. Young has added an appendix, containing a reprint of his valuable dissertation on the nature and action of cancer, with a view to a regular mode of cure, which was first published in 1805.

Mr. HANSBROW's geography of commerce, called Universal Commerce, is a volume of practical utility, and may be regarded as a valuable supplement to Mortimer's Commercial Dictionary,of which, after the decease of Mr. M., he became the editor.

Mr. BIRKBECK's Letters from the Illinois are characterized by the same

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Critical Notices of New Books.

good sense and benevolence as his former productions. Nothing but courage to undertake the voyage appears to be necessary to enable any family, which is not quite devoured by taxes, tythes, and high rents, to settle in social security, as freeholders, in the most genial climate and most productive soil on the globe. The two last no country possesses in more enviable degrees than England; but, alas! the passions of wicked ministers, and of the boroughfaction, have destroyed the bounties of Heaven. It remains to be seen, whether the unmanageable minority will be able to enforce a more just and rational policy, so as to keep our industrious population at home: if not, then we fear that the political liberty of the two Americas will draw from us our life's best blood, in hundreds, and even thousands, of such nobles of nature as Mr. Birkbeck. All Europe, indeed, without an entire regeneration of its social and political system, must, from the operation of the same cause, soon become a mere caput mortuum, like modern Greece, or Asia Minor. According to Mr. B. in this land of Canaan, land sells at the rate of two dollars an acre; wheat is 3s. 4d. per bushel; and beef and pork 2d. per pound. The soil is fertile and easy of tillage: there is nothing to be deducted from the profits for poor-rates, tythes, or rent; and the taxes amount to about one farthing per acre. At the end of fourteen years, the stock of a proprietor will be accumulated, and the worth of his estate increased, and no renewal wanted: besides, the capital required by an English farmer, at least doubles that required at the outset by an Illinois proprietor. For about half the capital required for the cultivation of worn-out soils in England, a man may establish himself as a proprietor there, with every comfort, and the certainty of establishing his children as well or better than himself. To labouring people, and to mechanics, this country seems to afford every opportunity to obtain comfort and independence, with the certainty of escape from the calamities both of war and peace, from oppression and taxation. government imposes no taxes, and the whole system of internal taxation has been abolished by a late law, which, at the same time, decreed a large sum for canals, bridges, &c.

The

The Journal of a Residence in Iceland, during the years 1814 and 1815, by EBENEZER HENderson, D.D. a mis

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sionary from the Bible Society,-bears the most ample evidences of his zeal. Where the researches of his predecessors do not furnish Dr. Henderson with daia of theories, he exhibits a wonderful degree of assurance in getting out of his depth; that is to say, to get footing in the credulity of his reader, by torturing into his journal some verse of his Bible, or some shred of poetic rodomontade. Dr. Henderson calls his journal, "My Assemblage of Wonders ;" and, truly, he makes it marvellously edifying, by illustrating many parts of the sacred writers, from volcanic mountains, herds of rein-deer, hotsprings, the Aurora Borealis, and Scandinavian poetry. Nothing can be more ridiculous than many of the titles of the poems which compose the prosodiacal Edda, or teacher. One of these sublime and reverend pieces is, "A dialogue between Thor and the ferryman Harbard, who would not, on any account, row him across a river:" another treats of "a visit from Thor and Tyn to the giant Hymir, in order to procure," from this last gentleman, "a kettle in which to prepare a feast for the gods ;" and another is a song about "a hand-mill, in which two gant girls were wont to grind gold," for his Majesty of Denmark, King Troda.

The Algebraist's Assistant; by JAMES HARRIS,-might be useful, were the writings of Dr. Hutton and Mr. Bonnycastle not in existence.

The first volume of the Philosophical Library is just completed, and embraces nine distinct and very curious subjects:-1. The Life and Morals of Confucius. 2. The Life and Morals of Epicurus. 3. The Life and Morals of Isocrates. 4. The Life and Morals of Mahomet. 5. The Political Mischiefs of Popery. 6. A Summary of the Ancient Irish Christianity and their Four Gospels. 7. A Looking-glass for Popes and Priests. 8. Extracts, on Catholic Emancipation, from the Memoirs of the late Bishop of Landaff. 9. A Genuine Catalogue of the Holy Relics of the Roman Catholic Church.-The "Morality of the East" is deserving attention, from the views which it gives us of the doctrines and practices of the Mahomedans. On the subjects of alms, avarice, beneficence, calumny, charity, civility, conversation, covetousness and oppression, debts, dissentions, divorces, envy, forgiveness, hypocrisy, inheritance and legacies, justice, modesty, oaths,

orphans,

1818.7

List of New Publications in July.

orphans, patience, pride, retaliation, toleration, usury, &c. &c.-there are many and various precepts which are worthy the consideration of those whom the Mussulman does not think" true believers." Without doubt, the public will receive instruction and information from the first volume of the Philosophical Library; as well as from the future series, if continued in the same spirit.

The Observations on the Properties of the Air-pump Vapour-bath, in Gout, Rheumatism, Palsy, &c. with Remarks on Factitious Airs, and on Medical Electricity and Galvanism; by M. LA BEAUME, medical electrician,—seem adapted chiefly to promote his private practice, though we think the subject worthy of the fullest attention of philosophical physicians.

The second volume of the Memoirs of John Duke of Marlborough, with his Original Correspondence, collected from the Family Records at Blenheim, and other authentic sources.-These Memoirs are extremely curious, whether we regard them as letters of business, the ebullitions of faction, or the bickerings of maids of honour and lords in waiting. They consist for the chief part of a collection of interesting letters, which will be read with profit and amusement.

MISS THURTLE's History of France, from the earliest Periods to the second Return of Louis XVIII.,-is a book constructed with ability, for the use of young persons.

Mr. J. B. LOGIER'S Refutation, will be much better discussed by the voices of the pupils and friends of his system of musical education, than by the pens of reviewers.

SIR HUMPHREY DAVY'S Treatise on the Safety-Lamp for Coal-Mines,-belongs to that class of practical scientific pursuits which benefit mankind. We need not here enumerate, by analysis, the contents of this little work: these have already appeared in our pages; and our readers are, therefore, in possession of the principal facts in the volume before us. The article on flame, which forms the appendix, is the substance of MM. Gay Lussac and De Humboldt's communication to Sir Humphrey; and the fact it illustrates is interesting from its possible application in explaining the phenomenon of the Aurora Borealis.

Sermons on Various Subjects; by JAS. LINDSAY, D.D.-are certainly, in a high MONTHLY MAG. No. 315.

157

degree, worthy of general perusal. All the subjects are interesting; and the manner in which they are treated is not less calculated to awaken attention, and to engage the affections in the service of religion and virtue. If a spirit of serious, but rational and manly, piety,-a spirit far removed from servile adherence to system, and the suppression of important truth, but, at the same time, the most generous, liberal, and humane; if extensive knowledge, correct discrimination, and sound sense, recommended by command of language, and a style distinguished by perspicuity, variety, classical elegance, strength, and animation, -have claim to our regard, we may justly recommend these discourses as valuable specimens of composition, in which such qualities are required. The respectable congregation to whom they were delivered, by requesting the publication of them at their own expense, have certainly shewn discernment, as well as gratitude and affection, for their excellent minister. It is impossible to listen habitually to such discourses without becoming wiser men and better Christians.

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The Prospectus and Specimen of an intended National Work, by WILLIAM and ROBERT WHISTLECRAFT, sesses some humour, and is occasionally not without passages of a higher order of merit. The versification is flowing and correct. It is a less highly-gifted, but by no means unworthy, member of the same family as Beppo; and worthy the attention of our readers as an agree able trifle.

A small volume, entitled Creation, and other Poems, has issued from the press; but, although it shews no small share of information, and contains many pleasing and polished little pieces, it is deficient in genius and originality; and we fear that the author was not born a poet. An Essay on Sacred Poetry is appended, which is equally creditable to the head and to the heart of the writer.

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58 Compendium of Algebra, upon the Plan of Walkingame's Tutor's Assistant. The whole designed as a Question-book for the Use of Schools and Private Study; by James Harris. 12mo. 4s.

List of New Publications in July.

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The first volume of the Philosophical Library; being a collection of the most rare and valuable reprints of ancient Morality, &c. 8vo. 15s. 6d.

HISTORY,

[Aug. 1,

from 1756 to 1766, from the original manuscripts of Lord Northington; collected and arranged by the Hon. R. H. Eden. 2 vols. royal 8vo. 31. 38.

MECHANICS.

Part IX. of the Mechanic, or Compen dium of Practical Inventions; by James Smith.

MEDICINE.

Observations on a Stridulous Affection of the Bowels, and on some Varieties of Spinal Disease: with an Appendix of Cases; by J. Bradley, M.D.

An Enquiry into the Probability of Mr. Hunter's Theory of Life; new edition; by John Abernethy, F.R.S. 8vo. 4s. 6d.

Observations proving that Dr. Wilson's Tincture for the Cure of Gout and Rheumatism is similar in its Nature and Effects to that deleterious preparation the Ean Medicinale; by W. H. Williams, M.D. F.L.S. 4to. 4s.

Medical Tracts read at the College of Physicians, between the years 1767 and 1785; by Sir George Baker, bart. M.D. collected and republished by his son. 18s. A Treatise on Uterine Hæmorrhage; by Duncan Stewart, physician-accoucheur, &c. &c. 8vo. 6s.

MISCELLANIES.

The School-Fellows: a moral tale; by the author of "the Twin Sisters," &c. &c. 12mo. 4s.

The Gentleman, a satire; written du ring the years 1812 and 1815. 8vo. 4s.

An Autumu near the Rhine, or Sketches of Courts, Society, and Scenery, in some of the German States bordering on the Rhine with a map of Eastern Germany. 8vo. 14s.

Village Dialogues; by the Rev. R. Hill. 2 vols. 8vo. 11. 6s.-12mo. 13s.

An Abridgment of all the Custom Laws in force in Ireland, and of the Laws which regulate the Trade from Ireland to and from all Places in his Majesty's Dominions, and in the Dominions of Foreign Powers, &c.; by John Heron. 8vo. 218.

The Edinburgh Gazetteer, Part V. 8s. Meditations of a Neophyte, with notes, post 8vo. 6s. 6d.

The Rhapsodist, or Mes Souvenirs: in an epistle to Aristus; by R. E. Comeford, Part XI. of Aspin's Systematic Analysis esq. 8vo. 14s.-4to. 11. 1s. of Universal History.

LAW.

A complete Collection of State Trials and Proceedings for High Treason, and other Crimes and Misdemeanors, from the earliest period to the year 1783: with notes and other illustrations; compiled by T. B. Howell, esq. F.R.S. F.S.A. and continued from the Year 1783 to the present Time, by T. J. Howell, esq. Vol. XXIV. royal 8vo. 11. 11s. 6d.

Reports of Cases argued and deter mined in the High Court of Chancery,

The Maid of Killarney, or Albion and Flora; a modern tale: in which are interwoven some cursory remarks on religion and politics. 3s. 6d.

The Angler's Vade-Mecum; by W. Carroll. 12mo. 9s.

Cursory Observations, chiefly relating to the Conversation and Manners of Private Society. 1s. 6d.

The Journal of Science and the Arts, edited at the Royal Institution of Great Britain. No. X. 8vo. 7s. 6d.

A Vindication of the University of Cam. bridge,

1818.]

List of New Publications in July.

bridge from the Reflections of Sir James Edward Smith, president of the Linnean Society, contained in a Pamphlet, entitled, "Considerations respecting Cambridge," &c.; by the Rev. J. H. Monk, B.D. 8vo. 3s. 6d.

Modern Patriotism, or a few Stanzas suggested by the principal Speeches delivered in Palace-yard, on the 23d of March, 1818 inscribed (with respect, though not by permission) to the Right Hon. G. Canning, M.P. 8vo. 1s. 6d.

The Official Navy-List for July. 2s.

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59 Malthus's Essay on Population; by Geo.. Ensor, esq. 8vo. 128.

THEOLOGY.

Sermons on the first Lessons of the Sunday Morning Service, from the first to the thirteenth Sunday after Trinity; together with four Sermons on other subjects; by the Rev. R. Burrowes, D.D. 8vo. 10s. 6d.

Annals of Scottish Episcopacy, from the year 1788, to the year 1816, inclusive; being the Period during which the late Right Rev. John Skinner, of Aberdeen, held the office of Senior Bishop and Primus; of whom a Biographical Memoir is pretixed; by the Rev. J. Skinner, M.A. 12s.

Observations on the Doctrine, Disci pline, and Manners, of the Wesleyan Methodists; and also of the Evangelical Party, as far as the latter adhere to the same System; by the Rev. L. Waine. wright, A.M. F.A.S. 8vo. 6s.

The Literary and Scientific Pursuits which are encouraged and enforced in the University of Cambridge, briefly de scribed and vindicated with various notes; by the same Author. 8vo. 6s. 6d.

:

A Letter to a highly respectable Friend, on the Subject of Certain Errors of the Antinomian Kind which have lately sprung up in the West of England, and are now making an alarming Progress throughout the Kingdom: with Notes and an Appendix; by the Rev. John Simons, LL.B. 4s.

Consolation for Mourners: five Sermons, entitled, Faith's Estimate of Afflic tive Dispensations; by the late Rev. John Hill. 18. 6d.

A Letter to the Rt. Rev. the Lord Bishop of St. David, one of the Patrons of the London Society for promoting Christianity amongst the Jews, on the Proceedings and Prospects of that Society; dated Moscow, February 24, 1818; by the Rev. Lewis Way, M.A. 1s. 6d.

On Protestant Nonconformity; by Jo2 vols. 8vo. 14s.

Translations from Camoens, and other Poets with original poetry; by the Au- siah Conder. : thor of "Modern Greece," and the "Restoration of the Works of Art to Italy," 8vo. 4s.

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A Sketch of the History of Churches in England: applied to the purposes of the Society for promoting the Enlargement and Building of Churches and Chapels to which is added a Sermon on the Honour of God in places of public worship; by John Brewster, M.A. 3s. 6d.

The Life and Self-murder of Domitius Nero, with regard to God's Kingdom; by the Rev. Jas. Atkins, 12s.

A neat edition of the Septuagint, with Apocrypha, in one volume; the text is taken from the Oxford edition of Bos. 8vo. 28s.

VOYAGES AND TRAVELS.

Travels in Canada, and the United States of America, in 1816 and 1817; by F. Hall, esq. 8vo. 14s. I 2 A Second

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