fied by numerous corrections and additions, in the well-known hand-writing of Sir George Mackenzie himself."

It is no more than an act of common justice to mention here, what is withheld in the learned editor's preface, that the grocer into whose hands the manuscript came is Mr William Burton, Canongate.

Dr M'Crie, however, is not the Editor of the volume now published; but it has been consigned into the hands of one well qualified for the task; and by whom a very neat and modest apology is made, in regret that the other literary pursuits of the learned historian of Knox, &c. prevented him from the undertaking. It is perfectly obvious that all manner of justice has been bestowed on the publication, as a reference to the preface and to the work itself will abundantly testify. It does not contain much information which can properly be called new. It, however, states facts which are not to be found elsewhere, and it certainly throws light upon the transactions which it relates. A history of that period, by a person of such intelligence and opportunities of information as Sir George Mackenzie possessed, must deserve to be preserved and consulted.

Russia-According to the latest estimation, there are 2350 living authors in this country, about one-eighth part of whom are ecclesiastics, but the far greater proportion consists of persons of rank. Backmeister, in his Russian Library, computed that, previously to 1817, there existed about 4000 different works in that language. In the extensive collection of national literature belonging to the Academy of Sciences of St Petersburg, there were, in 1800, 3000 works printed in the Russian tongue; among which, only 105 belonged to the class of novels and romances. Since this period, authorship has increased so much, that last year no fewer than 8000 volumes were printed in this language. Translations are very numerous, particularly of dramas, novels, works of imagination, and the Belles Lettres. There are newspapers and journals, both German and Russian, published at St Petersburg, Moscow, Riga, Revel, Abo, and other principal cities. At the first of these places there are fifteen printing-houses, and ten at Moscow.

New Game of Chess.-Guiseppe Ciccolini of Rome has published a description of a new game of chess, under the title of Tentativo di un nuovo Giuoco di Sacchi. The board is so much enlarged, that instead of 64 squares it contains 100, and in order still farther to increase the variety of moves, and the complexity of the game, a new piece is added, which the author denominates "The Elephant." He has al

Thomas Thomson, Esq. Advocate, and Deputy Registrar.

so considerably extended the power of the Bishop, to which he allows the same movements as the Rook, with the exception of their being confined to its own colour. Nor has the Knight been less favoured, since his progress through the board is now almost unlimited.

We have copied this notice from a contemporary journal, although we consider its account of improvements on the noble game of chess somewhat vague.-So perfect a game as chess is must be incapable of improvement, and either the inventor or his reporter show evident symptoms of being somewhat bewildered.

con

Natural History.-Professor Lahostalle of Amiens has discovered that straw possesses the quality of serving as a ductor to lightning and hail. Repeated experiments have convinced him that straws united together serve equally well as the iron rods now fixed upon buildings for the former purpose; at the same time that they are not attended with similar inconveniences. In consequence of this discovery, the commonest buildings may be secured from the effects of lightning in the most economical manner, and even crops on the land may be protected from the ravages which they sometimes suffer from hail. The Professor treats of the important advantages that may be expected to result from the practical application of his discovery, in a publication entitled Traité des Parafoudres et des Paragiêles en Cordes de paille.

Bust of Buonaparte.-A fine marble bust of the late Ex-Emperor of France, executed from the life by CANOVA, has been placed in the Library of the Devon and Exeter Institution at Exeter. It is a very highly finished piece of sculpture.

If

Questions addressed to Naturalists.-The analysis of the earth shows, that it consists of the five following kinds :-1, Calcareous earth; 2, Quartz; 3, Clay; 4, Magnesia; and 5, Vegetable mould. It is affirmed, that repeated experiments have proved, that the first four, as well alone as intermixed, are absolutely unfruitful. this be true, many thousand plants, which now thrive only in vegetable mould, could not grow on our earth some thousand years ago. Must we adopt the opinion, that plants and vegetables have risen gradually?-In East Friesland, if earths are dug up on the sea-coast, &c. from a depth of ten or twelve feet, plants then grow, which are not otherwise to be met with in those parts of the country. Did these plants exist in the ancient world? Have their seeds retained the germinating power for some thousand years? Can this power be retained so long? or whence do these plants come?-German Paper.

Painting. The celebrated painting of "Moses Striking the Rock," by Murillo,

which is placed in one of the hospitals in Seville, is likely to be transferred to this country; the enormous sum of 4000 guineas having been offered for it by a noble amateur, which, it is thought, will be accepted.

Spiders. The sexton of the church of St Eustace, at Paris, amazed to find frequently a particular lamp extinct early, and yet the oil consumed only, sat up several nights to perceive the cause. At length he discovered that a spider of surprising size came down the cord to drink the oil. A still more extraordinary instance of the same kind occurred during the year 1751, in the Cathedral of Milan. A vast spider was observed there, which fed on the oil of the lamps. M. Morland, of the Academy of Sciences, has described this spider, and furnished a drawing of it. It weighed four pounds, and was sent to the Emperor of Austria, and is now in the Imperial Museum at Vienna.

Classical Anecdote.-A student of one of the Universities, being called upon for a definition of the Christian Virtues, Faith, Hope, and Charity, made his replies in the following order:

Quid est Fides?-Quod non vides.
Quid Spes?-Vana res.

Quid Charitas?-Magna raritas. The following excellent paragraph has appeared in many provincial papers, and ought to be copied generally :

Cruelty to Fish-It is hoped that the dreadful cruelty of boiling shell-fish alive, or, what is as frequently done, of putting them over a fire in a sauce-pan of cold water, will be reflected on as it deserves. Shell-fish possess an amphibious property, and are therefore capable of existing out of the water a considerable time without the powers of life being impaired; hence it is just as shocking to dress shell-fish alive, as to convey mackerel (which do not possess an amphibious property, but die in a few minutes after being taken out of the water) instantaneously out of the sea into a frying-par or boiling water. The ignorant prejudice that lobsters, crabs, &c. are not good if they are dressed after they are dead, would vanish as soon as humanity were permitted to make the trial. When dressed many hours after they are dead, it is found that the fish is not lessened, or the flavour in the slightest degree impaired ; if it were, that could hardly be a sufficient reason to torture a poor animal to gratify the pampered appetite of an epicure. Eels too possess this amphibious quality; therefore they are skinned, rolled in salt, and fried whilst they are writhing in agony.

Newspaper Circulation.-The following circulation of a single newspaper merits to be recorded among the memorabilia of the art of printing: The Observer Sunday newspaper published an extra sheet on the

22d of July, with an account of the late coronation ceremonial. It was spoken of as a full and accurate detail of the cere monies, and four well-executed wood-cuts were introduced, exhibiting interior views of Westminster Abbey and the Hall, and in consequence there have actually been sold no less than 61,500 sets of this one publication, consuming no less than 133,000 fourpenny newspaper stamps, and produc ing to the revenue upwards of L. 2000.

France. Mr Simonde de Sismondi, the well known author of the History of the Italian Republics, is engaged in a work of the first importance, the want of which has been long and universally acknowledgeda Complete History of the French Nation. The patience and sagacity displayed by the author in his multifarious researches, his perspicuous style and excellent arrange ment, and, above all, the spirit of liberty which never ceases to animate him, afford abundant proof that, if he lives to complete his design, he will raise a literary monument worthy of his own reputation, and of the great nation whose deeds he is about to commemorate.

Spain.-Don J. A. Conde, who had been employed during many years on the History of the Arabs in Spain, lived to publish only the first volume, which appeared last year. It will, however, be printed with all speed by his executors, and when finished will constitute one of the most important pieces of Spanish literature.

Italy. The Abbé Maio continues to make important discoveries. He will be able to make large additions to Polybius, and to add many new names to classic literature. We hope soon to be able to submit some further details with speci

mens.

A complete historical library is announced at Milan. It will commence with Miller's History of the World-and this will be followed by Botta's History of the American War, and by Gibbon's Decline and Fall.

A splendid work has appeared of the Life and Correspondence of Galileo by De Nelli.

United States.-The flourishing condition of American literature is proved by the superiority of its periodical journals:

The North American Review, published in Boston, quarterly;

The Philadelphia Journal of the Medical and Physical Sciences, edited by Dr Chapman, quarterly;

The Archæologia Americana, to be continued annually; and

The American Journal of Science, edited by Professor Silliman, published quarterly, are inferior to no works published in Europe, for good taste, intelligence, and style.

Professor Leslie.Professor Leslie has made some experiments upon sound excited in hydrogen gas; from which it appeared that the effect was considerably less than what would be produced in atmospheric air of the same density. The cause appeared to depend partly on the tenuity of hydrogen gas, and partly on the rapidity with which the pulsations are conveyed through this very elastic medium.

Liverpool Athenæum.-Moses Samuel, Esq. of Bold Street, Liverpool, has presented to the Library of the Athenæum a Manuscript Pentateuch, or Sacred Law of the Jews. This singular curiosity is of very great value, and beautifully written on a roll of fine vellum, four inches wide, and upwards of forty-five feet long; it is attached at each end to an ivory roller, and the whole is enclosed in a splendid case of crimson velvet. A special meeting of the committee was summoned for the purpose of receiving this valuable present; and an ark was ordered to be prepared for its preservation, under Mr Samuel's directions. Rich as this library has always been in literary treasures, it is now indebted to the generosity of Mr Samuel for its greatest rarity.

Botany. In the nursery of Mr Boughton, at Lower Wick, near Worcester, is a beau

tiful and rare specimen of the Yucca Gloriosa, or Superb Adum's Needle, in full flower, the stem of which is nearly nine feet from the earth, and it has between six and seven hundred blossoms on it either open or to open. This plant is a native of North America, and was first brought into England in the year 1596.

Egyptian Mummy.-M. Caillaud, in the journey to Dongolah, in company with the expedition under the direction of Ismael Bey, M. Frederick Caillaud halted some time at Thebes, where he made an interesting discovery. On the 17th of August last, he found in one of the subterraneans of Thebes, a mummy coeval with the time of the Greeks. On the head of the embalmed personage is a gilt crown, in the form of a lotus. The body is wrapped up in bandelets, after the Egyptian manner. On the case, or sarcophagus, which envelopes the mummy, inscriptions are visible, some in Greek, and others in hieroglyphics. On the right side, there appears tied with fillets, a manuscript of papyrus, in the Greek language. The linen that covers the mummy is overspread with Egyptian subjects and hieroglyphic signs. In the interior of the case, the signs of the zodiac are represented.

LONDON.

ANOTHER Tragedy, by Lord Byron, has arrived in London for publication. Shortly will be published, Bibliographia Sacra; or, an Introduction to the Literary and Ecclesiastical History of the Sacred Scriptures, and the translations of them into different languages, by the Rev. James Townley, author of Biblical Anecdotes.

The Malay Annals, translated from the Malay language, by Dr John Leyden, with an Introduction by Sir Thomas Stanford Raffles, F.R.S. &c., will appear in a few weeks.

The Hall of Hellingsley, a Tale, in 2 vols.; by Sir E. Brydges, Bart. is in the press.

Charles Mansfield Clarke, Esq. will soon publish the second part of his Obser vations on Female Diseases.

Mr W. M. Craig will publish early in the ensuing season, a Course of Lectures on Drawing, Painting and Engraving, considered as branches of elegant education, delivered in the Saloon, Royal Institution, on successive seasons, and read subsequently at the Russell Institution.

Ir 1. H. Glover is preparing for publication a Bibliographical Dictionary of Eng

8

lish Literature, from the year 1700 to the end of the year 1820. It will contain the title of every principal work which has appeared in Great Britain during that period, together with the date of publication, its price, and the publisher's name, as far as they can possibly be ascertained; alphabetically arranged under the names of their respective anthors, and under the subject matter of each anonymous publication.

An octavo edition is about to be published of Memoirs of the Protector Oliver Cromwell, with original letters, and other family papers, by the late Oliver Cromwell, Esq. a descendant of the family.

Dr Forbes' Translation of Laennec on Diseases of the Chest, with notes, will speedily be published.

In a few days will be published, a Reply to Samuel Lee, Professor of Arabic in the University of Cambridge, refuting his erroneous remarks on the New Translation of the Bible from the Hebrew text, by J. Bellamy, author of the History of All Religions, the Anti-deist, &c.

Speedily will be published, by Mr Rochester, the Norwich and Norfolk Guide; or, Tourist's Companion and Itinerary: to be comprised in ten numbers at one shil

ling each, and a number to be published every fortnight. In the last number will be given views of gentlemen's seats, a correct map of Norfolk, and a plan of Norwich. Mr Stevenson will shortly publish a Practical Treatise on the Nature, Symp. toms, and Treatment of Gutta Serena, a species of Blindness arising from a loss of sensibility in the nerve of vision, illustrated by numerous cases.

A new edition of Mr Cuthbert Johnson's Essays on the Uses of Salt in Agriculture and Horticulture, is in the press, and will make its appearance in the course of a few days.

Mr French, late of the University of Edinburgh, announces a Translation of Telemachus into Latin, and has circulated a specimen of his performance.

A Practical Treatise on Diseases of the Liver, and on some of the affections usu. ally denominated bilious, is preparing for publication. Comprising an impartial estimate of the merits of the Nitro-muriatic Acid Bath, by George Darling, M. D. Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of London.

There is nearly ready for publication in 4to, a series of coloured engravings, from original drawings, taken on the spot, by James Wathen, Esq. illustrative of the Island of St Helena, and executed in the same style as those which accompanied his "Journal to India;" to which will be added, two or three very curious wood-cuts relating to Bonaparte, a brief historical sketch of the Island, and a highly finished portrait of Mr Wathen.

On the 15th of September will be pub. lished, Part III. of Physiognomical Portraits, containing ten beautiful engravings in the line manner, each of which will be by a different artist. The portraits will be accompanied by concise biographical notices in English and French.

The Rev. Dr Cracknell will soon publish an Essay on the Dying Confessions of Judas Iscariot, as found in the Greek records.

The Rev. Johnson Grant is printing a Course of Lent Lectures, on the last seven sentences uttered by our Saviour from the Cross.

A History of the Literature of Spain and Portugal, by Frederick Bouterwek, translated from the German, is printing.

The Rev. T. H. Horne's Introduction to the Critical Study and Knowledge of the Holy Scriptures will be ready in the course of October next, in four large volumes 8vo.

Mrs Sidney Stanhope, author of Montbrazel Abbey, &c. &c. has in the press an Historical Romance, in four vols. called the Festival of Mora, which will be published in the month of September.

Dr Pearson's Lectures on the Practice of Physic, and on the Laws of the Animal Economy, also on Therapeutics with Materia Medica, and Professor Brande's Lectures on Chemistry, will commence the first week in October.

EDINBURGH.

THE THANE of FIFE, a Poem; by William Tennant, author of " Anster Fair." The Supplement to Encyclopædia Britannica, Vol. V. Part II.

The Edinburgh Annual Register for 1818.

A Treatise on the important subject of Self-Examination, with a special view to the ordinance of the Lord's Supper; originally published by the Rev. William Trail, A. M. Minister of the Gospel at Benholm. The work has been long out of print, and the present edition, which is the fourth, will be accompanied with a considerable variety of additional matter, together with a preface, and sketch of the life of the author. The publication is conducted under the Editorship of the Rev. Robert Burns, one of the Ministers of Paisley.-To promote the circulation of the work, the price will be moderate.

Lectures on some passages of the Acts of the Apostles; by John Dick, D. D. Professor of Divinity to the Associate Synod, Glasgow. A New Edition, neatly printed in one volume, octavo, corrected and improved.

Lectures on the Book of Ecclesiastes, in 2 vols. 8vo; by the Rev. Ralph Wardlaw, D. D. author of "Discourses on the Socinian Controversy," &c.

cal and Astronomical Problems on the Globes; by S. Treeby. 18mo. 3s. 6d.

BIBLIOGRAPHY.

Lackington's New General Catalogue of Books. 2s.

Messrs Clarke's Catalogue of Law and Miscellaneous Books for 1821. 3s.

BOTANY.

the Irregular Inflections, &c.; by J. H. Bass. 4s.

Lives of Learned and Eminent Men, taken from authentic sources, adapted to the use of Children of four years old and upwards. 18mo. 2s. 6d. half-bound.

A Key to the Latin Language, embracing the double object of qualifying Stu

The British Botanist; or, a Familiar Introduction to the Science of Botany, 15 plates, 12mo. 7s. 6d. plain, 10s. 6d. coloured.

CLASSICS.

The Medea of Euripides, literally translated into chaste English prose, with the Greek text of Porson, the metres, Greek order, English accentuation and notes; by T. W. C. Edwards, M. A.

Select Translations from the Greek of Quintus Smyrocus; by Alexander Dyce, A. B. small 8vo. 5s. 6d.

COMMERCE.

The Commercial Guide and Continental Negociator; being an accurate companion of Weights, Measures, and Monies also a Topographical description of every principal Port on the Continent, and a Treatise on Exchanges, &c.; by James Sheppard, with 3 maps, 8vo. 12s. bds.

DRAMA.

A Squeeze to the Coronation, an Oper atic Farce, in one Act; by James Thomp son, Esq. 2s.

EDUCATION.

The French Speaker; or, the Art of Speaking and Reading the French Language: exemplified in a course of lessons illustrative of the Phraseology and Litera ture of the Language, accompanied by a Selection of Idioms, and Instructions for conducting Epistolatory Correspondence ; with suitable Specimens, and a Dictionary of Synonymes; by M. S. A. Simeon. 12mo. 8s. 6d. bds.

An Irish-English Dictionary, with copious Quotations from the most esteemed Ancient and Modern Writers, to elucidate the meaning of obscure words; and numerous comparisons of the Irish Words with those of similar orthography, sense, or sound in the Welsh and Hebrew Languages; to which is annexed a Compendious Irish Grammar; by Edward O'Reilly. 4to. L. 2, 12s. 6d. bds.

An Introduction to the French Grammar; or, the Accidence of that language made easy, with gradual exercises on every declinable part of Speech, intended to prepare the pupil for the study of the French Syntax; by J. B. Mallett. 18mo. 4s. halfbound.

Tales of the Academy. 2 vols. 18mo. 6s. half-bound.

A Greek and English Manual Lexicon to the New Testament, with examples of

English into Latin; by John Atkinson. 8vo. 4s.

A Manual of Logic, in which the Art is rendered practical and useful upon a principle entirely new. 18mo. 3s.

Morale Poetica Italiana, ossia Scelta di Massine e Sentenze tratte da piu Clas sici Poeti Italiani; da P. L. Costantini. 12mo. 4s.

FINE ARTS.

Illustrations of Kenilworth ; a Romance, in seven prints; engraved by Heath, Scott, Engleheart, Romney, and Rolls. 8vo. 16s. proofs 4to. L. 1, 4s.

The Rabbit on the Wall; engraved by John Burnet, from the clebrated picture by David Wilkie, R. A. L. 1, 1s. proofs L. 3, 3s.

Vol. V. of a Voyage round Great Britain, undertaken in the summer of 1813, from the Land's End; by William Daniell, A. R. A., 28 coloured plates, royal 4to. L. 7, 10s. bds.

Part I. of Denmark Delineated; or Sketches of the Present State of that Country; Illustrated with Portraits, Views, and other Engravings; by Eminent Danish Artists. royal 8vo. 10s. 6d.

GEOGRAPHY.

Part II. of a System of Universal Geography: by M. Matt. Brun. 8vo. 7s. Cd.

The Elements of Modern Geography and General History, on a Plan entirely new; by G, Roberts. 6s. 6d.

Geographia Sacra; or, a New Scripture Atlas, comprising a complete set of Maps, adapted to elucidate the events of Sacred History, and which point out the situation of every place mentioned in the Old and New Testaments. L. 1, 11s. 6d. plain, or L. 2, 2s. coloured.

HISTORY.

Historical Account of Discoveries and Travels in Asia, from the Earliest Ages to the Present Time; by Hugh Murray, F. R. S.

Account of the Shipwreck of the Medusa Frigate, the Sufferings of the Crew, and the various Occurrences on board the Raft, in the desert of Zahara, &c.; by two of the survivors. 8vo. 10s. 6d.

LAW.

A Letter from a Grandfather to his Grandson, an Articled Clerk, pointing out the right course of his Studies and Conduct during his Clerkship, in order to his successful establishment in his profession; by Jacob Phillips, Barrister. 7s.