manifested any disposition to disturb ́its repose.

Leaving alchemy in its peaceful mansion, Dr. Thomson proceeds to trace chemistry from its early dawn, through its progressive stages of advancement, to some of the grand results with which we now find it encircled. The efforts and discoveries of its friends in various countries have not escaped his notice; and to each he has awarded that meed of praise which merit rarely fails to command.

In thus tracing the history of chemistry, a considerable portion of this first volume is devoted to the ancients, and to the discoveries and improvements of foreigners. Throughout nearly the whole, we perceive the science in its infant state, with here and there a few beams of superior light breaking in upon the darkness of the unknown. It is reserved for the ensuing volume to display those brilliant emanations of genius, and of philosophic research, which so honourably distinguish our own country in modern times.

So far as Dr. Thomson has proceeded, he appears to have traced the early part of chemical history with a luminous mind, an impartial judgment, and an able hand. To every lover of philosophical experiments, this work will present a constellation of charms, while to the votaries of chemical science its utility will appear with evidences of decided superiority.

REVIEW.-The History of Chivalry. By G. P. R. James, Esq. 12mo. pp. 368. Colburn, London. 1830.

EVERY one must admit that the history of chivalry is more amusing than useful. It tends, indeed, to develop various features in the human character, which times and fashions called into active operation, creating artificial honour, and imaginary heroism, which were frequently associated with deeds peculiar to a semi-barbarous age. There can be no doubt that, in the numerous trials of pride and skill which distinguished these feudal manners, a considerable portion of personal valour and prowess was displayed; but it is equally true, that the expenditure was sometimes wasted on contemptible objects, to which the philosophic eye can hardly turn without a sigh of pity for the follies of mankind.

Closely connected, however, with the progress of chivalry, are some important branches of general and particular history. Under its banners we are led to visit countries and cities highly renowned in days of old, to behold them changing masters, but

more generally sinking into a state of vassallage, than rising into the exalted glory of national independence. Impelled by the spurs of knight-errantry, we follow the crusaders in their wild and visionary exploits, and hear the groans of dying thousands stretched on the plains of Ascalon, and, sickening at the sight, rejoice that "the age of chivalry is gone."

Independently of all chivalric institutions, the branches of history with which their exploits are connected in this volume, render it amusing to the reader; and from the borders of romance in real life, on which the incidents take their stand, an interest is excited which nothing but the marvellous can produce.

With the various ceremonies peculiar to the heroes of chivalry, their institutions, duties, and capabilities of adventure, Mr. James appears to be well acquainted; but although his volume is very entertaining, we cannot avoid suspecting, that it would have been equally so by the events recorded, if chivalry had been consigned to that rust which has long since consumed the arms and armour of its heroes.

REVIEW. The National Library. No. I. The Life of Lord Byron. By John Galt, Esq. 12mo. pp. 384. Colburn. London. 1830.

THE Life of Lord Byron has been so long before the world in the character of a shuttlecock, that most readers will suppose nothing new or important remains to be said. In this sentiment we most readily concur; but while purchasers will find money, authors will always find books.

We must not, however, forget that this is the fourth edition of the volume before us. It, therefore, having been favourably received by the public, becomes entitled to the front rank which it now sustains in the "National Library." To Mr. Moore's life of the noble poet, this volume bears very little affinity. Mr. Moore's two splendid quartos chiefly consist of letters written by his Lordship, and extracts from his journals, occasionally interspersed with observations by the biographer, which serve to elucidate obscure passages, and connect together what would otherwise have appeared disjoined.

In this volume we perceive Lord Byron through Mr. Galt, and not Mr. Galt through Lord Byron's letters. The leading features, both of his early and mature life, and of his individual and public character, are traced with commendable precision. With the varied and almost innumerable incidents belonging to each department, Mr. Galt has

contrived to enliven his volume, so as to render it both amusing and interesting to all his readers.

We are not aware that any thing of moment, which has appeared in other biographical sketches of Lord Byron, has been omitted in this, nor do we perceive that it embraces any remarkable events or occurrences that have not been previously made public. In their present association, they assume a new attitude, and are occasionally placed in connexions that give them a freshness of colouring, fringed with the tints of originality; but from a subject long since exhausted, nothing more can be reasonably expected.

In summing up his Lordship's character, Mr. Galt dwells chiefly on his talents, his genius, and the element in which he was destined to shine. These he has placed in a favourable, but not an exaggerated light. Over the shady parts, silence holds supreme dominion, and we are not disposed to "molest her solitary reign."

REVIEW.-The Harmonicon: a Monthly Journal of Music. Three Parts: January, February, and March. Longman, London. 1831.

To the amateurs in music this must be a very interesting publication; and there can be little doubt that its fascinations will augment the number of votaries who bow down at the shrine of Terpsichore, and add to the respectability of many who do homage in her temple.

Of celebrated men, who have rendered themselves remarkable by their extraordi. nary powers and genius in this bewitching science, the Harmonicon records some biographical sketches, and traces in a pleasing manner the progressive development of genius from its first emanations to its ultimate consummation.

The state of music at concerts, public assemblies, exhibitions, and oratorios, in the metropolis, and eslewhere; the nature and character of newly-invented instruments, their powers, harmony, and peculiar adaptations, come also within its records. Nor is the music of foreign countries forgotten. The altitude of the barometer in most of the principal places of Europe is measured, and the amount submitted to the reader. New music, both sacred and otherwise, also passes under review; and the various authors receive their award, either of censure or applause; of the former with severity, while the latter is not measured out with a parsimonious hand. A list of new musical works published during each preceding month

closes the literary department, thus leaving about a third part of each number for the insertion of attractive compositions.

As a nucleus, around which the musical information of Europe gathers, including the improvements, vicissitudes, or deteriorations, which time bears on his unwearied wing, the Harmonicon is a publication of considerable importance. Its records will induce composers to be cautious in what they publish, while its concentrated variety, derived both from foreign and domestic sources, will excite emulation, and furnish true genius with an opportunity of bringing its productions to a highly respectable tribunal.

REVIEW.-Festivals, Games and Amusements, Ancient and Modern. By Horatio Smith, Esq. 12mo. pp. 390. Colburn, London. 1831.

THE variety comprised in this volume is so very great, that it will enable all who are interested in its details, to estimate the different degrees of elevation which the barometer of folly has attained, while passing from ancient to modern times. To whom the enviable appellation of superiority shall be awarded, we take not upon us to determine; but in distributing the prizes to the numerous competitors, we hope the merits of England will neither be overlooked nor treated with injustice. Other nations may have very powerful claims, but impartiality cannot deny, that we are a very deserving people.

THE thin and gossamer-like web of poetry cannot be handled with too much care, to avoid fraying its texture; hence, a critic in poetry ought himself to be somewhat of a poet, a man of acute sensibility, of spotless integrity, placed above the contingencies of degrading penury, and corrupting patronage. He should chide with gentleness, and denounce with firmness; uprooting the weeds of pretension with so nice a skill, as not to injure the flowers of genius. His censure should be rendered subservient to the laudable aim of decrying quackery, even though it have assumed a coronet; to shew forth the mere versifier in his nudity of ignorance, without respect to "all the blood of all the Howards." His succour should be extended to nurture and support neglected merit, whether it have withdrawn

to the merchant's desk, or hid its sensibilities beneath the rustic roof. In justice he should be an Aristides, in judgment a Brutus.

In the spirit of these remarks, we take up "Lays from the East, by Robert Calder Campbell"-a book, the infliction of which on English poetry, might have been spared. The author dates from the East Indies; and we can easily imagine, that in the commercial scenery of sugar plantations, and rice and cotton fields, there is little to kindle the feeling of poesy. Truth to say, there is not one piece in the volume with which we can find fault as to its music and mechanism; every line contains exact quantity, and every verse chimes with correct rhythm; but it is in vain that we look for any thing beyond these requisites for simple versifying. Five hundred such poems as the "Lays from the East" pass in the course of a twelvemonth without even ephemeral applause, in the "poet's corners" of our country newspapers. We have turned over the leaves of Mr. Campbell's book, in search of some redeeming extract, but our search was fruitless. We counsel the author to be content with occasionally sonnetizing in the "Calcutta Magazine," and the 66 Bengal Hurkaru.' We can assure him they are equal to his deserts; for, judging from the specimens in " Lays from the East," he who may pass for a poet in India, would but constitute a poetaster in England.

BRIEF SURVEY OF BOOKS.

1. A comprehensive Grammar of Ancient Geography and History, with Maps, &c. by William, Pinnock, (Poole, London,) is a neat volume, avowedly intended for schools; and also for young persons, to enable them to store their minds with useful knowledge, respecting the events, situations, and boundaries of countries, in departed years. The pen of history confers permanency on all its records, while the civil and political surface of the globe is in a state of continual fluctuation. Maps of kingdoms, as they now exist, can give but an inadequate idea of what they were two thousand years ago: and should our local geography be transmitted to posterity, a new comprehensive grammar of the present period will be as necessary to our successors, as that of former ages is to us. Viewed in con

nexion with ancient history, this work is of great value; its statements are comprehensive, though concise; its maps are rendered conformable to historical narrative; and

its well-executed wood cuts give a respectable representation of many interesting incidents and events.

2. The Shorter Catechism Illustrated, by Extracts from approved Authors, by John Hall, (Westley, London,) will be found useful to all young persons, who wish to know on what grounds those propositions rest, which, not being self-evident, they have been taught to receive as incontrovertible. The reasons assigned are derived from very respectable authorities.

3. The Christian's Magazine, Nos. I. IV., (Nisbet, London,) contains several useful articles, chiefly of a religious nature. Some few are original, but the greater number are extracts, derived from various sources. It is a weekly periodical, of respectable promise.

4. The Christian's Privilege, &c. by Edward Mannering, (Baynes', London,) is placed in an amiable light. The author has learnt how to preserve the dignity of religion, without giving it a repulsive aspect. In looking through his pages, we have found many strong and energetic expressions, which, from their antithetical character, are likely to be long remembered by the reader.

5. Three Letters on Education. By the Rev. W. Newlands, A.M. (Hamilton, London,) is a closely printed pamphlet, of which the importance far exceeds the dimensions. It abounds with sound sense, and useful observations. The author's aim is, to teach pupils to think, and, what is of greater moment, to instruct masters how to do it,

6. Little Mary, or God in Every Thing, (Seeley, London,) is a nursery book of a religious tendency, combining nature with revelation, and through both, leading the infant mind to God.

7. An Introduction to Latin Syntax, &c. by John Mair, A.M. improved by the Rev. Alexander Stewart, (Simpkin, London, 1831,) appears in a new edition, which includes the sources of its former fame. Its rules are simple and perspicuous, and the sentences by which they are illustrated, stand contrasted with their constructions agreeably to the English idiom. An epitome of ancient history enhances its value, and the vocabularies which follow will in some respects preclude the necessity of a lexicon, and the trouble of a continual reference to

other books.

8. The Pious Minstrel, a Collection of Sacred Poetry, (Tilt, London,) attracts attention by its elegance, and secures approbation by its intrinsic excellence. The selections are from some of our most able

poets, both dead and living. They are flowers which will bear transplanting into any soil, and will flourish in every climate. In their present combination, they impart a lustre and fragrance, with which every reader must be regaled.

9. Faith in Christ, of which the genuine Fruit is Righteousness, or Morality, (Longman, London,) need fear no enemy but antinomianism. The author has brought a formidable array of scripture passages, to prove positions of which few persons entertain any doubt. Much praise, however, is not due, where it would have been difficult to have been unsuccessful.

10. The Cottager's Own Book, (Seeley, London,) is chiefly of a domestic character, relating to gardening, bees, poultry, housekeeping, culinary processes, and frugal management. It abounds with useful hints, and rational advice, to a valuable portion of the community. In most cases, books on domestic economy give instruction to those who do not want, and will not take it, while the plans recommended are too expensive to be adopted by the poor. The author of this book enters the dwelling of the industrious cottager, and in plain language teaches him wisdom adapted to his humble station in life.

11. Grace and Love beyond Gifts, a Sermon, by William Bridge, (Seeley, London,) was preached before the Lord Mayor of London, in 1653. The strength of mind, range of thought, and fervour of piety, which distinguished the divines of the seventeenth century, are apparent in this discourse. Plain truth, which is a stranger to accommodation, is its distinguishing characteristic.

12. Walker's Interest and Discount Tables, (Simpkin, London,) are simple, and yet sufficiently extended for all practical purposes connected with the branches of commerce to which they refer. In the countinghouse, and for the mercantile tra-、 veller, this ready-reckoner will be found of great utility. The calculations, so far as we have examined them, appear to be

correct.

13. The History of Tithes, &c. with Suggestions for abolishing the System, and supporting the Clergy without it, by Biblicus, (Dinnis, London,) is a pamphlet that merits attention, from the importance of the subject to which it refers. Against tithes in every form the author directs all his weapons; and he appears confident, that the system may be abolished without endangering the safety of the church. On the death of incumbents, he recommends the tithes to be sold, and the proceeds to be paid into

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the treasury of the nation, for general purposes, to effect a reduction of our annual expenses. The support of the clergy he consigns over to the voluntary contributions of their flocks, in much the same manner as the Methodists and Dissenters at present support their respective ministers. The whole scheme has a pretty appearance in theory; but Biblicus must not forget that the land of Utopia was never yet discovered!

14. A Sermon preached at Boston on the Death of the Rev. William Taylor, by Joseph Jarrom, (Simpkin, London,) has both energy and solemnity to recommend it. It is suited in spirit and precept to the mournful occasion; but beyond this we have not discovered any distinguishing peculiarities.

15. The Church of Rome evidently proved Heretic, by Peter Berault, (Hamilton, London,) is a reprint of a tract originally published in 1681, and fully makes good its title. Its scriptural appeals, and argumentative excellence, render it deserving of public attention in the present day. The author was evidently a man of talent. His reasonings are clear and conclusive, but no power, except that which is divine, can storm the citadel of superstition.

16. Original Psalm and Hymn Tunes, by David Everard Ford, (Westley and Davis, London,) will command some attention from the public, through the name of the author, who has already more than once charmed the votaries of music by the sound of his lyre. Of his first and second books we spoke favourably on their first appearance, and from this we cannot withhold the tribute of praise. Mr. Ford's tunes are simple, dignified, and harmonious.

17. Sonnets and Miscellaneous Poems, by Henry Martin, (Whitaker, London,) though trifling in themselves, are not without considerable poetical merit. Of Mr. Martin we know nothing but through this publication, which displays vigour of thought, and an expansion of mind, which we would advise him to devote to some subject more imperishable than sonnets.

18. A Discourse upon National Dietetics, as connected with various Diseases, by George Warren, Surgeon, (Longman, London,) is intended to call our attention to the nature and qualities of food, particularly animal, in the improper choice and use of which the author thinks may be found the source of scrofula, tubercle, consumption, and other diseases of various characters. In this discourse, he adverts to the Mosaic discriminations between clean