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1820.]

Review of New Publications.

when advanced to a business age, may be much more usefully employed than in dissection of verbs in μ, yet we fully acquiesce with the warmest eulogist of classical education in its necessity, as being the best creatrix of taste, upon the difficult points of fine writing and sound judgment. We know that we have often at least seen in the writings of persons not classically educated, a clumsiness of execution, and more especially such a lack of precision in their ideas, that the sense is lost in vague generals; nor do such writers seem to possess that versatility and range of capacity which distinguish those who have drunk deep of the "Castalian spring." But abstracted from these advantages, the mind, habituated in early life to the steady attention requisite in school-business, is found to possess the useful quality of being able to devote itself at any time afterwards to such close application as particular situations in life may demand. And that this is a most important qualification, it would be absurd to deny.

Now, though we have no faith in the Madras or any other system adding much improvement to classical knowledge, in the present defective state of the English part of our Latin Dictionaries, yet we sincerely think that the desirable, object of habits, of order, and close attention, are better secured by the Madras plan, than by any other. We perfectly coincide with Mr. Marriott in the following obser

vation :

"In that system there is an undoubted tendency to produce those habits and order in conduct which are legitimate subjects of education among the children of the rich, equally as among the children of the poor. If, therefore, the only objection against the introduction of that system among the higher orders, the incompetency of boys to do justice to the office of teacher to their peers, has been shown to be at least premature (inasmuch as to the elementary parts of classical education, few are now disposed to say it will not immediately apply,) a very strong additional motive may be hereby urged for the adoption of the Madras School in every seminary wherein the regulation of the conduct, early habits of good order, and the purest practices for self-government, are recognized as essential foundations of a Christian education." Pp. 42, 43. GENT, MAG, March, 1820.

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The grand evil of classical education is its tediousness. In Germany we are told that proficiency is acquired in three years, chiefly by means of conversation in Latin. Our grand desideratum in this country is a Dictionary, which would render all our English modes of expression in the pure Latin corresponding idiom; as "in my opinion," me judice; so the matter stands, "sie se res habet;" aud many other such colloquisms, which are baldly rendered in our present promptoria parvulorum; because, in the greater part, they are mere transcripts of books, edited in an age when Monastic or Law Latin was only used. Horne Tooke said, we believe, that in Johnson's English Dictionary were no less than sixteen thousand words, which were never used in speaking or writing. We have seen small school English vocabularies which reject all such superfluous words, and we conceive that were there Latin Dictionaries simply confined to such words, and the idiomatic phraseology before mentioned; and were short English sentences orally delivered by the teacher or monitor to be extemporaneously translated, instead of written exercises, the Madrassystem might be most usefully applied, as a more expedite method of acquiring the copia verborum and grammatical construction. Declination and parsing, as interrogative, fall per se within the plan. We think also, under correction, that were the commencement of classical education to be limited to these modes of acquiring Latin, which the Reader will see proceeds exclusively upon the plan of rejecting at first the conversion of Latin into English, or construing, only supplying the grammar, idiom, and copia verborum, that then the succeeding labour of translating the Classicks would be reduced to almost nothing, because little or no Dictionary work would be wanting. The Reader will observe, that Mr. Marriott gives us no details of the processes used in classical seminaries, conducted according to the Madras plan; and all we know on the subject is, that Mr. Edgeworth has been most zealous in his endea vours to introduce it. But every reflecting person must see, that on account of the Dictionary labour, or acquisition of the copia verborum, re

duction

duction of the Latin, as much as possible to the self-intelligent form of a native language, must render the Madras system of similar easy adaptation to a dead language. We speak of course in the infancy of the thing, and all we mean is, that, furnish the copia verborum, and the Madras processes will then apply in Latin as in English, with the simple substitution of parsing for spelling.

Mr. Marriott, who is a very able and very exemplary Clergyman, will, we are convinced, take these hints as we mean them, namely, that he will pursue the subject, and let not his well-merited laurels become a mere family trophy. We cordially wish that he may favour the world with a plan in detail, which may convert his Isthmian crown into a statue, voted by public approbation. We have merely indulged in the hints which we have given, because we know that no person can either write or speak Latin classically and idiomatically by the mere means of such dictionaries as those now in use. We have no ideas of instructing a clever man who has made himself master of a particular subject; but we know that classical students, from the defect mentioned, are now obliged to travel in woods. where there are neither roads or direction-posts. We ourselves have had a nine-years education in a public school; and know that we acquired our knowledge of Latin composition solely by memory and selection, and imitation; and we do not remember with pleasure castigations originating in the defects of our Dictionaries.

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Dorchester Gaol The Bible Newton, Boyle, Paschal, Clarendon - The Playhouse, Bagnio, Tavern - Travelling in France Historic Facts of the Bible— Grand Discoveries respecting the Soul, Voltaire Mr. by Surgeon Lawrence. Locke-Diderot Condorcet-Sir Isaac Newton- The Brains The Prophets and Apostles-Lazarus-Verdict of Reason Addison Miss H. More - Bri tish Review South Sea Islander Catechism and Bible - Stubborn Englishman- Lord Byron- His Retreat-Employments Don Juan- its Beauties and Mockeries - Death of Infidels-England's Duty Religion in America, &c. &c. &c."

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In conclusion the Oxonian says,

"I am, Mr. Bull, with the highest esteem and respect, and with the strongest anxiety, that your good old honest, patriotic, Christian character, may never be changed, your cordial well-wisher,"

"Should this letter, Mr. Bull, gain your attention, I shall take an early opportunity of laying before you the Contrast, in a letter, descriptive of the Royal Triumvirate, of which the late worthy Duke of Kent, our late venerable Sovereign, his present Majesty, and his amiable Ďaughter the late Princess Charlotte, will be the leading characters."

66. The Palace of John Bull contrasted with the Poor House that Jack built. 8vo. pp. 24. Greenland.

A WELL-MEANT endeavour to stem the torrent of Sedition; concluding with a Loyal Song, and illustrated by Eight neat Copper-plates.

67. The Emigrant's Guide to Upper Canada; or, Sketches of the present State of that Province, collected from a residence therein during the years 1817, 1818, 1819. Interspersed with Reflections. By C. Stuart, Esq. retired Captain of the Honourable the East India Company's Service, and one of his Majesty's Justices of the Peace for the Western District of Upper Canada. 12mo. pp. 335. Longman and Co.

THIS will be found an indispensable Guide to those who are inclined to visit Canada, and aa amus

ing volume to those who are not.

The Author writes from actual observation, and authentic documents; and the prospects held out by him are pleasing and satisfactory. The Topography and the Climate are well described; and the terms on which settlers are received by the Government fully explained.

LITERARY

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LITERARY INTELLIGENCE.

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A Catechism on the Evidences of Christianity, by the Rev. Dr. YATES.

Sermons on the Death of his Majesty George III. by the Rev. J. DAVIES, the Rev. T. PINCHBACK, and the Rev. GEORGE BURDER.

A Sermon on the Death of the Duke of Kent and his Majesty George III. by the Rev. A. REED.

The best provision for the Poor, a Sermon preached at the opening of St. Mat thew's Chapel, Manchester, by the Rev. R. BRADLEY.

The Truth, Nature, and Universality of the Gospel; a Sermon preached at Stirling, June 29, 1819; by RALPH WARDLAND, D.D. 8vo.

A Sermon delivered at the Meetinghouse, Dean-street, Southwark; by J. M. CRAMP.

Seasonable Advice to Youth on the Study of the Scriptures. By the Rev. F. A. Cox, A.M.

Historical Work on the Persecutions in France; by the Rev. MARK WILKS. The Life of Brainerd; by the Rev. Dr. STYLES.

The Picture of Yarmouth, embellished with Twenty Engravings, and a Ground Plan of that ancient and populous Borough; by JoHN PRESTON, Esq. Collector of his Majesty's Customs for that Port.

The Adventures of Thomas Eustace, of Chinnor, Oxfordshire, who fled from his Apprenticeship at Amersham, and was shipwrecked off the Coast of America, when he hung by his hands, to the side of the Ship, for eighteen hours, in consequence of which he lost his limbs, but was at length restored, and became the Master of Amersham Workhouse, in 1818. By a CLERGYMAN.

The Thistlewoods uprooted in Catostreet; or, the Radicals unmasked and outwitted with an Engraving of the Radical Parliament.

Preparing for Publication.

A Refutation of the Objections to the New Translation of the Bible. By J. BELLAMY, Author of the "Anti-Deist," &c.

A Volume of Sermons by Mr. BRADLEY, of High Wycombe.

A New Quarterly Journal and Review, to be entitled "The Investigator." The object of this Work is to connect sound Learning and the various branches of Polite Literature, with an undeviating attention to the principles of pure and undefiled Religion, and to the best Interests of Society, without distinction of Sect or Party.

Picturesque illustrations of Buenos Ayres and Monte Video, consisting of 24 Views, and faithful representations of the: Costumes, Manners, &c. of the Inhabi tants of those cities and their environs. Taken on the spot by E. E. VIDAL, Esq. and accompanied with descriptive letterpress.

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A" Splendid and Unique Illustration of Pennant's London," from the Chiswick press. The work we are informed, when bound, will constitute twenty-four volumes in atlas folio; but as the whole is in loose' sheets, and classed in appropriate portfolios, the possessor may please himself in making any arrangement he may choose. Although the illustrations are so very numerous, amounting to more than three thousand prints and drawings, the work is susceptible of great additions." Hence the purchaser has the option of. either binding it in its present very copious state, or augmenting its embellishments to almost any extent. The key to this treasure is to be found at Mr. Triphook's.

The History of the Rebellion in 1745 and 1746 containing the causes of the Pretender's defeat at Culloden, and a variety of interesting Anecdotes hitherto unknown. By CHEVALIER JOHNSTONE, Aidede-Camp to Prince Edward Charles Stewart and Lord George Murray. With an account of his subsequent adventures in Scotland, England, Holland, France, Russia, and America. The Manuscript of Chevalier Johnston was originally deposited in the Scots College at Paris.

An Account of Timbuctoo and Housan Territories in the Interior of Africa, by

EL

EL HAGE ABD SALDM SHABEENIE, a na tive of Marocco, who personally visited and resided as a Merchant in those interesting Countries. With Notes, critical and explanatory, by J. G. JACKSON, late British Consul at Vera Cruz, &c.

A History of the Zodians, illustrating the natural origin of Public Institutions and the influence in society of the prin ciples and expedients of political economy.

A Series of Characteristic Portraits of the Cossacks attached to the Prussian Army which occupied Paris in 1815 and 1816; with ample details of the History, Manners, and Customs of the different Tribes to which they belonged.

Le Guesta d'Enrico IV. in Italian verse, by Mr. GUAZZARONI, author of the Italian Grammar, &c.

A Geological Primer, in Verse, with a Poetical Geognosy; or, Feasting and Fighting; and sundry right pleasant Poems ; to which is added, a Critical Dissertation on King Cool's Levee, addressed to the Professors and Students at the University of Oxford.

A new and splendid Edition, in Monthly Numbers, of the Genuine Works of Hogarth; from the original Plates purchased from his Executrix, by Messrs. BOYDELL, and now the property of Messrs. BALDWIN, CRADOCK, and Joy. These plates have the advantage of Hogarth's last thoughts, and the present Impression of them is to be superintended by Mr. HEATH, and illustrated by Mr. NICHOLS.

Taxidermy; or, the art of Collecting, Preparing, and Mounting objects of Natural History for the use of Museums and Travellers.

"Royal Virtue." A Tour to Kensing ton, Windsor, and Claremont, or a contemplation of the character and virtues of George III. the Duke of Kent, and the Princess Charlotte, in the scenes where they were principally displayed.

We long felt surprize that Mr. COXE'S excellent History of the House of Austria has not reached a new edition, particularly as the Work is no less interesting than elaborate, and much admired abroad, being in fact the only regular history of that family in any language. A strong proof of its merit and authenticity has been given by those who must be considered as competent judges; for the archdukes John and Louis, in their passage through Salisbury, honoured the author with a visit, and thanked him, not only in their own names, but in those of the Emperor and the archduke Charles, for the able and authentic manner in which he had illustrated the History of their House. At length, however, we have the satisfaction to announce a new edition, in five volumes octavo, of a work which ought

to undergo the attentive perusal of every one who professes to understand the His. tory of Europe, and the political relations of its different States. It embraces a period of 800 years.

Mr. BOWDITCH, the conductor of the ceJebrated Mission to Ashantee, has just published the interesting Travels of Mr. MOLLIEN in the Interior of Africa. These Travels, performed by a Gentleman whose adventurous spirit was not to be daunted even by the tremendous shipwreck of the Medusa, in which he was involved, record, we understand, some very important Geographical Discoveries; they make us acquainted with the sources of the Senegal, the Gambia, the Rio Grande, and the Faleme, and correct the erroneous notions entertained respecting the situation of the source of the Niger, and the course of that river, which has been a subject of so much speculation.

LITERATURE IN GREECE.

The Greek Journal, Hermes No Logios, for Sept. 1819, contains, among other articles, a memoir in the form of a letter, of the services rendered during twenty years, to Greece, by the brothers Zosimas-they are both numerous and important. "These worthy and respectable sons of the country," says the writer, "could no longer endure to see it covered with the shades of ignorance; but concluded that to be rendered happy, it must be enlightened. They have established at Joaunina, in Epirus, their native country, a school of the first order, have enriched it with an excellent library, have assigned considerable funds for the emolument of professors, have granted pensions to poor students, and have spared no expense to assist in raising their unfortunate country. To their munificence we owe the Greek Bibliotheca of Mr. Coray, with its excellent commentaries, the fruit of much study and learning. The eldest of the brothers Zosimas has resided from his youth at Moscow. The venerable mother of the Emperor Alexander, being a few years ago in that ancient capital of the Czars, desired to see the benefactor of Greece, caused him to be presented, entered into conversation with him, with distinguished good-will, and among other things said to him "M. Zosimas, the benefits which you confer every day on your countrymen, are known to my son, and to me: continue them! and assure yourself, that independently of our satisfaction, the blessings of those whom you render happy, will rise even to heaven." Turning afterwards to the other Greeks who were present, "Gentlemen," said she, "this is the true ornament of your nation."

Messrs. Zosimas have formed at Moscow a considerable collection of antiqui

1820.]

Antiquarian and Philosophical Researches.

ties, &c. with, which they purpose some day to enrich their native country, Greece.

The Greek printing-office established at Chios, has began its labours. The first work it has produced, is an excellent discourse by Professor Bambas, at the opening of the great college of Chios. This is so well executed, and printed with so much elegance, that even the Parisians speak of it as worthy to be attributed to the Paris press. This establishment bids fair to be

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come the means of distributing throughout Greece a succession of important works, destined to contribute to the re generation of that classic country.

At Zagori, in the province of Epirus, a grand college is about to be established. The voluntary contributions towards this poble undertaking amount to about 3,000%. M. Neophytos Doucas, a learned ecclesiastic, has given for his share a sum approaching to 5004.

ANTIQUARIAN AND PHILOSOPHICAL RESEARCHES.

EGYPTIAN ANTIQUITIES.

In our former Numbers * we have frequently had the satisfaction of noticing the important discoveries made by M. Caviglia and Mr. Salt amongst the Py. ramids of Egypt. The most splendid of M. Caviglia's labours was that of uncovering the colossal Andro-sphynx, in front of the pyramid of Cephrenes. The labour was immense: it cost him three months incessant exertion, with the assistance of from 60 to 100 persons every day, to lay open the whole figure to its base, and expose a clear area, extending 100 feet from its front; a labour in which they were greatly impeded by the moveable nature of the sand, which, by the slightest wind or concussion, was apt to run down like a cascade of water, and fill up the excavation. This colossal figure is cut out of the rock; the paws, and some projecting lines, where perhaps the rock was deficient, or which may have been repaired since its first construction, being composed of masonry.

On the stone platform in front, and centrally between the paws of the sphynx, which stretch out fifty feet in advance of the body, was found a large block of granite, two feet thick, fourteen high, and seven broad. It fronts the East, as does the face of the sphynx, is highly embelJished with sculptures in bas-relief, representing two sphynxes on pedestals, and priests presenting offerings, with a well. executed hieroglyphical inscription beneath the whole covered at top, and protected as it were with the sacred globe, the serpent, and the wings. Two other tablets of calcareous stone, similarly ornamented, were conjectured, with the former, to have constituted part of a temple, by being placed one on each side of the latter at right angles to it. One of them was in its place, the other thrown down and broken. A small lion couchant, with its eyes directed towards the sphynx, was in front of this edifice. Several fragments of other lions and the fore-part of a sphynx, were likewise found; all of

which, as well as the sphynx, the tablets, walls, and platform, on which the little temple stood, were covered with red paint, which would seem here, as in India, to have been appropriated to sacred purposes; perhaps as being the colour of fire. A granite altar stands in front of the temple, one of the four horns being still in its place, and the effects of fire visible on the top of the altar. On the side of the paw of the great sphynx, and on the digits of the paws, are Greek inscriptions; as also on some small edifices in front of the sphynx, inscribed to the Sphynx, to Harpocrates, Mars, Hermes, to Claudius, (on an erasure, in which can be traced a former name, that of Nero,) to Septimus Severus (over an erasure of Geta), &c.

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A rich harvest of Antiquities has been obtained in exploring the contents of several of the ruined edifices and tumuli which, when viewed from the top of the great Pyramid, appear in countless numbers scattered among the pyramids, extending on the left bank of the Nile, North and South as far as the eye can reach. They have been mentioned by travellers, but never examined before with the attention they merit. The stone buildings to which they gained access, by freeing them from the sand and rubbish with which they were choked, and which Mr. Salt supposes to be mausoleums, are generally oblong, with their walls slightly inclined inward from the perpendicular, flat-roofed, with a parapet rounded at top, and rising about a foot above the terrace. Their walls are constructed of large masses, made nearly to fit with each other, though rarely rectangular. Some have door-ways, ornamented above with a volute, covered with hieroglyphics; others only of square apertures, gradually narrowing inward. The doors and windows are all on the North sides; perhaps because least exposed to the windcarried sands from the Libyan desert. The inside of the walls of the first he examined was stuccoed, and embellished with rude paintings; one of which represented the

* See vol. LXXXIX. i. pp. 349. 445. ii, 62. Sacred Boat, another a Frocession; and

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