OPINIONS OF THE PRESS, This Journal admits light and agreeable literature, as well as severe argument; opens its columns freely to the fair statement of opinions, and endeavours to win a welcome from all orders of thinking readers. The object of the work is to put forward and support provincial talent, whether in literature or in art; to promote mental, moral, and social improvement, and to interest in investigation. The number of pages is increased from eight to twelve, and the study of the Editor is to occupy the columns with information of the most valuable and pleasing description.— Chronicle. GAWTHROP'S JOURNAL. Another and a spirited attempt is being made in Liverpool to establish a local literary magazine. The effort is praiseworthy and deserves to be successful. Thirteen numbers have now been published. They contain many interesting original essays, valuable reports of lectures delivered at the Mechanics' and Literary Institutions, and pretty, original poems. The publication already has been instrumental in doing good; has, in some instances, created, and in others encouraged, a taste for a more elevated kind of reading; and, in consequence, has met with the patronage of many of our most distinguished merchants and of several well-known clergymen. The number of pages is increased from eight to twelve. The study of the editor is to occupy the columns with valuable and pleasing information.-Albion. GAWTHROP'S JOURNAL.-A periodical low in price and well conducted, devoted to the institutions of the town, and to the spread of useful knowledge among the humble classes of society, was much wanted in Liverpool. The attempt to establish such an one is being spiritedly made by the conductor of the above journal, and we hope his exertions will be crowned with success. His publication contains many original and valuable essays, pleasing poetry, and interesting, well-written tales.-Courier. · GAWTHROP'S JOURNAL. This useful little periodical is fast working its way to public notice and favour. It contains many very valuable original essays, poems, and interesting tales, as well as reports of lectures, delivered at the Mechanics' and other Institutions. The want of a paper such as this has often been felt and expressed in Liverpool. The spirited exertions which are now being made by the proprietor deserve to be crowned with success.-Standard. This is a very useful and well-conducted little Journal of Art, Science, and Institution Reports. The attempt to establish a local literary periodical is dangerous but highly praise-worthy. The experiment deserves to be successful. The original essays are valuable and well-written, the poetry is good and the tales are interesting.-Liverpool Mail. JOHN EDWARDS, successor to Mr. William Blewitt, respectfully informs his Friends, and the Public of Liverpool and its vicinity generally, that he has commenced business at the Premises lately occupied by Mr. Blewitt, Dyer, at No. 64, (late 109,) Richmon-row, No. 6; Nelson-street, Great George-street, near Dr. Raffles' Chapel, and at No. 50, Oldhall-street, Liverpool, where he purposes carrying on the business of DYEING, in all its various departments, in the London style. J. Edwards is desirous of affording his friends and the public the assurance that all work entrusted to his care will receive the utmost attention, and having engaged first-rate workmen from the Metropolis, he is enabled to execute all orders with which he may be favoured, in the first style of elegance and finish, equal to the best London Dyeing Establishments, with the utmost punctuality, and on the most moderate terms. J. E. has to announce that he has made arrangements which will enable him to send for and return Articles to be Dyed, to any distance within ten miles of Liverpool. AGENTS. A, M. Scolfield, Bridge-street, Runcorn; J. Burder, Denbigh; Thomas Lindon, Tontine-street, St. Helen's; Thomas Naylor, Walgate, Wigan. LONDON AND DUBLIN PORTER, A BOTTLED. TO FAMILIES, PUBLICANS, &c. : GENUINE STOCK of the above Articles, of the best quality, may be had on the most reasonable terms, from JAMES DICKSON, 14, SOUTH JOHN-STREET, CORNER OF CABLE-STREET. Wines, Spirits, Cordials, &c. supplied in the smallest quantities. Liverpool:-Printed at HUGH GAWTHṚOP's General Printing Office, Clarence Buildings, 34, North John-street. Published by CHARLES DAVIES 32, North John Street, ARNOLD, South John Street, and all other Booksellers and News Agents. OF LITERATURE, SCIENCE AND ART. No. 15. THE ART UNION; OR, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5, THE WORLD AT ONE VIEW. MANUFACTURES, COMMERCE, AND AGRICULTURE. WE stated in our last (the fourteenth number) that we were commencing a new era in the literary labours of our native town, and described the new discovery to enable mariners to guide themselves from the danger of storms on the ocean. We rejoice to find the subject is now taken up seriously by the Ship Masters' Association of this town; and that a Petition is preparing to be sent to both Houses of Parliament praying that a Board of Council at each Seaport be appointed to grant Diplomas to Captains before they are placed in command of Ships, and life and property is committed to their charge. The Union of information on the Arts, Manufactures, Commerce, and Agriculture, is of the greatest importance to our enterprising community. We solicit this at the hands of our scientific friends and readers, and feel deeply indebted to those young enthusiastic and patriotic patrons, who have so liberally bestowed upon us their favours, and, especially those gentlemen who have suggested to us the course recommended in our eleventh number (for 11th December, 1841,) on the Study of, and most wonderful discoveries in, the all-important subject of Agriculture, which absorbs so much capital, and whose anuual productions, as enumerated by the statistical dissected table in our last number, above-noted, is shown to amount to the incredible sum of £474,020, 688 sterling, per Annum. We trust our Commercial and Manufacturing friends will enable us to give some additional information in their respective departments-that we may present to our readers useful and general facts on all subjects worthy the consideration of the rising generation. In the mean-time we recommend to our Merchants the following article, extracted from our port-folio, shewing the enterprise of our English manufacturers, from the midland counties, settled in Ireland, whereby two or three objects are combined, viz.:-increase of Manufacturing Capital in a new district of Great Britain, where food is so cheap and labour is almost at a nominal rate-Females asking to be employed at only 3d. to 4d. per day-Rents remarkably low-cheap and expeditious transit to the Dublin, London, Glasgow, Manchester and Liverpool markets, independently of the praiseworthy object of employing the people, and of Consumers being on the spot, growing rich by their annually increasing agricultural products. We see no reason that Ireland, with a population of eight millions of people, should not 1842. be fully employed at home, both on Hosiery, Cotton, and Woollen Fabrics, without, in the slightest degree, injuring the English Manufactures. Indeed, it would rather stimulate them than otherwise from the circumstances that, as they improved in taste, cleanliness, and industry, their wants would increase in the same ratio, and they would thus become customers, on a much larger scale; this must be the case from the circumstance of travelling becoming so much extended in Ireland, as we may imagine from the fact, that M. BIANCONI, of Clonmel, (an Italian) has a stud of 1300 horses, a much larger number than her Majesty has in Ireland; that his cars travel daily 3500 miles, with passengers, from place to place, visiting no fewer than one hundred and twenty-eight cities and towns in the sister kingdom. We wonder if our townsman, Mr. Bretherton, ever accomplished such a task. This cheap and convenient mode of travelling superseded the necessity of post chaises, which are now rarely employed. As an instance of the capabilities of, and encouragement given to, Manufactures in Ireland, we present our readers with the following, which we hope will be interesting also to our female readers, being important in a national point of view, so many of the softer sex being employed in this beautiful and ornamental fancy work, viz.-THE LACE MANUFACTORIES OF LIMERICK, KILRUSH AND CLARE. There are three principal lace manufactories in Limerick; that of Messrs. Walker and Lambert is the oldest, and continues to be the most extensive. A considerable loss was sustained by Mr. Walker at the commencement of his patriot undertaking; but as he became acquainted with the character and habits of the people, he was enabled, gradually, to overcome the diffiulties in his way; and of late years his establishment has steadily progressed. At the present time he employs 1,100 females, about 800 of whom are apprentices, working in the factories of Limerick and Kilrush; while about 300 are employed at their own houses, in the counties of Limerick and Clare. The great superiority of the lace manufactured by these gentlemen, over that of a similar class of goods made either at Nottingham or other lace-manufacturing districts of England, is universally admitted by all who are acquainted with it. It should be borne in mind, that a vast quantity of inferior material is constantly thrown into the market as Limerick lace, that has no affinity to it, either in design or in execution. The manufactory next in importance is that of Mr. Lloyd, (an Englishmen, as well as Mr. Walker. He settled in the city in 1834, to aid in the management of Mr. Walker's concern, where he continued for eighteen months, devoting his attention to the introduction of a new style of work, which he asserts "has given to the manufacture the character it now bears in the English and Scotch markets." In 1835, a separation took place between Mr. Walker and Mr. Lloyd; and the latter commenced the establishment which he now carries on, in Abbey Court; where he employs about 400 girls and women, whose ages vary from eight or nine to about thirty. A third factory, but more limited, is that of Mr. Greaves, (an Englishman also;) it was commenced, in 1836, on a small scale, but in consequence of the great energy and activity manifested by this gentleman, his factory has largely increased; he now gives employment to 200 females, and is continually adding to the number. In the several establishments, the utmost attention is paid to the social and moral condition of the workers; and good habits are studiously taught them as well as their business; they are remarkably cleanly and well.. ordered; and their appearance is healthy and comfortable. Their health is carefully watched by medical practitioners, who attend upon them at their own houses in cases of illness, the expense of which is defrayed by the masters. The utmost attention is paid to them by their instructors, who are much interested as well as earnestly disposed to render them proficients in their work. They are apprenticed at an early age, and although some time must elapse before the employer can receive any recompense from their labour, they at once receive a small rate of wages, equivalent, however, to their actual wants, and augmenting as they progress. The proprietors of the several concerns spare neither trouble nor expense to improve the manufacture. Mr. Lloyd annually visits Brussels, Caen, and other parts of France, to collect new designs; and he is consequently enabled to produce specimens as elegant and highly wrought, as any of the continental manufacture. We have taken some pains to examine into the character of the Limerick lace, and procured specimens from the three leading manufactories, with a view to compare them with those produced in England and on the Continent. We fearlessly assert-and challenge scrutiny— that it may vie in delicacy and beauty of finish with anything of the kind wrought at the present time in Europe; while it is infinitely less costly than that manufactured in France or Belgium, and considerably cheaper than that of Nottingham or either of the lace districts of this country. Here are two lappets from Mr. Walker's factory; for the one we have paid eight and sixpence, and for the other seven shillings for inferior articles we have paid half as much again in London. Here is a collar, elaborately worked in six different stitches, and inlaid with the finest cambric; this specimen would be charged at the lace house in London at least sixteen shillings. We have paid for it ten shillings. Imitations of Point and Lisle lace are rendered with great accuracy; and the muslin work in shirts, cuffs, pocket-handkerchiefs, &c., &c., is deserving of all praise. From the factory of Mr. Greaves we procured three specimens: a muslin collar, made at the establishment in the county Clare, fifteen shillings; a habit shirt, made in the establishment at Limerick, ten shillings; a canezou, made at the same place, twelve shillings and sixpence. From the factory of Mr. Lloyd we obtained a singularly beautiful specimen-a shawl, charged to us £1 9s. -but this we believe is the wholesale price, for he does not deal by retail. We must, of course, trust that our readers will have confidence in our statement, (for it is impossible here to establish it by proof,) and that some of them will put it to the test, by obtaining specimens from either of the factories which they may easily do through the post-office, (the medium through which we had our supply ;) a more certain mode of procuring it genuine than by an application to a London dealer in the article. It should be especially noted, that the three gentlemen who conducted these three establishments, (the only establishments, we believe, in Limerick) are Englishmen. We desire to lay some stress upon this fact; because we are fully aware-and desire earnestly to extend the union-that it is of the utmost consequence to Ireland to induce English capitalists to settle in the country, and to introduce, with the means of turning its vast natural wealth to account, the prudent, reflective, and persevering habits so characteristic of the English people. We have been already taken to task-somewhat thoughtlessly if not uncourteously -in an Irish newspaper, for placing undue value upon the benefit to be derived to Ireland from this source; but it is a fact beyond question that the great majority of speculations, out of which extended employment has arisen, have originated in English enterprise, and been conducted and continued by English capital. Now that the Irish have so generally, we may almost write so universally, thrown off the habit that for so long a period created distrust in the quantity of malt used last year in the Irish distilleries, there appears a decrease of 2,852,416 proof gallons of whisky, as compared with the preceding year-an amount that may be reasonably trebled in calculating the quantity consumed, allowing for its deteriation, and for the total abolition of the elicit trade,) there cannot but ensue a much stronger desire on the part of capitalists in England to employ their energies in Ireland-a soil so rich that the hand of industry may make it constantly and abundantly productive. If we again revert to the statement we have quoted-on the authority of a Manchester manufacturer -it is the fervent hope, that the more considerate and reflecting will perceive how safe and sure a way may be opened for the improvement of the country and the benefit of its people ; and that while "agitation" is kept up, Ireland, if it do not retrograde, can make but little progress in advance.—Mr. and Mrs. Hall's Ireland. The above is from Mr. and Mrs. Hall's work, now publishing in Ireland. We are sorry to find, since the above went to press, that the Irish are obliged to send their lace to Glasgow to be bleached; whereas, twenty-five years back, bleaching powders were imported here and at Glasgow from Ireland, as they possessed the art better-from a knowledge of the linen trade. It has also been long known that Manchester manufacturers send their bleach goods to Glasgow to be dyed Turkey red. ROYAL LIVER THEATRE. This pretty little theatre still continues to attract her Majesty's subjects, and every evening presents to the spirited lessee the pleasing sight of a gratified and by no means scanty audience. During the week Mr. Collins has been greatly successful: his Paul Clifford is a spirited performance, and his favourite song, "Hurrah for the Road," wins a nightly encore. Mr. Raymond and Mr. Tilbury, as Mc. Shane and Aspen, in the Farce, are irresistable, and exert their powers to the great danger of the nerves of the audience. The Burlesque upon Norma increases nightly in attraction. Mrs. Raymond and Mrs. Marshall taking the house by storm, and winning for themselves increased fame and profit. We can only add that we would strenuously advise our friends, should they be troubled with enuui, to visit this theatre without delay. Should they not be so afflicted, we would still advise them to hasten there, in compliance with the well known maxim, "Prevention is better than cure." THE ART OF TESTING OR DISTINGUISHING ONE SUBSTANCE FROM ANOTHER; Concisely arranged in a series of Tables, displaying, at one view, BY FELIX WEISS, ESQ. INTRODUCTION. Man can occupy no station in life in which a knowledge of those substances by which he is surrounded is not of the highest advantage to him; and though the information required may in most cases be only superficial, yet to be totally devoid of it, lays the individual open to the grossest imposition. The properties of all substances vary greatly; while some are useful, others are useless or noxious: a proper distinction of them, therefore, constitutes one of the first things necessary in the study of nature; for, as a judge, magistrate, barrister, or juryman, how powerful must be the chemical evidence upon which the life of a criminal depends. The classification which I have adopted in this table is one that so plainly shows the nature of the body under examination at a glance, that its perusal will at once justify its claims to popularity. Any further introduction will, therefore, be needless and uncalled for, excepting a short analysis of the various divisions in this table. In the first column we have alphabetically arranged those substances the properties of which we desire to know classed under their old or common names, and we have done so for two reasons:-first, because it is by these names they are known to the generality of individuals, and secondly, by these names they will also be known to the chemical student; but in order that their new or chemical names may be also known, I have affixed a second column containing them. By this means those unacquainted with the Chemical Nomenclature will, while referring to them in this table under their common names, have an opportunity of consulting eminent works on the subject, being thus acquainted with their chemical names under which they are classed; but I cannot pass the important subject of the chemical nomenclature without quoting a few words from an eminent writer on this subject:-" There is of necessity a nomenclature in every science; and chemistry has its peculiar terms as well as other departments. In the construction of the language of modern chemistry, the terms employed happily express the materials of which bodies are composed, and become thus descriptive. Were the nomenclature of this science the exclusive property of any people or country, it would be a sealed fountain to all else beside; but since chemistry is the birthright of all, her legend must be formed of plastic materials obtained from a common source, that all may read the history of her wonders. The terms of the modern nomenclature are, therefore, obtained from the language which is venerable from antiquity-the vehicle of classic song, and which has ever formed an essential part of the scholastic studies of Europe. A proper estimate of the superior value of the new nomenclature may be best obtained by comparison, contrasting the new and old in juxta-position; and we much mistake if, while it throws the old terms into the back ground and the shade, it does not bespeak a ready acquiescence in favour of the new nomenclature. In this comparison the se lection may be limited and yet supply an ample specimen. Oil of tartar, oil of vitriol, butter of antimony, horn silver, sugar of lead, and cream of tartar, are terms altogether void of meaning, and signify nothing. In the term copperas we might consider copper to be present, and naturally enough expect to find lead in black lead; yet the former is a sulphate of iron, and the latter a compound of iron and carbon. Nor is this the worst of these antiquated and unmeaning epithets, for the unwary would little suspect a fatal poison under the gifted name of acid of sugar. "When we turn to the new nomenclature, a more welcome language presents itself; though it cannot be reasonably expected that we are able to apply terms, critically descriptive of some invariable feature, to all the principles and elements of chemical research. Could this indeed be effected, the structure erected would be a durable monument of skill; it would be stamped with a permanence which nothing could possibly destroy, and which the novelties of discovery could never efface. Chlorine and iodine are examples of this description-these names are full of meaning, and the features on which they are founded can never change. Chlorine as chlorine, whether simple as now considered, or hereafter proved to be compound, can never cease to be presented in a green attire; and iodine in the state of vapour will ever assume a violet colour. Chlorine is derived from a Greek word signifying green; and iodine from a root implying violet. So far these names, therefore, are expressive and appropriate.” The compounds formed by the five Electro-Negative Elements, Oxygen, Chlorine, Bromine, Iodine, and Fluorine, always terminate in ide, thus-Oxide, Chloride, Bromide, Iodide, and Fluoride. The compounds of the Electro-Positive-Non-Metallic Elements, Sulphur, Carbon, Phosphorus, Boron, Selenium, and Hydrogen, have a termination of uret ; thus Sulphuret, Carburet, Phosphuret, &c. The prefixes proto, bi, or bin, ter, and per, denote the proportions in which these Elements are combined; thus-Protoxide, Binoxide, Teroxide, indicate compounds containing one, two, or three equivalents of oxygen, and peroxide the highest degree of oxidation. Acids terminating in ic form salts ending in ate, as: Sulphuric, Sulphate, Nitric, Nitrate, &c. Those ending in ous have salts terminating in ite, as: Sulphurous, Sulphite, Nitrous, Nitrite. Salts formed by the Protoxides are called Proto-Salts,-those containing peroxides, persalts; thus: Proto-Sulphate of Iron, Per-Sulphate of Mercury. Salts composed of one equivalent of base, and one equivalent of acid, are termed Neutral Salts; those composed of two equivalents of acid, joined to one of base, are termed Bisalts; those containing three equivalent to one of base, Sesquesalts; Di-salts or Sub-salts consist of one of acid united to twe of base. Water in combination with compounds form Hydrates; thus, Hydrate of Lime, those containing Alcohol, Alcoates. Having thus proceeded through the General principles of the Nomenclature which should be carefully examined, we shall continue our analysis. In the third column we have arranged, for the use of the student, the symbols or signs by which these substances, for brifeness, are expressed in Chemical Diagrams, &c.; most of them will, likewise, be found to express the composition of the substances for which they stand. In the fourth column we have what are styled the Atomic weights or combining quantities of the substance to which they are affixed, which will be better understood after a few introductory remarks. All bodies which unite The atoms of compounds are found by adding the atoms of their elements; thus 22 is the atom of the oxide of nitrogen, consisting of 8 oxygen, and 14 nitrogen. Hydrogen being taken as a standard of comparison (it being the lightest substance in nature), the atomic weight of each element is ascertained by examining that quantity of it which combines with a given quantity of hydrogen. Thus, 8 of oxygen combine with 1 of hydrogen; 8, therefore, is the atom of oxygen, hydrogen being 1. But if any substance do not combine with hydrogen, then its atom is ascertained by finding out in what quantity it combines with the atom of any other substance which can unite with hydrogen. For instance, silver does not combine with hydrogen, but 100 of silver combine with 8 of oxygen; therefore 100 is the atomic number of silver, for that quantity of silver combines with 8 of oxygen, which again unites with 1 of hydrogen. From these remarks the principle of the atomic Theory may be understood. In the fifth column we have a number of letters standing for certain words, expressive of the state in which the substance is found, viz. :-S. solid, F. Fluid, G. gaseous, M. metallic, C. crystalized. In the 6th the colour of the substance under examination, which is a great guide to its distinction. In the 7th a class of re-agents, called TESTS, substances" which, when added to that under examination, produce such a change as to lead the observer to discover its chemical nature or composition; a conviction derived either from his own experience or from information received from others." Now this information we have arranged in our eighth column under the title of "appearance produced." In the ninth the chemical composition of each substance from the most accurate analysis; and in the tenth such remarks as are necessary to the full explanation of the subject also room for such as the student may think fit to make. We shall leave a space after each letter in our alphabetical list, so that the student may add any substance that we have not thought important enough to place in this table. PARLOUR DRAMAS. We have just heard that it is the intention of the members of the Junior Literary and Philosophical Society, to give a series of Parlour Dramas at their institution, No. 8, Trafalgar-street, Russel-street. The advantages arising from this instructive recreation must be obvious to all; the drama opens a field wherein the elocutionist may labour to the greatest advantage, at the same time reaping that knowledge (viz :-information on the drama,) most suited to his talents. As a task by which the memory may be improved and cultivated, such performances stand unrivalled, also, as a means whereby a certain degree of confidence may be embibed, such recitations stand preeminent; for without confidence, though we be possessed of the rarest talents they are but as gems overlaid with clay, and years may pass before that covering be removed. Such an undertaking therefore deserves the highest praise and encouragement, and may be the means of promoting a degree of eloquence where most it is wanted, viz: among the middling classss. The only qualification required to take a part in this instructive study is to become a member. The first representation takes place early in February, and will commence with the trial scene from Shakespere's play of the Merchant of Venice. The characters of the Duke, Shylock, Antonio, Bassanio, Gratiano, Portio, &c., by the members. It may be necessary to mention here, that no change will takė place in the dresses of those employed in the representation of these sketches from the drama, and that the scenery will nearly represent a drawing-room. The above scene will be followed by a few well selected single pieces &c. in prose and poetry, and will conclude with a sketch from Sheridan's comedy of the Rivals; Sir Anthony, Absolute, Captain Absolute, Faulkland, Bob Acres, &c. by the members. F. S. W. TO MY BOOKS. Too long estranged, I ʼgain to ye return, Dear charmers of my idle evening hours! For fame again my breast begins to burn, Again it longs to climb her loftiest towers. Dear love of fame my youthful days first cherish'd, And long-oh! shame! ye early, dearest friends, I'll seek in ye, what nowhere else I find, |