the middle classes, and the greater condescension and willing co-operation of the elevated circles in every laudable enterprise, abundantly prove that these means of improvement are not extended in vain. Among these means, the formation of literary and philosophical societies, and the increase of useful and improving publications, hold a prominent rank: the former address themselves to man as a social creature, the latter as a reflecting being; the former call forth his dormant powers, the latter prepare them for exercise; these nourish and enrich his mind, those bring his resources into action, and deliver him from the reproach of merely living to himself. The Philomathic Institution cultivates literary composition as well as oral discussion; and the Directors, during the last year, yielded to the wishes of its Members in commencing this periodical, that a greater degree of permanency might be given to their contributions; that the domestic circle might more fully participate in the mental repast; and that, in some degree, the engagements of the members might contribute to the general stock of knowledge, and universal intellectual advancement. They have now completed their second volume, and are happy in the assurance that they have not disappointed the expectations of their friends. While they have reason to be gratified by the review of the past, they feel encouraged by the anticipation of the future. The Editors consider this Journal a miscellany, which, while it in some respects resembles contemporary publications, possesses characteristics peculiar to itself. It is not the vehicle of the interested few. The Institution, abstaining from political and theological controversy, admits to its body individuals respectable for their moral and intellectual worth, apart from these considerations; hence, com V. plete uniformity of opinion is not to be expected, nor in the search for truth, which none can boast of exclusively possessing, is it to be desired: still the directors, who are warm friends to piety, irrespective of sect, and to social order separate from party, admit not of lectures, essays, nor discussions, tending to promote any contrary cause. One feature, in this publication, is a condensed report of the principal discussions, affording peculiar advantages to the sincere inquirer, as it presents him with arguments and illustrations on either side of an important question, by which he can calmly compare contending opinions, thereby re-examining, enlarging, and confirming his own views, or yielding them to the greater force of opposing argument. Another characteristic of this Journal, although we will not call it a peculiarity, is, that its contents will not be confined to the popular topics of the day, or to considerations of minor importance, but comprehend series of papers on subjects of permanent interest: of this class are the lectures on the History of Ethics, and those on the structure of the English Language; the poems of Astrea, and the Siege of Constantinople, which, when completed, will be followed by others of a like character. It will, at the same time, as it has hitherto done, comprise papers of a miscellaneous description. In short, as the Members continually increase, the Journal, which is the informal report of the transactions of the Institution, cannot fail to increase in the variety and importance of its future contents. In reference to the Review Department, the Editors have only to add, that they expect to augment its interest without abating its impartiality. They hope to be instrumental in fostering rising talent, and in encouraging acknowledged ability; in recommending useful discovery, and promoting real improvement; and, at the same time, in discouraging the effusions of youthful vanity, and checking the reveries of pedantic assurance; in exposing the boasts of empirical pretence, and detecting the delusions of mere interested experiment. March 31, 1825. CONTENTS OF VOL. II. ORIGINAL COMPOSITIONS. PART I. The History of Ethics Astrea; a Poem; Canto III. On the Orthography of the English Language. Elegy on the Death of Capel Lofft, Esq. 1. Of Genius in General 11. Poetic Genius West's "Death on the Pale Horse"-A Poem.... Page 17 27 43 46 ib. iv. Of Imagination and Fancy v. Distinction between the Imagination and Fancy .... VI. Of the dependence of the Judgment upon the Imaginative DISCUSSION: "Are the Domestic Duties too much neglected in the present System of Female Education?" SONNET: Time Smiles and Tears.. On the Nature of Truth SONNET: Music ... .... DISCUSSION: "Are Corporate Bodies beneficial or injurious?". The Natural Language of the Feelings and Faculties Phrenologi "Have the Effects resulting from the Institution of Chivalry been more Beneficial or Injurious?". On the Public Spirit of the British and Roman People On the Nature and Advantages of a Social Disposition PART II. on the Death of her late Royal Highness the Princess Charlotte Augusta of Wales and Saxe-Coburg Phrenology; or the influence of Education upon Cerebral Deve The Siege of Constantinople; Book III. . DISCUSSION: Are Novels and Romances productive of more 241 252 260 268 272. 273 282 304 335 336 SONNET: Stowe Astrea ; a Poem: addressed to Myra DISCUSSION: Has Literature been more promoted by the Pa tronage of the Great, or by the Taste and Genius of the People? 346 Original Compositions continued. On the Use of History The New Minstrel; or, the Progress of Genius.... ..... ... DISCUSSION: Which ought to be more encouraged in the United SONNET: Love...... Page 362 $69 383 400 REVIEWS. PART I. "Theodric;" a Domestic Tale: and other Poems. By THOMAS CAMPBELL ... 175 Greece, in 1823 and 1824. By the Hon. Colonel Leicester Stanhope 196 An Outline of the System of Education at New Lanark. By Robert Dale Owen.... 203 A Diagram, illustrative of the Formation of the Human Character 222 Six Months' Residence and Travels in Mexico. By W. Bullock, F.L.S., &c. 224 Observations on the History, Use, and Construction, of Obturateurs, or Artificial Palates. By James Snell, Surgeon Dentist, &c... 232 A Practical Epitome and Exposition of the whole Stamp Law and Duties, &c. By J. A. Heraud 235 Time's Telescope, or the Astronomer's, Botanist's, and Naturalist's 237 Grammaire Française et Italienne de Veneroni contenant, &c. 238 PART II. Memoirs of the Life of John Philip Kemble, Esq. By JAMES 401 Remarks on what Mr. J. B. Logier calls his New System of Musical Education. By A. F. C. KOLLMAN The Legend of St. Loy; and other Poems. By JOHN ABRAHAM 450 The Hamiltonian System 457 Mr. Hamilton's Appeal.. 465 A Treatise on the Principles of the Usury Laws. By ROBERT 466 Travels in the Republic of Columbia, in the Years 1822 and 1823. 471 LITERARY NOTICES NEW WORKS JUST PUBLished 240, 480 240, 480 |
