finds in that which we possess; it being adapted to the moral condition of man in time, and every way applicable to his interests in a future state.

In proceeding through the detail of its progressive events, Mr. G. notices the objections to which certain passages, incidents, and facts, have been exposed. To these he pays becoming attention, and obviates their force in a very satisfactory manner, not by profound criticisms and learned dissertations, but by popular arguments, which are intelligible to common understandings, even though they have not been tutored in the schools of subtlety and erudition.

We do not, however, mean to suggest, that all the objections which ingenious infidelity may find occasion to urge, are here stated, investigated, and answered. To do this would require more room than the history itself is intended to occupy, and lead to digressions which would reduce the narrative to a rank of only secondary importance. From the specimens furnished, we may, however, perceive how other difficulties of a kindred character may also be surmounted; and, fortified with this principle, we readily follow the author in his march through the sacred history.

nor

The volume before us is replete with sound sense and solid argument. It never conducts the reader into visionary regions, where fancy triumphs over reason, leaves him bewildered in the thorny mazes of learned speculations. Taking it as a fair specimen of what is to follow, we conceive that this "History of the Bible" will be every way deserving the place it is intended to occupy in the "National Library."

REVIEW.-The Works of Dr. Isaac Burrow, with some Account of his Life, Summary of each Discourse, Notes, &c. By the Rev. J. S. Hughes, B.D. Vol. V. 8vo. pp. 534. Valpy. London. 1831. THE preceding volumes, containing the works of this extraordinary man, we have in several of our numbers taken occasion to notice. His fame was great while he was living, his reputation sustained no injury by death, and time has ever since been forbidden to touch it with his scythe. Of the twenty-one discourses contained in this volume, it will be needless to say more, than that they are founded on passages of scripture, which furnish the basis of what is generally denominated the Apostles' creed; that they display much learning, talent, and piety, and are every way worthy of the celebrated divine whose name they bear.

THE title of this book has a captivating appearance, but on examination it will be found every way applicable to its contents. The celebrated author, whose name it bears, is of sufficient importance to command respect, as nothing of an inferior order was ever known to issue from his pen. It was first published in 1739, and is now incorporated among the numerous treatises reprinted by the Religious Tract Society, to whose exertions the more valuable part of our community are very much indebted.

This work traces, in a concise manner, the prospects, intimations, indications, and development of the great plan of redemption, from the earliest ages down through succeeding periods, until "life and immortality were brought to light by the gospel;" uniting the various branches into one great whole, and illustrating them by an appeal to history, to facts, to prophecies, and to their remarkable and exact fulfilment.

Thus far the system is delineated with an able hand, the learned and pious author having unequivocal data for his reasonings and observations. But when he enters on "the completion of the work of redemption" in a future state, the ground on which he stands appears less secure. Entering a region that is veiled by the clouds and shadows of futurity, the light by which he is guided becomes, on many subordinate particulars, somewhat dim and indistinct. With general outline he is supplied by the predictions of the sacred writings, but the details drawn from this source are not unfrequently mixed up with mere human conjecture. We must, however, admit that the author's conjectures are generally accompanied with probability, and beyond this, perhaps, no inquiries can carry our

researches.

In this little volume Mr. Edwards has successfully traced the light beaming through all the inferior dispensations, and found it shining more and more unto the perfect day; and in the full blaze of its meridian glory, he has placed it before his readers.

considering as substances; and when all has disappeared, except perhaps some trifling ashes, we naturally enough suppose it is gone, lost, destroyed. But when the question is examined more exactly, we detect, in the invisible stream of heated air

which ascends from the glowing coal or flaming

wax, the whole ponderable matter, only united in a new combination with the air, and dissolved in it. Yet, so far from being thereby destroyed, it is only become again what it was before it existed in the form of charcoal or wax, an active agent in the business of the world, and a main support of vegetable and animal life, and is still susceptible of running again and again the same round, as circumstances may determine; so that, for aught we can see to the contrary, the same identical atom may be concealed for thousands of centuries in a limestone rock; may at length be quarried, set free in the linekiln, mix with the air, be absorbed from it by plants, and, in succession, become a part of the frames of myriads of living beings, till some concurrence of events consigns it once more to a long repose, which, however, no way unfits it from again resuming its former activity.-pp. 41.

"Use of Magnetic Masks.-In needle manufactories, the workmen who point the needles are con stantly exposed to excessively minute particles of steel, which fly from the grindstones, and mix, though imperceptible to the eye, as the finest dust in the air, and are inhaled with their breath. The effect, though imperceptible on a short exposure, yet, being constantly repeated from day to day. produces a constitutional irritation dependent on the tonic properties of the steel, which is sure to terminate in pulmonary consumption; insomuch, that persons employed in this kind of work used scarcely ever to attain the age of forty years. In vain was it attempted to purify the air before its entry into the lungs by gauzes or linen guards; the dust was too fine and penetrating to be obstructed by such coarse expedients, till some ingenious person bethought him of that wonderful power which every child who searches for its mother's needle with a magnet, or admires the motion and arrangement of a few steel filings on a sheet of paper held above it, sees in exercise. Masks of magnetized steel wire are now constructed, and adapted to the faces of the workmen. By these, the air is not merely strained, but searched, in its passage through them, and each obnoxious atom arrested and removed.-p. 57.

quainted with the great subjects of his work, and in the execution of his task, he has rendered them worthy of those volumes Lardner's Cabinet Cyclopedia. with which they will be associated in

REVIEW.-Family Classical Library, No. XII. and XIII. Tacitus, vols II. and III. translated by Arthur Murphy, Esq. 12mo. pp. 387. Colburn. Lon

don. 1831.

HAVING reviewed, in our preceding numbers, several volumes of this work, we have little occasion to expatiate much on the character displayed in these. In the classical world, the name and the writings of Tacitus are too well known, and their fame is too well established, either to gain or suffer any thing from modern animadversions.

In the hands of Mr. Murphy, Tacitus has found a translator which he merited. His language is easy, nervous, and elegant. It is dignified without being inflated, and never destitute of perspicuity. The vigour of his author rarely languishes in his pages, nor does the original spirit evaporate through his translation.

The historical events recorded in these volumes, though blackened with the crimes of Nero, are full of interest, which no lapse of time can efface, no changes in civil government can ever destroy.

Both their intrinsic importance, and the classic elegance with which they have been preserved by Tacitus, have enabled these annals to triumph over the march of time. In the present translation, we perceive a new phoenix springing from the ashes of the old one, which, we doubt not, will live through future generations.

REVIEW.-The History of Chemistry. By Thomas Thomson, M.D. F.R.S.E. In two volumes. Vol. I. 12mo. pp. 349. Colburn, London.

How ridiculous soever the study of alchemy may appear to modern eyes, chemistry must acknowledge it as the parent that gave it birth we may therefore be allowed to withhold contempt from the progenitor, for the sake of its offspring, to which modern science is so deeply indebted. It is in a manner somewhat analogous to this, that Dr. Thomson has introduced it to our notice. He has not, however, wasted much time in traversing its mysterious regions, nor in animadverting on the voluminous, but unintelligible writings of its votaries. Except with some few superstitious enthusiasts, it has long since ceased either to amuse or to trouble the world; and the author has not 2 B 148.-VOL. XIII.

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 aug

ment 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 composi tions.

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 dif ferent 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.