342 Effect of the Climate of the West Indies on European Soldiers. [Nov. 1, the best bread, and above all the animal food upon which he almost exclusively subsists, and which he digested in Europe with the aid of hot beverages, overload in the West Indies his weakened stomach, or promote the general tendency of his humours to putridity. The boiling and diluvial tea-like infusions, by which he seeks to facilitate digestion, obstruct it still more: the gastric juices overwhelmed by them, and having but a feeble action upon the alimentary substances, the results are, an imperfect or viti❤ ated chyle, and among other diseases, those dysenteric maladies whose ravages equal those of the plague of the Archipelago. The habit of this regimen so contrary to what the climate imperiously requires, is encouraged by the nature and the quantity of the eatables which the English soldier receives for his rations; and the general officers who particularly for some years past, devote their atten tion and even their studies to the preservation of the health of the troops, obtain but moderate success, owing to the fatal effects of this regimen, which must be considered as one of the principal causes, that annually thin the ranks of the Eng It is only a pamphlet of 83 pages, but full of sound observations. The author, who is aid-de-camp to General Cara St. Cyr, governor of Martinique, and who resided several years in the West Indies, treats successively of the choice of the troops destined to serve in the West Indies, of their embarkation, passage, landing, garrisons, provisions, marches, discipline, and hospitals. In § 1. Du Choix des Troupes-he has the following remarks: "The most sober of all natious, the Spanish, is the one whose soldiers, when conveyed to the equatorial regions of America, enjoy the privilege of the least precarious health. That revolution which under a burning sky threatens the native of the north has no place for him, whose natural climate has nearly the same temperature; he has not to fear either the effects of the sudden change of diet, or those of the continuance of a contrary regimen, since from his infancy he is habituated to the only one that is wholesome in hot countries. An almost entirely vegetable diet, the rare or moderate use of spirituous liquors, a greater facility than the native of any other country to live upon little, and to dispense with the luxuries of life, would make the Spa-lish armies in the West Indies. For conniard a model for European soldiers in the torrid zone, if the advantages of this happy constitution which he has received from nature were not diminished by want of cleanliness-On a comparison of the English with the Spanish soldier, we are struck with the difference of their characteristic traits; the corpulence and the fresh colour of the one, coutrasted with the spare figure and sallow complexion of the other, display not a greater difference than exists between their habits and their manners. The Englishman, born under the influence of the most humid climate of Europe, and possessing a constitution eminently lymphatic, feels the necessity of correcting the excess by the excitement of spirituous liquors prepared from vegetables, which the soil of his own island refuses to produce. When he removes to another country, habit which outlives necessity, subjects him to the danger of an abundance, the value of which is enhanced to him by the recollection of the privation. He yields without resistance to the temptation, and indulges this propensity, which in the West Indies, has the effect of provoking that revolution which has the yellow fever for its crisis. His diet adds to the activity of the power of this primary cause: the unfermented pastes which the empire of blind habit causes him to prefer to trary reasons, the regimen of the French soldier is almost as fatal. The French man cannot submit for any length of time to that inactivity, that protracted calm of the senses and the mind, that re pose necessary for the endurance of the fatigues of a burning climate, and for the opposing of the utmost resistance of the vital energies to the endemic, epidemic, and contagious diseases with which he is incessantly menaced." You will I trust excuse the author's style, though rather too scientific; for I cannot help thinking that a useful pas sage, even in a medical work, belongs by right to your estimable Magazine. M. MOREAU DE JONNES has also published a very curious Memoir on the great Viper of Martinique, of which I shall probably take some notice in my next letter. NETHERLANDS. M. SCHELTEMA, who has already produced several useful works respecting the History of the Netherlands, and among others, a circumstantial account of the last campaign of the French against Europe, which terminated in Buonaparte's second abdication after his signal defeat at Waterloo, is at present engaged upon a subject of great interest. Soon after the restoration of the independence of the Netherlands, he produced in two volumes, the History of the Residence of 1816.] New Publications, with Critical Remarks. Peter the Great in Holland, from authentic sources, and devoted particular attention to the commercial relations of Russia and the Netherlands during that period. The first edition was soon sold, and the author began to prepare a second: when access to fresh materials convinced him that he might give a higher degree of perfection to his work. He has therefore determined to undertake a complete History of the Commercial Relations be tween Russia and the Netherlands, from the earliest period, to the year 1795, in four volumes. In the execution of this design, he has full liberty to avail himself of the public archives, and is assisted by scholars and others who possess useful resources; so that the historical inquirer may flatter himself with the hope of an important accession to his favourite sci ence. GERMANY, WILLIAM TISCHBEIN, the celebrated painter has finished for the senate of Hamburgh, a picture designed to commemorate the final deliverance of that city from the oppression of France. It is 22 feet wide, and 15 high, and is in 343 tended to be placed either in the hall of the senate house, or in some other public edifice. The scene assigned to the artist is a field near one of the city gates, and the subject represents the corps of Hamburg volunteers, after sharing with their German brethren in the danger and glory of the conquest of France, ready to make their solemn entry into the city, and Count Bennigsen, commander-in-chief of the army of the north, giving directions to the officers of his staff respecting the arrangements for the occasion. Dr. CHR. MULLER has published the first volume of A Picture of Munich and Bavaria, a work which is described as surpassing every other that has yet appeared on the subject, and likely to be read with peculiar interest in other countries. The King of Bavaria has in a rescript to the Academy of Sciences, ordered the speedy erection of a new and complete Observatory, for which he has for the present assigned the annual sum of 12,000 florins. The situation selected for it is on the heights of the Isar, between Boggenhausen and Haidhausen. NEW PUBLICATIONS IN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER. ARITHMETIC. The first four Rules of Arithmetic explained in a familiar manner, by Question and Answer, intended chiefly for the use of Charity Schools. 12mo. pp. 36. This is a very clever and simple elucidation of the preparatory elements of Arithmetic, extremely well adapted to the capacities of young children, and it may be therefore considered as a useful introduction to large works on that branch of educa tion. Souter's Complete Set of Arithmetical Tables; containing, besides those usually given, three New Tables, viz. one of Addision, one of Subtraction, and one of Division. -Printed on both sides of a large 8vo. Card, price 4d, or on one side of a large 4to. Card, price od. ASTRONOMY. Nautical Astronomy by Night; compre hending Practical Directions for knowing and observing the principal Fixed Stars visible in the Northern Hemisphere. By William Edward Parry, Lieutenant in the Royal Navy, 4to. 10s. 6d. BIBLIOGRAPHY, A Catalogue of Books with their Sizes and Prices, containing the Books published, and those altered in size and price since the London Catalogue of Books in 1814, to September, 1816. 8vo. 1s. 3d. DIVINITY. The Christian's Manual, compiled from the Enchiridion Militis Christiani of Erasmus; with copious scripture notes and comments on several fatal errors in religion and morality. Prefixed is some account of the Author, his reception in England, and correspondence. By Philip Wyatt Crowther, esq. 8vo. 7s. 6d. We hail this new version of an inestimable book with great pleasure, and earnestly hope that it will have a most extensive circulation, on two accounts; one, because it is published in and of the London Auxiliary National Schools, and the second, because it is most admirably adapted to counteract the freezing system of Unitarianism, which is a religion without a Saviour, atonement or motives, on the one hand, and the wildness of fanaticism which The sets aside practical morality on the other. cious; and the life of Erasmus is both copious, notes subjoined are very numerous, and very judiedifying, and entertaining. A Sermon on the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper. By the Rev. James Rudge, M. A. F. R. S. 8vo. sixth edition, 1s. 6d. We some time since noticed an admirable sermon by this gentleman on the peace, and our opinion of his excellence as a preacher, and a writer, is heigh tened by the perusal of the present hortatory dis course on the great christian ordinance. His views of this solemn institution are strictly orthodox, and the warmth of his addresses cannot fail to have a very impressive effect upon every mind that retains any reverence for the dying injunctions of our di vine Lord and Redeemer. Youth encouraged to seek the Lord. A Sermon preached at the Monthly Circulating Lecture, to young persons at the Rev. Mr. Evans's Chapel, Church street, Mile End New Town, on Friday Evening, July 19, 344 New Publications, with Critical Remarks. [Nov. 1, 1816. By R. H. Shepherd, Minister of By this it is seen, that as meditation has no other Ranelagh Chapel, Chelsea. Svo. 2s. This is a very animated discourse on the advantages of early piety, and the importance of the subject is kept constantly in view without any attempt to disfigure it by the doginatism of particular opinions, or the flights of extravagant zeal. Young persons are shewn the necessity of religion to render them useful to others, and happy in themselves, by plain and convincing arguments expressed in correct and forcible language. As the Sermon is printed in aid of the Chelsea and Brompton Dispensary, it has an additional claim, exclusive of its internal merit, to public encouragement. DIVINITY. Faith and Works Contrasted and Reconciled, in Six Letters. 2s. The Biblical Cyclopædia or Dictionary of the Holy Scriptures. By William Jones. 2 vols. 8vo. 11. 16s. DRAMA. Shakspeare's Himself Again; or the Language of the Poet asserted; being a full but dispassionate Examen of the Readings and Interpretations of the several Editors. By Andrew Becket. 2 vols. 8vo. 11. We have transcribed only half of the copious title page to this curious work, which exhibits abundant proofs of a mind richly stored with various reading, and that reading under the regulation of a correct but lively judgment. Of all the com. mentators upon Shakspeare, the learned Bishop of Gloucester is coufessedly the principal favourite of the present commentator, who has however so much of the spirit of literary independence in him, as to dissent openly on many occasions from that literary despot. Of this, we shall quote an instance as a specimen of the book, and of the ingenuity of the author. HAMLET. Haste me to know it; that I with wings as swift As Meditation or the thoughts of love, May sweep to my revenge. "As meditation, or the thoughts of love.] This similitude is extremely beautiful. The word meditation is consecrated by the mystics, to signify that sketch and flight of mind which aspires to the enjoyment of the supreme good. So that Hamlet, considering with what to compare the swiftness of his revenge, chooses two of the most rapid things in nature, the ardency of divine and human passion, in an enthusiast and a lover. Warburton. "The comment on the word meditation is so ingenious, that I hope it is just. Johnson. 4 But let us hear Mr. Becket, "As meditation or the thoughts of love." Dr. Warburton's remark on meditation, as being expressive of holy love in the mystics of their sublimities, their heavenly as pirations is known to be just. This, I say, is right, but his application of the word in the present instance is evidently wrong. That meditation involves in it the sense of ardency is certain; but so far is it from including that of swiftness, that the idea presented by it is precisely the reverse: the philologer indeed, has always described it by study opposed to action." Another thing to be considered is, that the Religionist, in his wish, has not necessarily expedition as an object; all he would tell you that he aims at, is ultimately to be blest. Now this his desire we must remember could only be obtained by meditation and prayers, by a long and patient endurance of the ills of life. meaning than that of dwelling on, or revolving in the mind, it cannot possibly have been employed by the poet bere. The proper word will no doubt be mediation: which word, as it signifies intreating or interceding in any one's behalf, must be interpreted by friendship. Thus we perceive that the comparison is at once beautiful and true,"As swift as love and friendship," and which, when real, are the noblest and cagerest affections of the soul" This is very refined reasoning, and an ingenious emendation; but, after all, we are sturdily resolute for the original word, suce, though the act of me. ditation is pensive and intent, the thoughts to which it gives birth are swift and progressive. EDUCATION. Geography for Youth, adapted to the Different Classes of Learners. By the Rev. John Hartley. Second Edition. The first edition of this Geography was printed in Ireland, and its use confined almost exclusively to the schools of the United Brethren, among whom the author was a highly esteemed minister. He died before the publication of his work, which obtained such approbation from those persons out of the pale of the society to which the author belonged, into whose hands it chauced to fall, as to induce his son to prepare this new edition with such alterations and improvements as the late political changes and geographical discoveries have ren. dered necessary. From a careful examination of this little volume we have no hesitation to state that we know of no epitome of geography in so small a compass, which seems so well adapted to initiate the student into the rudiments of that pleasing science. The teacher also will find so many useful hints interspersed in those parts printed in Italics and in the smaller type, that the task of instruction will be materially facilitated and abridged. To both master and scholar we give it our most hearty recom. mendation. A Key to the second edition of Exercises in Latin Prosody and Versification, or Introduction to scanning and writing Latin Verse, by the Rev. C. Bradley. 2s. 6d. GEOLOGY. Transactions of the Geological Society. Vol. III. 4to. 31. 13s. 6d. LAW. Observations on the Game Laws, with proposed Alterations for the Protection and Increase of Game, and the Decrease of Crimes. By Joseph Chitty, Esq. of the Middle Temple, Barrister at Law. 8vo. 2s. We some time since had occasion to notice a pamphlet on the subject of the Game Laws, said to be written by a Country Gentleman and a Ma gistrate, in which, among other alterations proposed, one was that of allowing game to be publicly sold, by which means the inducement to poaching would be abridged, at least, if not removed: Mr. Chitty's tract seems to have been composed chiefly as an answer to that piece, and it must be confessed he has stated very forcible argu ments in opposition to the Country Gentleman. and other writers on the Game Laws. He has shewn very clearly the necessity of such restraints, as well for the protection of property, as to prevent idleness and bad rábits; for if the Game Laws were taken away, the young and the disso lute would gladly become sportsmen, to the annoy 1816.] New Publications, with Critical Remarks. ance of the rest of the community. Still this ingeuious advocate is not inattentive to the cefects of the present restrictive system, and therefore he suggests the propriety of extending the qualifica tion or authority for killing game to occupiers of Jand, subject to restraint by particular stipulation; he also is in favour of the expediency of allowing game to be publicly sold by the owners and occu. piers of 'and or by persous properly Ecensed for that purpose; out then there should be penalties inflicted on such as buy game of higzlers or other unauthorized parties, and all trespasses should be punished with heavy fines. Such is the outline of this judicious disquisition, which does great credit to the author, and deserves the notice of the legislature. A Practical Treatise on Copyhold Tenure and Court-Keeping; being a Summary of the whole Law of Copyhold from the earliest down to the present Period. By John Scriven, of the Inner Temple, esq. barrister. 8vo. 11. A Treatise on Conveyancing. By Richard Preston, esq. of the Inner Temple. Vol. III. Part II. 10s. 6d. MEDICINE, SURGERY, &c. A Caution against Vaccine Swindlers and Impostors. By John Ring, Member of the Royal College of Surgeons, &c. &c. 8vo. 7s. The world has lately been enlightened, and we trust beneĥted, by the investigations which have been carried on under the authority of Parliament into the state of the police, the condition of the poor, and the management of some public institu. tions. But one object of inquiry yet remains, which imperiously calls for examination and expo. sure. We mean the use and abuse of charities, particularly in and about the metropolis, where every discovery for the alleviation of human misery is no sooner made public, than it becomes an arti cle of speculation, and is converted into a trade, under the uame of philanthropy. Thus, when Dr. Jenner, disregarding private advantage, made known the great blessing of vaccination, and an institution was formed under his auspices for the diffusion of it, some crafty persons laid hold of the plan to set up an establishment of their own, to be supported by subscription, with the professed intention of extending the practice, but with the private design of enriching individuals. This scandalous system, to which no proper epithet can apply, is still continued, to the great injury of the public, and the detriment of one of the most important discoveries ever made for the abridgment of human suffering, but which gains enemies through the venality of its pretended friends. The volume before us contains a full and minute disclosure of this mystery of iniquity, and though the work is written in a style of keen severity, for which indeed an ample apology is to be found in the subject, no reader of sensibility can rise from the perusal of it without feeling grateful to the author for his zeal and intrepidity in the cause of truth and humanity against the united arts of fraud, hypocrisy, and cruelty. A portrait is here exhibited of such a nature as to excite equal astonishment and disgust, at the height to which knavery under the garb of religion and the mask of charity can carry its operations, when aided by the credulity and vanity of those who suffer them. selves to be misled by its artifices. Medical, Geographical, and Agricultural Report of a Committee appointed by the NEW MONTHLY MAG.-No. 34. 345 A Catalogue of an extensive Collection of Books in Anatomy, Medicine, Surgery, Midwifery, Chemistry, Botany, &c. Including a Selection of Foreign Medical Works lately Imported. Sold by John Anderson, West Smithfield. To which are added, Tables of the Pay of the Medical Department of the Army, Navy, and East India Company's Service, a Complete List of the Lectures delivered in London, with their Terms, Hours of Attendance, &c. &c. 12mo. 1s. 6d. A Treatise on Uterine Hæmorrhage. By Duncan Stewart, Physician Accoucheur to the Westminster General Dispensary. 8vo. 6s. An Epitome of Juridical and Forensic Medicine: containing the Tests and Antidotes of Poisons, with Observations on Hanging, Drowning, Lunacy, Child-murder, Abortion, &c., for the use of Coroners, Medical Men, and Barristers. By George Edward Male, M.D., Physician to the Birmingham Hospital. 8vo. 7s. A Treatise on the Discases of Arteries and Veins, containing the Pathology and Treatment of Aneurism and Wounded Arteries. By Joseph Hodgson, svo. 15s. MISCELLANEOUS. Means of Improving the Condition of the Poor in Morals and Happiness, considered in a Lecture delivered at the Minor Institute, August 22, 1816, to which is prefixed some Account of that Institution. 8vo. 2s. This Lecture reflects credit on the industry and ingenuity of the author, though we doubt very much the propriety of discussing in such an assem bly questions of a political nature, and matters, too, of extreme difficulty. There breathes, indeed, throughout the whole discourse, a querulous and sectarian spirit, more disposed to look at the dark side of things, than to estimate liberally, and to improve practical'y, the blessings which distinguish this nation from all others, and which have enabled her not only to outride an unexampled moral tempest, but also to deliver a great part of Europe from the yoke of thraldom. The Minor Institute, as it is called, has for its object the extension of religion and science among the middle classes of society, by a subscription for books and lectures upon a moderate scale. Report from the Committee on the State of the Police of the Metropolis, with the Minutes of Evidence, and an Appendix containing Abstracts of the several Acts now in force for regulating Public-Houses, also the VOL. VI. 2 Y 346 New Publications, with Critical Remarks. Proceedings of the Common Council of the 8vo. pp. 428. 7s. boards. The important and various information contained in this volume entitles it to particular notice and recommendation. Besides the Report of the Committee on the State of the Police, it exhibits much of general interest on the condition of the metropolis, the existence of many moral disorders, with the means of correcting these abuses. In looking through the book one thing strikes us foreibly, and that is the good which even the humblest individuals may render to society by commu. nicating what they are acquainted with in their respective districts through proper channels, pro. vided they are kept free from the fear of local ma. lignity and tyranny. On this account alone such inquiries as those which have been here instituted are of incalculable benefit, by checking the insolence of petty authority, and giving a stimulus to the exertions of the poor in the cause of order and virtue. The present edition of this interesting body of facts and evidences is closely printed, and remarkably cheap. A Plain Statement of Facts relative to Sir Eyre Coote, containing the Official Correspondence and Documents connected with his Case, and the Proceedings of the Military Board appointed for its Investigation. 8vo. PP. 84. It cannot be expected that we should enter upon the immediate subject of this pamphlet, as far as relates to the facts which led to the degradation of the gallant officer in question. But the perusal of the Correspondence certainly goes far to support the opinion of the two physicians Drs. Monro and Bain, that the circumstances related were so extraordinary and inconsistent as clearly to indicate a morbid state of mind, to which no other name can be justly assigned than mental derangement. In addition to this we may be permitted to say, that the harshest construction appears to have been studiously put upon actions, which, however foolish they might be in themselves, did not neces sarily involve the evil intention to which by the investigation they were strangely ascribed. The Journal of Science and the Arts. Edited at the Royal Institution. By W. T. Brande, F.R.S. L. and E. No. III. 7s. 6d. The Experienced Butcher: showing the Respectability and Usefulness of his Calling, the Laws relating to it, and Suggestions for rightly carrying it on. 12mo. 6s. The Dyer's Guide: being an Introduction to the Art of Dying Linen, Cotton, Silk, Wool, Dresses, Furniture, &c. By Thomas Packer. 12mo. 4s. 6d. A Letter to Lord Binning, containing some Remarks on the state of Lunatic Asylums, and on the Number and Condition of the Insane Poor in Scotland. By A. Halliday, M. D. 8vo. 2s. A Descriptive Catalogue of the Antique Statues, Paintings, and other Productions of the Fine Arts, that existed in the Louvre at the Time the Allies took Possession of Paris, in July, 1815. To which are added some Useful Hints to those who intend to visit the memorable Field of Waterloo. 18mo. 4s. 6d. [Nov. 1, The Complete Time Tables; exhibiting at One View the Number of Days from any particular Date to any subsequent Date throughout the Year. By J. G. Pohlman, esq. Royal 8vo. 12s. NOVELS AND ROMANCES. Adolphe. An Anecdote found among the Papers of an Unknown Person, and published by M. Benjamin de Constant. 12mo. The force of self deception is uncommonly well represented in this story, which exhibits the danger of yielding to emotions, and entering into irregular connexions, under the illusive persuasion that love may excuse what the sense of duty must prohibit A moral lesson of high import is incul cated throughout the book, the two prominent characters in which are drawn with such a mas terly hand, that we cannot wonder at the idea entertained in France of their having been sketched from the life, and which has rendered it necessary for the author to disavow the charge in the preface to his second edition. The following is a curious observation on this subject: "The rage to recognise in works of imagination the individuals whom one meets with in the world, is for these works a real plague. It degrades them, gives them a false direction, destroys their interest, an nihilates their utility. To seek for allusions in a romance is to prefer slander to nature, and to sub stitute mere gossiping for observations of the human heart." A Literal Translation, with the Spanish interlined, of the Life and Exploits of the ingenious Knight Don Quixote de la Mancha, composed by Michael de Cervantes Saavedra. From the Madrid Edition. 8vo. pp. 16. The celebrated Bishop Warburton, after his ele vation to the mitre, studied the Spanish language. purposely to enjoy the pleasure of reading the History of Don Quixote in the original. If any person should feel a similar inclination he will find his labour greatly eased, we might almost venture to say completely relieved, by the work of which the specimen lies now before us. The plan is es cellent, and from the translation of the proem here printed, we anticipate a most valuable acquisition to scholars of every description. It is intended to publish the version by subscription, and consider. ing the many advantages which it will possess, no doubt can be entertained of its meeting with liberal encouragement. Persons already acquainted with Spanish will enjoy the benefit of possessing the entire text of Cervantes accompanied by a parallel translation running word for word with it; while others, who have never turned their attention to that noble language will have an opportunity of attaining it with little difficulty. The specimen is uncommonly well printed, and on excellent paper; but its great merit lies in the exact fidelity with which the English corresponds with the ori ginal. Strathallan. By Miss Lefanu, 4 vols. 11.4s. The Revealer of Secrets, or the House that Jack built, 3 vols. 15s. PHILOSOPHY. Experimental Outlines for a New Theory of Colours, Light, and Vision; with Critical Remarks on Sir Isaac Newton's Opinions, and some new Experiments on Radiant Caloric. By Joseph Reade, M. D. Vol. I. 8vo. 8s. |