66

By JOHN

ART. XXVIII.-The Plague and Quarantine. Second Edition. MURRAY, F.R.S. Relfe and Fletcher. 1839. ANOTHER of Mr. Murray's works, which are already so numerous. In every one of them high scientific attainments, ardent benevolence, and beautiful humanity, are brought to bear on questions which concern the deepest interests of mankind. In support of the present "Remarks on some Epidemic and Endemic Diseases;-(including the plague of the Levant,) and the Means of Disinfection,"—(along with which is given a Description of the Preservative Phial: also a Postscript on Dr. Bowring's Pamphlet,") an appeal is fearlessly made to the Phenomena of Chemical Science. Mr. Murray maintains that plague is contagious, and that the quarantine laws therefore were enacted by a wise and enlightened policy. Dr. Bowring's opinion consequently is strongly opposed, and by one who appears to us to be master of his subject, both as to its history and the theory of disease. The observations on Disinfection are particularly striking. The agency of nascent chlorine as a specific remedy, even in the case of hydrophobia, is maintained. The well-being of society is vitally concerned in the subjects and the views here set forth. We sincerely hope that medical and scientific authorities will, without delay, either overturn by argument and experiment Mr. Murray's doctrines and conclusions, or give to them the greatest publicity and the warmest countenance.

ART. XXIX. Podromus ; or, an Inquiry into the First Principles of Reasoning; including an Analysis of the Human Mind. By Sir G. CH. HAUGHTON, K.H., M.A. &c. London: Allen. 1829.

THIS is a very profound work on the subtlest questions of which the human mind can take cognizance. We have no hesitation in saying that it presents a theory as beautiful as it is original, and that the illustrations are as convincing as they are nice and close. It would occupy much more time and space in our journal than we can afford to it were we to attempt to give a condensed view of the volume, and of the system as here in part expounded and in part but indicated and in outline. Neither would the generality of readers much relish the subject, although were its importance and merits understood, in relation to practical results, no such distaste or heedlessness would have to be noticed. By such persons, however, as devote themselves to investigations into the qualities and relations of matter and mind, to such inquirers and philosophers as Mr. Smart, whose work on Language, and Logic we some months back adverted to, the present production will be regarded in its true light; by them its value and beauty will be appreciated. Some idea of the nature of the work may be obtained from the following extract. The author is speaking of language as an instrument of thought, and as the representative of things. He says "Having been long engaged on a work which is intended to demonstrate the necessary connexion, and dependence of Physics, Metaphysics, and Morals, I found the whole of these topics a perfect chaos, from the deceptive character of language; and I felt, accordingly, that there was no chance of giving a profitable direction to my labour, without bestowing a thorough consideration upon that indispensabl instrument of thought. The following remarks were accordingly

written by way of preliminary observations. As it may be some time before that work is ready, I have thought it as well to send for this little messenger, to ascertain what degress of chance exists for its meeting with a favourable reception. It is my hope that I shall be able to lead the reader "Through Nature up to Nature's God;'

and bring home to him, with irresistible conviction, the inconsistencies and absurdities of materialism. With this view, I have laboured to clear away the rubbish that has been heaped up so high from antiquity to the present time, as scarcely to allow us more than a glimpse of truth. Berkeley has well said, that we first raise a dust, and then complain we cannot see :' but he neglected to analyse the nature of this dust, or mankind would have been in possession of the means of laying it, whenever it clouded their vision. Should any unforeseen circumstance prevent the accomplishment of my entire plan, I feel I shall not have lived in vain, if the completion of this portion of it shall help to liberate the Human Understanding from some of its strongest bounds of self-delusion and absurdity."

Let any one look into the volume to the distinctions, definitions, and analysis of what are called abstract terms of the subject, and a very extraordinary example of closeness and precision will be discovered, without the observance of which there can be no certainty in the philosophizings of the strongest and most searching minds; nor can correct notions be propagated on the most vital subjects, among the public. When the author's entire plan is completed, we hope to have an opportunity of bestowing upon it a much more ample share of notice than this forerunner, so full of promise, has obtained.

ART. XXX.-The Shunamite. By the REV. HENRY WOODWARD, A. M. London: Duncan. 1839.

A SERIES of lectures on that remarkable passage in Second Kings, with which the title of the book at once fills the mind. These discourses are the fruits of a mind deeply imbued with learning and piety. They are affecting, and we may add affectionate. As lectures they are models, a circumstance which seldom characterizes compositions so named. Few are prepared to perform the office of commentator on any portion of Holy Writ, especially if the times be so remote, and the manners described or alluded to in the text so different from those with which Europeans, and the Moderns are acquainted as those when the prophets taught and wrought miracles.

ART. XXXI.-The Collected Works of Sir Humphry Davy. Edited by his Brother, John Davy, M.D., F.R.S. Vol. I. London: Smith and Elder. 1839.

THE present portion does not contain any of Sir Humphry's works, but an indispensable prelude to them, viz., "Memoirs of his Life;" and these too now occupying only one volume. We do not know, within the whole range of modern English literature, any collection of the productions of one mind that more truly merits republication in a compressed form, than the one here promised.

ART. XXXII.-The Past and Present State of Dramatic Art and Literature. London: Mitchell. 1839.

THIS pamphlet contains the most feasible, the best considered, and the most sensible scheme we have yet heard of for the regeneration of the British drama. The scheme is shortly this,-Do away with all monopoly, let there be no longer patent theatres immense fabrics at best adapted for scenic display, rant, and sturt, let all restrictions be removed, let the high tragic and satiric drama decide for herself "what favoured spot she will make her dwelling," and then we shall have, just as it was before the monopoly of the stage existed. Such a competition of authors and actors, -of authors whose assurance that their pieces are to be submitted to the only proper test of excellence, must mightily stimulate genius, and will, according to the ordinary course of things, lead to the noblest results within the scope of human agency, in the way of mental and imaginative creations. A few sentences from the very able pamphlet before us, which cannot fail, we think, to produce a powerful effect upon authors, actors, and the admirers of the legitimate drama, will best indicate and explain the writer's views and manner of enforcing them. He says, "Let the intellectual moral drama be performed any where; let capital have free sway: let the play be considered the first thing, the actors the second, the costume the third, and the scene-painter, the carpenter, the musicians, fourth, fifth, and sixth." Again, "The only chance remaining to revive the high passionate drama is to do away with the monopoly, and to allow it to be performed wherever speculators choose to attempt it; leaving it to be governed by the natural laws that guide the use of capital; making it amenable of course to the municipal regulations that controul sedition and social irregularity. The freedom would immediately elevate the whole of the drama: and there can be little doubt that we should have at least as many moderate sized theatres as in Shakspeare's times, where the moral and imaginative drama would be attempted at little risk and expense. At first perhaps not on the highest scale of eminence. But the object at least would be more intellectual; and in time authors and actors would ascend to a loftier aim and nobler results. Good schools would be thus formed for both parties, and the end must be a higher degree of excellence in this noble branch of poetry and art.

"As the intellectual portion of the drama increased the inferior would be separated and discarded. The mechanist, the orchestra, and propertyman would be reduced to their proper level, and mind would be left to compete with mine."

ART. XXXIII.-Sacred Poems. By the Late Right Hon. SIR ROBERT GRANT. London: Saunders and Otley. 1839.

THESE effusions of ardent piety, meekness, and humillity,-of a poetic temperament chastened and classical,-as free from cant as from levity,-are published at the instance of Lord Glenelg, brother of the lamented author. Some of them have already appeared in periodical publications, or in collections of sacred poetry. A few are now published for the first time. We must present a specimen. The poet's tenderness, impressiveness, and

solemnity must make every one feel that the thoughts were heartfelt,—that they were the utterance of experience, and on this account they reach the reader's heart, carrying with them a kindred power and lesson.

"Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest."

"O Saviour! whose mercy, severe in its kindness,
Has chasten'd my wand'rings and guided my way,
Ador'd be the pow'r which illumin'd my blindness,
And wean'd me from phantoms that smil'd to betray.
Enchanted by all that was dazzling and fair,

I follow'd the rainbow,-I caught at the toy ;-
And still in displeasure thy goodness was there,
Disappointing the hope, and defeating the joy.
The blossom blush'd bright, but a worm was below ;—
The moon-light shone fair, there was light in the beam ;-
Sweet whisper'd the breeze, but it whisper'd of war;—
And bitterness flow'd in the soft-flowing stream.

So, cur'd of my folly, yet cur'd but in part,

I turn'd to the refuge thy pity display'd;
And still did this eager and credulous heart

Weave visions of promise that bloom'd but to fade.
I thought that the course of the pilgrim to heaven
Would be bright as the summer, and glad as the morn;
Thou show'dst me the path,-it was dark and uneven,
All rugged with rock, and all tangled with thorn.

I dream'd of celestial rewards and renown,

I grasp'd at the triumph which blesses the brave,
I ask'd for the palm-branch, the robe, and the crown,
I ask'd-and thou show'dst me a cross and a grave.
Subdu'd and instructed, at length, to thy will,

My hopes and my longings I fain would resign;
O give me the heart that can wait and be still,
Nor know of a wish or a pleasure but thine.
There are mansions exempted from sin and from woe,
By they stand in a region by mortals untrod;

There are rivers of joy,-but they roll not below;

There is rest, but it dwells in the presence of God."

ART. XXXIV.-Memoirs of a Cadet. By a BENGALEE.

Saunders and Otley. 1839.

London:

THESE Memoirs are by an officer who is familiar with the events and scenes which convey a peculiar colour and interest to Indian and Asiatic life. Besides n.any entertaining passages there is much in the volume that is to be set down to the score of direct information; other parts are suggestive, and worthy of careful consideration. The favourable reception of fragments of the work as they appeared in the "Metropolitan Magazine," has, of course, encouraged the author to the present venture.

ART. XXXV.-The Song of the Bell; and other Poems. Translated from the German of J. F. C. SCHILLER. Hatchard.

We believe these poems to be very faithfully, as assuredly they are very vigorously translated. How original are the sentiments and the style of these Lyrics, taking our English standards. Then how unlikely are some of the subjects. But Schiller, and such geniuses as Wordsworth, can evoke anything out of anything. Think of the process of casting a Bell being made the theme of a beautiful and didactic poem! Just listen to its opening,

"Fast within the immuring Earth
Lies the clay-burnt form inert.
Must to-day The Bell have birth.
Comrades! be at hand alert
Dripping from the brow

Warm the sweat must flow,
Would the Master praise be given:

But the blessing comes from Heaven."

We shall not quote more of the principal poem, nor say anything of its progress, and moral or sentimental applications; but proceed to extract the whole of a little piece, which, to use the translator's words, "will make the name of Schiller dear to poets, and indeed all who can find in the abstractions of mind a compensation for the absence of the commoner goods of life. The title of the piece is,

"THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE EARTH."
"I'll give (said Jove) yon nether world away,
Take it (he cried) ye Sons of mortal Mothers!
It shall be yours for ever and a day :

But part it fairly 'mong you all, like Brothers'
To share the spoil all ran, with eager hands;
And old and young to the division came :
The Farmer seiz'd upon the fertile lands;
The Squire claim'd the covers and the game.
The Merchant fill'd his magazines with goods;
The rosy Abbot took the generous wine;
The King laid hands on bridges and on roads,
And said- The tithe of all that pass is mine.'
Now lates when all was o'er, of his share reft,

The poet came, from far, and poorly stored :
He look'd around: but there was nothing left;
And everything already had its lord.-
'Ah woe! (cried he) shall I be thus alone,
Of all thy race-t thy truest Son, forgot?'
He threw him down at Jupiter's dread throne
And loud lamented o'er his hapless lot.

Replied the god, when his complaint he'd heard.-
'If sorrow be thy portion, blame me not.

Where wast thou, then, what time the World was shared?'
'That time (the Poet said) was I by thee.-