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rotting in jails for petty offences, to which many of Italian and English poetry, it is extraordi- | familiar with such things by the universal difof them are driven by want and starvation! nary that no one, before the reverend author fusion of books and knowledge-and those who Think of the thousands that have been impri- of these Lives, should have turned his attention exercised it were not unworthy of the high soned, ruined, for killing a paltry hare or a par- to the biographies of the Italian poets. The honour which they received. They were, many tridge! Think of the wretched Irish peasantry! subject is certainly far from wanting sufficient of them, believed to have the faculty of changThink of the crowded workhouses; and do interest, as Mr. Stebbing himself observes in ing the course of nature-of foretelling events, not forget to think of poor Jack, who, after the preface to his work. "Many of the Italian and making the powers of other worlds obedevoting himself to a life of toil and danger in poets lived in times when genius conferred dient to their will. But the admiration which a vocation to which his country owes much of upon its possessors rank and influence, as well this belief acquired for them with the vulgar, her prosperity, is dragged by the hair of his as fame: others had to pass through vicissi- was not so high as that which they deserved head to shed the blood of his fellow-creatures tudes, with which it is always instructive and for what they did in reality. They exercised at the hazard of his own life; or, perhaps, to animating to see the human mind virtuously a magic, but it was that which the Providence wear out an embittered existence in foreign and successfully struggling; and all of them of heaven had taught them; and, instead of stations, far from those who are nearest and had a deep and enthusiastic veneration for their merely commanding the spirits of the deep to do dearest to his affections! Let the reader con-art, which renders their career worthy of the their temporary bidding, they bound them in trast these things with the general comfortable constant observation and imitation of literary the everlasting bonds of truth and science." condition of the negroes in the West Indies, men of other ages and countries. There is one particular merit in these Lives, and he will have no difficulty in pronouncing Italy was the cradle of modern learning; and viz. the total absence of acrimony and illto which side (the black slave or the white) to her poets we owe, in great measure, its nature towards any person; a charitable dispothe balance of happiness preponderates. It is present diffusion among the people of Europe." sition to excuse men's faults, without attemptclear that, from the various natures, disposi- Nor can the neglect of this amusing and in-ing, however, to conceal them; and a very tions, talents, and energies, of men, there must structive subject be attributed to the want of mild tone in reprobating human frailties. Of exist in every society a mixture of rich and materials to work upon, since few nations have this, as well as of the powers of the author in poor, and that slavish occupations will neces- bestowed so much care upon their literary his- forming an estimate of the character of his persarily fall to the lot of those who are incapable tory as the Italians. The history of Italian sonages, let the following be an example. It or undeserving of higher employments. This literature by Tiraboschi, as well as his minor is taken from the life of Petrarch. is a dispensation of that wise Providence that historical works, are a most valuable fund of "The writings of Petrarch are so replete rules over all; and I will, in conclusion, ven- information; whilst the scrupulous correctness with intimations respecting the situation of his ture to affirm, while I deplore the fact, that of Zeno, and the Herculean undertaking of mind-the working of his thoughts-the conthe genuine friends of humanity who are not Mazzuchelli, shew with what zeal it has been flicts he was continually waging with his inhoodwinked by prejudice or ignorance, or attempted to do away with the fables intro- clinations, that no one, perhaps, ever passed blinded by self-interest, will find that slavery duced, either by ignorance or party spirit, into from the earth leaving so many materials with in its essence exists at home as well as abroad." the biographical accounts of the most illus-posterity for judging of his character. And But all our readers now sabby as much of trious of their poets. Our lively neighbours, with these before us, our reasons for admiring dis Captain Crow as "ebery dog in Kingston" who are not very apt to overvalue the merit of it seem to multiply every time we renew the did, or, at least, as we can make them sabby; foreigners, possess a pleasing, although rather examination. Beneath his passion for fame and so we must hold no more palaver. He spiritless and tame, work on the subject, in the we can discover more deeply seated the love of has gone to his account, where slave-dealers history of Ginguené, who was, however, pre- country, the ambition to see it free and hapand abolitionists alike must go; and where that Being who alone can search the human heart, will judge of their motives as well as

their actions.*

Lives of the Italian Poets. By the Rev. Henry
Stebbing, M.A., M.R.S.L. With medallion
Portraits. 3 vols. 12mo. London, 1831.

E. Bull.

vented by death from completing it. M.
Sismondi, the historian of the Italian republics,
has written a very valuable essay on the his-
tory of Italian literature, which forms the best
part of his Literature of the South of Europe,
well known to the English reader through the
translation of Mr. Roscoe, whose name is a
sufficient guarantee that it was well done.
But of original works on the subject in this
country, we believe Mr. Stebbing's to be the
first.

py, and the resolution to speak in its cause when all other tongues faltered, or were silent. When yielding to inclinations which ought to have been suppressed in their origin, the error was followed neither by indifference nor a wish to justify it, but by painful struggles to overcome temptation in the future, and by a deep and earnest penitence. With the little weaknesses to which an occasional outbreaking of CLOSE as is the connexion between the history personal vanity exposed him, we may fairly As our worthy anti-slavery friends will, no doubt, I contrast that love of solitude which so often led have a Crow to pick with the author, we think it right to and, as a note, the latest intelligence from the slave-coast. We are glad of it; for whilst it is very doubt-him from the world, where he might have been It is vastly important to the unprejudiced observer. ful whether the task would have been executed loaded every day of his life with the incense of On the 22d of last August, the Primrose, anchored in as well by any other hand, it is most probable flattery; that noble and sedate contemplativethe Bay of Loango, heard that the Spaniards, Portuguese, nd Brazilians, had destroyed all their forts, &c. on the that it would have interfered with the publica-ness, which gave him an elevation of thought uthern coast, and had entirely given up slaving there. tion of the volumes before us; it being one of and spirit scarcely reached by any of his conThe King of Loango having brought down to the coast the consequences of an indifferent work to de- temporaries; and that ingenuous and ready exty slaves, and finding no vessels there, very coolly ordered them to be butchered, as he could not afford to ter others from writing a good one on the same acknowledgment of error, which made him defeed them. The place where these unfortunate people subject. The reverend author has bestowed spise the little arts of concealment and perver. red is not far from the beach, and was visited by the officers of the Primrose, who saw their white bleached particular attention on facts, without being too sion, to which inferior and less virtuous minds bones lying on the face of a hill. This place is the most dry and tedious; and when he indulges in have recourse. He was, in short, human, and evised part of the southern coast! the natives speaking critical remarks, he does so in a very easy and prone to some of the most dangerous of human boten English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Dutch. The king has two sons grown up; and if physiognomy is good unpretending manner, without pedantry or passions; but he at the same time possessed for may thing, they might be Christianised, and prove a flippancy. Take, for instance, the following re- the qualities that make the word humanity a Neang to that part of barbarous Africa. The Lady Ubermere, a British (Liverpool) trader, was lying marks on the state of literature and the social synonyme for all that is most gracious and there. The king and chiefs are very much dissatisfied at station of literary men after the middle ages. amiable in nature." the abolition of slavery; but the idea they have of King "Learning, at its revival, like all other no- These will be sufficient specimens of the B., the name they give to our king, is rather curious. velties, was an object of wonder and admira-high merit of these volumes, to recommend They say, "Suppose King Billy tell Spaniard, France, Pase, and Dutchman, for no slave-he no slave tion. It was a new sun in the moral hemi- them to the perusal of those who take 0, he one man too big. The abolition of slavery is the sphere; and even those who could not under- an interest in the progress of civilisation dation of war, for slaves cannot be obtained unless by stand either whence it derived its brightness, throughout Europe, since the thirteenth This man can procure fifteen hundred slaves tay ten days? and actually offered to supply the Prim- or in what its precise glory consisted, were led century: it began with Dante, whose bioOn the 4th of last September the Primrose sailed from Prince Island, and on the 7th captured the cele- to regard the elect few who understood its daveship Velos Passagera, in twelve minutes. mysteries, with veneration, and even awe. The Vels is larger than the Athol, having five feet The ability to trace back the course of things Pater breadth of beam on her main deck, mounting to ages the most remote-to describe the mankilled and twelve wounded; and the Velos lost ners of generations that had, till now, been three killed and twenty wounded. The Velos had on board, and is the largest slaver ever taken. Swept away from men's memories-to bring The action between her and the Primrose was the first back even the mighty spirits of the olden time, en fought since the accession of our present and reveal what they thought and saw in the thead is certainly one of the most gallant things on days of inspiration: this was, indeed, a won-the fighting force of the Velos being more than ble that of the Primrose. derful power to people who had not been made

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enty guns, and with a crew of 150 men. The Primrose

graphy is the first in Mr. Stebbing's work. A few slight mistakes, not worth noticing, will no doubt be corrected in a future edition of these Lives, which we expect soon. We think that an additional volume, containing the biographies of a few more poets of less note, but yet of great merit, would prove acceptable to the public. We should like to see the lives of Molza, Caro, and a few others of their times, added to those already written by Mr. Steb

mony.

bing; and we would advise him not to forget | kind, the radii that have emanated from that of Europe was not merely similar to those of Goldoni, Monti, Pindemonte, or Cesarotti, centre must retain marks of affinity which can Greece and Italy, but almost the same in among the modern poets of Italy. never be totally effaced. Thoughts on the Origin and Descent of the probably took place at the confusion of tongues, As the grand dispersion and migration most apparently Asiatic." another dress, with an embroidery of images, Gael, &c. By James Grant, Esq. of Corri- it is natural to suppose that a great change ians being admitted to be clearly pointed out, The relation between the Hindus and Egypt8vo. pp. 456. London, Underwood; would be occasioned, in proportion as strange we shall observe a striking connexion between Smith, Elder, and Co. Identity of the Religions called Druidical and It would appear that language suffered a mate- monstrating the Druids to have borrowed their countries and new climates became inhabited. the Hindus and Gothic or Celtic tribes, by deHebrew, &c. &c. 12mo. pp. 125. London, rial alteration, since, as new notions and ideas rites from the Brahmins, and to have been J. Nimmo; Edinburgh, Blackwood; Dub- arose and became complex, words expressive of introduced into Germany, Gaul, and Britain, lin, Curry and Co. The Scottish Gael, &c. By James Logan. lables and their radices, variously pronounced, regions, the descendants of Gomer. We must them, compounded by the union of monosyl- by the progenitors of the northern and western 2 vols. 8vo. Smith, Elder, and Co. (Third must have been formed. But the master fea- consider the Celtic tribes as one family, genenotice conclusion.) WE have classed these works together on they are perceptible in every known language: thians-in short, those Gothic hordes which tures of resemblance were not destroyed, since rally denominated Scythians and Celto-Seyaccount of their analogy, though the two hence, we may infer, that the confusion of first emigrated from Asia into Europe. Sir former have been published some time, and the tongues was no other than different modes of William Jones confidently assumes the Goths last was reviewed in recent Nos. of our Jour-pronunciation; and, indeed, in almost all the and the Hindus to have sprung from the same nal. They all discuss interesting subjects, leading characteristics by which nations can be source-that they originally had the same lanand, whatever theories they support, are well distinguished, most particularly in religion, guage, gave the same appellations to the stars worthy of the attention of antiquaries. Mr. striking marks of similitude manifest them- and planets, adored the same false deities, and Grant contends, that the original inhabitants selves. It is to be presumed, therefore, that a professed the same notions of rewards and puof all the British Islands were universally the general affinity has immemorially subsisted nishments. descendants of the great Gallic nations, whose among the most conspicuous inhabitants of the that the Brahmin religion has flourished im. migrations tended westward from Asiatic re-primitive world. It is universally acknowledged, gions; and that, therefore, Celti, Gael, Cwmri, Wael, &c. &c., are only branches of the same and Egyptians is indisputably established. The ria. Admitting that these priests of Buddha, A remarkable connexion between the Hindus Buddha have been found settled even in Sibememorially in Tibet; and the priests of stock. The author is also a decided believer in Society of Calcutta, we believe, first suggested using the Indian letters, had travelled thus the authenticity of Ossian's poems, and warmly the resemblance, and promoted the investiga- far, it cannot be thought improbable, that with recommends a literal translation of these won- tion; since which, Mr. Maurice, in his pro- the colonies which emigrated from northern derful ancient compositions. The volume, alto- found disquisitions throughout the Indian an- Asia into the West, many of these priests gether, contains a vast quantity of very curious tiquities, has carried on the investigation with might have wafted into Europe many of the matter, of high interest to the antiquary, phi- the deepest research, and has so clearly pointed sacred and civil institutes of Brahma. Among lologist, and grammarian, and of hardly less in- out every feature of resemblance, that every the most forcible arguments that may be adterest to the general reader; and another grand friend to revealed religion will consider him- vanced in support of this hypothesis, is the recommendation is, that the subjects of which self indebted to his laborious researches; while very singular circumstance of the Indian god it treats are so peculiarly British. Many of our every admirer of an animated and elegant style and planet Boodh, under the title Woden and countrymen may view with comparative dis- will read his works with peculiar satisfaction. regard the deciphering of monuments which record the ancient dynasties of Egypt or of Mercury, conferring his name over all the Greece, and their exploits; but no one can investigate the earliest events that mark the history of their own progenitors, without feelings of an order in which it delights the intelligent being to indulge.

pagodas and the temples of the Thebais, after The identity of the god-king Oden, or Woden, After elaborate descriptions of the Indian northern and western empires of Europe. analysing and comparing all the hieroglyphics with Buddha and Mercury, is confirmed beand sculptured images that bear the least affi-yond all dispute. The learned Bochart thinks nity, examining every festive rite and religious Mercury was no other than Canaan, the son institution that learned gentleman demon- of Ham, mythologised; for Cnar and Canaan The chief object of the smaller volume is to tians to have had the same origin, and that, in the Celtic Merc, or Mercator. It was in this strates the mythology of the Hindus and Egyp- signify trader, which is the exact import of shew, by an examination of the different rites reality, at present they are not greatly dissimi- signification that his statues among the Druids and Hebrews-such as grove lar. In short, he pronounces all the mystic placed in the fori and market-places, as the worship, the adoration of the oak, the circular rites celebrated in the caverns of Salsette and god of commerce. were always form of their temples, the raising up of lithoi, Elephanta, thence diffused throughout all Asia, of the Phoenicians, the Fohi of China, the cairns, vestal fires, the worship of the serpent and as well as Europe, in Persia, in Greece, and in Hermes of the Egyptians, and the Theutates He is the same as the Taut bull, &c. &c.-the close relation between these Rome, which passed under the denominations of the Gauls. The Druids, Celtic tribes, and two religions. The writer also points out the of Mithraic, Orphic, Eleusinian, and Bacchic, Gauls, therefore, equally worshipped this deity, connexion between the Hebrew and the Egyp- together with the mysteries of Osiris and Isis as well as the Egyptians, under the same symtian, Canaanite, Carthaginian, Armenian, Per- of Egypt, to have been derived from the an- bols: the caduceus, which was composed of sian, Arabian, Chaldean, Etruscan, Umbrian, cient worship of the Surya, the solar fire, which the globe, the serpent, and wings, may be Indian, Grecian, and Roman rites. though a certain family likeness has prevailed Hence, there is truth in the old Latin pro- Druidical remains, particularly engraved at Now, originally was adored in Chaldea or Syria. traced in various characters among Gaulic or among the earlier religions, emanating, as they verbever did and ever will, from the same great principles in human nature-the absolute necessity "Tradidit Ægyptis Babylon, Ægyptus Achivis." Abury in Wiltshire, as well as in the Thebais of fear and love; we must say the author fails to by Captain Light, a circumstance is mentioned ern superstitions; and, therefore, if we find In a modern publication of a Tour in Egypt, reality the basis both of the Eastern and Westof Egypt. The worship of the sun was in convince us that the mild and open religion of as corroborative of the connexion between the obelisks and other erected pillars in Egypt and the patriarchs was essentially the same with Indians and Egyptians :-" As soon as some Asia, so we may naturally expect to discover the cruel and mysterious faith of the Druids. Hindoo sepoys, who came into Egypt by the them in Gaul, or in the British isles. Without entering into discussion with him, Red Sea, at the close of the war, to assist our very word obelisk we may trace the oriental however, as we are about to take a more gene- army there, were introduced to the ruined name of the solar deity Bal, known to the In the ral view of the question, we shall content our- temples on the Nile, and beheld the figures of Druids by the resembling title of Belenus, selves with observing, that this clever essay is the Egyptian deities contained in them, they their god of fire, and apparent in the term the first literary production from the London immediately worshipped them." University, to which society the young student has dedicated his performance. Sir William Jones, in his Dissertation on May eve. bealtine, or the fires that flamed to Baal on But, upon consulting all the best authorities" We cannot doubt of a great similarity bethe Gods of Greece, Italy, and India, says:(and many of them very difficult of access), we tween the popular worship of Greece, Italy, think we may adopt the following opinions- and India, and that of Egypt, China, Persia, setting out with the great groundwork, that Phoenice, and Syria; to which, perhaps, we Chaldea is the cradle of our species, and the may safely add some of the southern kingdoms, parent country of the arts and sciences. If and even islands of America; while the Gothic harper attending a highland army, occurs in the Chaldea, then, be the central country of man- system which prevailed in the northern regions case of that sent against the catholic lords, "An instance, apparently the latest, of a

by dwelling longer on a subject of this nature; but conclude with the two or three farther We will not tax the patience of our readers miscellaneous extracts which we promised from Mr. Logan's publication.

6

All

Errol, Huntly, and Angus, in 1594, on which is supposed to have but a faint resemblance to siche, or kemkossey, is the setting or footing occasion, Argyle carried with him his harper the ancient sword-dance. The same observa- step, and is divided into three sorts: first, to animate his troops, unfortunately without tion may be applied to the dirk-dance. Both where one step is equal to a bar; second, effect. The prophecy of a witch, whom he of them are, indeed, still executed by a few, where two steps are required to a bar; and also took with him, that it should be played and were exhibited in London some years ago third, where two bars are required to a step. at the Castle of Slanes, the Earl of Errol's by one MacGlassan; but a gentleman informed Leum-trasd, or cross springs, are a series of seat, on a certain day, may have been literally me that he knew a person who, at the age of Sissonnes. Siabadh-trasd, chasing steps or true, for it could have been there sounded at 106, saw the dirk-dance performed, and de- cross slips, is like the balotte. Aiseagtrasd, or the time foretold; but the Campbells had pre-clared it was not at all like that which he had cross passes, is a favourite step in the Highviously suffered a total defeat. A harp key, formerly known. Besides these, it is evident lands. Ceum-Badenach is another step much that had been, time immemorial, in the family from the words of an old Isle of Sky dancing used, and requiring considerable agility. Fosof Lord Mac Donald, and that bore marks of song, Bualidh mi u an sa chean, I will break gladh, or open step, and Cuartag, or turning antiquity, being ornamented with gold and your head,' that the parties in the performance step, are also very becoming movements. silver, and a precious stone, making its value went through the evolutions of attack and de- these, and many more, are combined in one eighty or one hundred guineas, was presented fence. The chief art in the modern sword- dance, and the association depends on the taste by his lordship to the celebrated O'Kane. But dance consists in the dexterity with which the of the party. That called the back step, in the harps of Lude, that have been preserved so dancer escapes touching one or more swords or which the feet are each alternately slipped belong by the Robertsons of that house, are now sticks crossed on the ground, the tune to which hind, and reach the ground on, or close to, the in possession of the Highland Society, and it was performed being called Gilli-Callum, and spot occupied by the one just removed, is of remain valuable relics in themselves, and evi- that appropriate to the dirk Phadric MacCom- difficult acquirement, and severely exerts the dence that this instrument held the same place bish. There was a dance called Rungmor, of muscles of the calfs of the legs. So much dexin Scotland that it did in Wales and Ireland. which little is now known: from the only de- terity can some persons display in this, that One of these harps was brought from Argyle scription I could get of it, the dancer appeared they will go through the setting time of the by a daughter of the Laird of Lamont, who in some manner to touch the ground with his music without moving beyond a space marked married into the family about 1460, and is thighs, without losing his balance. In Loch- by the circumference of their bonnet. Sean supposed to be some centuries older than that aber there was formerly a gymnasium for trius, or old trousers, from the name of the actime; the other was presented by Queen Mary, teaching all sorts of athletic exercises and companying air, is the native Highland hornwhen on a hunting excursion, to Beatrix Gar- graceful accomplishments, the scholars eating pipe, and is danced with much grace. I have dyn, daughter to the Laird of Banchory, near at a common table, being allowed a certain seen two brothers of the name of Grant, who Aberdeen, who was married to Findla Mhor, time for their meals, and submitting to other were good violin players, exhibit feats of great an ancestor of the Farquharsons of Invercauld, regulations; but, without tuition, the High- agility. Part of their performance consisted of from whom both families are descended; and landers excel in dancing. A perfect judge thus dancing the Highland fling, in that style called such a present shews that to play on the harp expresses himself: This pleasing propensity, the Marquis of Huntley's, strathspeys over a was at that time an accomplishment of the one would think, was born with them, from rope, and gilli-callum over a fiddle-bow; and ladies of Scotland, at least of the Highlands, the early indications we sometimes see their one of them danced a strathspey, played the for it is not to be supposed the queen would children shew for this exercise. I have seen fiddle, played bass on the bagpipe, smoked, have bestowed this instrument on one who did children of theirs, of five or six years of age, spoke Gaelic, and explained it in question and not understand it." attempt, nay, even execute, some of their steps answer, at the same time! Dancing among "Of the ancient Celtic dancing we find some so well, as almost to surpass belief. I once had the Gael does not depend on the presence of curious particulars. The Lusitani, says Dio- the pleasure of seeing, in a remote part of the musical instruments. They reel and set to dorus, have a light and airy dance which they country, a reel danced by a herd boy and two their own vocal music, or to the songs of those practise in peace, and which requires great young girls, who surprised me much, especially who are near: people whose hearts are light dexterity and nimbleness of legs and thighs. the boy, who appeared to be about twelve years and responsive to their native melodies, will In war, they march observing time and mea- of age. He had a variety of well-chosen steps, find their limbs move in consonance to its musare, and sing their triumphal songs when they and executed them with so much justness and sic, however produced." are ready to charge the enemy. The passion ease, as if he meant to set criticism at defiance;' We might multiply these curious illustra for dancing was strong in all the Celtic race, and, speaking of the colleges of Aberdeen, tions of ancient and traditionary manners ad and it was employed in the services of religion, where he was long established as an elegant and infinitum; but what we have given must suffice some remains of which practice long continued accomplished teacher of dancing, he adds, they to shew the interest and value of Mr. Logan's among the Welsh, who were accustomed to draw hither, every year, a number of students researches. We have only to notice, that he is dance in the churchyard. Rincefada, or field- from the Western Isles, as well as from the in error in stating the vessel found in the bed dance in Irish, shews its relation to Rineadoir, Highlands, and the greater part of them excel of the river Rother, a few years ago (p. 183), a musician. This was performed to the Cuisley in the dance; some of them, indeed, in so su- to have been Saxon: that was a mere newsCiuil, a simple sort of bagpipe before described, perior a degree, that I myself have thought paper illumination; and the ancient Saxon and used to conclude all balls. When James II. them worthy of imitation.' After the toils of vessel was most satisfactorily proven to have landed at Kinsale, his friends received him with a long day, young men and women will walk been an old Dutchman. the rincefada, by which he was much gratified. many miles to enjoy a dance, which seems to The manner of its execution was thus:-three have the effect of banishing fatigue, and, inpersons abreast, holding the ends of a white stead of adding to the sensation of weariness, it handkerchief, moved forward a few paces to becomes really a recreation. This delight in the sound of slow music, the rest of the dancers dancing is diffused throughout Scotland, and following in couples, and holding also a white the strongest efforts of the kirk to put down handkerchief between them. The music then promiscuous dancing,' with the bitter reproofs changing to a quicker tune, the dance began, of the more rigid covenanters, have failed in With regard to the nature and theory of volthe performers passing successively under the repressing the ungodly' exercise. The reel canoes, which has hitherto baffled the inquiries handkerchiefs of the three in front, and then and strathspey are the dances common to all of all the most eminent philosophers in Europe, wheeling round in semicircles, they formed a the Scots, and those of which they are most our author remarks:variety of pleasing evolutions, interspersed with passionately fond. They are either a quartet "A short time before Sir Humphry Davy occasional entrechats, finally uniting and re- or trio, a foursome or a threesome reel;' and quitted England, to which he was destined Faming their original places. The Manx are those who are ignorant of this species of dance never to return, he communicated to the Royal much addicted to dancing jigs and reels, in will find the principal steps used in it plainly Society a paper on the Phenomena of Volwhich four or five couple join to the music of described by Peacock, the intelligent writer canoes;' which was read on the 20th March, a fiddle. English country-dances are unknown already mentioned. It will be observed, that 1828, and published in the transactions of that among them. We are told that the military the difference in time between the two sorts of year. The object of this memoir was to collect dances of the old Irish were conducted by the music produces a corresponding difference in and record the various observations and ex. Curiaky, or dancing-master, a surname that the steps or evolutions. I shall here present periments which he had made on Vesuvius, yet exists in many families. The ancient Cale- the reader with a list of those most in use by during his several visits to that volcano. It donians had a sort of Pyrrhic dance over swords, the Highlanders. Ceum-siubhail, pronounced was a point of great importance to determine, which is not yet entirely unknown; but the kemshoole, the forward step, is the common whether any combustion was going on at the Gili-Callum, which generally terminates a ball, step for the promenade or figure. Ceum-coi- moment the lava issued from the mountain;

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Paris's Life of Sir H. Davy.

[Fourth Notice: Conclusion.]

ALTHOUGH we have already devoted a few columns in three successive Nos. to Dr. Paris's Life of Davy, we find some difficulty in bringing these remarks to a close.

THE LITERARY GAZETTE, AND

for this fact being once discovered, and the nature of the combustible matter ascertained, we should gain an immense step towards a just theory of the source of volcanic action. For this purpose, he carefully examined both the lava, and the elastic fluids with which it was accompanied. He was unable, however, to detect any thing like deflagration with nitre, which must have taken place had the smallest quantity of carbonaceous matter been present: nor could he, by exposing the ignited mass to portions of atmospheric air, discover that any appreciable quantity of oxygen had been absorbed. On immersing fused lava in water, no decomposition of that fluid followed; so that there could not have existed any quantity of the metallic bases of the earths or alkalies. Common salt, chloride of iron, the sulphates and muriates of potash and soda, generally constituted the mass of solid products; while steam, muriatic acid fumes, and occasionally sulphureous acid vapours, formed the principal elastic matters disengaged."

6

visited the French capital, he says: Speaking of the period when Sir H. Davy | fire-damp; but I have not here the means of well known that Buonaparte, during his whole luminous to enable the workmen to carry on reign, was in the habit of personal intercourse their business. They can be easily procured, "It is ascertaining whether they will be sufficiently with the savans of Paris, and that he not and at a cheaper rate than candles." unfrequently attended the sittings of the Institute. Upon being informed of the decom- been the original discoverer of a safety lamp position of the alkalies by Davy, he asked, for the use of the miners, having been conThe merit of Sir Humphry Davy having with some impetuosity, how it happened that tested by the friends of Dr. Clauny, and Mr. the discovery had not been made in France? George Stevenson of the Killingworth colliery, We have never constructed a Voltaic battery Dr. Paris has thought it his duty to devote a of sufficient power,' was the reply. exclaimed Buonaparte, 'let one be immediately detail of the progressive experiments of Davy, formed, without any regard to the cost or with the dates of the various communications Then,' large space to the investigation, and to give a labour.' of course, obeyed; and on being informed that The commands of the emperor were, to his scientific friends and the Royal Society. it was in full action, he repaired to the la- lamp was unquestionably the invention of L'avy, boratory to witness its effects. On his alluding we believe it is equally true, that a safety-lamp, Although the construction of the wire-gauze metals, with that rapidity which characterised constructed by Dr. Clauny. As the first efto the taste produced by the contact of two with a flexible air-pipe, had been previously all his motions, and before the attendants could forts of Davy were directed to the substitution interpose any precaution, he thrust the ex-of several air-tubes in lieu of one proposed by and received a shock which nearly deprived tion of the diameter of these air-tubes, so as to treme wires of the battery under his tongue, Dr. Clauny, and subsequently to the contrachim of sensation. After recovering from its prevent the passage of flame through them, in effects, he quitted the laboratory without the event of an explosive mixture within, and, making any remark, and was never afterwards lastly, the substitution of fine wire-gauze for heard to refer to the subject." France and Italy by easy stages, visiting all foundation, instead of engrossing the whole From Paris, Davy proceeded to the south of some portion of the merit to those who dig the air-tubes, it is, perhaps, only just to allow the most distinguished persons, and carrying honour for the architect, who subsequently with him a portable chemical apparatus, so as erects the edifice. With regard to the invento pursue his researches (in conjunction with tion of Stephenson, it could scarcely be termed his able assistant, Mr. Faraday) on all the a safe lamp, as the air was admitted through various branches of chemical science that might an aperture provided with a slide, so as to rearise during their continental tour. He con-gulate the admission of the air at pleasure. tinued from time to time to communicate the But it is obvious, that a single aperture, or a result of his researches to the Royal Society of few large apertures, which should admit air London, and also the Institute of France, but enough to maintain the combustion of the which it would greatly exceed our limits to lamp, would, in the event of an explosive mixnotice in our miscellaneous columns. to the inflammable gas without. ture forming within, communicate the flame

which Davy's biographer speaks of the “Killingworth engine-wright," We cannot, however, commend the tone in in the construction of the steam-engine than perhaps effected more practical improvements any individual since the celebrated James Watt. a man who has It is only necessary here to mention the beautiful loco-motive engine, of this gentleman's invention, now working on the rail-way between Liverpool and Manchester, to rescue him from the charge of being "ignorant of the elements of chemistry."

"He concludes this paper on volcanoes," says Dr. Paris, " with some observations on the theory of their phenomena; in which he remarks, it is almost demonstrable, that none of the chemical causes, anciently assigned for volcanic fires, can be true. Among these, the combustion of mineral coal is one of the most current; but it seems wholly inadequate to account for the phenomena. However large the stratum of pit-coal, its combustion under the surface could never produce violent and excessive heat; for the production of carbonic acid gas, where there was no free circulation of air, must tend constantly to impede the process: and it is scarcely possible, that carbonaceous matter, if such a cause existed, should not be found in the lava, and be disengaged with the saline or aqueous products, from the bocca, or craters. There are many instances in England of strata of mineral coal which have been long and the adjacent volcanic districts (to the reOur philosopher, besides inspecting Vesuvius burning, but the results have been merely baked sults of which we have referred) paid visits to clay and schists; and it has produced no results Pompeii and Herculaneum, with the view of similar to lava. chemical cause for volcanic fires, and reasoning colours employed by the ancients in their fresco On the hypothesis of a investigating the chemical properties of the from known facts, there appears to me no other paintings. On his return home, and during a adequate source than the oxidation of the me- tour in the north, he was applied to by Dr. Gray, tals which form the bases of the earths and the chairman of the committee of coal owners alkalies; but it must not be denied, that con- of the Tyne and Wear, to lend his valuable siderations derived from thermometrical ex- assistance in suggesting some means of preperiments on the temperature of mines and venting a repetition of the dreadful calamity of sources of hot water, render it probable which befell the unfortunate miners in the that the interior of the globe possesses a very Felling colliery, near Sunderland, in the month high temperature; and the hypothesis of the of May, 1812. nucleus of the globe being composed of fluid Laying aside, however, the mere question matter, offers a still more simple solution of the lative to the carburetted hydrogen gas, or fire- indefatigable biographer of Davy, from Mr. As the researches of Sir Humphry Davy re-read the following testimony, collected by the of originality of ideas, it is highly gratifying to phenomena of volcanic fires than that which damp of collieries, which led to the invention Buddle, (one of the most intelligent practical has been justly developed.' Dr. Paris very truly remarks, in reference may be considered as the most important of all gentleman, dated August 28, 1830, respecting of that beautiful contrivance, the safety-lamp, miners in the kingdom,) in a letter from that to these investigations into the actual source of his chemical pursuits, so far as the interests of the great value of this invention. volcanic agency, "that he leaves us in doubt humanity are concerned, it may afford a degree Davy lamp were used exclusively, and due care as to his own belief on the subject." But if of pleasure to many of our readers to give the taken in its management, it is certain that few the profound researches of a Davy were unable following extract from the original letter of accidents would occur in our coal-mines. "If the to unravel the mysteries of subterranean fires, Davy to Dr. Gray, dated Melrose, August 3, the exclusive use of the Davy' is not comafter his having demonstrated the actual nature 1815. of the several alkaline substances, and carefully my chemical knowledge can be of any use in in consequence of their not being workable But "It will give me great satisfaction if patible with the working of many of our mines, examined volcanic phenomena in situ, where an inquiry so interesting to humanity; and I without the aid of gunpowder. In such mines, shall we look for a solution of these stupendous beg you will assure the committee of my readi- where every collier must necessarily fire on the geological phenomena ? Whether we assume ness to co-operate with them in any experi- average two shots a-day, we are exposed to the the chemical theory, or the igneous (or central) ments or investigations on the subject. If you risk of explosion from the ignition of the guntheory, the question appears to be equally beset think my visiting the mines can be of any use, I powder, even if no naked lights were used in with difficulties. be several modes of destroying the fire-damp mine. As to the number of old collieries and will cheerfully do so." without danger; but the difficulty is to ascer- old workings which have been renovated, and There appears to me to carrying on the ordinary operations of the tain when it is present, without introducing as to the quantity of coal which has been, and lights, which may inflame it. I have thought will be, saved to the public by the invention of of two species of lights which have no power of the Davy, it is scarcely possible to give an inflaming the gas, which is the cause of the account, or form any estimate. In this part

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Dr. Paris relates, among others, an anecdote which is highly characteristic, both of the impetuosity of Buonaparte and of the well-known interest he always manifested respecting the encouragement of science during his brilliant

career.

.

of the country, Walker's colliery, after having|i. e. his Essay on the Formation of German tributive," or an "objective" combination of been completely worked out, according to the Words, and his treatise, of a more universal the subject with the other parts of speech that former system with candles and steel mills, nature, on the Philosophy of Language,† hav- enter into it. At last, the rules for arranging and after having been abandoned in 1811, was ing justly excited a strong sensation among the words in a sentence are explained in a manner re-opened in 1818 by the aid of the Davy, and philologists of Germany, we rejoice to see his which renders this difficult point at once clear has been worked on an extensive scale ever third and most useful performance, a Gram and easy. As a valuable addition, we must since, and may continue to be worked for an mar of the German Language, skilfully trans- mention the tables which are appended to this almost indefinite period. Great part of the lated and adapted for English students. grammar: they exhibit, as it were, the skeleton formerly relinquished workings of Wall's-end, We perceive from many passages of Dr. of the whole system, and contribute essentially Willington, Percy-main, Hepburn, Jarrow, Becker's productions, that he has long been an to facilitate its study. Elswick, Benwell, &c. as well as several col-attentive observer of the great progress which Dr. Becker's Grammar of the German Lanlieries on the Wear, have been recovered, and the various branches of natural science have guage may, in many respects, be compared with are continued in work through the intervention recently made, and that he has remained no the description which a naturalist would give of the Davys. If I had only time, I could stranger to the philosophical systems lately of any individual being of the vegetable or aniwrite a volume on the subject. I shall shortly established in Germany. In his inquiries into mal kingdom. He investigates the properties get an important paper on the subject of the language, his attention seems soon to have been of its component elements, the vowels and conDavy put into Dr. Paris's hands. Yours, &c." more exclusively engaged by the structure of sonants; he exhibits the various limbs or parts Thus it appears that the researches of Davy his own mother-tongue, over the history and of which its body consists, and shews their prohave no less contributed to extend the amount successive development of which an important portions, their structure, and relative position; of our national riches, than to serve the light had just been spread by the profound he even endeavours to lead us nearer to the cause of humanity; and we fully agree in researches of the learned J. Grimm. But it principles of its action and life, by shewing how the subjoined remarks of Dr. Paris: "The was not till a rapid survey had made him ac- the functions of its different organs concur to enlightened friends of science very reasonably quainted with the peculiarities of most of the one common end, which might be termed its expected that a service of such importance to Indo-German languages, that he came before vital process. society as the invention of the safety lamp the public in the distinguished manner he has The difficulty of rendering the sense of Gerwould have commanded the gratitude of the done. The volume now before us stands, in man terminology into English is the chief obstate, and obtained for its author a high parlia-our opinion, not only above other German stacle which had to be overcome, and we think mentary reward; nor were there wanting zeal-grammars, but also above those of any other it has been surmounted as far as possible. Upous and disinterested persons to urge the claims modern language with which we are conver- on the whole, therefore, we must speak of this of the philosopher: but a government which sant. Notwithstanding the increased import-grammar (as every German critic has done) as had bestowed a splendid pension upon the con-ance which has rendered an acquaintance with a very valuable philosophical view of language, triver of an engine for the destruction of human the languages of modern Europe now more and an excellent guide to the study of German life, (Congreve's rocket,) refused to listen to than ever desirable to ourselves, it is but too in particular. any proposition for the reward of one who had certain that most of the grammars and elementinvented a machine for its preservation. It is ary works, by means of which that knowledge The Planet. No. I. London, J. Nimmo. true that, in consideration of various scientific is to be acquired, are far from the perspicuity A PRETTY little amusing miscellany, under services, they tardily and inadequately acknow- and systematical arrangement which the pre- this title, has just appeared in our periodical ledged the services of Davy by bestowing on sent age is entitled to claim. Nor can we be ranks. It is cheap, and contains some pleasing him the dignity of a baronetcy, a reward that, at a loss to assign the cause for this general stories and anecdotes. it must be confessed, neither displayed any remark. Whilst the leisure of the professed regard to his condition, nor implied the just philologists is almost exclusively occupied by

estimate of his merits."

the more learned study of the classical lan History of the Bible, Vol. II. National Library, Our notice of this highly interesting volume guages, and whilst to their endeavours we are THIS is the only one of the new Library No. VI. Colburn and Bentley. might be advantageously extended to a far already indebted for excellent Greek, Latin, greater length, and especially in relation to what and Hebrew grammars, the elementary works volumes which has reached us, and we have we have always deemed the most beautiful (con- on modern languages are mostly written by just time to say that it does equal credit to sidered in a purely scientific point of view) of men who, without a view to theoretical perfec- Mr. Gleig with the first. all Davy's splendid discoveries-his electro- tion, only vary in their attempts to facilitate

chemical experiments on the nature of the the acquirement by what they call practical A Historical and Descriptive Guide to the corrosion of copper sheathing by the action of Town of Wimborne-Minster, &c. &c. By sea-water. But the book can, with all our the Rev. Peter Hall. 12mo. pp. 47. Lonendeavours, be only slightly illustrated in our don, W. Pickering. pages. In the end, when the Admiralty (1828) discontinued his plan, "the friends of Sir H. Davy saw, with extreme regret, that the failure of his mode of protecting copper sheathing had produced in his mind a degree of disappointment and chagrin, wholly inconsistent with the merits of the question; that while he became insensible to the voice of praise, every nerve was jarred by the slightest note of disapprobation."

His biographer then proceeds to trace the latter days of this distinguished individual. During the autumn of 1828 he took a second excursion to the continent for the restoration of his health; but in vain,-as, on his homeward way, death arrested his progress at Geneva. During his last tour, however, his active mind was fully engaged in writing a beautiful little work, appropriately entitled," Consolations in Travel; or the Last Days of a Philosopher." We can add nothing further, except a few words to recommend Dr. Paris's valuable "Memoirs" to every class of readers.

grammars. But while they systematically avoid
entering into any thing like a philosophical
elucidation of the laws of language, they often
lose even that advantage which they profess to A BEAUTIFUL little volume, from the pen of
pursue; for in the same degree as they spare the editor of the Crypt, whose works, we con-
the learner the trouble of calling his intellec-fess, have deserved much more attention from
tual powers into action, they must necessarily us than we have found opportunity to pay.
encroach upon his memory; and we may, in a The present publication does much credit to
great measure, look upon this perverse plan as his antiquarian tastes; and besides being beau-
the source of the dislike which so many young tifully embellished, gives an excellent account
people entertain at the very beginning of the of one of the most ancient and interesting
study of a foreign language.
Gothic structures in England.

A Series of Chemical and Medical Tables,
forming a Synopsis of Chemistry, Materia
Medica, Pharmacy, and Nosology. By John
Hogg, House Surgeon and Apothecary to the
Dispensary of the University of London.
Taylor.

A luminous arrangement is one virtue of Dr. Becker's work. It commences with an introduction, from a perusal of which we would promise much gratification, even to such linguists as do not intend to go through the whole of the plan. For the latter purpose it is essential to have become familiar with the general remarks laid down in these preparatory para-" THESE Tables," it is stated in a prefatory graphs. The main body of the grammar is notice," were compiled with a two-fold object divided into two parts, etymology and syntax: in view,-to refresh the memory of the prac the former comprises two sections, 1. on the titioner in the chief points of medical science, formation, and, 2. on the inflection of words; and to present to the student an outline of the the latter is arranged according to a manner professional field he is about to enter, as well peculiar to Dr. Becker, of classifying sentences as serve him with an easy source of reference as being either simple or compound, and as in the course of his reading. The chemical 4 Grammar of the German Language. By containing either a "predicative," or an "at-analyses are chiefly those of Davy, Wollaston, 8vo. pp. 284. Lon

C. F. Becker, M.D.

don, 1831. Murray.

Tuz previous grammatical works of Dr. Becker,

* Deutsche Wortbildung. Frankfurt, 1824.
Organism der Sprache. Frankfurt, 1827.
Deutsche Grammatif. Frankfurt, 1829.

Thénard, Thomson, Henry, Bostock, Brande, Berzelius, Majendie, Ure, Marcet, and Henderson. The Materia Medica and Pharmacy

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