purity and prevent admixture with atmospheric | 23): Four persons being heard repeating their air. The details of their examination were given, profession of faith according to the form pieand the result proved that the only additional scribed by the impostor, were apprehended, tried, matters present, besides light carburetted hydro- and found guilty of unpardonable blasphemy. gen, were a small per centage of nitrogen and ox- They were sentenced to lose their beards by fire ygen, or air; thus confirming the results of Davy being set to them. The sentence was put into exand of the author's experiments made some years ecution with all the zeal and fanaticism becoming ago. The remarkable absence of all oxidable a true believer in Mahomet Not deeming the matters, at the temperature of the air, in the fire- loss of beards a sufficient punishment, they were damp is of geological interest, as it proves that further sentenced on the next day to have their almost indefinitely protracted oxidating action faces blacked and exposed throughout the city. must be taken into account in the formation of Each of them was led by a mirgazah (execucoal. Professor Graham next proceeded to sug- tioner), who had made a hole in his nose and gest two measures for preventing the explosion of passed through it a string, which he sometimes the gas in coal-mines, and of mitigating the ef- pulled with such violence that the unfortunate fects of such accidents. The first, based on the fellows cried out alternately for mercy from the gas ceasing to be explosive when diluted beyond a executioner and for vengeance from heaven. It certain point with air,and the fact, that, from its ex- is the custom in Persia on such occasions for the treme lightness, it continues near the roof for a executioners to collect money from the spectagreat length of time. It was recommended, that an tors, and particularly from the shopkeepers in the early intermixture of the firedamp and air be pro- bazaar. In the evening, when the pockets of the moted by agitation with a light portable wheel, executioners were well filled with money, they with vanes, so placed as to impel the air in the led the unfortunate fellows to the city-gate, and direction of the ventilation, and not to impede there turned them adrift. After which the molthe draft. The second, that to remove the after- lahs at Shiraz sent men to Bushire with power to damp, or carbonic acid gas, which results from seize the impostor, and take him to Shiraz, where, the explosion, and by which the large proportion on being tried, he very wisely denied the charge of deaths is occasioned, a cast-iron pipe, from of apostasy laid against him, and thus escaped eight to twelve inches in diameter, be perma- from punishment.-Literary Gazette. nently fixed in every shaft, with blowing apparatus above, by which air could be thrown down, and the shaft itself immediately ventilated; by means of flexible or fixed tubes this auxiliary circulation might be carried into the workings.— Literary Gazette.

JOURNALISM IN AUSTRIA.-The number of journals at present published in the Austrian States is 159, which, compared with the population, amounting to 31,500,000, gives one journal for every 198,110 inhabitants. Of these journals, 40 are political, 12 commercial, and 107 literary and scientific. In Austria, properly so called, there are 20; in the Lombardo-Venetian kingdom, 43; in Hungary, 21; in Bohemia, 17; and in the rest of the Austrian States, 49. Of these journals, 76 are written in German, 53 in Italian, 15 in Sclavonian, 1 in French, and 14 in various other dialects-Galignani's Messenger.

BRONZE CASTING.-The chest of the colossal statue of Bavaria was lately cast at the Royal Foundry at Munich, amidst public rejoicings at the execution of so great a work; and the Bavarian journals boast of it as the largest fusion of metal ever achieved in modern times-being 40,000 lbs. of brass, which required forty hours to liquefy. Now the equestrian statue of the Duke of Wellington, for the gate at Hyde Park Corner, contains much more than double the quantity, and each of the two principal runs has been equal to the Munich performance; and the metal was in the furnace for a week before it was in a state to flow into the mould. Thus do we magnify foreign arts, and neglect those at home.-Literary

Gazette.

MAHOMETAN SCHISM.-A new sect has lately set itself up in Persia, at the head of which is a merchant who had returned from a pilgrimage to Mecca, and proclaimed himself a successor of the Prophet. The way they treat such matters at Shiraz appears in the following account (June

BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES.

Great Britain.

The Scottish Church Question, by the Rev. Adolphus
Sydon.

A book from which more information may be derived than from all that has been written in this country, since the quæstio verata was first breathed. Mr. Sydon is a minister of the Prussian Evangelical Church, and chaplain to the garrison of Potsdam; he is not, therefore, identified with either of the great parties that now divide the Scottish church. Though his feelings and even his principles are decidedly in favor of the Secessionists, and though he is sure that the Free Church system will eventually be that of Protestant Europe, he suffers no bias to mislead him in his estimate of facts, or in the deductions from them.Athenæum.

Cases and Observations Illustrative of the Beneficial Results which may be obtained by close attention and perseverance in some of the most unpromising instances of Spinal Deformity Samuel Hare, Surgeon. London, Churchill.

By

The prevalence of spinal affections in this country, and the painful consequences involved in this malady, must induce parents and those who have the training of the young to highly prize an intelligent and scientific treatise upon a subject of such vast importance. We do not pretend to account for the cases of spinal deformity being more numerous in this country than on the continent; but we venture to think that the great attention to the physical training of the continental youth prevents that extensive spinal distortion so pre

valent in our own country. It may be deserving the attention of British parents and guardians to inquire whether more attention ought not to be devoted to the healthy development of bone and muscle, which shall contribute to the vigor and beauty of the material form. A reply to this inquiry in the affirmative would be found to secure to the exercises of the mind facilities of no ordinary character. The spirit of man will delight in its own workings when the machinery of its operations is in good order, and the material is the active and obedient servant of the spiritual.

Undivided attention, all other things being equal, can never fail to secure for the student eminence in theoretical and practical science. Of this our author is a most satisfactory illustration. His extensive practice and his extraordinary success, entitle him to the confidence of all who may be affected in the spine. The most of the cases which are introduced in the pamphlet, are of persons now living, and to whom reference can be made. The work deserves the attention of parents and guardians, and all who are concerned for the health and beauty of the rising population.

Memoir of the Life and Writings of Thomas
Cartwright, B.D. the distinguished Puritan Re-

into prison, and thus drew upon himself the roy-
al displeasure. Mr. Cartwright was released from
prison and found many friends and protectors
among the powerful and noble, who often, for po-
litical purposes, courted the puritans. The Earl
of Leicester appointed him first master of an hos-
pital, for twelve indigent men, which he had es-
tablished at Warwick; and here, for some years,
he found a haven of rest. But he again got into
trouble; and was, at one time, even committed
to the Fleet, where he suffered a long imprison-
ment, from which he and his brethren in afflic
tion were at length relieved by the intervention
of Lord Burghley. His troubles were not yet at
an end; but towards the close of his days, he es-
chewed all controvercy,-lived in quiet and re-
tirement; and, strange to tell, is reported to have
died rich. His life, and his writing, (which are
more important than his life,) are, in fact, the his-
tory of puritanism during its brave early struggles
against intolerance and arbitrary power, for the
maintenance of freedom of conscience, of discus-
sion and opinion. We need hardly say that Mr.
Brook deeply reverences the subject of his me
moir; and is thoroughly imbued- yea even to
a touch of prejudice-with the spirit of his
party.-Tait's Mag.

Rapport Annual sur les Progrès de la Chimie.
Par J. Berzelius, traduit de Suedois par Ph.
Plantamour.

This is the current volume of Berzelius' well known Chemical Annual. To scientific readers we need say no more than that it contains as able a summary of the discoveries and speculations in chemistry which have been published during the preceding year, as former volumes did of earlier years. To unscientific readers we need only say, that its author is the celebrated Swedish chemist, Jacob Berzelius, who, for the instruction of his brethren, yearly draws up a digest of the progress of their science during the preceding year. It is so much valued, that translations from the original Swedish are always made into French and German. As no translation is made into English, we have made the French one, as the more generally accessible, the object of our remarks. In execution, the work is beyond praise. It supplies the shortest, simplest, but most effectual means of keeping pace with the rate at which chemistry is advancing. British Quarterly Review.

former; including the principal ecclesiastical movements in the reign of Queen Elizabeth. By the Rev. B. Brook, author of "The Lives of the Puritans." Octavo, pp. 489. London: Snow. The distinguished nonconformist, the events of whose life are here recorded, was born in the county of Hertford, in the first half of the sixteenth century; or, as is conjectured, about 1535. He was sent to Cambridge at an early age; but after the death of Edward VI., and the accession of Mary, his principles compelled him to quit the university; and, during that sanguinary reign, the young student remained in seclusion, in the office of a counsellor-at-law. When the accession of Elizabeth brought back somewhat better times, he returned to St. John's College, and figured as a disputant before the virgin queen, when she visited the university; but, it is alleged, with questionable success, so far as finding grace in royal eyes may augur success. He took his degree, was chosen Margaret professor; and from the spirit of his popular lectures, and the bold doctrines which he promulgated in his works, was soon involved in controversy on those questions which still divide churchmen and nonconformists. In questions relating to church government and discipline, the nonconformists, down to the present time, have had no abler champion. Cartwright soon drew upon himself the displeasure of the bishops, and also that of the Queen, though, personally, he suffered not so much as The work quoted above is probably Humboldt's many of his party who had given less cause of last legacy to the world of science. In the preoffence to these potent personages. He, however; face, he says, 'In the evening of a long and acfound it expedient to retire quietly into exile; tive life, I present the public with a work, the and for some time he resided at Middleburg, and indefinite outlines of which have floated in my afterwards at Antwerp, where he became pastor mind for almost half a century.' Of the characof the English congregation. He was now heldter of the work we cannot give a better idea than in high esteem for his learning, and considered as a head or leader of the puritan party, and was, by James VI., offered a professorship in St. Andrews. I health compelled him to return to England, where his condition did not disarm the enmity of Bishop Aylmer, who falsely pleaded the Queen's command for casting Cartwright

KOEMOE. A general Survey of the Physical
Phenomena of the Universe. By Alexander
Von Humboldt. POST 8vo., vol. i. pp. 482.
London, 1845.

by citing another passage from the preface.

The first volume of my work comprises intro ductory considerations on the various sources of our enjoyment of nature, and the establishment of the laws of the universe; the circumscription and scientific treatment of physical cosmography; and a general picture of nature as a survey of the

GREAT BRITAIN.

Life and Letters of St. Paul, during his Second and Third Apostolical Journeys. Transactions of the Entomological Society of London. Vol. IV. Part II. Stillingfleet's Doctrines of the Church of Rome. By Dr. Cunningham.

phenomena of cosmos. The general survey of SELECT LIST OF RECENT PUBLICATIONS. nature, beginning with the furthest nebulæ, and the revolving double stars of heaven, and coming down to the terrestrial phenomena of the geography of organic beings-plants, animals, and the races of mankind-contains the most important and essential portion of my whole undertaking the intimate connexion of the General with the Particular; the spirit pervading the treatment of the subjects discussed; the form and style of the composition. The two succeeding volumes will comprise the discussion of the means that incite to the study of nature, (through animated accounts of natural scenery, landscape painting, the cultivation and grouping of exotic plants in the hot-house ;) the history of the contemplation of the universe, in other words, the gradual comprehension of the idea of the natural forces co-operating as a whole; and the specialities of the several departments, whose reciprocal connexions were indicated in the General Picture presented in the first volume.'-pp. 12, 13.

For the task he has undertaken, is hardly possible to conceive any one better fitted than Humboldt. At the close of a long life, devoted, not to one part of science, or of natural history, but to the whole of those connected subjects of knowledge which explain the operations of nature, he comes forward with the sum of the reflections derived from the experience gained in many journeys, and multiplied researches in her wide domain.

The work is not couched in the symbols of science, but made open to the general reader by language as plain as the subjects will admit. The English translation has appeared in successive parts for the last few months, and these are now complete as far as the first volume. From the passage quoted above it appears that two other volumes will make up the whole work. We may, perhaps, have occasion to return to the book when it is completed.-British Quarterly Review.

Life of Lorenzo de Medici, called the Magnificent,
By William Roscoe. With a Memoir of the
Author.

This volume forms the first publication of a
new undertaking called "Bogue's European Li-
brary"; which if it be carried on with the judg-
ment and spirit in which it is begun, will chal-
lenge comparison with any issue of the day, nu-
merous and excellent as they are. Roscoe's life
of Lorenzo de' Medici has hitherto been inaccessi-
It is
ble to the public, from its bulk and cost.
here presented to the reader in a single volume
at a cheap price, but wearing nothing cheap in its
look-neither double columns, nor peculiar form,
nor flimsy prettiness of cover. In some points of
view it is "better than new" for the general read-

er.

The notes are all translated; the more interesting or valuable illustrations of the text are selected from Mr. Roscoe's elaborate appendix, and from his subsequent publication, "Illustrations from the Life of Lorenzo de Medici"; and the Index has been revised. Mr. Hazlitt, who edits this edition, has also added a Life of Roscoe. Many things may prevent us from recurring to the Life of Lorenzo de' Medici; but they need not prevent our readers from procuring it. A work which has lived its half-century does not need recommendation.-Spectator.

Oliver Cromwell's Letters and Speeches. By T. Carlyle.

Animal Topography with a Zoological Map of the World. By J. H. Newton. Essay concerning the Divine Right of Tithes. By the Rev. C. Leslie.

Early Influences. By the Author of "Truth without Prejudice."

Mosheim's Institutes of Ecclesiastical History. Translated by J. Murdoch, D. D. New edit., with Additions. By the Rev. H. Soames.

Tytler's Elements of General History, with a Continuation. By the Rev. E. Nares, D. D. New edit.

Life of Carl Theodor Körner. Translated by G. F. Richardson.

Elements of Mental and Moral Science. By G. Payne.