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To the Editor of the Monthly Magazine.

SIR,

SHALL be much obliged to you to insert in your Magazine, the follow ing most excellent receipt for a cancer; as I have recently known two cases, in which it has effectually cured that most dreadful and fatal disorder, even in almost its latest stage. I consider the accompanying letter of Dr. Bacon to be so direct a proof of its efficacy, that I cannot but feel an earnest wish, that through the medium of your valuable Magazine, the receipt may become universally circulated.

As the Cleavers, (or Goose-grass) cannot be procured in the winter, (unless it is very mild,) I would recommend a strong distillation being made of it, in the summer, that there should be no interruption to the continuance of the medicine. Your's, &c.

A CONSTANT READER.

February 27, 1809.

An extraordinary cure for a Cancer, by the Rev. Dr. Bacon, by the use of Cleavers, (or Goose-Grass,) in a letter to a friend.

An aged woman, in my parish, who had what she called a Bloody Cancer, continuing to eat away the flesh several years, had a relation at Abingdon, to which place she went, for the sake of a surgeon, who could not come to her. His visits were an act of charity; and while she was near him, he often called on her, and gave her his medicines, without any good effect; when at last, despairing of a cure, she was sent home with the comfortable assurance, that she

amused myself some time with reading the virtues of several plants, and partcularly Cleavers. And the manner I recominended, and which was strictly fol lowed by the patient, was as follows S -She first took a common mercurial purge, was charged to abstain from saltmeats, and to use only thin diets; and twice a day, between meals, to drink about a quarter of a pint of the juice of Cleavers, which she got by pounding and squeezing them. At the same time, I directed her to take of the same juice boiled, and mixed with hog's lard, so as to make a very soft ointment, and constantly apply it to the wound, laying also the bruised cleavers over it, and to refresh it so often as it dried, taking particular care to keep the wound clean. This was immediately put in practice, and continued for six months, partly by compulsion and importunity; for the benefit was so gradual, that I could hardly persuade the woman she was better for it.. Indeed, I should have been doubtful myself, but that the offensive smell abated; and her being still alive, were convincing proofs to me that a cure would be effected. Accordingly, I pressed and insisted on her continuing the same practice; and it being a very mild winter, the Cleavers were procured in warmo hedges, the saine course was pursued, and in three months after, the wound was perfectly healed. I advised her to take them every spring after; which she did, and thus prevented a return of her disorder.

To the Editor of the Monthly Magazine,

SIR,

TAVING observed in your Maga

would be eased of her misery in a fort-H zine, page 139, a difference of

night, or less.

On her return to my parish, I was sent for, to pray by her, and never met with a more deplorable object in my Life; nothing could be so offensive as the smell, and noting so terrible as her shrieks! Just at that time, I had been desired to write Dr. Dillenius's diploma (our professor of botany); and to acquaint myself with some botanical expressions, referred to some books of that kind in our library, at Magdalen college; and after I had finished my compilement, I

opinion respecting the method of curing barns, and scalds, I beg to recommend to the public the following receipt, which will have the desired effect:

Put five ounces of hog's lard, one ounce and a half of bees-wax, one ounce of red lead, and one ounce of camphor, into a small pot, or pipkin, and dissolve them over a slow fire. When cold, apply the salve to the part affected. Deptford, Murch 6, 1809.

Your's, &c.

G. E. TOWRY,

MEMOIRS

MEMOIRS AND REMAINS OF EMINENT PERSONS.

ACCOUNT of the late MARQUIS D'ARGENS,

HE Marquis D'Argens was one of

Tthose literary characters of the last

century, who have rendered themselves more remarkable than illustrious by their opinions, their adventures, and the reputation of their works.

Like Saint Evreinond, the Marquis D'Argens passed one part of his life in gallantry, and the other at the court of a Prince, and in the circle of the great world. But the former possessed talents, and a rank in society above the latter. Some fragments of St. Evremond, such as, for instance, "Considerations on the Roman People," evince a taste and genius, not to be found in the Author of the " Philosophy of Good Sense," or the "Jewish Letters."

The writings of the Marquis D'Argens are not however without considerable merit-they had a rapid circulationthey were read with great avidity; and in that they resembled those of St. Evremond; but posterity will find less to preserve in the one, than in the other.

The first years of the life of Saint Evremond are unknown; at least, even to the present day, we have no authentic account of them. The Marquis D'Argens wrote the Memoirs of his Life, which are read with pleasure-contain many pointed facts; and the narrative pleases, notwithstanding some apparent negli gences of the style, and some of those inconsiderate reflections, which at that time were termed "philosophical," though, to speak more correctly, they should be called those of a young man.

He commences at that period when the passions are in full force and vigour; for it is by the influence of one of the most powerful that he enters on his subject, without acquainting us with the place of his birth, or the condition of his parents.

Information, however, collected since, supplied that deficiency. He was born at Aix in Provence, in 1704, being the son of M. Boyer, Marquis D'Argens, Procureur General of the Parliament of that city. It was natural, that his father, who held one of the first situations in the Magistracy, should intend him for this his honourable profession: but the ardour of youth, an impatience to he employed, and the idea that the military line afforded him greater opportunities for pleasure, made him prefer the pro

1

fession of arms, into which he entered when he was scarcely fifteen years old. He at first served in the min

rines, and then in the regiment of Riche

lieu, after having been received as a Knight of Malta: but he soon forgot the state he had embraced; and his amours with the handsome Sylvia, whose history he gives in his memoirs, contributed not a little to effect it.

The petulance and impetuosity of his youth were subjects of much discontent and unhappiness to his father, who, in the end disinherited him; but Mons. D'Eguilles, his younger brother, Presi dent of the Parliament of Aix, anuulled the deed of inheritance, by making an equal division of the property, and by adopting a natural daughter of the Marquis, and restoring her to the name and rights she derived from her father. At first he would by no means consent to this arrangement, fearful of doing what night displease the family; but the reasons and the principles of justice which the Magistrate advanced soon found their way to his heart, and Mademoiselle Mina became Marchioness D'Argens.

On his return from a journey to Spain, where he left his mistress Sylvia, he be came reconciled to his family; but he soon left France, and departed for Constantinople along with Mons. D'Andreselle, ambassador to the Ottoman Porte, of whom he speaks in his memoirs. A judgment may be formed of his character and of his conduct in that city, by the following anecdote, which was furnished by Mr. Thiebault în his "Recollections:"

-

"On his arrival at Constantinople," says this writer, "he conceived the de sign of witnessing the ceremonies used in the mosques. Nothing could dissuade him from undertaking this dangerous enterprize, in which, if he had been discovered or betrayed, he would only have escaped the scaffold or the bow-string, by assuming the turban, or, in other words, becoming mussulman: he ap plied to the Turk who kept the keys of the mosque of Santa Sophia, and by dint of bribery succeeded in gaining him to his purpose. It was agreed between them, at the next great day of public worship, the infidel should introduce the Christian in great secrecy by nigh, and that he should conceal him behind a painting which was placed, a long time back, at the bottom of a tribune, which was in

front

front of the gate. The Marquis would be the safer in this place as it was seldom opened; and, besides, it was situated at the west end of the mosque, and the Mahometans always in their prayers face to Mecca, which lies east of Constantinople, and never turn their heads without giving cause for scandal; a point on which they are so scrupulous, that they never turn when they quit the mosques, but always go backward to the gate.

The Marquis D'Argens, seated at his ease, beheld the whole of the ceremo nies of the Turkish religion; yet he gave frequent cause of alarm to his guide-almost every minute he quitted his hiding place, and advanced to the middle of the tribune, in order that he might have a better view of what was passing in the mosque. Then the poor Turk, who knew he ran no less a risk than that of being impaled alive, intreated him, by the most expressive signs and gestures, to retire quickly behind bis picture. The terror of the man was a subject of the highest amusement to the Knight of Malta, who played the more upon his fears.

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But they were a hundred-fold, if possible, increased, when he took a flask of wine and a piece of ham from his pocket, and offered him share of both. The disc.ple of Mahomet was in absolute despair; but what could he do?-he must bear all in order to conceal his guilt, and save himself from punishment. The Marquis threatened him; and the Turk was compelled to drink of the wine, and eat of the ham, and thus profane himself, his religion, and the mosque. The miserable man was for some instants like one petrified: be thought he beheld the avenging arm of the prophet raised above his head; by degrees, however, he be-, came more calm: he even began to be familiar with his guilt; and when the devotees had all left the mosque, and, he saw himself alone with the Christian dog, they finished their breakfast with a good grace, laughed at the danger they had run, and parted most excellent friends.

The Marquis D'Argens, in his Memoirs, exposes with great candour the adventures of his journey, and the motive which induced him to return to France. His father anxiously wished him to study the law; but the ardent character of the young man could not be persuaded by his sage advice. He again re-entered the service, and in 1733 he was appointed to the cavalry: he was at MONTHLY MAG, No. 186.

the siege of Kehl, where he was slightly wounded: in 1784, after the siege of Philipsbourg, he got a fall from his horse, which so disabled him, that he was never able to mount afterwards, and he was obliged in consequence to renounce the service.

It appears, that it was at the time of his refusal to embrace the profession his father wished him, when he returned from Constantinople, that his father disinherited him, not being able, owing to the smallness of his fortune, to sustain with credit the expensive life his son ted.

He was compelled, when he retired from the service, to go to Holland to seek resources from his pen. The liberty of the press, which then existed in that country, allowed him to make choice of any subject his fancy suggested. He published successively, the "Jewish, Chinese, and Cabalistic Letters." They were admired, and brought him some money; most of them turning on subjects of morality, politics, manners, religious customs and ceremonies, and the events of nations. The lively manner in which they were written, the boldness of some of the ideas, and the singularity of the style, caused them to be much read, and generally approved.

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The Jewish Letters," in particular, gained him a very high reputation. The King of Prussia, then Prince Royal, read them, and wished to become acquainted with the author. He was even anxious to attach him to his service, hoping by that means to draw him out of the unpleasant state his youth had thrown him into. He wrote to him, and made him the most honourable offers; every thing seemed to assure him that the Marquis would accept them with eagerness, as he chiefly proposed that they should live as friends, and study philosophy together-his answer, however, was not such as was expected. After expressing his grateful, sense of the honour of the atten tion, he adds, Deign, your Highness, to consider, that in order to be attendant on your person, I must be always in view of three battalions of Guards, quartered at Potsdam. Can I therefore venture without danger. I am only five feet seven inches high, and but indifferently made."

It would not probably have been very politic or agreeable for the Marquis D'Argens, then not more than thirty years old, to settle in Prussia; and so near the residence of Frederic William, father of him to whom be wrple,

4 F

This

This Monarch was a man of harsh unpleasant manners, an enemy to literature, whose sole glory and pride consisted in having in his aring the tallest and handsomest soldiers in Europe, and immense treasures in his coffers.

"Frederic William," says Voltaire, was a complete Vandal, who, during the whole course of his reign, had no other object in view than amassing sums, and supporting at the least possible expense the finest troops in Europe. Never were subjects poorer than his; never was a King richer. Turkey is a republic in comparison with the despotism which Frederic William exercised. It was by this he succeeded in collecting in the cellars of his palace a sum exceeding eighty millions, contained in barrels hooped

with iron.

"This King usually went from his palace on foot, in a shabby old blue coat with copper buttons, which reached half way down his thighs; and whenever he ordered a new one, he had his old but tons put on it: in this dress his Majesty, with a large serjeant's cane, every day inspected his regiment of giants. This regiment was his hobby horse, and his greatest expense. The front rank was composed of men of seven feet high: he had them collected from all parts of Europe, and of Asia. I saw several of them even after his death.

"When Frederic William finished his review, he usually took a walk through the city; every person fled at his approach if he happened to meet a woman, he asked her why she wasted her time in the streets Go home, go home, you lazy beggar; an honest woman should be employed about her house.' He generally accompanied his advice with a good slap on the face, a kick, or else a blow of his cane. In the same manner he treated the ininisters of the gospel, when he happened occa. sionally to see thein on the parade.

"One may easily judge," continues Voltaire," that a savage like this would be both astonished and chagrined, at having a son possessed of strong understanding, a bright genius, politeness, and a desire to please, and who sought to improve his mind, and study music and poetry. If he saw a book in the hands of the Hereditary Prince, he threw it in the fire: if the Prince amused himself with his flute, the father broke it; and sometimes treated his Royal Highness as he did the ladies, and the clergymen on parade.

"The Prince completely sick of his father's treatment, resolved one day in the year 1730 to leave him, uncertain whether he should go to France or England. The rigid economy of the father would not allow him to travel otherwise than as the son of a Farmer-general, or an English merchant-he borrowed a few hundred ducats. Two young men of amiable character were to be his companions-Kat was the only son of a brave General Officer, and Keil was a near relation of a Baroness Kniphausen, whom Frederic William condemned in a fine of thirty thousand francs, for having a child when a widow. The day and hour of their departure were fixed--the father was informed of every circumstance—the Prince and his two companions were arrested. At first the father took it into his head, that his daughter Wilhelmina, who afterwards married the Margrave of Bareith, was privy to the plot; and, as his justice was executed in a very sum mary way, he kicked her through a window which opened down to the floor. The Queen Mother, who came into the room just as her daughter Wilhelmina was on the point of falling out, with much difficulty held her by her cloaths. The Princess received a contusion just above the left breast, the mark of which she carried to her grave."

The Prince had a sort of mistress, daughter of a school-master of the town of Brandenburg, settled in Patzdam: she played a little on the harpsichordthe Prince Royal accompanied her on the flute-he fancied himself in love with her; however, fancy or not, the father had her led round the streets of Potzdam, followed by two common executioners, who flogged her before his son's eyes.

After he had regaled himself with this spectacle, he had her conveyed to the citadel of Custrin, situated in the middle of a morass: there she was shut up in a sort of dungeon for six months, without any attendant, and at the expiration of that time, they gave her a soldier to wait upon her.

The Prince bad been some weeks confined in this same castle of Custrin, when one day an old officer, followed by four grenadiers, entered the room; his eyes filled with tears. Frederic had no doubt but they came to put an end to him; but the officer, still weeping, made a sign, on which the four grem diers placed him at a window, and held his head to it, while he saw that of his friend Kat taken off, upon a scaffald

erected

erected directly opposite the window. He held out his hand towards Kat, and fainted. The father was present at this spectacle, as well as at the punishment of the girl.

It is easy to see, that the Marquis D'Argens had very solid reasons for not going to Prussia, under the Government of such a Prince. From the warmth and impetuosity of his character, he would most probably have lost either his liberty or his life.

But when Frederic the Second ascended the throne, in 1740, matters were changed, and the same dread ceased to exist. The new Monarch wrote immediately to the young Marquis-" No longer, my dear Marquis, be afraid of the battalions of guards-come, and brave them even on the parade at Potzdam."

When he received this letter, he was at Stutgard, in the service of the Duchess Dowager of Wirtemberg: she had a wish to visit Berlin, and see Frederic. The opportunity being favourable, they set out together.

The Iving received him, (says Mons. Thiebault,) in the most flattering manner; he invited him to dinner every day; their conversation was lively and agreeable; nothing in appearance was more flattering, or more likely to satisfy the wishes, and flatter the ambition, of a philosopher: but weeks rolled on, and no mention was made of fulfilling the promises which had led the new guest from a situation less brillant, but sufficient for his wants.

The Marquis having vainly endeavoured to discover the cause of this neglect, and having waited six weeks, lost all patience; and, on returning home one day immediately after dinner, he sent a note to the King, couched in the following

terms:

"Sire! For six weeks that I have had the honour to be near your Majesty, my purse has suffered so rigorous a blockade, that if you gain so many battles, and take so many fortresses, and do not speedily come to its assistance, I shall be obliged to capitulate, and re-cross the Rime within a week."-The King had his friend Jordan with him when the note Was brought to him-" See here," said he, " what that fool D'Argens has written; he wishes to leave us."-Jordan esteemed the Marquis, and for that reason said to his master, after having read the note"I know the Provençals, and their impatience; but I particularly know the Marquis: while uneasiness torments him,

and his mind is at a stand, he will never rest, and after having threatened to take his departure within eight days, he will be off in two or three days at the farthest." The King was alarmed lest Jordau should have prophesied too truly, and he returned these few words in answer to his note." Be satisfied, my dear Marquis, your fate shall be decided tomorrow by dinner-time;" and, in fact, the next morning, the Marquis, on his arrival at the palace, received the key of office as chamberlain, with a salary of six thousand francs, and was also appointed director of the class of belles-lettres of the Royal Academy, which gave him an additional annual increase of eight hundred francs.

This generosity on the part of Frederic soon changed the resolution of the Marquis. He settled at Berlin; he cultis vated literature and the friendship of the Great Prince, who so well knew how to reward those who made it their occupa tion. He was constantly one of the King's social and private parties.

At first, Algarotti, Voltaire, and Maupertuis, were the principal favourites of Trederic. The sprightly character and instruction of the former highly pleased the Prince. Voltaire captivated him by the brifinncy of his conversation, his pointed sallies, and the greatness of his talents. Maupertuis was in the habit of treating on subjects of profound learning and science. He was in some measure the mimister of this party: he directed the academy, and informed the King of every valuable work of every description of science which came out. The Marquis D'Argens did not possess talents equal to any of those three; but his good nature his pleasantry, and his wit, made him highly esteemed: to the pointed manners of high life, the Marquis added a facility of character, and a Provençal vivacity, which made his conversation very piquunt and antusing. His writings, known throughout all Europe, which were both agreeable and instructive, were a strong tude to Frederic's favour: the originality and eccentricity of his con duct, of which we shall give more than one instance, never lessened the esteem the king conceived for him, although he was more than once the object of his pleasantry and sarcasmi.

It was chiefly at the supper parties of Frederic, that he assembled these literary characters, and where those scenes of gaicty and wit passed, which, for nea thirty years were the objects of the at

tention

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