Inst. C.E., for his paper "On Setting out Railway Curves." A medal in bronze, &c. to Henry Chapman, Grad. Inst. C.E., for his " Description and Drawings of a Machine for describing the Profile of a Road." A medal in bronze, &c. to Henry Renton, Grad. Inst. C.E., for his "Description and Drawing of a Self-acting Wasteboard on the River Ouse." Books of the value of five guineas, to Eugenius Birch, Grad. Inst. C.E., for his " Drawings and Description of the Machine for Sewing Flat Ropes, in use at Huddart's Rope Manufactory." Books of the value of two guineas, to T. J. Maude, Grad. Inst. C.E., for his "Account of the Repairs and Alterations made in the Construction of Menai Bridge, in consequence of the gale of January 7th, 1839." Books of the value of two guineas, to Andrew Burn, Grad. Inst. C.E., for his drawings of a Proposed Suspension Bridge over the Haslar Lake."

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The Polytechnic and Adelaide Galleries have re-opened for the season. The old attractions of each remain in full force, with various accessions. The Polytechnic Institution has largely increased its resources-added no less than seven rooms, and a second theatre for experiments. Among the recent additions to its models, Hall's hydraulic belt, a steam-engine on an improved principle, and a model of the Undercliff, Isle of Wight, must be mentioned: among its works of art, copies on glass of pictures by Danby and Martin; the porcelain Table des Marechaux, painted for Napoleon; and a porphyry table, manufactured in Sweden, and valued at 3,0001.

ROYAL INSTITUTE OF BRIT. ARCHITECTS.

Dec. 9. The first meeting of the session was held at the rooms in Lower Grosvenor-street, Earl de Grey, the President, in the chair; who, in some well expressed observations, declared the pleasure he experienced at the prosperous state of the Institute, and the valuable additions to its portfolio; and invited the assistance of the younger members to contribute drawings and measurements of celebrated works of art.

Drawings and plans of a palace in the north of Europe, were presented by C. Tottie, Esq.; and others, of an old mansion-house, now existing in England, supposed to have been built by Inigo Jones, prior to the erection of the Banquetinghouse, Whitehall, were exhibited, accompanied with a descriptive letter from C. J. Richardson, Esq.

A very interesting paper was read by Mr. Poynder, illustrative of some draw

ings of Gothic architecture, showing that several of the complications of that beautiful order, which have usually been considered unnecessary, were clearly designed by the early architects and masons as increasing the stability of the structure.

Specimens of Potts's newly invented Rail Moulding, for the better hanging of pictures, were laid before the meeting, and explained by Mr. Nottingham; the simplicity, strength, and elegant combination of which, as an architectural cornice moulding, was much admired and approved.

OXFORD ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY.

Dec. 2. A paper was read by Mr. M. H. Estcourt, of Exeter College, on St. Giles's Church, Oxford, illustrated by a number of drawings and engravings. This Church was principally built by Saint Hugh, Bp. of Lincoln, about the year 1200, and is a valuable specimen of the early lancet, and the transition from the Norman style. The north aisle and the chapel at the east end of the south aisle (now the Vestry) are particularly worthy of attention. The east window of this chapel has been beautifully restored by Mr. Grimsley, under the directions of Mr. Derick. A drawing of the proposed new east window of the chancel was also shown; it is very similar to the curious original east window of the chancel of St. Mary Magdalen Church, consisting of three lancet lights under one arch, which is considered as the form best suited for stained glass. The window in the tower is another curious specimen, being a very early example of an opening in the head of the window, on which the late Mr. Froude has left an essay, showing the origin of Gothic tracery, which was read to the meeting. A sketch of a still earlier window of Norman character, round headed, with a small circular opening in the head, was shown by Mr. Simpson.

Some extracts translated from the first chapter of the Rationale of Durandus, on the symbolical meanings attached to the different parts of a Church, were read by Mr. Simpson, of Oriel College. These views, which would be called fanciful at the present day, become interesting and important from the fact of the work being written previously to the year 1284, and having always been considered a work of authority in the Church. It is, therefore, more than probable that the architects of our Gothic Cathedrals and Churches had such objects in their minds when forming their designs.

Professor Sewell made some remarks on the peculiarities of the Churches of Ireland.

CAMBRIDGE CAMDEN SOCIETY. Dec. 5. The President announced that his Grace the Duke of Northumberland, Chancellor, and Lord Lyndhurst, High Steward of the University, had kindly consented to become respectively Patron and Vice-Patron of the Society. Thirtythree new members having been elected, a paper was read by M. H. Bloxam, of Rugby, Esq. on the tower of St. Benedict's, in Cambridge, in which he described the departments of Saxon work which have been revealed by its uncoating, and compared it with the tower of Lavendon Church, Bedfordshire, and others of the same date.

A paper was next read from W. C.

Lukis, Esq. B.A. Trin. Coll. on the churches of Guernsey, particularly the chapel of St. Apolline, in which he endeavoured to show, as well from the rudeness of the architecture, as from the known date of certain churches in the same island, founded subsequently to this chapel, that its erection must be carried back to the eighth or ninth century.

C. Colson, Esq. Fellow of St. John's College, read a short account of Little Gedding Church, which was erected by Nicholas Ferrars.

S. Charles, Esq. of Trinity College, described the sepulchral brasses yet remaining in Cambridge, of which he presented impressions.

SOCIETY OF ANTIQUARIES.

Nov. 19. The Society reassembled for the Season.

A communication was read from Mr. Vance, descriptive of some ruins excavated at Crendi, in Malta.

Mr. Corner presented a sketch of the Norman wheel-window, found at the Temple church, which is engraved in our present Magazine.

a

Nov. 26. Mr. Hamilton in the chair. John Lee, esq. LL.D. exhibited stone, purchased by him at Aleppo, carved on its six sides in intaglio, evidently intended for casting ornaments in metal, perhaps for cannon. The designs are of the cinquecento taste. Casts were pre sented for the Society's museum.

Charles Spence, esq. of Rochester exhibited the sepulchral brass of Thomas Cod, fully described in our last number, p. 611.

The reading of Mr. Vance's description of the ruins in Malta was concluded.

Dec. 3. Mr. Hamilton, V.P. Sir John Rennie, of Whitehall Place, and John Noble, esq. of Gloucester Place, Portman Square, were elected Fellows of the Society.

J. O. Halliwell, esq. F.S.A. communicated an old account of the confiscation of the estates of Roger Bigot, Earl of Norfolk, and the descent of the estates and earldom of Norfolk to the family of Mowbray.

C. R. Smith, esq. F.S.A. furnished a description of a very curious ouche, or brooch, in his possession, found in digging a sewer in Thames Street, nearly opposite Dowgate Lane; in the centre is a crowned head, of which all the lines are shewn by a fine gold thread, the interme. diate spaces being filled with enamel, and

surrounded by a border of filagree in gold, with four pearls. It was very difficult to guess at the age of this gem by any comparison, as it is almost sui generis, but Mr. Smith considered it to be Saxon, of English workmanship, from a Byzantine model.

Dec. 10. Mr. Hamilton in the chair.Matthew Davenport Hill, esq. of Lincoln's Inn and Hampstead, one of her Majesty's Counsel learned in the law, was elected a Fellow of the Society.

A letter was read from Mr. Robert Fitch, describing the discovery of the remains of Sir Thomas Browne in the church of St. Peter Mancroft, Norwich, together with an impression of the coffinplate, which bears the following inscription:

Amplissimus Vir

D'ns Thomas Browne Miles, Medicinæ Dr. Annos Natus 77. Denatus 19 Die mensis Octobris Anno D'nj 1682 hoc loculo indormiens Corporis Spagyrici pulvere plumbum in aurum Convertit.

The coffin, which the inscription so quaintly describes as converted into gold, was found actually converted into carbonate of lead, a transition unusual for a period so comparatively short as 160 years. The bones were in good preservation; the forehead low, the head long, the brain copious, and the hair profuse. colour of the last corresponded with the portrait of the learned physician which is preserved in the vestry-room of the church.

The

David Jardine, esq. communicated some observations upon two letters supposed to relate to the Gunpowder Plot, communicated last season by Mr. Bruce, and printed in the last part of the Archæologia. Mr. Jardine argued, from the con

tents of the first letter and the situation of the principal conspirators, that the date assigned to it, 12 Oct. 1605, could not be correct, and proposed to attribute it to the year 1602. With reference to the second letter, one from Lord Monteagle, (which will be seen in our last number, p. 632) Mr. Jardine shewed that Bath was much resorted to by the principal Roman Catholics during the reigns of Elizabeth and James, many of them having residences there; and, arguing from that circumstance, and the total absence of a date in the letter referred to, he contended that, although it was possible that the letter might refer to the Gunpowder Plot, there was no evidence to show that it did so, any more than that it referred to one of the other plots in which the same parties were acknowledged to have been engaged, or, in fact, that it was not a mere friendly invitation to the principal conspirator to visit Bath, expressed in high-flown language, but not referring to any plot whatever.

Dec. 17. Thomas Amyot, esq. Treasurer, in the chair.

Mr. Feister exhibited an antique bronze figure of a horse's head.

A. J. Kempe, esq. F.S.A. communicated a paper descriptive of a MS. treatise on Grammar, Astrology, and Medicine, preserved among the MSS. at Loseley House, Surrey, which had apparently been compiled by a monk of the 15th century. He remarked on the superstitious belief in planetary influence, which for so many ages regulated the practice of ancient physicians. Chaucer's "Doctour of Physike," he observed, was well grounded" in astronomie;" and he showed that the same opinions, as to starry rulers of disease, continued to a very late period; even in our times, Vincent Wing's Almanac designated the parts of the body which were daily affected by the planets. He also quoted some remarkable and ridiculous instances of an cient quackery; and particularly alluded to certain of Lord Audley's prescriptions for Mr. Secretary Cecil, afterwards the great Lord Burghley, which are preserved in her Majesty's State Paper Office, and have been printed by Mr. Tytler, in his "Illustrations of the Times of Edward VI."

Mr. Halliwell communicated a contemporary note of some events in the reign of Henry VIII. from the Harl. MSS. No. 6047.

Dec. 24. W. R. Hamilton, esq. V.P. The following gentlemen were elected Fellows of the Society: George Alexander, esq., architect, of Adam Street, Adelphi; James Stoughton Money, esq., of GENT. MAG. VOL. XV.

Whetham House, Wilts; James Comerford, esq. of St. Andrew's Place, Regent's Park; the Rev. William Jenkins Rees, M.A. Rector of Cascob, co. Radnor, editor of the Liber Landavensis; and the Rev. George Cockaine Tomlinson, of Great Staughton, Huntingdonshire.

Read, a paper by Mr. Halliwell on the proper interpretation of the words δυο ἁρμονιας in the celebrated disputed passage in the 8th book of the Republic of Plato, concerning the apieμos of human generations. The writer stated that the interpretation of the words δυο ἁρμονιας by M. Vincent, in his explanation of this passage read before the French Institute, was erroneous, inasmuch as M. Vincent doubled instead of multiplying the ratio by ten. Mr. H. then showed, from parallel passages in Jamblicus and other writers, that the word appovia was used by the philosophical writers in the sense of a cube; and he then proved that the ultimate result was composed of a double cube.

Sir Henry Ellis, Sec. communicated copies of three documents, addressed to the University of Cambridge by Kings James I. and Charles I.

The meetings of the Society were adjourned to the 14th of January.

ROMANO-BRITISH DISCOVERIES.

At the Roman villa at Bromham, Wiltshire, the excavations have been continued till the Baths were discovered and completely exposed to view. Four of these are in excellent preservation, considering the many centuries they have been imbedded in the earth. They are paved with flat brick tiles, about a foot square, and lie four or five feet beneath the surface. Other interesting parts of the building have been brought to light.

The Duke of Buckingham and Chandos still continues the excavations of the Roman villa at Fescote, Bucks, on the farm of Mr. Roper. Many interesting discoveries have been made, amongst which is a wooden spout or tube, which, when uncovered at the top, threw up water the height of several feet. Oak piles have also been taken out, the wood of which is perfectly sound.

Some labourers digging a vault in Fordington churchyard, near Dorchester, close to the north wall of the church, found, immediately underneath the foundation of the wall, the remains of a horse with a bit in its mouth, a brass buckle, and other relics of the bridle. As this was the site of the burial ground of the Romano-British city of Durnovaria, it is

M

supposed that the animal was slain on the grave of some warrior of that ancient city. The bit is of iron, with cheek-rings of brass. The rings are in fine preservation, but the iron is greatly corroded.

Mr. Rugg, of Lapwing form, between Oakhill and Shepton Mallet, in digging over a tumulus, lately came to some stones, in removing which he discovered a few sepulchral urns, of very rude workmanship, containing bones and ashes. In digging further he discovered more, in all 12 or 14. The farm is situated on what is called the Beacon, near some very extensive ancient Roman entrenchments, called Masbury Camp, and there are several other tumuli near.

As workmen were lately digging a new paint-pit at Llanlinna, near Amlwych, they discovered within three feet of the surface a stone urn or coffin, on opening which they found a human skeleton in a high state of preservation, measuring the extraordinary length of seven feet six inches. The skeleton throughout was quite proportional to its length, and in very perfect condition. The urn appears to have been made from the Aberdovey limestone, and had the appearance of being much corroded by time. From the rude nature of this urn, it seems probable that the body had been first laid in the grave, and limestone placed round its sides and on the top only, which, from the length of time they had lain under ground, had become cemented together.

A few days ago, a farmer discovered in a bank in a bog, in the townland of Kinnigo, near Armagh, a beautiful antique bulla. It is nearly the shape of a heart, and is made of fine gold. The back and front are without ornament, but the sides are covered with fine twisted wire, ending in loops at the top. Along with it he found a spear-head, having a socket and holes for rivets; a celt, with socket and loop; and two rings of cast brass, a large and a small one, linked together. They are all in high preservation, and have been added to the collection of Mr. Corry, Armagh.

A silver seal, in fine preservation, has recently been found on the grounds of W. Brown, esq. at Monkton Butleigh, Somerset, near the site of the Priory of St. Mary Magdalene. This relique is a pendant, having a female front face, deeply cut and of exquisite workmanship (probably Italian); the legend encircling the head, "CAPVT MARIE MAGDALENE."

An ancient stained glass window has been lately erected in the Church of St. George's, Hanover Square. It belonged formerly to a convent at Malines, and was

executed about the latter part of the fifteenth or beginning of the sixteenth century. The subject is "The Genealogy of Our Lord Jesus Christ," according to his human nature, as derived from Jesse, through the twelve kings of Judah previous to the Babylonian captivity. In the centre of the lower part is the figure of Jesse seated; the roots of a vine are on his head; on his right are Aaron and Esaias; on his left, Moses and Elias.

FRENCH ANTIQUARIAN INTELLIGENCE.

PARIS.-Comité Historique des Arts et Monuments.-The second volume of the instructions of this Committee on the external architecture of ecclesiastical edifices has appeared, and completes this division of the subject. It is full of woodcuts (some of which, however, are rather feeble in execution), and, together with the first volume, forms a complete manual or catechism of medieval architecture. It is understood to proceed from the pen of M. Albert Lenoir, and it fully sustains the character of learned research for which that gentleman is so deservedly known. Arrangements are making for the translation and publication of these interesting volumes in England, by some of the Corresponding Members of the Committee.The ninth number of the Bulletin of the Committee, completing the transactions of the session of 1840, has also appeared. It terminates with the account of the sittings in June, the period at which the Committee adjourned till November, and, as usual, is full of details of high interest to the French antiquary. Numerous reports are contained in it from correspondents in all parts of France, showing the great utility of the Committee, in keeping a watch over acts of Vandalic mutilation, with which some of the most precious edifices of the country are from time to time threatened, and also demonstrating the extended love for, and cultivation of, antiquarian knowledge, which, by means of the organization of this Committee, and the efforts of its members, are beginning to prevail throughout the nation. It has been announced to the Committee, that the Minister of Public Works was inclined to order the conventual church of the Abbey of St. Martin des Champs at Paris to be cut into two horizontally, to make new rooms for storing away old machinery. The applications on the subject made to the Minister of the Interior, will, it is hoped, prevent his colleague from being allowed to injure in this manner one of the finest relics of the 14th century remaining in the capital. This bulletin records the exertions of the

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Committee to save the Hotel de la Tremoille, in the Rue des Bourdonnais, at Paris, from total demolition: and one of the English corresponding members has devoted two months of the past summer in making accurate drawings and admeasurements of all the principal parts and details of that valuable edifice. It appears that all efforts, however, have been unavailing the Government has refused to interfere; the Municipal Council, prevented by the opinion of one of its radical members, M. Arago, has refused to vote enough money to buy even the materials, and the whole of the chefs-d'œuvre of sculpture with which it abounds will be converted into lime for building early next spring, unless some enlightened and liberal patron of arts and architecture intervenes, and purchases the parts that admit of transportation. The destruction of this edifice, in the capital itself, under the eyes of Government, and in the very teeth of the Committee, is a painful but striking instance of the damage which faction and political intrigue cause to art and science.

The two first numbers of the Statistique Monumentale of Paris, executed by order of the Committee under the superintendence of M. Lenoir, are ready for publication. They are on a very large scale, and are splendid specimens of French antiquarian skill. They contain the Roman antiquities of Paris, and the churches of Montmartre and St. Germain des Prés.

The Church of St. Germain l'Auxerrois has now got all its principal restorations completely terminated, and reflects great honour on the taste and ability of M. Lassus, under whose inspection, and from whose drawings, this difficult work has been effected. It now forms the best speciment of the flamboyant style in the capital. The woodwork of some of the chapels, and particularly of the Lady Chapel, which is all new, deserves particular mention, it having been executed in all its mouldings and open tracery-work by machinery, according to the new process of M. Calas. The effect is admirable, and it has all the appearance of some of the best sculpture of the 15th century. The iron work, lock fronts, &c. have all been executed from the ancient patterns of what still exists in the church; and a marble font of the date of the Baptistery, in which it is placed, is not one of the least remarkable ornaments of the edifice. The British antiquary will be delighted with the careful respect for the architectural traditions of bygone days shown in the reparation of this church.

The same architect (M. Lassus), conjointly with M. Duban, M. Viollet Leduc, and M. Albert Lenoir, is charged with the restoration of the Sainte Chapelle in

the Palais de Justice. A sum of 100,000f. (£4,000) per annum is now finally allotted to the restoration of this invaluable relic of the 13th century, including its wonderful series of stained-glass windows, until the whole shall be completely terminated. The works will begin in the spring.

Departments.

AUBE.-M. Didron, Secretary to the Comité Historique des Arts et Monuments, during a late visit to Troyes, had the good fortune to preserve from destruction the most ancient edifice of that city. It was the principal entrance to the castle of the Counts of Champagne, wherein the vassals used to perform homage to their Seigneur, and it is now the only relic remaining of that monument. It was built at the end of the 11th century, with the circular arches of the epoch, and forms the first link of the highly interesting series of monuments for which Troyes is so remarkable, including the Church of the Magdalene, the Cathedral dedicated to St. Urban, seven other churches, and the Hotel de Ville, built under Louis XIII. In July last the gateway of the old fortress, with the land adjoining, was put up for sale; but, on the representation of M. Didron to the Prefect of the Department, the land alone was sold, and the monument kept by the town. A place is to be formed round it.

CALVADOS.-In 1836 the Rector of Bénouville discovered several antiquities in that parish, beneath the soil near the road from La Délivrande to the ferry. A considerable number of tombs or sarcophagi have since been found at a foot or two beneath the surface, without any inscription. In them were discovered cuirasses, broaches or clasps of various dimensions, some exceedingly simple, the rest highly wrought, partly in bronze, partly in iron, and a few in silver. There were, besides, several very short swords, strong and terminating in a point; some small earthen vases; a thimble and needle in bronze; pincers, a stylet, several glass beads, the remains of a baldric, and a coin of Constantius. Upon the lids of some of the sarcophagi were found human skeletons with the faces turned downwards. To the foot of one of the sarcophagi was found a skeleton chained, and inside was the skeleton of a warrior armed. Near these sarcophagi were found tombs dug in the rocks, in which were charcoal ashes, poniards, broken spears, lances, vases in glass and earthenware, several ornaments in bronze, a zodiac, a gold coin of one of the Merovingian Kings, Roman coins in bronze, rings of iron, and a small handmill. Other searches carried on in the neighbourhood, where there seems to have