On the merits or defects of the specimen of his inventive powers to which the preceding petition alludes, we are incompetent to decide; but the attestations of the eminent artists whose names are inserted in the petition, cannot fail to confer on it a character of high respectability, although it was not crowned with ultimate success.

Seeing, with regret, that there was but one periodical publication in London (Nicholson's "Philosophical Journal,” which subsequently merged into Dr. Tilloch's Magazine) in which the man of science could embody his own discoveries, or become acquainted with those of others, Dr. Tilloch projected, and established "The Philosophical Magazine." The first number appeared in June, 1797, from which time to the present it has continued without interruption, and with a degree of respectability highly creditable to the heads and hands that have conducted it. During the early periods of its existence, we apprehend that Dr. Tilloch was the sole proprietor, and such he continued until about four years since, when the name of Richard Taylor, F. L. S. was added to his own as joint proprietor. During the whole of this long period, "The Philosophical Magazine" was almost exclusively under Dr. Tilloch's management, nor did he wholly relinquish its superintendence, until he was compelled by those debilities of nature which terminated in his death. Of this work it is needless to descant upon the merits. Sixty-five volumes are now before the public. Its circulation has been extensive, not only throughout the country which gave it birth, but among the various nations of the civilized world. Its correspondents, both foreign and domestic, are numerous and highly respectable; and it may be said to contain the philosophical transactions of the globe. Among our periodical publications it has ever maintained a conspicuous rank; and has perhaps contributed more than any other to give to scientific knowledge a general diffusion.

The steam-engine was another subject to which Dr. Tilloch devoted his comprehensive mind, and we have the best reasons for stating that the improvement made on this useful and

mighty machine, which goes under the name of Woolf's engine, was suggested and matured principally by Dr. Tilloch; nor did even age or sickness prevent his labouring to render the steam-engine still more complete; for, among the list of new patents, we find one dated the 11th of January 1825, only fifteen days before his death, "To Alexander Tilloch, of Islington, Doctor of Laws, for his invention or discovery of an improvement in the steam-engine, or in the apparatus connected therewith, and also applicable to other useful purposes." We trust that this discovery will not be lost to the world, and we have no doubt that his executors will examine with great care the papers Dr. Tilloch has left, in the hope that some of his valuable observations and inventions may be recorded and rendered available.

Amidst these various avocations and duties, Dr. Tilloch found time to turn his attention to theological subjects. In "The Star," during the early years that it was under his management, he published numerous essays and dissertations on the prophecies, some of which were on detached points, and others in continuation of the same train of thought and argument. These compositions were afterwards collected by a gentleman in the North, and published in a volume, under the name of "Biblicus." The author never lost sight of them; and it is highly probable, if his life had been prolonged, that the public would have seen the work, now sustaining the name of Biblicus, in a more enlarged and commanding form. At present the volume containing the above collections is exceedingly scarce.

In the year 1823, Dr. Tilloch published, in one volume, octavo, "Dissertations introductory to the Study and Right Understanding of the Language, Structure, and Contents of the Apocalypse." The great design of the author appears to be, to prove that the Apocalypse was written at a much earlier period than our more distinguished commentators suppose, and prior to most of the Epistles contained in the New Testament. In an advertisement prefixed to this work, the author informs his readers, that "about forty years have elapsed since his atten

tion was first turned to the Revelations; and the contents of that wonderful book have, ever since, much occupied his thoughts." In a subsequent paragraph of the same advertisement, he thus alludes to another work on the Apocalypse at large, which he then had in hand, and which included the dissertations that first appeared in the columns of "The Star:"

"Persuaded that he has discovered the nature of those peculiarities in the composition of the Apocalypse, which have perplexed men of incomparably higher attainments, and have led to the erroneous opinion so generally entertained, respecting its style, he thinks, that he but performs a duty to his fellow Christians, in giving publicity to that discovery; and the more so, as, from the precarious state of his health, it is very probable that he may not live to finish a larger work, devoted to the elucidation of the Apocalypse—with which he has been many years occupied: but whether that work shall ever see the light or not, it is hoped that the other topics connected with the subject introduced into this volume, may also prove serviceable to persons engaged in the same pursuit." The larger work, to which the author alludes in the above quotation, we have learnt, from unquestionable authority, is either finished, or in such a state of forwardness as approximates to completion, but whether it will ever be laid before the public, time only can determine.

The last work, we apprehend, which Dr. Tilloch ever engaged to superintend, was "The Mechanic's Oracle," now publishing in numbers at the Caxton press.

In his religious views, Dr. Tilloch was what in general estimation would be deemed somewhat singular, but his opinions were generally understood to be of the Sandemanian kind. The few with whom he associated, assume no other name than that of Christian Dissenters. They are “slaves to no sect," and can scarcely be said to make an avowal of any theological creed. They profess to conduct themselves according to the directions of Scripture; and for the government of their little body appoint two elders, who are elected

to their office, but who have no other remuneration than the affection and respect of a grateful people. The qualifications for the duties of this station, which Dr. Tilloch was called to fill, he possessed in an eminent degree; nor was he more liberal in dispensing the riches of his cultivated mind, and in expatiating on the love of the Redeemer, than in imparting to the needy the contents of his purse. As a teacher he was clear and perspicuous, possessing that charity which suffereth long and is kind, which vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up; and for these excellencies, as well as for his readiness to relieve the distressed, his name will be long remembered with grateful recollection. Their place of worship is a room in a house in Goswell-street-road, where they meet every Lord'sday, sing, pray, read the scriptures, and offer praise to God, when one of the elders, or some other brother under his direction, gives an exhortation, generally from some passage of Scripture that has been read. The sacrament is also regularly administered every week. Retired thus from scenes that might expose them to the charge of seeking popularity, they cultivate the practical part of Christianity without any parade or ostentation, and from the assistance which they render to their poor, they give the most convincing proof that they believe" faith without works is dead."

Of Dr. Tilloch's uniformly virtuous and amiable character it is scarcely possible to speak too highly. From the year 1789, his name has constantly been before the public; but we are not aware that through this long course of thirty-six years, it has ever contracted a single stain; and it is now too late for malice and calumny to prevent it from descending unsullied to posterity. The following delineation of his character, is from the pen of a gentleman who had been personally acquainted with him for upwards of thirty years:

"He was a man of powerful and cultivated intellect; of indefatigable research and deep reflection; his mind was Johnsonian in its strength, but not arbitrary and imperative in its expression. Mild and urbane in his manner, the pigmies of literature might have played with him, and fancied

themselves ascendant, until warmed to his subject, the involuntary action of his superior powers swept his opponents from the field of argument. Studious and domestic, his life was devoted to literature and his family; and without mixing much in the world, his mind was intensely devoted to its happiness and improvement, in the developement of philosophical principles and their results. He was a member of several useful literary bodies, and in the Society of Arts he took a distinguished lead; its records witnessing so many valuable propositions and plans, determining in practical benefit, which proceeded from him. As an antiquary and virtuoso, he possessed taste, judgment, and industry, and has left behind him a valuable collection of coins, medals, manuscripts, obsolete and unique publications, &c. We have seen among his medals one, considered to have been contemporary with Alexander the Great, struck upon occasion of a sacrifice to Neptune; such was the opinion of the late vice-provost of Trinity-college, the Rev. Dr. Barrett, to whose inspection the medal was submitted. Though the greater part of his time was passed in the British metropolis, his accent was broadly national; but within he had what 'passeth show.' Affectionate and conscientious in his domestic relations, warm, generous, and steady in his friendships, a worthier or purer heart never inhabited a human breast."

Another gentleman, who, in former years, was intimate with Dr. Tilloch, makes the following observations:

"I know him to have been a very pleasant and agreeable companion, with a mind enlarged by a variety of knowledge, especially on subjects of modern science, of chemistry, and natural philosophy. Upon these he often dwelt with peculiar ardour, and with a freshness of mind which disclosed the interest he felt in themes of that kind. His public labours, however, particularly the Philosophical Magazine,' afford sufficient evidence in proof of the taste which had been excited in his mind, and the zeal and diligence which he evinced -in collecting every new fact that could engage the public