His review of Foster's celebrated essays is a masterly production. He enters into an investigation of the subjects with the profundity of a philosopher, and displays the emanations of a mind habituated to the examination of abstruse theories, with a depth of penetration that can anticipate with ease the distant consequences involved in the principles which his author advances. He can accompany him in his most lofty elevation, and descend with him into those depths which human lines and plummets but rarely visit. In every step he follows the nice discriminations which it was the felicity of Mr. Foster to detect and notice, and rivals the brilliancy of his mental powers, in pointing out the sparklings of their coruscations. In reviewing Custance, on the Constitution of England, the knowledge which he displays of its legitimate principles, detached from the corrosions which it has received from the innovations of time, and the deviations sanctioned by the accommodations of practice, would do honour to the bar, the bench, or the senate. His views are both comprehensive and profound. With the eyes of Argus, he glances in every direction, traces despotism in all its evolutions, and marks it with the brand of infamy. The same acuteness of perception follows rational liberty, both in her advances and retreats; but, under the most cloudy aspects, he never deserts her standard, never betrays her into the enemy's hands, and never recommends a compromise with tyrannical oppression. While reviewing Zeal without Innovation, he seems perfectly at home. He seizes ecclesiastical assumptions with a giant grasp, and, if he does not strangle the hydra, he squeezes it with such muscular vigour, that it becomes half torpid, and gasps for life. On the general conduct of many among the clergy, his observations are keen and caustic; at the same time they are applied with such propriety and discrimination, as not to involve the innocent with the guilty; and his own conduct furnishes a splendid proof, that he knows how to express zeal without innovation. On Gisborne's Sermons, Gregory's Letters, Belsham's Memoir of Lindsey, and Birt on Popery, similar observations might be made. These critiques all appeared at different times in the Eclective Review, and gave to that periodical a degree of respectability which it had never before acquired. They are now transplanted into this volume, and occupy two hundred and thirty-seven of its pages. In this combination they will remain as an imperishable monument to the enlarged views, diversified talents, and discriminating powers of their author, when the marble which records his name shall weep with mildew from the vault beneath, and its inscription shall become illegible to the organs of vision. The remaining portion of this volume consists of miscellaneous pieces, including speeches, prefaces, addresses, memoirs, characters, letters, &c., amounting in all to twenty-six in number. Several of these being of local application, much of their original interest is lost, through the lapse of time, and the mutations of human affairs. Such, however, as were appropriated to subjects of frequent occurrence, find a renewal in passing events, to which they may easily be transferred. In this case, we have only to make an exchange of names and dates, and the sentiments expressed, immediately revive in all their freshness. The A memoir of the late Rev. Robert Hall, we are led speedily to expect in the ensuing volume, which we apprehend will complete the series. This memoir will be the production of two celebrated individuals. sketch of his literary character is expected from the pen of Sir James Mackintosh, L.L.D. M. P.; and that which will survey him as a theologian and a preacher, by the Rev. John Foster. This whole work will be a valuable acquisition to the christian library. REVIEW.-The Anatomy of Drunkenness. By Robert Macnish. 12mo. pp. 266. M'Phun. Glasgow. 1832. THIS is a humorous title given to a very serious book, which we could earnestly wish every drunkard in the united kingdom to read. It consists of eighteen chapters, in which this filthy vice is analyzed in its various departments; and its fatal influence on human life and morals is exhibited in calculations, and an appeal to facts, which no reasonable person can either gainsay or resist. On the causes, phenomena, and modifications of drunkenness, the author has advanced many excellent observations, some of which we shall presently extract from his pages. In the pathology [of drunkenness, after professionally examining the state of the liver, of the stomach, of the brain, of the kidneys, blood, breath, perspiration, eyes, skin, and hair of its numerous victims, he proceeds to remark, that it produces gout, tremors, palpitation of the heart, hysteria, epilepsy, sterility, emaciation, corpulency, premature old age, ulcers, melancholy, and madness. The following section is on the subject of Sterility. "The children of such persons are in general neither numerous nor healthy. From the general defect of vital power in the parental system, they are apt to be puny and emaciated, and more than ordinarily liable to inherit all the diseases of those from whom they are sprung. On this account the chances of long life are much diminished among the children of such parents. In proof of this, it is only necessary to remark, that, according to the London bills of mortality, one half of the children born in the metropolis die before attaining their third year; while, of the children of the society of Friends, a class remarkable for sobriety and regu larity of all kinds, one half actually attain the age of forty-seven years. Much of this difference, doubtless, originates in the superior degree of comfort, and correct general habits, of the Quakers, which incline them to bestow every care in the rearing of their offspring, and put it in their power to obtain the means of combating disease; but the main spring of this superior comfort and regularity, is doubtless temperance,-a virtue which this class of people possess in an eminent degree."-p. 148. Diminution of Life. "The effect of intemperance in shortening human life, is strikingly exemplified in the contrast afforded by other classes of society to the Quakers, a set of people of whom I must again speak favourably. It appears from accurate calculation, that in London, only one person in forty attains the age of fourscore; while among the Quakers, whose sobriety is proverbial, and who have long set themselves against the use of ardent spirits, not less than one in ten reaches that age-a most striking difference, and one which carries its own inference along with it."-p. 152. Madness. "Drunkenness, according to the reports of Bethlehem Hospital, and other similar institutions for the insane, is one of the most common causes of lunacy. In support of this fact, it may be mentioned, that of two hundred and eighty-six lunatics now in Richmond Asylum, Dublin, one-half owe their madness to drinking; and there are few but must have witnessed the wreck of the most powerful minds, by this destructive habit."-p. 156, Crime. "On March 1st, 1830, of forty-five cases brought before the police magistrates, in Glasgow, forty were for drunkenness; and it is correctly ascertained, that, more than nine thousand cases of drunkenness are annually brought before the police from this city and suburbs. In the ingenious introductory essay attached to the Rev. Dr. Beecher's sermons on intemperance, the following passage occurs: "Supposing that onehalf of the eighteen hundred licensed houses for the sale of spirits, which are in that city, send forth each a drunken man every day, there are in Glasgow nine hundred drunken men, day after day, spreading around them beggary, and wretchedness, and crime." Had the author given to each licensed house, one drunkard on an average, I do not think he would have overstepped the bounds of truth. As it is, what a picture of demoralization and wretchedness does it not exhibit !"-p. 165. Experiment. "An experiment made by Dr. Hunter upon two of his children, illustrates in a striking manner the pernicious effects of even a small portion of intoxicating liquors, in persons of that tender age. To one of the children, he gave every day after dinner, a full glass of sherry: the child was five years of age, and unaccustomed to wine. To the other child, of nearly the same age, and equally unused to wine, he gave an orange. In the course of a week, a very marked difference was percep tible in the pulse, &c. of the two children, The pulse of the first child was raised, the urine high coloured, and the evacuations destitute of their usual quantity of bile. In the other child, no change whatever was produced. He then reversed the experiment, giving to the first the orange, and to the second the wine, and the results corresponded: the child who had the orange continued well, and the system of the other got straightway into disorder, as in the first experiment."-p. 239. Calculation, and Fact. "One of the first physicians in Ireland has published his conviction, on the result of twenty years' observation.-"That were ten young men, on their twenty-first birth-day, to begin to drink one glass, equal to two ounces, of ardent spirits, or a pint of Port wine or Sherry, and were they to drink this supposed moderate quantity of strong liquor daily, the lives of eight out of the ten would be abridged by twelve or fifteen years." American clergyman, says Professor Edgar, lately told me, that one of his parishioners was in the habit of sending to his son at school, a daily allowance of brandy and water, before he was twelve years of age. The consequence was, that his son, before the age of seventeen, was a confirmed drunkard, and he is now confined in a public hospital."-p. 249. Certain Effects. An "No person probably, ever did, or ever will, receive ardent spirits into his system once a day, and fortify his constitution against its deleterious effects, or exercise such discretion and self-government, as that the quantity will not be increased, and bodily infirmities and mental imbecility be the result; and in more than half the instances, inebriation. Nature may hold out long against this sapping and mining of the constitution, which daily tippling is carrying on, but, first or last, this foe of life will bring to the assault enemies of its own formation, before whose power the feeble and the mighty will be alike unable to stand."-p. 251. A book which can furnish an abundance of extracts like the above, and that has already passed through four editions, wants no other recommendation. REVIEW. Biographical Sketches, and Authentic Anecdotes, of Quadrupeds illustrated by numerous Engravings. By Captain Thomas Brown, F. L. S., &c. &c. 12mo. p. 590. Simpkin. London. 1832. If this book does not please young persons, we shall despair of ever finding one that will; and if it does not enlarge their views of instincts, and of the various peculiarities of animal nature, they must be either very learned or very stupid. Upwards of two hundred of the quadruped tribes are here introduced to the reader's notice. Of these, the generic and specific characters are first given, the peculiarities of each are then illustrated by an appeal to fact, several well-executed plates exhibit specimens of the species described, while a series of animal exploits, tragic, humorous, and eccentric, furnish an ample store of innocent and varied amusement. The follow ing extracts will enable the reader to judge mated, until it has been perused from befor himself. "Apes possess in an astonishing degree the power of imitation. The ape-catchers knowing this, take a vessel filled with water, and wash their hands and faces in a situation where they are sure to be observed by the apes. After having done so, the water is poured out, and its place supplied by a solution of glue: they then leave the spot, when the apes, prompted by curiosity, come down from the trees, and wash themselves in the same manner as they have seen the men do before them. The consequence is, that they glue their eye-lashes so fast together, that they cannot open their eyes, or see to escape from the enemy. "The ape is also fond of spirituous liquors, and these are also used for the purpose of entrapping them. A person places in their sight, a number of vessels filled with ardent spirits, pretends to drink, and retires. The apes, ever attentive to the proceedings of man, descend, and imitate what they have seen, become intoxicated, fall asleep, and are thus rendered an easy conquest to their cunning adversaries. "The Indians make this proneness to imitation useful for when they wish to collect cocoa-nuts, and other fruits, they go to the woods where these grow, which are generally frequented by apes and monkeys, gather a few heaps, and withdraw. As soon as they are gone, the apes fall to work, imitate every thing they have done, and, when they have gathered together a considerable number of heaps, the Indians approach, the apes flee to the trees, and the harvest is conveyed home. "M. de Grandpre saw on board of a vessel, a female chimpanie (ape) which exhibited wonderful proofs of intelligence. She had learned to beat the oven, and took great care not to let any of the coals fall out, which might have done mischief to the ship; and she was very accurate in observ ing when the oven was heated to a proper degree. This animal performed all the business of a sailor, spliced ropes, handled the sails, and assisted at unfurling them; and she was, in fact, considered by the sailors as one of themselves. The vessel was bound for America; but the poor animal did not live to see that country, having fallen a victim to the brutality of the first mate, who inflicted very cruel chastisement upon her, which she had not deserved. She endured it with great patience, only holding out her hands in a suppliant attitude, in order to break the force of the blows she received. But from that moment she steadily refused to take any food, and died on the fifth day from grief and hunger."-p. 20-28. Of lions, tigers, wolves, and elephants, this volume contains many curious and remarkable incidents. On the size, and strength of lions, we have the following observations. ance. "This was considered by our party to be a lion of the largest size, and seemed, as I measured him by comparison with the dogs, to be, though less bulky, as large as an ox. He was certainly as long in body, though lower in stature; and his copious mane gave him a truly formidable appear*** After the cattle had been quieted, I missed the sentry from before the tent. We called as loudly as possible, but in vain; nobody answered; from which I concluded that the lion had carried him off. *** At last, before it came quite light, he walked up the hill with the man in his mouth, when about forty shots were fired without hitting him, although some were very near. Every time this happened, he turned round towards the tent, and came roaring towards us; and I am of opinion, that, if we had hit him, he would have rushed on the people and the tent." -p. 213. This is one of those scarce books, of which the value cannot be properly esti ginning to end. REVIEW.-Britain's Historical Drama; a Series of National Tragedies, intended to illustrate the Manners, Customs, and Religious Institutions of different early Eras in Britain. By J. F. Pennie. 8vo. p. 563. Maunder. London. 1832. WE are told by Dr. Johnson, that a "drama is a poem accommodated to action; a poem in which the action is not related, but represented; and in which, therefore, such rules are to be observed, as make the representation probable." render this species of composition complete, the author has to keep his eye on the action, character, discovery, fable, and unity of the subject which he represents. Το The Romans first introduced acts into the drama, and filled up the intermediate space of time, between the divisions, with a chorus, a dance, or a song. In the time of Horace, the five acts were established as dramatical law. This rule, by the Roman poet, has been thus translated by Francis, "If you would have your play deserve success, Give it five acts complete, nor more nor less." It must be obvious from the preceding observations, that there are difficulties in dramatical composition, of no common magnitude; difficulties which few writers have ever wholly surmounted. So many things claim the author's attention, that while he pursues one, another is in great danger of being neglected; and perhaps, with all his care and talents, he can never be so successful as to bid defiance to criticism. A fortunate adventurer may escape censure, but he must rest contented with only a moderate portion of applause. Mr. Pennie, the author of this volume, has been long known in the poetical world, nor have the muses surveyed his productions with either indifference or frowns. His "Royal Minstrel, or the Witcheries of Endor," an epic poem in twelve books; his 66 Rogvald," an epic poem in twelve cantos; and "Scenes in Palestine," or "Dramatic Sketches from the Bible," are works of considerable merit, and as such they have been duly acknowledged, and unequivocally hailed by most of the periodical journals which announced their appearance. It would, however, appear, from a variety of circumstances, that Mr. Pennie has derived from his publications far more critical fame than sterling profit; though, for himself and family, it is highly probable that the latter would be much more acceptable and advantageous than the former. On the present occasion, he has made a noble effort to deserve pecuniary compensation; and if the remuneration which awaits him bear any proportion to what his historical dramas merit, he will no longer be associated with those flowers that "are born to blush unseen, And waste their sweetness in the desert air." This volume contains four national tragedies, namely, Arixina ;" ." "Edwin and Elgiva;" "The Imperial Pirate;" and "The Dragon King." To each of these, several pages of well-written notes are appended. These, being founded on historical documents, and incidents preserved in the annals of former periods, are introduced to illustrate passages in the dramas which would otherwise appear either fictitious or obscure. These notes evince both judgment and research, and must have been the result of much patient investigation, ingenuity, and time. The preface, which follows a neat dedication to the king, and occupies twelve pages, is ably written. It enters somewhat largely into the general character of the work, adverts to the originality of its leading features, and asks from a British public a portion of that attention to the deeds of their heroic ancestors, with which they have readily honoured Pizarro in his conquest of Peru. In a work of this description, the author observes, Ages long buried in oblivion pass in review before us,and we behold the world as it was a thousand years ago. Who can contemplate such a picture without deep emotions of pleasure, wonder, gratitude, and triumph-wonder at the past, and gratitude for the present. If there be any one so dead to noble feelings, I envy not his mind, let him be who he may ;-he would wander through the venerated ruins of an Herculaneum and a Thebes with indifference; he would cast a look of contempt on the tumulus of Achilles, and contemplate without a sigh the fallen brave, the plains of Marathon, and the pass of Thermopyla." -p. xiv. Whoever is acquainted with the periods of history in which these dramas are laid, will want no information, that they abound with events and occurrences every way suited to the tragic muse. From these, Mr. Pennie has made a judicious selection, and, as with a magician's wand, called from the dust the sleeping hero, and bade him "tread the stage for our amusement.' Into all his characters he has thrown a considerable portion of interest, and adapted their sentiments, language, and actions to the various parts which they have respectively to sustain. Without attempting to delineate the author's plots, pursue his episodes in their various ramifications, or trace the lines which, converging to a point, develop unity, and heighten the general catastrophe, we shall introduce a few passages, which exhibit, in a favourable light, his descriptive powers, his command of expression, the vigour and vivacity of his thoughts, and the harmony of his versification. In the Imperial Pirate, Caswallon, having fled from pagan persecution, to preserve the life of his daughter Malwina, resides with her in a cavern of the forest, where her beauty, having attracted the attention of the Roman chief, she is told by her father, that "Carausius the renowned, who reigns supreme Oer Britain's guarded isle, and is at Rome Acknowledged emperor, calls thee to his arms." This chieftain, Caswallan persuades her to marry, and, among other inducements, thus relates the history of himself and family: "In Coritania's ancient city stood "On then the ruthless bands of pagans came, With christian blood, protesting by the saints How did you escape? Caswallon. Hear me, my child. Didst shrieking rush in terror to these arms! Al, my dear father! Malwina, Caswallon. O, the utmost vengeance My bitterest foes could in their malice wreak And from destruction's lion fangs escaped. I fled, to hide my little trembling dove Meet tribute to the memory of his virtues. Is a prince Renowned for warlike deeds throughout the world. Though not a christian, yet in chains bath he Fell persecution's raging blood-fiend bound. When this great chief, his host against the Picts And northern robbers led, I from these woods Emerging, met him in bright Lindum's halls, And boldly claimed the kingdom of our house, By an usurping pagan now possessed. Love in the warrior's soul, as with me thou Didst kneel before him, lit his passion-flame From the pure radiance of thy dove-like eyes. The chieftain started at the sudden blaze, And swore by Jove, when from the field of spears He came triumphant, if thou wouldst bestow On him thy hand, the honours to restore Of our ancestral line-he hath in pomp To Cæsar's towers returned, with victory crown'd O'er the wild savage nations of the north, And claims thee for his bride."-pp. 274, &c. The preceding passages have not been selected for any superiority they bear to others. Many might be found in each tragedy which far outshine them in pathos, vigour, and imagery. What we have quoted may be considered as a medium specimen of the whole, throughout which there is a noble display of original talent, and much fervency of feeling, with occasional bursts of impassioned eloquence, that the most celebrated of our modern poets might be proud to own. sented to the world. Original in its character, and containing materials that were at once entertaining and instructive, the first volume excited a considerable degree of attention, which all that have appeared in successive years have tended to keep alive. Nor is it probable that its store of materials will ever be exhausted. The tudes of human concerns, furnish every age mutations of time, and the constant vicissiwith an almost endless variety of events. The days of occurrence will therefore bring them forward in regular succession, and present them, as they pass, to the observant Telescope of Time. This volume consists of three parts: saints' days and holidays; astronomical occurrences; and the notes of a naturalist. Under the first branch many prevailing customs are traced to their source, and others are mentioned and described, that are now become obsolete. Biographical sketches are also given of celebrated individuals, in connexion with the distinguished peculiarities for which they have been rendered remarkable. In the second department, the astronomical occurrences of every month are distinctly noticed, and the reader's attention is directed to the varied phenomena of the celestial bodies. It is an astronomical compendium, whence much valuable information may be derived, calculated to enlarge the mind, and to lead it "through nature up to nature's God." The notes of a naturalist are by James Rennie, A. M. professor of natural history in King's College, London. These notes relate chiefly to the animal and vegetable tribes, as they appear, and then give place to others in each succeeding month. In running through the year, many things both curious and wonderful are presented to our view, furnishing an insight into the arcana of nature, from which none but master-spirits would presume to lift the veil. In this portion of Time's Telescope, the rieties of animal instinct, presented to the reader's notice, cannot be surveyed without contemplate the migration of birds, or the most pleasing emotions, whether we enter "the ant's republic, or the realm of the great Author of nature for the preserbees." The kind protection provided by vation of flowers, plants, trees, and seeds, cannot fail to awaken profound admiration. va occasions lively and energetic; when In all these delineations, the style is allow, the language is humorous; and a decent sparkling of wit illuminates the author's paragraphs. On one topic, in |