a short paper from Dr. Henry, of Manchester, addressed to the Scientific Meeting at York, on certain phenomena observed during the roasting of a copper ore in Anglesea. Immediately on the conclusion of these papers, several gentlemen related different facts connected with science. The meeting then adjourned to the evening at eight o'clock.

The Evening Meeting.

A number of ladies and gentlemen attended in the theatre of the museum, to enjoy a scientific soireé. The Rev. W. Scoresby read a highly interesting paper, which he called "An exposition of some of the laws and phenomena of magnetic induction, with an account of a method of application of the magnetic influence to the determination of the thickness of rocks, and other solid substances, not otherwise measurable." The laws of magnetic intensity were but imperfectly investigated by Coulomb, as his experiments were on a small scale; but the powerful magnets of Mr. Scoresby have enabled him to exhibit their effect, in producing a deviation of the needle at the distance of sixty feet. Though the lecturer occupied the attention of his audience upwards of two hours, yet there were no symptoms of indifference to be

THE following very remarkable narrative, is more likely to create astonishment by the peculiarity of its character, than to make converts by the incidents which it details. It is true to the prevailing belief of the age to which it refers; and in former years, it commanded a degree of confidence which, in all probability, it will never again recover.

The zealous antiquary, or the observant citizen of London, whose memory carried him back for a period of fifty years, may remember an old low-browed house, which formerly stood on the north side of Towerhill, on the site of the gardens, which once belonged to the ancient monastery of the Crutched-friars; though its name was successively changed, as the royal grant allotted it in the first instance to Sir Thomas Wyat, and at a later period to Sir Thomas Savage-the last designation it still retains,

though modern alterations and improvements have at length done away with this long-surviving relic of old days, and the spot where it stood is now undistinguished from the surrounding neighbourhood.

The peculiar style of gothic architecture which characterized this building, had, even so far back as the reign of queen Elizabeth, rendered it remarkable for its antiquity, and sufficiently attested the early period of its construction. The front of the house was low, and consisted of only one story, which, projecting far into the street, completely cast the lower part into shade. The roof rose high and conical, and terminated at the top in a grotesque device of carved oak, representing what might pass for an angel in the eyes of the pious, or a fiend in those of the less scrupulous.

Many subordinate deities were freely sculptured at the extremities of the beams which formed the frame-work of the large lattice, and supported the cross timber of the upper story;—the door-posts also were enriched with the same minute and laboured ornaments. The portal itself was low and wide, and the thick oaken planks of the door were profusely and irregularly studded with small iron knobs, bearing no very remote resemblance to those ancient inscriptions which Orientalists have termed the Babylonian characters.

The window above, though large, and extending along the whole front of the house, was yet so obscured by the garniture of wood-work which surrounded it, as to make it difficult for the light of day to penetrate far into the gloomy recesses of the chamber. In addition to this, the house stood not alone, but situated in a narrow street, with loftier buildings in front and around, which seemed inclined to topple upon their lowly neighbour, and effectually precluded the sun's rays, even on the brightest days, from enlightening the dusky mansion. Such was the appearance of this edifice in the year 1584, when it became the residence of a being as singularly distinguished from the rest of the human race, as the tenement he occupied would now appear beside the palaces of our modern Vitruvii.

Of his birth, and even of his country, nothing was precisely known, but from the observations, which the inquisitiveness of his neighbours prompted them to make, it was conjectured that he was of Arabian origin. His appearance in this quarter of the world was sudden; but it was rumoured, that he had found his way to England in the suite of a foreign ambassador, as the previous occurrences of his life rendered such a mode of travelling necessary to his

safety. Though he never mixed voluntarily with his neighbours, his doors were always open to such as crossed his threshold; but the number of his visitors was few. He neither invited nor repelled observation; but there was that about him, which was far from stimulating the superstitious and unenlightened people, in the midst of whom he dwelt, to a renewal of their visit. Such as had once entered within the precincts of his dwelling, returned impressed with a degree of awe, which gradually communicated itself to all in the vicinity; so that, in a short time, without any real cause for dislike, he was marked, feared, and generally avoided.

The report went abroad that his knowledge in the occult sciences was unbounded, and those who had seen the interior of his abode, gave marvellous descriptions of the wonders which attracted their astonished gaze on all sides. Philosophical instruments, and others whose uses were more imperfectly imagined,-strange garments,— weapons of peculiar form,-crucibles and retorts, stuffed animals of various kinds, and one or two living ones unknown in Europe, together with numerous emblems of mortality, alike fitted for the contemplation of the moralizing philosopher, or the mystic appendages of the magician, were all to be seen in the apartment of him who had insensibly acquired the reputation of one of the magicians of old; though it was probable he was only another link of the long chain of those who laboured in the advancement of what was generally termed the grand magisterium, or secret,the discovery of the philosopher's stone, with all its mysterious accompaniments.

The personal appearance of this individual was as remarkable as the furniture of his dwelling. His dress was usually a long violet-coloured robe (the mourning garment of the East,) confined round the middle by a broad leathern belt, on which were inscribed the signs of the zodiac, and various unknown characters. He wore a high conical cap made of dark fur, such as we see on Armenians, Persians, and other inhabitants of Asia; his feet were shod with sandals, and from his waist depended a small case of writing materials; a scroll of parchment only partially concealed in the folds of his ample robe, and a long ebon staff, which he invariably carried abroad, completed his external appearance. In form he was tall, though somewhat bent, either from age, or the habit of meditation, which fixed his gaze almost constantly upon the earth, save when he was about to speak. His head was then 2D. SERIES, NO. 18.-VOL. II,

raised, and discovered a set of features, the expression of which was strikingly fime and noble. The forehead was high and expansive, the eyes dark and piercing, the mouth grave and well-formed; and a long beard, of snowy whiteness, falling on his breast, gave an air of venerable solemnity to his whole countenance, which could not fail to im. press the beholders with respect, if not with awe. The name by which he was known was that of Seddick ben Saad.

In the day-time he was rarely seen, but in the evening when the dim haze of twilight began to wrap every object in obscurity, he might be observed issuing forth, and pacing with majestic step towards the open country which skirted this part of the town, or descending to the banks of the river, along the margin of which it was his wont to walk sometimes for several hours together.

The night appeared not to be allotted by him to the purpose of rest, for the faint twinkle of the solitary lamp which flamed from the upper chamber, indicated that his studies were unremitting, whatever might be their object.

He seemed above the natural wants of mankind, for his diet consisted only of bread and herbs, which were bought in very small quantities, and at long intervals between; less, it would seem, from a habit of parsimony, than a principle of abstemiousness. Though no one could judge of his means by the very slight expenses which he incurred, it was nevertheless imagined that he possessed great riches, and this belief continually gained ground.

It has been observed, that Ben Saad was more shunned than sought;-there were times, however, when this prejudice gave way, before the necessities of those who came with humble looks to implore his assistance: their health, their undertakings, and their fortunes, were by turns the theme of solicitation, and to all he lent an attentive ear. His medical skill restored their former strength; his prescience afforded them wise rules for their future guidance, if it did not absolutely predict the course of events; and his liberality often relieved, in a more tangible manner, the wants of such as were not undeserving of his kindness.

The fame of Seddik ben Saad soon spread far and wide; and upon the lastmentioned circumstance, the conjectures of his wealth were more ostensibly founded.

It was a chill and wintry night at the latter end of the month of October, when a boat, pulled by four stout rowers, was rapidly urged along the river, as it returned from the royal residence at Greenwich, to London. Though the moon was at the 162.-VOL. XIV.

2 M

full, her light was obscured by heavy masses of dark cloud, which drifted before her, and cast a fitful gloom over the face of nature; ́ the wind whistled shrilly, and, sweeping in sudden gusts across the stream, curled up the surface of the waters, and dashed the cold spray over the boatmen, as they sped the light and bounding bark.

A young man sat in the stern of the boat, wrapped in a large cloak, which completely concealed his figure; he seemed absorbed in a profound reverie, though constant habit gave him the power to guide the helm mechanically, and avoid the many impediments which obstructed the channel. The boat was now fast approaching the city, and the frowning battlements of the ancient Tower of London were at intervals perceptible, when the moon for a moment struggled through the dark veil which obscured her brightness. On a sudden, the young man started from the musing attitude in which he had been reclining, and commanded the boatmen to rest on their oars, while he bent himself forward to listen for a repetition of the sound which he said had originally disturbed him.

It was then that all on board distinctly heard the voices of men on shore loud in altercation, and, as it seemed, engaged in some desperate act of violence. In this opinion they were confirmed by hearing the cry of murder several times repeated. The young man already mentioned directed the rowers to pull towards the shore as fast as they could, and with as little noise as possible. Favoured by the darkness of the night, and the turbulent state of the waters, which concealed their approach, they had almost gained the bank of the river, at the spot from whence the sounds proceeded, when their purpose was discovered; a violent but brief struggle ensued, and then a heavy plunge into the stream, accompanied by a deep execration, announced that all was over.

The moon at the same moment burst through the cloud which obscured her, and by her light two men were seen for an instant at gaze, as they reconnoitered the party in the boat, and then were speedily lost from the view. The boatmen shipped their oars, and the bark glided swiftly forward to the bank, where, vainly grasping at the slippery surface which it presented, a figure was descried, striving manfully to regain the shore: his efforts would, however, have been unsuccessful, had not the leader of the party, which had come so opportunely to his rescue, leaned over the side of the boat, and supported him in the stream, till, by the assistance of his men,

he was safely raised from the water, and placed on dry land.

On examining the person of him whom thay had rescued, the young stranger observed, that his garb was Oriental, and the first words he uttered, when sufficiently recovered from the state of exhaustion which his violent efforts had caused, were in an unknown tongue. "Mashallah," was his oft-repeated exclamation, as with uplifted hands he raised his eyes towards heaventhen, turning to those who surrounded him, he addressed himself in English to him who was evidently their chief.

"Stranger," he said, "you have saved my life; and, if you wish to add to the good work you have begun, you will send an escort to my dwelling, for I much fear, that, in my protracted absence, the villains with whom I was engaged may effect a part of their design; and the strength of threescore and ten availeth little, after so severe a struggle. Just Allah," he exclaimed, interjectionally, "when may thy trusting servant pass through his final trial, and become the type of thine own Omnipotence below!"-then, turning again, he added, "Deny not my request, it shall profit you much; I have that which can amply satisfy your utmost wishes, and your reward shall not be wanting."

"There needs none, reverend father,' replied the young stranger, with the frankness of youth; "I myself will be your escort, and fear not that I can sufficiently defend you; I have used my sword in a good cause too often, to dread the result, should we be attacked by a score of such craven fellows as we just now scared; I return not with you, Walter," he said, speaking to the foremost boatman, "it may be that I shall stay for to-night in the neighbourhood." The man to whom he spoke replied only by an obedient gesture, and the party withdrew to the boat, leaving their leader and the old man alone together.

A slight pause ensued, which was broken by the former, who demanded to know if his companion were able to renew his journey homewards. Receiving an assent, they slowly quitted the shore, and, in a short time, reached the inhabited precincts of the town. The old man here led the way, through several narrow and obscure streets, and at length stopped opposite the low portal of a house which has already been described. He then eagerly sought in his bosom, and produced a small masterkey, which he applied to the lock, and the door stood open before them.

Enter, my son," said Seddick ben

Saad, for he it was, "there is nothing now to dread-the ascendancy of the evil planet is past, and good fortune predominates. Fate has decreed that thou shouldest this night be my guest, though not even I could have divined the means. What saith the Holy Koran, 'No man shall see death, till the time arrives which is fixed by the immutable decree of Allah;' follow me, then, my son, and believe that the events of this night have been long foredoomed to happen.'

He entered, as he spoke, into a low vaulted room, where a solitary lamp sent forth a flickering light, and only half-illumined the dusky chamber. The stranger followed him, and Bed Saad cautiously closed the door. He then crossed the vault, and, taking up the lamp, beckoned his companion to ascend with him a narrow gloomy staircase, the first steps of which were just visible as the light fell faintly on a dark recess. The stranger hesitated for an instant, and then, as if reflecting that he had gone too far to recede, and that he was armed and alone, with a defenceless old man who owed him his life, he felt ashamed of his momentary apprehension, and advanced towards Al Seddik. The latter seemed to guess what was passing in his mind.

"I come," he said, "from a land where inhospitality and ingratitude are unknown; Lowe you the reverse of both: a robber, even in my country, respects the sacred character of his guest. They ascended the narrow stairs, and, assisted more by the touch than eyesight, at length gained the summit, where the stranger found himself in a spacious apartment.

Ben Saad trimmed his lamp, and invited his guest to rest himself, while he procured him some refreshment. In the mean time, the latter was occupied in examining the chamber of which he was so unexpectedly the tenant. The walls of the room were wainscoted, and, as well as the ceiling, were composed of dark oak, which was much blackened by time and smoke. From the centre of the ceiling was suspended a heavy silver chain, to which hung a lamp of the same metal, in the shape of a globe, with four long branches, fantastically trimmed. As the old man traversed the apartment, the light flashed upon the walls, where numerous steel weapons were arranged in peculiar devices; and between each group of arms was suspended a human skull, a skeleton, or some other ghastly emblem of mortality.

Strange figures were also chalked upon the wainscoat, exhibiting many of the mystical signs which are inscribed on the

tombs of the ancient Pharaohs. Amongst these were others which, more regularly mathematical, were more intelligible. Various scrolls of parchment, covered with hieroglyphics, glass-cases containing the sacred ibis, the swathed mummy from the pyramids, the embryo crocodile of the Nile; and numerous other fragments of Egyptian antiquity, were scattered round the room. In the further corner was a deep recess, in which appeared many of the instruments proper for a chemist's laboratory; a small fire of charcoal was also burning steadily beneath a large alembic. All these signs were sufficient to assure the stranger that he was in the dwelling of one of those sages whom subsequent times have stigmatized as astrologers and visionary enthusiasts.

Ben Saad now placed some provisions on a small table, and set them before his guest. "They are not," he said, "such as you are doubtless accustomed to, but who, in traversing the sandy desert, can look to behold the delightful valleys of Yemen? The juice of the grape thou knowest is forbidden to all who profess the true belief, since our holy prophet denounced it the Omen Alkhabát, or mother of destruction."

"Father," replied the youth, “I know so much of the rites of Eastern hospitality, as to partake gratefully of that which is cheerfully offered. These dried fruits, and this delicious beverage, are a greater luxury than the costliest viands and the brightest wines." Will you not comply with your native custom, so far as to eat the "bread and salt with me?"

"I may not," answered Seddik, "indulge in the sensual delights of appetite. Long and severe fasting can alone free the mind from earthly desires, and raise it to the state of perfection which is needful for him who toils after the light of truth; nevertheless, to remove your scruples, a few dates and a cup of sherbet, shall assure me as truly your friend as if I had sworn by Al Corsi, the brightest of the thrones of Allah." Their repast was soon finished, and the stranger now demanded of Ben Saad the particulars of the accident which had caused his interference. They were briefly explained.

It appeared that, pursuing his accustomed path by the river-side, and immersed in deep thought, he had suddenly been stopped by two ruffians, who, aware of his usual habits, and influenced probably by the general report, sought to make themselves masters of his person, to secure his supposed wealth. He had nothing on his person except the key of his dwelling, which was carefully concealed; but the robbers,