of the face upwards or downwards; for when the face is directed downwards, the eyes that look at us must be turned upwards from the position of the face to which they belong; and if to eyes so drawn, an upward cast of features be substituted for the former, the eyes immediately look above us.

From these, and other details given in the paper, the author concludes that the apparent direction of the eyes to or from the spectator, depends upon the balance of two circumstances combined in the same representation, namely, 1. The general position of the face presented to the spectator, 2. The turn of the eyes from that position; and he thence proceeds to inquire why, if the eyes of a portrait look at the spectator placed in front of the picture, they follow him in every other direction. When two objects are seen on the ground at different distances from us in the same direction, one appears and must be represented exactly above the other, so that a vertical plane from the eye would pass through them, and since such a line will be seen upright, however far we move to one side, it follows that the same objects still seem to be in a line with us exactly as in the front view, seeming, as we move, to turn from their first direction.

In portraits, the permanence of direction with reference to the spectator, and corresponding change of its apparent position in space when he moves to either side, depend upon the same principles. The nose drawn in front with its central line upright, continues directed to the spectator, though viewed obliquely; or if the right side of the nose is represented, it must appear directed to the right of the spectator in all situations; and eyes that turn in a due degree from that direction toward the spectator, so as to look at him when viewed in front, will continue to do so when viewed obliquely.

NATURAL HISTORY.

Cuvier lately presented a report to the Academy of Sciences on the state of Natural History, and the increase of our knowl edge in that department since the return of maritime peace, the details of which are peculiarly interesting. Linnæus, in 1778, indicated about eight thousand species

of plants,-M. Decandolle now describes forty thousand, and within a few years they will doubtless exceed fifty thousand. Buffon estimated the number of quadrupeds at about three hundred. M. Desmarets has just enumerated above seven hundred, and he is far from considering this list complete. M. de Lacepède wrote twenty years ago the history of all the known species of fishes; the whole did not amount to one thousand five hundred. The cabinet of the King alone, has now above two thousand five hundred, which, says Cuvier, are but a small proportion of those which the seas and rivers would furnish. We no longer venture to fix numbers for the birds and reptiles; the cabinets are crowded with new species which require to be

classed. Above all, we are confounded at the editors of this new Journal to pursue a the continually increasing number of in- different plan. "It cannot have escaped obsects; it is by thousands that travellers servation," they say, "that the necessity, bring them from the hot climates. The imposed upon writers in Medical Journals, cabinet of the King contains above of attaching their names to communicatwenty-five thousand species; and there tions, very much restricts that latitude of are at least as many more in the various discussion, and freedom of remark, which, cabinets of Europe. The work of M. it is believed, would tend, in a mateStrauss on the May-bug, has just shown rial degree, to advance the interests of that this little body, of an inch in length, medical science. With a view principally has three hundred and six hard pieces, to obviate this defect, the present Journal serving as envelopes, four hundred and has been undertaken. It is not intended, ninety-four muscles, twenty-four pairs of therefore, to interfere with the many re-, nerves, and forty-eight pairs of trachea. spectable Journals already published in this country, but to supply the void caused by their indiscriminate rejection of anonymous articles, however great the ability or ingenuity with which they are recom

COMPARISON OF BAROMETRICAL WITH TRIG

ONOMETRICAL MEASUREMENT.

mended."

NEW MODE OF EXTRACTING POISONS FROM THE STOMACH.

The hill selected for this comparative measurement is situated on the western part of the northern coast of Spitsbergen. A small bay formed by the shore of the mainland to the north-east of the hill, being frozen over, afforded a perfectly level base, Much has been said of the apparatus and corrections for inequality were thus lately applied in Great Britain for the rerendered unnecessary. A polished copper moval of poisons swallowed into the stomcone was fixed upon a staff at the summit ach, and much credit is undoubtedly due of the hill, the apex of which was proposed for the invention and application of the inas the height to be measured; it stood forty-struments used for this purpose. A great four inches above the highest pinnacle of deal may be done in this way to prevent the summit. By the trigonometrical meas- the fatal effects of poison, and the number urement the altitude of the cone was found of instances in which it has been successto be one thousand six hundred and fortyfour feet; and by the barometrical, every precaution being used by the observer to secure an accurate result, it was ascertained to be 1640.07 feet. The experiment was made by Captain Sabine.

VELOCITY OF SOUND.

Some new experiments relating to the velocity of sound have been made in Holland by Drs G. Moll, and A. Van Beck. For these experiments they selected two open and elevated spots in the plains of Utrecht, distinctly visible from each other, and distant about 96.64 fathoms. They measured the interval between seeing the light and hearing the sound of fire arms, by clocks with conical pendulums, which divide the twenty-four hours into two million parts, and one of the indexes of which gives one hundredth part of a decimal second. Each station was also furnished with a good barometer, several accurate thermometers and excellent telescopes, and

the humidity of the air was determined by Daniell's Hygrometer. It appears from their experiments that at the temperature of 32 degrees, the velocity of sound is 1089.7445 English feet per sexagesimal second.

NEW MEDICAL JOURNAL.

fully put in use, upon men as well as animals, is already considerable. To whom, however, the credit of first employing this method is due, will be perceived by the following quotation from Dr Beck's work on Medical Jurisprudence. "Dr Physick of Philadelphia, published a paper in 1812, in which he mentions that he successfully applied the syringe to a child poisoned with laudanum, and Dr Dorsey afterwards cured two individuals by the same treatment. That distinguished surgeon, however, subsequently states, that Dr Alexander Mears, 2d, first suggested the invention in 1797, although he (Dr Physick) was ignorant of this fact when he applied it practically. I conceive Dr Physick is entitled to the honor of having been the first who saved life by its means."

DISTINCTION OF THE KIND OF ELECTRICITY

BY THE TASTE.

Professor Berzelius observes, that posily distinguished by the taste, on making the tive and negative electricity may be readielectric current pass, by means of a point, to the tongue. The taste of the positive electricity is acid, that of the negative is more caustic, and, as it were, alkaline.

SUPPOSED NEW METAL.

The first number of the New York Monthly Chronicle of Medicine and Surge- A description of a supposed new metal ry, was issued in July. It is to be publish- with a specimen, was lately sent to Sir ed on the 15th day of every month, cach Humphrey Davy, called Taschium, from number containing thirty-two pages octa- the mine of Taschio, where it was found. vo. It has been always the custom with The specimen sent was said to be silver writers of original essays in Medical Jour-containing the new metal; the two metals nals, to attach their names to their communications, as if assuming a kind of responsibility for the truth and merit of what they communicate. It is the intention of

having been separated by amalgamation, and the mercury afterwards driven off, on dissolving it in pure nitric acid, it was stated that the Taschium would remain as

LUMINOUS POWER OF THE LAMPYRIDES.

The luminous power of these insects has been ascertained, by Dr T. J. Todd, to reside in a peculiar matter of an adhesive, semitransparent, granulated texture. The longest period during which Dr Todd has observed the organ to continue luminous after separation from the animal, is twenty minutes, and it continues to shine in media of very different properties, in vacuo, under mercury, in water, and in oil. The light is re-excited by certain irritants; by heat and cold, by friction, and by galvanism, by alcohol, camphor, and ammonia. In the living animal also, mechanical and chemical stimulants excite the appearance of the light, provided they do not disorganize the part. When the animals are killed by alcohol, tincture of hellebore, or nux vomica, and certain other poisons, after all light and life have ceased, another fixed and steady light appears in the organ, varying in duration from twelve hours to four days. From the general results of his observations, Dr Todd concludes that the luminous powers of these insects are exclusively referrible to vital action, and that their use has not been accurately ascertained, though probably connected with sexual distinction.

All publishers of books throughout the United States, are very earnestly requested to forward to us, regularly and seasonably, the names of all works of every kind, preparing for publication, in the press, or recently published. As they will be inserted in the Gazette, it is particularly desired that the exact titles be stated at length.

We have just learned from our printers that the publication of this number will be somewhat retarded. Wednesday and Thursday were lost by the celebration of Commencement and the Q. B. K. anniversary; the review on Monday will call most of their workmen to Boston; and the confusion incident to such occasions may probably affect the work of other days.

As these circumstances render some delay unavoidable, we hope our readers will receive them as a sufficient apology. EDITOR. August 28.

ADVERTISEMENTS.

R. P. & C. WILLIAMS

WILL shortly publish a Biography of

GENERAL LA FAYETTE. Also, A Letter from a Blacksmith to the Ministers and Elders of the Church of Scotland; in which the manner of Public Worship in that Church is considered; its Inconsistency and Defects pointed out, and Methods for removing them humbly proposed. Eccl. v. 2.-1 Cor. xix. 15.

SCHOOL BOOKS.

CUMMINGS, HILLIARD, & CO. No. 1

Cornhill, have constantly on hand the most valuable and popular School and Classical Books, and furnish Schools and Academies at wholesale prices.

are

Among those which they have lately published

Colburn's Arithmetic Both excellent eleDo. Sequel mentary works. Elements of Astronomy, illustrated with Plates, for the use of Schools and Academies, with Questions. By John H. Wilkins, A. M. Second edition.

The New Testament, with References, and a Key Sheet of Questions, historical, doctrinal, of Scriptural knowledge in Bible-Classes, Sunday and practical, designed to facilitate the acquisition Schools, Common Schools, and private Families. By Hervey Wilbur, A. M. Second edition, stereotype.

The Bible Class-Book; or Biblical Catechism, containing Questions historical, doctrinal, practical, and experimental, designed to promote ume. By Hervey Wilbur, A. M. Thirteenth edian intimate acquaintance with the Inspired Voltion. Stereotype.

Worcester's Sketches of the Earth and it Inhabitants, with one hundred Engravings. Designed as a reading book.

Friend of Youth; or New Selection of Lessons in prose and verse, for schools and families, to imbue the young with sentiments of piety, humanity, and benevolence. By Noah Worcester, D. D. Second edition.

Cummings' Geography. Ninth edition. Worcester's Geography. Third edition, very much improved.

Cummings' First Lessons in Geography and Astronomy, with seven Maps and a plate of the Solar System, for the use of Young Children. Fourth edition.

contains

Pronouncing Spelling Book, by J. A. Cummings. Third edition. This Spelling Book guage, that is difficult either to spell or pronounce. every word of common use in our lanThe pronunciation is strictly conformed to that of Walker's Critical Pronouncing Dictionary, and is so exactly and peculiarly denoted, that no one, who knows the power of the letters, can mistake the true pronunciation.

Cummings's Questions on the New Testament, for Sabbath Exercises in Schools and Academies, with four Maps of the countries through which our Saviour and his Apostles travelled.

C. H. & Co. have a great variety of Bibles, Testaments, Spelling Books, Dictionaries, &c. Also, Inkstands, Quills, Drawing Paper, Writing Paper, Ink, Penknives, Scissors Globes, and all articles usually wanted in Schools.

DRAWING MATERIALS..

CUMMINGS, HILLIARD, & Co. have received a choice assortment of Drawing Materials, consisting of

Reeves & Son's Water Colours, put up in boxes of all sizes, many of which are clegant, composed of mahagony, rose wood, and satin wood, with lock, drawers, saucers, brushes, &c.;

Camel's Hair Pencils, by the gross, dozen, or single;

Drawing Pencils, best quality, manufactured by Dobbs;

Colours for Maps, and Plans;

CUMMINGS, HILLIARD & CO.

HAVE just received from London an extensive assortment of CLASSICAL BOOKS in all languages. Among them are the following.

Vetus Testamentum ex Versione Septuaginta Interpretum Secundum exemplar Vaticanum Romæ Editum. Accedunt Varia Lectiones e codice Alexandrino, necnon Introductio, J. B. Carpzovii. Oxonii, E Typographeo Clarendoniano. calf.

6 vol. 8vo.

Thucydidis de Bello Peloponnesiaco Libri Octo. Ex Recensione Immanuelis BekWassiique Annotationes. Oxonii. 4 vol. keri. Accedunt Scholia Græca et Dukeri 8vo. calf.

Euripidis Tragœdiæ. Nova Editio accurata in usum Prælectionum Academicarum Ex nova recensione Aug. et Scholarum. Matthiæ. Oxonii. 2 vol. 8vo. calf.

ditarum Fragmenta, ex editionibus et cum Sophoclis Tragoedia Septem; et Deperannotatione integra Brunkii et Schaferi, cui intertextæ sunt Glossæ ex Eustathio et Suida excerptæ. Accedunt Notæ Carol. Gottlob August. Erfurdtii. Oxonii. 3 vols. 8vo. calf.

Herodoti Halicarnassii Historiarum Libri IX. Textus Wesselingianus passim reAccedit fictus opera Frid. Volg. Reizii. Index Rerum, necnon editionum Wesselingii et Schweighaeuseri cum edit. Reizii

2 vol. calf. et Schaferi Collatio. Editio nova. Oxonii.

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M. Tullii Ciceronis de Re Publica Quæ supersunt, edente Angelo Maio Vaticanæ Bibliothecæ Præfecto. Impressum Romæ. Denuo impressum Londini. 1823. of various parts of the manuscript of this boards. [This edition contains fac-similes work, which has been recently found.]

The Tragedies of Sophocles. Translated by R. Potter. With Notes. 1 vol. 8vo.

calf.

Greece. By John Potter, D. D. To which Archælogia Græca, or the Antiquities of is added an Appendix, containing a concise History of the Grecian States, and a short account of the Lives and Writings of the most celebrated Greek authors. By G. Dunbar, F. R. S. E. 2 vols. calf.

NEW BOOKS.

PRIVATE Correspondence of William Cowper, Esq. with several of his most intimate friends. Now first published from the Originals in the possession of his kinsman, John Johnson, LL. D. Rector of Yaxham with Welborne in Norfolk.

Memoirs of John Aiken, M. D. By Lucy Aiken.

Smellie's Philosophy of Natural History, with Notes, &c. By John Ware, M. D.

Heeren's Politics of Ancient Greece. By George Bancroft.

Hints on Extemporaneous Preaching. By Henry Ware, Jr. Minister of the Second Church in Boston.-" Maximus vero studiorum fructus est, Drawing Chalks, all varieties, put up et velut præmium quoddam amplissimum longi la

boris, ex tempore dicendi facultas." Quinct. x. 7. CUMMINGS, HILLIARD, & Co.

REVIEWS.

Tales of a Traveller, Part I. By Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. Author of the "Sketch Book," "Bracebridge Hall," " Knicker bocker's New York," &c. Philadelphia. 1824. 8vo. pp. 166.

WHILE Mr Irving wrote Salmagundi and Knickerbocker, he was learning to write. He was not only, to use a common phrase, forming his style, but acquiring just notions of the strength and nature of his powers, ascertaining what he could and what he could not do, and thus, what he could wisely and safely attempt. We suppose that his next work, the Sketch Book, was written in exact conformity with his own idea of what he could do best;-and perhaps no work of elegant letters ever won for its author more sudden and extended popularity. But while the critics every where admitted that Mr Irving told good stories delightfully, they were so true to the calling as to insist that he did not know so well as they what paths in the great field of literature it was best for him to pursue. His sketches and tales were disconnected and did not help each other; the numbers of this work did not appear to constitute so much of a book as they in fact did, because they appeared separately. Still they were so captivating, they proved so clearly that Geoffrey Crayon possessed uncommon powers, interesting and gratifying all classes of readers, his critics in the most friendly manner advised him to try his hand at something else ;-inasmuch as his absolute success in the course he had chosen was proof positive that he would do well to leave it. His powers, said they, are cramped by the narrowness of the subjects on which they are exerted; his imagination wants elbow room; his canvass is so scanty that his finest figures are stinted in their porportions or thrust into corners; enlarge his sphere of intellectual action and his mind will expand with it; give him subjects which can draw him out fully, and he will exhibit more strength, grace, and beauty of intellect than he yet has credit for. Unfortunately-for the subjects he had chosen, and his mode of treating them, were exactly the best adapted to his best powers, these intimations were so far regarded as to bring before the public Bracebridge Hall; which is weakened from beginning to end by the endeavour to give it the consistency and identity of a single work. Moreover, the critics found out that in parts of the Sketch Book, and a large part of Knickerbocker, Mr Irving came near running wild; they thought he imposed too

No. 11.

little restraint upon his fine fancy and ex- of living or inanimate nature,—and to quisite humour, and bade him be more measure the excellence of an author rathcareful in future, under penalty of a whip-er by his power, vivacity, and originality in ping. Accordingly he became more care-thinking, than by the beautiful flow, the ful;-and but few things occur in the Hall measured cadences, or the skilful choice to startle one with excessive strangeness. of words. But, while we are ready with our Still we can hardly regret that Mr Irving tribute of praise to Mr Irving's fine sense, tried the experiment of subjecting his pow-fine taste, and finer fancy, we cannot but ers to the taste of others; because, trust- think that his reputation rests quite as much ing to the testimony of this first part of a upon his exquisite manner. While we read Traveller's Tales, we believe he has gained the best of his works, we feel that we are wisdom enough out of the comparative fail- with a sensible man, an accomplished scholure of his last work, to prevent his failing ar, and a most skilful writer; but he seems again from the same error, to wit, that of to belong rather to the last age, when it following foolish advice. We do not mean was considered a matter of much more moto suggest to Mr Irving to make no changes ment than in the present, that the dress whatever, and write on to the end of his which the thoughts put on should adorn days just as he has written,-for we would them. Very few living authors are in such not follow the example we reprobate,-but favour with so large a public, as Mr Irving; we would express the hope, that in future but of these few not one has achieved this he will rely upon his own knowledge of his success, without exhibiting more power,-a own intellect. stronger and a wider grasp of mind.

We think this first number of the Tales will be very acceptable to the public. The frame in which the pictures are set is extremely well devised and executed. A hunting dinner is followed by a storm, which shuts up a great variety of people within the Hall of a worthy fox-hunting Baronet. Pleasant conversation and pleasant stories enliven the supper table; and one of the guests,-the Traveller himself whose tales Mr Crayon relates,-sleeps or tries to sleep in a kind of haunted chamber, which gives occasion to the last and best tale. We suppose that Boccaccio exhibited this mode of stringing stories together in his Decamerone, for the first time, and the fashion has been worn out in Italy by his imitators. We recollect no attempt to introduce it into English literature since the days of Spenser; but Mr Irving's success will probably bring upon him a crowd of followers.

Mr Irving, as an elegant writer, has no rival, and scarcely a competitor, in this country. He has certainly done more than any other to make us respectable abroad, as a literary people, but we think he has advanced our national reputation for scholarship and talent chiefly, by directing the attention of others upon us: by persuading them that we may produce something here worth looking after. It is difficult to define with any exactness the character which our infant literature bears, or to predict what character it will bear; but it is easy to assure one's self that it has and will have little accordance with Mr Irving's production; and he is felt by every one, at home and abroad, not to belong, in his writings, to this country. It can hardly be thought excessive boasting to assert, that the genius of Americans is as strong as that of others, and we are borne out by reasons too obvious to need a more particular recital, in supposing that it will be some- The first story is the "Adventure of My what rash, enterprising, forgetful of the Uncle"-and it is a quiz of a ghost story, majesty of criticism, and regardless of arti- located in France. Just at the interesting ficial rules, venerable precedents, and obso- moment, the story ends with an emphatic lete things in general. Before long, it is Bah! uttered by a French marquis; in probable that many men of talent will which the readers will be very apt to join. write well on this side of the Atlantic; but The second, the " Adventure of My Aunt," we think a successful American author is a sort of pendant to the first, and is rathwill much oftener exhibit an active, power-er common-place. The third, "The Bold ful, and original mind, than one which Dragoon," is excellent; full of fine fun and books or masters have thoroughly taught merriment. We would just remark, in and trained. Indeed, Mr Irving seems, in passing, that if Mr Geoffrey Crayon is not his literary character, not only alien to our a thought more careful, the more recondite country, but opposed to the spirit of the meaning of his double entendres will beage. The world is getting to be very prac- come a little too apparent; in some instances tical,-to regard the meaning somewhat it already lies somewhat nearer the surface more than the manner of an author-to than is altogether desirable. The sketches demand directness and energy in thought of the "Mysterious Picture" and the " Mysand expression, and truth in the description terious Stranger" are very good; but their