which were reported at the commencement of our labours. Whether contraction or expansion be more desirable in such reports, must, of course, depend on the nature of the question. On some subjects, brevity may not only be quite consistent with the main object,—that of making a discussion interesting and instructive,-but'may even tend to promote it, and to amplify would be only to fatigue. On others, again, it is impossible to discuss a question properly, without a fullness of argument and a minuteness of detail, which are not only highly desirable and important, but absolutely indispensable. Without, therefore, fixing any particular limits to the length of the discussions, we have, in that respect, chiefly had regard to their interest and importance; and we hope our readers will not find them, in any instance, meager from brevity, or tiresome from length. With regard to the Essays, Poems, and Reviews, we have endeavoured, it is hoped not unsuccessfully, to attain an interesting, instructive, and amusing variety; and, if our critical labours, in particular, shall appear to our readers as liberal and impartial as they were designed to be by us, we shall have nothing left to wish, but that, on the completion of our next volume, it will not be found that our exertions have relaxed, or that the Journal committed to our management has failed to continue its improving course. Measures are now in progress for carrying into effect an EXTENDED PLAN of the Institution, the details of which are given in a Prospectus which has been published. When this plan shall have been fully matured, additional means will exist, of giving to our pages interest and variety, and of establishing the PhiloMATHIC JOURNAL on the firmest and most lasting basis. CONTENTS OF VOL. III. The Siege of Constantinople ; Book IV. DISCUSSION: Are Colonies Beneficial to the Parent State ? Astrea; a Poem : addressed to Myra Discussion: Was the Feudal System less Injurious in its Effects than the Imperial Despotism of Rome? On the Etymology of English Nouns DISCUSSION: Is there reason to Believe that the Doctrines of Phrenology are founded in Truth? On the Intellectual Causes of the Diversity of Manners Astrea: a Poem; addressed to Myra: Canto VI. Discussion : Ought the Punishment of Death to be abolished ? i. 264 DISCUSSION: Are Mankind more influenced by the Force of Custom, or the Love of Novelty ? On Epistolary Correspondence.- Part II. Discussion: Are the Laws regarding Literary Property founded Queen Hynde, a Poem. By James Hogg A Practical Treatise on Rail-Roads and Carriages. By THOMAS The Remains of Robert Bloomfield, author of The Farmer's The Museum, a Poem. By John BULL The Magistrate! or Sessions and Police Review The Pleasures of Piety, with other Poems. By ELEANOR A New Guide to Paris, from the latest Observations. By PETER An Enquiry into the Nature and Duties of the Office of Inquest Jurymen, of the City of London. By a Citizen Costume of Shakespeare's Tragedy of Hamlet. By J. R. PLANCHE 239 A View of the present State of the Salmon and Channel Fisheries, and of the Statute Laws by which they are regulated, &c. By The Night before the Bridal, a Spanish Tale. Sappho, a Dramatic Sketch; and other Poems. By Catharine Grace Garnett 419 Description of a Railway on a new Principle; with Observations on those hitherto constructed, &c. By Henry R. Palmer, Civil Remarks on Steam Navigation, and its Protection, Regulation, and Encouragement. By Thos. Tredgold, Civil Engineer 429 A Treatise on the Law of Attornies, Solicitors, and Agents; with Notes and Disquisitions.' By Robert Maugham Voyage de Polyclète, ou Lettres Romaines. Abrégé de l'Ouvrage original de Monsieur le Baron de Théis, à l'Usage de la Jeunesse, par M. de Rouillon ..... Zoné, a Levantine Sketch; and other Poems The New Practical Builder, and Workman's Companion, &c. By M. A. Nicholson, R. Elsam, W. Inwood, &c. The Practical Builder's Perpetual Price Book, &c. LITERARY Notices. New WORKS JUST PUBLISHED 240, 461 240, 462 THE PHILOMATHIC JOURNAL. JULY 1825. ΤΗ Ε HISTORY OF ETHICS. WHEN Cicero wrote for his son that excellent treatise on moral duties, which commonly goes by the name of his Offices, he commenced by observing, -—" I shall follow at this time, and on this subject, more especially the Stoics; not as a bare translator of them, but, according to my usual custom, shall take out of their stores so much, and after such a manner, as in my own judgment I shall think most convenient.” This mode of procedure is especially necessary on a subject so universally important in practice, and yet so difficult precisely to define in theory. Exceptionable principles may be found in systems of general excellence; and where so much is at stake, in respect of society and ourselves, we must follow a rule no less philosophical than sacred,-“ Prove all things,-hold fast that which is good.” In the spirit of this admirable precept, we are desirous of entering upon the topic of this article, which is, An Examination of ihe doctrine of Expediency. In referring to the doctrine of Expediency, the most pernicious, upon the whole, as to its consequences, which has ever been proposed as a principle of Ethics, it is painful to advert to one of the most distinguished names that ever graced the records of morals or religion. It will be easily conceived that no light motives could have induced your lecturer to associate the venerated and venerable name of Paley with any remarks which are intended to censure the basis which he has assumed relative to this interesting subject. Paley, with a manliness of sentiment worthy a philosopher and a Christian VOL, III, PART I. B 1 divine, (and these characters are not necessarily at variance,) -so meditate upon them, that they may employ all your With no unhallowed or unfriendly touch, therefore, your lecturer selects what he deems an exceptionable principle in this truly great man's work, for animadversion. Had he |