Count Magawly has purchased one thousand seven hundred valuable Hebrew manuscripts, which have been deposited in the public library at Parma.

The Emperor Alexander continues his exertions to promote learning aud improvement of all kinds; he has invited from France two Orientalists, in order to establish and propagate in Russia the knowledge of the Oriental languages. The individuals are M. Demange and M. Charmoy, both of them pupils belonging to the special schoo. of oriental languages at Paris. The first will teach Arabic and Armenian; the other Persian and Turkish. M. Demange has likewise studied Sanskrit, and can teach that branch, so important in Asiatic literature.

Prince of Wales' Island Library.—A meeting of the subscribers to the project ed foundation of a public library was held the 8th October 1816.

Mr. Phillips was unanimously called to the chair, and opened the business by. stating, that the subscribers were called together for the purpose of taking into consideration and establishing such laws and regulations as might appear necessary for giving effect to the plan, the basis of which had already been submitted and agreed on; and added, that he would be happy to hear the sentiments of any gentleman who might be desirous of suggesting a proposition for its improvement.

Captain Coombs seconded the hon. Chairman on this interesting occasion. It was not necessary he conceived to enlarge upon the subject of the plan, nor to expatiate upon the benefits that were expected to result from its adoption. These had been sufficiently pointed out in the prospectus that had been submitted, and it was only necessary to remark, that the main object in view was, to throw open, and place within the reach of all, the attainment of those intellectual enjoyments and literary resources, to which, in the absence of public institutions, but a limited portion of any community can have access. It was not imagined that every member of the community was to become a great literary character, but it was justly relied on, that the foundation of a public library, and the concentration in one place of literary stores, did invite and supply incentives to the cultivation and pursuit of general knowledge, and afforded to the inquisitive mind abundant sources of gratification. One feature, he thought, particularly characterized their adoption of the projected institution ;their concurrence had not been the result of any sudden impulse, or unexpected appeal to the public feelings ;-the present plan had been submitted to them at their leisure, and their support to it therefore bore the stamp of deliberate and matured

approbation. What their judgment had approved, their public spirit and liberality had most amply supported. He held in his hand a list of nearly nine hundred volumes which had been liberally contributed towards the foundation of the library, and many of their friends had not yet communicated their intended donations. In that list would be found some rare and valuable works. Where all had so liberally come forward, it would be invidious to make distinctions ;-yet it appeared a debt of justice to allude to some who had stepped forward, and handsome. ly given the example which all had pressed to follow. From the hon. Chairman the meeting well knew they were sure of receiving the most hearty co-operation and liberal support. Not less so from his hon. supporter, Mr. Erskine. To them both the public was on this occasion very highly indebted. By Mr. Clubley, Mr. Brown, Mr. Murchison, Mr. Ibbetson, the Rev. Mr. Hutchings, Mr. Phipps, and Mr. Wright, splendid contributions had been bestowed. There was one gentleman, to whom he felt it due to point the acknow. ledgments of the meeting. One, but lately come amongst us, but who had been still long enough to acquire our esteem. This gentleman had not many books to bestow, but he had promised what would assuredly be no less valuable in their estimation, an ornamental design from his chaste and universally admired pencil, for the Library Hall. To the government, the meeting was indebted for the accommodation of the convenient room in which they were then assembled; and he thought that, from the local as well as more remote authorities, every encouragement might be expected.-Capt. C. said, it afforded him a high degree of pleasure to have been entrusted by the hon. the Governor with a communication to the meeting, which would fully convey to them the sentiments of Mr. Petrie individually, and the warm interest he took in the object they had in view. The letter from Mr. Petrie was read to the meeting as follows :

"Gentlemen,-If I could have essentially assisted your laudable institution from my own stock of books here more than I have done, it would have given me particular pleasure, but as this is not the case, I have written to England to the most celebrated artist in Europe, to furnish me with a set of globes with the corresponding maps, and have given directions that they may be sent to Penang by the first safe opportunity, to be presented to the Public Library as an inconsiderable but sincere proof of my wishes for the prosperity of your philanthropic intentions. Although in the foregoing I have perhaps sufficiently marked my approbation of the proposed institution, it may not be altogether unnecessary to add the

expression of my entire concurrence in the object and manner in which it is intended to be accomplished, and that while I continue in the government of this island, the community may rely upon receiving from me, every public support and encouragement for the attainment of the laudable purposes they have in view.-I have the honor to be, &c. W. PETRIE."

7

Capt. Coombs said, he would not weaken the force of the sentiments conveyed in that letter, by one word from himself; yet he could not refrain from congratulating them upon the valuable and useful institutions the present year had given birth to. The foundation of a Public School for the education of the poorer children; the establishment of an Auxiliary Bible Society for the dissemination, of the holy scriptures; and the institution which he hoped would this day be founded, of a Public Library for the use of the community. These were proud monuments of their public spirit and liberality; and he felt confident there was not one amongst them, but must enjoy present gratification, and hereafter look back to them with proud and pleasurable exultation.

Capt. Coombs hoped and trusted, that with the foundation of the Library, they would associate another highly interesting object; he meant the collection of materials of every kind drawn from the resources of surrounding nations, which might tend to throw light upon their general history and character; and that encouragement should be given to the collection of every species of information, manuscripts of all kinds, and specimens of the productions of nature and art. Providence had not been less bountiful to the countries around, nor nature less varied and diversified than in other parts of the world; although the ken of philosophy had not yet penetrated, nor the researches of curiosity reached these remote and extended regions. He was not, he hoped, indulging in visionary and idly speculative fancies, when he pointed to such objects of investigation and research, as pursuits worthy of ambition, and holding out laudable amusement to at least some of the gentlemen he addressed. When he looked back but a few years to what he was told Penang then was, a wild uncultivated forest, the woods reaching to the very beach, with barely space to pitch a tent, when he turned his eye upon the extended and populous town, and extensive cultivated plains, that now adorned this new, and he hoped, still ris ing settlement, he owned that he did contemplate as objects remote perhaps in perspective, but still advancing, when this settlement should become not only the centre of commerce, but likewise the seat of Eastern literature and science. Asiatic Journ.-No. 26.

The following is the substance of the Resolutious adopted as Rules and Regulations for the Library.

Each subscriber to pay twenty-five dollars for the first collection of books, and four dollars monthly for keeping up, the library. Subscribers to be invited to contribute from their private collections, towards the first formation of the library, and a conveniently situated room to be procured and plainly fitted up for the reception of the books, &c. The library to be opened on the 1st January 1818, and continue open every day for the use of subscribers, from six in the morning till nine at night. A committee of management, consisting of,, five members, including the treasurer and secretary, to be chosen annually, and charged with all the concerns of the library: the committee to hold a meeting at least once in every month, and a secretary and treasurer to be appointed to act under their instructions. An annual meeting of the subscribers to be held in the mouth of October, when a new committee is to be elected, and a treasurer and a secretary chosen or continued. All rules and regulations proposed by the committee, must be approved by a general meeting. A collection of Malay and Eastern manuscripts to be formed, as well as specimens, of the productions of art and nature from the various countries around. Books taken from the library by subscribers, to be returned within the following periods; a quarto volume oue week, actavo and duodecimo, five days; and, not more than four volumes at a time. A subscriber losing or mutilating a volume, to pay double the price of the work. New works to remain two months in the library for public use before they are taken out by subscribers. Strangers residing with a subscriber, may be admitted to the library during their temporary residence on the island. After the 1st January 1818, no new member to be admitted a subscriber unless proposed by three members, and ballotted for, and to pay à donation of fifty dollars. The following English papers, the Morning Chronicle, the Times, and Bell's Weekly Messenger, also the Indian periodical works, and one news paper from each Presidency to be com missioned.

Mr. Brown was chosen treasurer and Capt. Coombs secretary to the institution, and the following gentlemen were elected managing committee: Mr. Phillips, Mr. Clubley, and Mr. Phipps.

The thanks of the meeting were unanimously offered to the Hon. Mr. Petrie for his handsome present to the library; also to Mr. Phillips for his support in presiding at the meeting, and to Capt. Coombs for his persevering exertions in promoting the establishment of the library.

Analysis of the Contents of the Pamphleteer, No. XXI.-1. A Method of increasing the Quantity of Circulating Money. This pamphlet is a republicătion of two letters that appeared on the subject in question, in 1799. The author proposes the issuing of stockdebentures, and strives to ground (upon several advantages to the Bank of England, to the stock-holders and to the government) the solidity of his plan. He answers several objections, as to the necessity of a circulating medium, the danger of a landed interest, the national debt, and the price of commodities to be raised by paper-money. Many considerations of a public interest, and speculations overlooked, are involved in the discussion of the question.-2. Dissertation on the Agricultural State of the Nation. The object of the present pamphlet is to exhort landholders to abandon a mistaken notion which has engaged them to divide their own interest from that of the community. The author, who remains anonymous, but whom the editor suspects to be the writer of one of the best tracts on the same subject, ascertains the causes of the flourishing state which our agriculture has lately attained, and of the laws obtained, by the delusion of landed proprietors, against the importation of foreign corn; and then developes the unhappy consequences of their error.3. Essay on the Practice of the British Government, by Gould, Francis Leckie. To draw a distinct line between the theory of our constitution and the practice of our government; between despotism and monarchy; to establish the superiority of monarchy above all political systems, and to prevent impending evils by contesting with the prejudices commonly entertained against it. Such are the purposes of the author in writing this pamphlet. follows the ministerial contentions, from the year 1668, and principally from Lord Chatham's time to the present, and developes from thence the nature and defects of British government. The last part of the work opposes vehemently parliamentary reform, and refutes the vulgar outcry against the encroachments of the crown.-4. General Savary and the Duke of Otranto. This pamphlet, under the form of a letter to the editor, is written by the Chevalier de la Roche Saint Andre, in vindication of the Duke of Otranto's conduct. The Che valier, who studied with the duke, and remained till now his intimate friend, repels the attacks brought against him by General Savary, in a preceding number of the Pamphleteer. He promises also to enter into a farther discussion of his friend's political life, in a future letter.5. Project of Finance. The author be

He

gins by praising an extensive paper-currency; and then proposes a new plan of finance, by which the half of the value of freehold estates is to be converted into au active capital; an universal circulation of notes established through the three kingdoms; the country bank notes are to be suppressed; a precise equality of tax is to be expected, and the facility is given to proprietors to borrow money, without any extraordinary expense. To all those advantages he adds a gain of £930,000,000 for the nation in the space of fifty-six years. The plan must be executed by the establishment of country and general loan offices.-6. Observations on Relieving the Able-bodied Poor, by Sir Egerton Brydges. This pamphlet is intended to prove the utility of making the poor the chief contributors to the funds for their own support. By some arguments and suggestions contained in the first pages, the author establishes, that productive labour for the poor can never be wanting in a country, so long as some part of its land remains uncultivated; and then proceeds to the development of his system, which is divided into three parts; modes of employment; relief to the rates; administration of funds. Some notes and illustrations are subjoined in order to refute the following assumptions that war, compared with peace, tends permanently to increase deinand, raises the price of corn, fosters our home manufactures, adds to the employment of the poor, and stimulates our foreign trade. -7. Usury Explained; or Conscience quieted in the Case of putting Money at Interest, printed in 1695-6, Fetter Lane, London, by E. D. and now reprinted. Philopenes, the pretended author of this curious treatise, endeavours to excuse usury and usurers from the reproaches made against them. He contends that money being a property, may be let, as well as any other; and strives, though with some difficulty, to confute the testimonies of fathers, counsels, popes, and even of scripture; however he does not think pawnbrokerage and interest upon interest lawful. An antiquated style seems to conceal much strength of argument.-8. An Address to the Church Missionary Society, by Archdeacon J. Thomas. The Rev. Josiah Thomas protests, in the name of the Bishop of Bath, and in his own name, against the establishment of a Missionary Society in Bath. He represents the Church Missionary Society as injurious to the country, the Church of England, and the Ecclesiastial orders. This protest, delivered from writing, in presence of the meeting held at Bath, under the presidence of, of the Rt. Rev. Bishop of Gloucester, is warmly and strongly expressed.-9. Ad、 dress to the Guardian Society. The ap

thor begins by complaining, that in London, reckoned the most charitable place in the world, charities are very far from being equally and properly applied. He then addresses himself to the Guardian Society, and not only points out as deficient some of the means taken by it, but finds fault with its general object, as being of a minor consequence. "It is not by clearing the streets," says he, "of their wretched frequenters, but by stemming the torrent of seduction, which is near to overwhelm our country, that will be effected the preservation of public morals." In some eloquent pages, he traces the causes of seduction stalking openly about, and being unrepressed, unprovided for, by the laws of the most moral, philosophic, and philanthropic country in the world. He draws an able parallel of English and Freuch society, as to the morals of females; and proposes, as remedies to the far spreading contagion, first, a statute to be passed, making seduction penal; secondly, a respectable asylum to be opened for the reception of young females who have been seduced, but not yet entered on a life of prostitution; thirdly, proper regulations to be made for the decency of the theatres and of their frequenters; fourthly, the shutting up of those hotbeds of immorality and vice the saloons in the theatres.-10. Observations on the Effects of the Manufacturing System, by Mr. Owen. To stop the rapid increase of ignorance, cupidity, poverty and vice, which the author attributes to the increase of the manufacturing system, he wishes the following propositions to be sanctioned by an act of parliament: that the regular hours of labour, in manufactories, be limited; children prevented from being admitted into any one before a certain age, and the time of their employment per day regularly fixed.-11. Considerations on the British Commerce. The anonymous author of this pamphlet, by a careful examination of the leading staple articles of British commerce, common to the east and west, viz. sugar, cotton, rice, indigo, coffee and tobacco, and by some other particular considerations on the American commerce and the slave trade, examined under a new point of view, strives to establish the advantages which should result to Great Britain from giving an extended development to her resources in British India.

NEW LONDON PUBLICATIONS. The History of British India. By James Mill, Esq. In 3 vols. 4to. £6. 6s. boards, with maps by Arrowsmith.

Observations, Moral, Literary, and Antiquarian, made during a Tour through the whole of the Pyrenees, France, Switzerland, Italy, and the Netherlands, in

the years 1814 and 1815. By John Milford, Jun. late of St. John's College, Cambridge. 2 vols. 8vo. £1. 1s. boards.

A complete Collection of State Trials, and Proceedings for High Treason and other Crimes and Misdemeanors, from the earliest period to the year 1783, with Notes and other Illustrations; compiled by J. B. Howell, Esq. F.R.S. F.S.A., and continued from the year 1783 to the present time, by Thomas Howell, Esq. Vol. XXIV. Royal 8vo, £1. 4s. boards.

Rob Roy, by the author of "Waverley," "Guy Mannering," and "The Antiquary." 3 vols. 12mo. £1. 4s. boards.

Memoirs of the Life and Writings of Benjamin Franklin, LL.D.F.R.S., &c. &c. Written by himself to a late period, and continued to the time of his Death by his Grandson, William Temple Franklin. 2 vols. 4to. £4. 14s. 6d. boards.

Northanger Abbey, a Romance; and Persuasion, a Novel. By the Author of "Pride and Prejudice," Mansfield Park," &c. 4 vols. 12mo. 1. 4s. boards.

Memoirs of the private Life of My Father, by the Baroness de Stael Holstein. To which are added Miscellanies, by M, Necker. 8vo. 12s. boards.

Medico-Chirurgical Transactions. Vol. VIII, part 2. 8vo. 10s. 6d. boards.

An Essay on the Disorders of Old Age, and on the means for prolonging Human Life. By Anthony Carlisle, F.R.S. F.S.A, F.L.S., &c. &c. 8vo. 5s. boards.

Dr. Rees's Cyclopædia, part LXXIII.

NEW EDITIONS.

An Account of the Captivity of Capt. Robert Knox, and other Englishmen, in the Island of Ceylon, &c. 12mo, 3s. 6d. boards.

Mr. Ellis's Journal of the late Embassy to China, 2 vols. 8vo. with Maps and a Portrait, £1. 1s. boards.

Travels above the Cataracts of Egypt, and in Nubia, by Thomas Legh, M.P. with Ten Plates, not in the 4to. edition. 8vo. 12s. boards.

The Sixth Volume of the Collected Poems of the Right Hon. Lord Byron; containing, Prisoner of Chillon, The Dream, Darkness, Manfred, and the Lament of Tasso. Foolscap 8vo. 7s. boards.

MOST of our readers will be interested in the perusal of the following brief narrative of the circumstances attending the latter days of the celebrated Sabat, the Arab, whose conversion to Christianity' and subsequent apostacy has been frequently noticed.

"We have now to notice the catastrophe of a life which might have been spent in happiness and comfort, but which has been embittered by the remembrance of base misconduct, and rendered miserable by poverty, and the contempt of his countrymen. On renouncing the religion which he had embraced, with all the zeal. and fervor of a man sincerely persuaded of its truth, he was so shameless as to write and print a book, declaring that he only became a convert to comprehend and expose the doctrine of Christianity; in terspersing, through the pages of his work, intemperate abuse of many re specfable gentlemen who had been his benefactors. He immediately' left Cal-. cutta, visited Ava and Peru, and a short. time afterwards was found to have taken up his residence in an obscure quarter of Penang. There, if we can believe his own declarations, he began to feel the compunction and remorse of conscience, which he attempted to describe in his communications with several persons on that island. He stated that he never could be happy till he made atonement for his offences, and had been received back into the church he had so shamefully abandoned. In a letter, which he published in the Penang Gazette, of the 9th March 1816, he had the effrontery to avow himself a true believer in Christianity! Lutwithstanding the book he had published contained-a refutation of the divinity of Christ a refutation of Christianity -a refutation of the objections of both Jews and Christians to the divine mission of Mahommed-proofs of his mission, and his own profession of faith! From other sources of information, however, we understand that he testified extraordinary devotion as a Soonce, the sect of Mahommedans of which he was an ori ginal member. But in all his recent wan

derings in different parts of Ava, Pegu, and Sumatra, it seems that the renown, of his apostacy soon destroyed the friend-,ly counexions he had formed on its first. appearance, and in every place of sojourn he became finally despised and neglected. The following particulars, which describe the latest circumstances of his life, are derived from a native merchant of respectability. A short time ago, the son of Syud Hossyn, a merchant, proceeded from Penang to Acheen, and succeeded in wresting from a Rajah the possession, of his provinces; and the dethroned Ra-jah was obliged to seek refuge at Penang ; but no person feeling interested in his fate, or making any inquiry respecting his, condition, he continued on board the ves sel which had conveyed him from his native country. Sabat and Haman-ibni-Salem, another Arab, having opened a communication with the exiled Rajah, engaged to return with him to Acheen, but the followers or attendants of the rajah, for some unspecified reason, turned the two Arabs on shore on a neighbouring island. When the son of Syud Hossyn heard that the rajah was returning, and had landed two Arabs, he dispatched his people to apprehend them, and, probably conceiv ing them to be associated with his enemy to expel him from the throne, placed them in close confinement. This is the, substance of the news that had reachedPenang when the merchant who communicates these particulars was there; but on his voyage back to this port, he was in-, formed that the usurper above noticed, after having kept the wretched sufferers in prison six months, had ordered them to be tied up in a sack filled with heavy stones and thrown into the sea! Other, accounts which concur generally with the foregoing, state that Sabat joined the usurper, and having been discovered in carrying on a scheme to overthrow the new authority in favour of himself, he was punished with the horrible death al-, ready described. The story of the revolution in Acheen, may be erroneously, stated, but all the reports agree respect-£ ing the fate of the unhappy apostate.".