The writings of these fifteen prophets are in a tongue of which no other vestige appears to remain, and which would have been unintelligible without the assistance of the ancient Persian translation. It is quite a different language from the Zend, the Pehlivi and the Divi, the most celebrated of the dialects of ancient Persia. The old Persian translation professes to Lave been made by the fifth Sassan, who has added a commentary in which some difficulties of the original text are expounded.

This wok, though known to have existed as late as the time of Shah Jehan, had eluded the search of the curious in Oriental history and antiquities in latter times. The copy from which the present edition will be published, was discovered by the editor at Isphaban about forty-four years ago, when travelling in Persia for the purpose of making some investigations regarding the history of the early Persians, and particularly in search of materials for settling the disputes which prevailed among the Parsês of India regarding the ancient Persian months, the differences of opinion regarding which had produced a schism at Surat. The editor is not aware of the existence of any other copy of this work. It is however cited by Behram Ferhad, the author of the Sinristany-char-cherian, who lived in the age of the Emperor Akbar and of his son Jehângêr. Indeed Behram Ferhad, who was a Parsi, followed the doctrines of the Desâtêr. It is often cited by Hakin Bushaw Tebrize, the author of the Barhawe-katad, the most perfect and best Dictionary extant of the Persian language, who lived in the age of Shah Jehan, and who often quotes the Desâtêr as his authority for words in the old Persian. Mir Zulfekar Ali, who seems to have been the author of the celebrated work, entitled the Dabistân, which contains the history of the different religions of Asia, takes the Desâtêr as his guide in the account which he gives of the ancient Persian religion; and it is remarkable that Sir William Jones, who had never met with the Desatêr, appears to have been singularly struck with the details borrowed from it, and in his sixth Discourse speaks of them as wonderfully curious, and as throwing a new light on the history of ancient times.

The editor has been encouraged to publish the present work, at the reiterated desire of many English gentlemen of the first eminence in rank in India. He may in particular mention the names of the Hon. Jonathan Duncan, the governor of Bombay, who employed many of his hours with the editor, in making a translation of the work which he intended to have published, and in which he had made Considerable progress when his death in

terrupted the undertaking; and of General Sir John Malcolm, who in a letter lately received by the editor, encouraged him to proceed with the proposed publication, and who, in his History of Persia, mentions the Desâtêr, as a work of singular curiosity. The work will be comprised in two volumes 8vo. and the price is expected not to exceed 35 rupees.

66

We are enabled to announce the intended publication of an Historical and Statistical Account of Java," by Mr. T. Stamford Raffles.-This work is already in the press, and may be expected to appear in the course of the ensuing month. It will be comprised in one volume quarto, and will contain numerous engravings illustrative of the present state of society, and of the ancient history of the country.

Until the conquest of this island by the British forces in 1811, the European world was accustomed to consider its na→ tive inhabitants as a savage blood-thirsty race, its climate as pestilential, and its resourses as insignificant. Our tempo rary sovereignty if it has been of no other avail, bas enabled us to place the character of this interesting people in its true light, to assert, that with some partial exceptions, the climate is equal to that of any other tropical country we know, and that, in point of resources it ranks far above any island or islands in the East or West Indies which have fallen under European controul.

Whether it may have been an object of Dutch policy to keep back from the public such information as would have enabled it to form a just estimate of the value of the colony, or that other causes. have operated to the same effect, it is certain that notwithstanding the island of Java has been under European controul for upwards of two centuries, a general ignorance prevails with regard to the true character of the country, and of its inhabitants. If we except the ponderous work of Valentyne, published in the Dutch language, nearly a century ago, and some notices by Stavorinus and other travellers, we are yet without any work to which we can refer for information regarding this possession.

Of the work which we have now announced, it will be more within our province to speak after its publication; but in the mean time it may be satisfactory to the public to know that no pains nor expence have been spared to give it every advantage in the execution of that part which depends upon the artists of this country. This branch of the work will be principally executed by Mr. William Daniell, and will comprize, besides plates of the implements of husbandry, warlike instruments, &c. the costume of the country, with the sketches of the extensive ruins of temples, &c. recently dis

covered, drawings of numerous idols sacred to the ancient worship, fac similes of various inscriptions, &c.

The work itself will contain a general description of the country, the details of its agriculture, manufactures, and commerce, statistic tables of its population, &c. the domestic economy of the native inhabitants, their character, institutions, government, manners, customs, &c. with an account of their languages and literature, and the early history of the country principally from native authorities.

It is not intended in this work to include any part of the European history of the colony-but we undersand that a work, to be entitled "The History of the British Government on Java" is already in progress, from the pen of a gentleman who held a high and responsible office at

Batavia.

Of

We also learn that materials have been collected for accounts of the islands of Borneo, Banca, Bali, and Celebes, and that these are only delayed till the publication of the present work on Java. Borneo we are if possible still more ignorant than of Java; and although from the wretched state of many parts of the country we are not to expect those statistical details which have been collected on the more civilized island of Java, there must be much which it is interesting for us to know. The work on Banca is contained in a Memoir, by Dr. Thomas Horsfield, addressed to the Honourable Thomas S. Raffles, late Governor of Java; and contains besides the natural history of the country, the details of the manner in which the tin of that island is procured, and the process to which the ore is subjected previous to the exportation of the metal. On Bali the Hindu religion is still the established faith, and on this account every information regarding its present state, must be highly interesting. This little island is estimated to contain a population of not less than a million of souls.

The Malayan annals, partly translated by the late Dr. Leyden, are, we understand also preparing for the press.

NEW LONDON PUBLICATIONS.

ANTIQUITIES.

The Elgin Marbles from the Temple of Minerva at Athens; selected from Stuart and Revet's Antiquities of Athens. With the Report of the Select Committee of the House of Commons respecting the Earl of Elgin's Collection of sculptured Marbles; also an Historical Account of the Temple. Imp. 4to. 60 plates, 51. 5s. bds.

The Fourth Volume of the Antiquities of Athens, &c. measured and delineated by James Stuart, F.R.S. and F.S.A. and Nicholas Revett, painters and architects;

edited by Joseph Woods, architect. Imp. folio, 71. 7s. bds.

BIOGRAPHY."

Memoirs of the Public and Private Life of the Right Hon. Richard Brinsley Sheri dan, with a particular account of his Family and Connections; drawn from authentic documents, and illustrated with Original Correspondence, and a variety of interesting Anecdotes of distinguished Personages, among whom will be found Burke, Fox, Johnson, Dr. Parr, Garrick, &c. &c. By John Watkins, LLD. 4to. 11. 11s. 6d. bds.

The Life of Rafael. By the author of the Life of Michael Angelo. 8vo. 2s. 6d.

Memoirs of the Life and Administration of Sir Robert Walpole, Earl of Orford, drawn from original correspondence and authentic papers never before published. By William Coxe, M.A F.R.S. F.A.S. Archdeacon of Wilts, and Rector of Bemerton. New edit. 4 vols. 8vo. 21. 8s. bds.

DIVINITY.

'An Appeal to Men of Wisdom and Candour, or Four Discourses preached before the University of Cambridge, in November, 1815. By the Rev. Ch. Simeon, M.A. Fellow of King's College, Cambridge. 2s. 6d.

A Charge delivered to the Clergy of the Diocese of Calcutta, Madras, and Bombay, at the Primary Visitation. By T. F. Middleton, D.D. F.R.S. Lord Bishop of Calcutta. 4to. 3s.

HISTORY.

A History of the Jesuits: to which is prefixed, a Reply to Mr. Dallas's Defence of the Order. 2 vols. 8vo. 11. 4s. bds.

The Inquisition Unmasked; being an historical and philosophical account of that tremendous tribunal : founded on authentic documents, and exhibiting the necessity of its suppression, as the means of re form and regeneration. Written and published at the time when the National Congress of Spain was about to deliberate on this important measure. By D. Antonia Puigblanch. Translated from the author's enlarged copy, by Wm. Walton, Esq. 2 vols. 8vo. 11. 10s. hds.

2

The History of the Inquisition, as it subsisted in France, Italy, Spain, Portu gal, Venice, Sicily, Sardinia, Milan, Polaud, Flanders, &c. &c. ; with a particular description of its secret prisons, modes of torture, style of accusation, trial, &c. abridged from the elaborate work of Philip Limborch, Professor of Divinity at Amsterdam. Introduced by an Historical Survey of the Christian Church, and illustrated by Extracts from various writers, and orignal manuscripts, interesting particulars of persons who have suf fered the terrors of that dark and sanguinę

ary tribunal; and Political Reflections on its revival in Spain by the decree of Ferdinand VII. I vol. 8vo. with engravings, 13s. bds.

Genealogia Antiqua; or, Mythological and Classical Tables, compiled from the best authors on fabulous and ancient history. By W. Berry, late of the College of Arms, London, and author of an Introduction to Heraldry, and the History of the Island of Guernsey. Folio, 11. 1s. large paper 21. 2s.

The History of Ceylon, from the earliest period to the year 1815, with characteristic details of the Religion, Laws, and Manners of the People; and a collection of their Moral Maxims and Ancient Proverbs. By Philalethes, A.M. Oxon. To which is subjoined, Robert Knox's Historical Relation of the Island. 1 vol. 4to. with plates and map, 21. 12s. 6d. bds.

Waterloo Memoirs, with Portraits of the most distinguished Officers, and every event connected with the Battle of Waterloo. To be completed in 12 numbers, 2s. 6d. each.

Speeches, Memoirs, and Portrait of Sheridan, edited by a Constitutional Friend, and many of the Speeches corrected by Mr. Sheridan. In 5 vols. 8vo. price 31.

Of the Means of guarding Dwelling Houses, by their Construction, against Fire. By the Right Hon. Warren Hastings, LL D. FR S. one of his Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council.

Evening Amusements; or, the Beauties of the Heavens displayed; in which the striking Appearances to be observed in various Evenings during the Year 1817, are described. By William Frend, Esq. M.A. Actuary of the Rock Life Assurance Company, and late Fellow of Jesus College, Cambridge. Docendo Disco. In this volume are reflections on the extraordinary weather during the last summer, and the misapprehensions entertained on this subject with respect to spots on the Sun, changes of the Moon, and knowledge of Astronomers.

A Series of Letters, written on board His Majesty's Ship the Northumberland, and St. Helena; in which the conduct and conversations of Napoleon Buonaparte, and his suite, during the voyage, and the

first months of his residence in that island, are faithfully described and related. By William Warden, Surgeon on board the Northumberland. 1 vol. 8vo. with 2 engravings, and fac-simile of Buonaparte's hand-writing. Price 10s. 6d. extra boards.

The Works of Sir Joshua Reynolds, Knight, late President of the Royal Academy; containing his Discourses, Idlers, a Journey to Flanders and Holland, and his Commentary on Du Fresnoy's Art of Painting; printed from his revised copies (with his last corrections and additions); to which is prefixed, an Account of the Life and Writings of the Author. By Edmond Malone, Esq. one of his Executors. 4th edition : 3 vols. 8vo. with a Portrait of the Author. £1. 4s. boards.

The Private Correspondence of Benjamin Franklin, LL.D. F.R.S. &c. Comprehending a Series of Familiar, Literary and Political Letters, written between the years 1753 and 1790. Now first publish ed from the originals in the possession of his grandson, William Temple Franklin, Esq. 1 vol. 4to.

Addenda to the Remains of John Tweddell, late Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge; comprising a Vindication of the Editor against certain Publications of the Earl of Elgin and others, accompanied by an Index to the whole Work. By the Rev. Robert Tweddell, A. M. 4to. price 5s. 6d. sewed.

Thoughts upon the Causes of the present Distresses of the Country, and upon the Remedy. By a Baronet.

1s.

TRAVELS.

Travels above the Cataracts of Egypt. By Thomas Legh, Esq. M. P. With a map, 4to. £1. 1s.

An Account of the singular Habits and Circumstances of the People of the Tonga Islands, in the South Pacific Ocean. By William Mariner, of the Port au Prince private ship of war; the greater part of whose crew was massacred by the natives of Lefooga. With a portrait: 2 vols. 8vo. £1. 4s.

Mungo Park's First Expedition to Africa, with (by permission) Major Rennell's valuable Memoir on the Geography of Africa: with the portrait and all the maps and plates. In 4to. price 42s.

D'Anville's Geography of the Greeks and Romans, in the time of Alexander and Augustus. Translated from the French by the Editor of the Military Chronicle. Accompanied with twelve maps engraved in the full atlas size of the Paris superb edition, and accurately coloured. £5. half bound: same size as the Paris edition.

Travels to Morocco (through France and Spain) by Colonel Maurice Keatinge; comprising a Narrative of the Author's residence in that Empire; with an Account of the British Embassy to the Court of Morocco, under the late George Payne, Esq. Consul General: to which is added, a Second Journey through France in 1814. 2 vols. 4to. £4. 4s. boards.

IN THE PRESS.

The Seventh quarto volume of the Works of the late Right Honourable Edmund Burke, containing his Speeches in Westminster-hall on the Impeachment of Mr. Hastings.

A, Bertolacci, Esq. late Controller-General of the customs at Ceylon, will soon publish, in an octavo volume, a View of the Agricultural, Commercial, and Financial Interests of Ceylon, with a map of

the island. Price 18s.

Sir William Gell has nearly ready for publication, the Itinerary of the Morea, in a small octavo volume, with a map. This publication is intended to give a particular description of the routes in the Peninsula.

Speedily will be published, the Lives of Dr. E. Pocock the celebrated Professor of Arabic, of Dr. Zachary Pearce, &c.

Lieut. Colonel Pasley has nearly ready, in two octavo volumes, a Course of Instruction in the Elements of Fortification; originally intended for the use of the Royal Engineer department.

Mr. John Bayley, of the Record Office, Tower, is preparing for the Press, the History and Antiquities of the Tower of London, with biographical anecdotes of royal and distinguished persons. It will be printed in a quarto volume, and illustrated by numerous engravings.

The History of Muhammedanism is in the press, and will appear in the course of the month, in one volume octavo.

A Progressive French Grammar for Preparatory Schools and Beginners, on a plan entirely new; and so easy that the dullest capacity may comprehend and learn it with facility. The lessons, dialogues, and vocabulary, being on the most familiar and useful subjects cannot fail to ensure the progress of the learner.

Mr. A. J. Valpy has in the Press, a new edition of the Greek Septuagint, in one large vol. 8vo. The text is taken from the Oxford edition of Bos, without contractions. Also, a new edition of Homer's Iliad from the text of Heyne; with English notes including many from Heyne and Clark; in one vol. 8vo.

Academic Errors, or Recollections of Youth, one volume duodecimo. Catullus; with English notes. By T. Forster, Esq. Junr. 12mo.

The second number of Stephen's Greek Thesaurus, which has been delayed on account of the treaty for Professor Schofer's MSS. will appear in January.

Just published-Virgil; with English Notes at the end, taken from the Delphin and other editions; with many original. Price 7s. 6d. no Interpretatio.

A Second Edition of Valpy's Edition of Virgil, without notes, is just published, Price 4s. bound.

Theoretic Arithmetic, in three books; containing the substance of all that has been written on the subject by Theo of Smyrna, Nicomachus, Jamblichus, and Boetius; together with some remarkable › particulars respecting Perfect, Amicable, and other Numbers, which are not to be found in the writings of any ancient or modern Mathematicians. Likewise, a Specimen of the manner in which the Pythagoreans philosophized about numbers; and a development of their mystical and theological Arithmetic. By Thomas Taylor. Price 14s. 8vo. boards.

A Translation of the Six Books of Proclus, on the Theology of Plato; to which a Seventh Book is added, in order to supply the deficiency of another book on this subject, which was written by Proclus, but since lost; also, a translation of Proclus' Elements of Theology. By Thomas Taylor. In these volumes is also included by the same, a Translation of the Treatise of Proclus, on Providence and Fate; a Translation of extracts from his Treatise, entitled Ten Doubts concerning Providence; and a Translation of Extracts from his Treatise on the Subsistence of Evil; as preserved in the Bibliotheca Graeca of Fabricius. In two vols, royal quarto, 250 copies only printed. Price £5 10s.