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Price of Stocks, London, March 23.

3 per Cent.Cons. 801

801

1 pm. par 3 pm.
Ditto, £500, 142 pm.
5 per Cent. Navy, 1037 Ditto, small, 47 pm.
Lott. Tickets, 221. 18s.
$ 1
India Bonds, 4643 pm Bank for Acc. 2513
Ex. Bills, 2d., £1000, | Cons. for Acc. 80
Prices of Foreign Stock in London, March 26.
French 5 per Cent. with div. from Mar. 22, 90f.
Exch. 25f. 20c. to 25c.

Prussian 5 Cent. with div. fr. Oct. 1, 914
per
Danish 5 per Cent. with div. fr. Jan. 1, 86% to
Neapolitan ditto, with div. fr. Jan. 1,71 to
Spanish ditto, with div. from Nov. 684
Spanish 5 per Cent. Bonds, of 100 Dollars each,

with div. from Oct. 30, 68
American 3 per Cents. with div. from Jan. 1, 70.
Ditto 5 per Cents. with div. from Jan. 96 to 964
Ditto 6 per Cents. with div. fr. Jan. 1, 97 to 99.
Ditto Bank Shares, with div. fr. July, 221. 15s.
Russian 6 per Cents. with div. from Jan. 1, 82.
Exchange, 12d. per rouble.

Ditto Metallic 5 per Cents. with dividend from
March, 78.

Austrian Metallic 5 per Cents. with div. from
1st inst. 77 to 77

Columbian 10 per Cent. with div. from August,
1820, 115.

Average Price of Grain per Quarter, for the 12
Districts, from the Gazette.

Wheat. Barley. Oats. Rye. Beans. Peas.
s. d. s. d. s. d. s. d. s. d. s. d.

Feb.23.47 7 19 4 15
Mar. 2.46 11 19 2 15
9.46 10 18 8 16
16.45 11 18 3 15

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COMMERCIAL REPORT, LIVERPOOL, 25th MARCH, 1822.

THE trade of the Port in general is but languid, nor can we expect a decided improvement until the proposed alterations, recommended by the Committee for Foreign Trade, come into operation. So far as they are known, they appear to be on a large and liberal scale; and whilst they will afford some facilities and advantages to foreign nations, the benefits to this country will be decisive, and will tend to restore to us the transit trade, and several other branches which had nearly left us since the general peace.

It is, however, consoling to observe, that our manufactures are in a very flourishing condi tion; the exports within the last six months were never known to have been so large, and though there may be a danger that some places will be overstocked, yet the demand appears likely to be good for some time to come. The Manufactories in this county, Yorkshire, and Staffordshire, seem to be in full activity. The Iron Trade in the last mentioned county is the only branch which is at a low ebb.

The operations in our market, and the present state of prices, will be best seen from the transactions of the last week, in the subsequent notices.

Sugars.-Only two sales of British Plantation Sugars were brought forward last week, which sold at full prices. 300 tons of strong brown and yellow Sugar, just arrived from Bourbon, have been taken by a refiner, at 24s. per cwt. in bond. Bengals have found buyers at 69s. for fine yellow, to 74s. 9d. for middling white, duty paid.

Coffee. The transactions have been very trivial, at former prices.

Rums.-The market is not so active as might have been expected, considering the probability that our West-India Colonies would partially be thrown open to the Americans-40 puncheons Leewards, common strengths, have sold at 1s. 4d. to 1s. 5d. 180 puncheons 25. 32. OP. 2s. 3d. to 2s. 6d per gallon. 40 puncheons Jamaicas, 2s. 1d. per gallon, for 16 OP. Owing to the large stock on hand, the whole advance has only been 1d. to 2d. per gallon.

Cottons.--There has a good inquiry been experienced all the week from the dealers, who have purchased freely in Boweds; a trifling speculation has likewise appeared for this kind of cotton, but no improvement can be noticed in prices. Sea-Islands still continue in request, and the quantity going out of the market is considerable, yet the prices remain stationary. In Brazils, and others kinds, there is no alteration. The sales amount to 8155 packages.

Tobacco. The transactions for home use are extremely limited; previous prices however are steadily maintained.

Dry Saltery Goods, &c.-The sales in Ashes have been at former prices. American Tar of inferior quality fetched 13s. per barrel; 800 barrels of Turpentine 12s. 6d. to 12s. 9d. per cwt. Quercitron Bark is in limited demand. 30 tons of Nicaragua wood have been disposed of at £35. to £39. per ton. Cuba Fustic £14. Campeachy Logwood £11. to £11. 11s. Jamaica £10. 10s. per ton. American Beeswax £12. per cwt. Malaga Sumac 18s. 3s. to 19s. 6d. per cwt. 60 casks of Cocoanut Oil obtained only 31s. to 32s. 6d. per cwt.

The sales of Hides have this week been very extensive, and Horse Hides per Hide. 9000 Buenos Ayres dry Cow and Ox, at 8d. to 10d. per. Ib. 8d3. 500 salted at 6d. per lb. 21,000 Horse 6s. 9d. to 7s. 6d. per hide. American Cows at 5d. per lb.

Tallow very dull and declining.

have improved 3d. 1600 Bulls 7d3. to 1800 salted North

Corn Market.-At our last market day the business was very trivial, and prices may be considered almost nominal. Nearly all the sweet American Flour in bond, has been sold for export at 28s. to 30s. per barrel. Rice is dull of sale at 16s. to 18s. per cwt. in bond. New York Flax Seed 49s. to 50s. per barrel. Clover Seed, American red, 60s. per cwt.

LONDON: PRINTED AT THE CAXTON PRESS, BY H. FISHER..

THE

Emperial Magazine;

OR, COMPENDIUM OF

RELIGIOUS, MORAL, & PHILOSOPHICAL KNOWLEDGE.

MAY.] "SOCIAL REFINEMENT HAS NO EXISTENCE WHERE LITERATURE IS UNKNOWN." [1822.

THE PHYSICAL AND MORAL WORLD.sidering one subject, we have at the

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Province of the Senses. From the method laid down, of proceeding from the centre towards the extremities, our first object will be to treat of the fourth or central step of the scale, which is the organic vegetable. But here it must be observed, that it is not a minute botanical description that is intended; but only such a description as accords with our plan of approximating towards a general system of things.

We have chosen the fourth or central step, as the natural point whence to set out in our examination of the seven-fold scale, which comprehends all science; and from this point or centre, we are to travel, as it were, to a circumference, and proceeding in the course of the circumference, we can never, properly speaking, come to a termination or resting place: but constantly, in all our scales, we have to set out from this point or centre, proceeding towards the circumference, and as constantly to return by way of the circumference, to the centre or point whence we set out.

For example: Though we begin with the vegetable kingdom, yet so involved is it with the other parts of the system of this globe, and of the universe in general, that it is impossible to treat of the one without treating of the other. The vegetable kingdom stands not insulated in the scale of existence. It stands connected with the earth by roots and fibres; as also with the heavens in respect of their influence on its vegetating powers. Hence, in treating of vegetables, instead of conNo. 40.-VOL. IV.

same time to take into view at least three, if not four. If our attention be called, in the first place, to the vegetable kingdom itself; it will, secondly, be attracted to the soil or chemical kingdom, with which it stands connected; it will, thirdly, be drawn to consider the influence of the sun, upon which the growth of vegetables depends; and, fourthly, their use in serving for the sustenence of animals, which rank next to the vegetable kingdom on the right of the scale.

Thus, by investigating one subject, we are necessarily led to extend it to three or four. And, supposing our knowledge were perfect as it respected all the particulars of each, then should we be qualified to form a perfect system; for our systems must always correspond with our knowledge; and for want of perfect knowledge, how upright soever may be our intentions, our systems must partake of imperfections.

In the investigation of the subject in hand, therefore, we must begin with the glorious luminary the Sun, the centre of the solar system, and soul or animating principle of the vegetable kingdom. This glorious luminary is to be considered under the various aspects of his diversified operations on the material world. These, we conceive, may be comprehended under three heads. 1. His influence on the organic structure of vegetables, which occupy the centre of the scale. 2. His influence on the chemical kingdom, which ranks next on the left; and, 3. His influence on the animal kingdom, which occupies a similar station on the right.

In order to account for the influence of the solar phenomena on the three kingdoms of nature, which evidently differ in their properties, as far as animate differs from inanimate, and organic from inorganic, we must avail ourselves of the now established fact of the three-fold radiance of the Sun, which appears in the following inva2 C

riable order, in the prismatic spectrum. In the centre are the colorific or seven-coloured rays of light. To the left, and answering to the chemical kingdom, are rays which give neither light nor heat, but possess the property of reducing the metallic oxydes, and are thence cailed rays of deoxidation. To the right, and answering to the animal kingdom, are, on the contrary, rays which produce neither of the above effects, but heat only, and are thence called calorific rays. Each class of rays thus presides, as it were, over its respective kingdom of

nature.

By means of the rays of light, combined with the other two kinds of solar radiance, (for they cannot be completely separated, without destroying the whole) we can account for almost all the phenomena of the vegetable kingdom. Its verdure, or beautiful green, so grateful to our organs of vision, depends upon the orb of day; for subterraneous plants, or plants which grow in the dark, put on a weak and sickly appearance; they are abominable and loathsonie to the sight.

By means of the solar rays, there is a circulation established and maintained among the three above-mentioned kingdoms. Through the influence of the Sun, the vegetable kingdom receives something from the chemical, to which it is attached by roots and fibres, which causes it to grow till it advances to maturity, and imparts to it the principle of animal nutrition. We know that the nature of this circulation has been in part detected; and that oxygen has been assigned, as bearing a conspicuous share in it. Oxygen, or vital air, as it has been called, is equally essential to the operation of each of the principal processes in the three kingdoms of nature; namely, organic vegetation, chemical combustion, and animal respiration. Without this, vegetables will not grow, combustion ceases, and life becomes extinct.

But, is it merely to the want of this vital principle, that such phenomena are owing? Or is it not rather to something of a positive noxious quality, which, in these processes, is generated in its stead? If there is a substance, such as oxygen, which maintains the life of animals and vcgetables, and the process of coinbus

tion, and if the oxygen is always absorbed or consumed during these processes; is it not agreeable to analogy, to think that there must be another substance generated and given out, possessed of properties the very opposite of oxygen, or vital air; for in each process, is there not as much air given out as what is absorbed? Yes, this is actually the case; and experience has proved that this opposite principle is carbon in its gaseous state.

Observe, then, the influence of the Sun over the vegetable kingdom, as it respects the circulation of this vital principle. In animal respiration, there is a conversion of oxygen into that of carbon, at every respiration of the animal. In combustion, also, there is a continual conversion of the one into the other, going on throughout the whole process. Now if matters were to go on in this manner for any length of time, absorbing all the vital part of the air, and imparting in its room a material of a directly opposite quality, what would become of the world? The three kingdoms of nature, the animal, vegetable, and chemical, must become extinct, from the waste of this sole supporter of their existence.

As things exist in the present world, this fatal termination must undoubtedly have been the case, had there not been provision made for counteracting the effects, in the Sun, the glorious luminary of day, and the vegetable kingdom over which he presides. The vegetable kingdom, through the influence of that luminary, during the whole period of his shining upon it, is caused to exhale and pour forth from every pore of her immense surface this vital principle. And even during his absence in the dark and silent night, she is not idle; for if she is not pouring forth the principle of vital air, she is diligently absorbing and drinking it in, evidently for her own nourishment; and the deadly impregnation which the atmosphere receives from the processes of respira tion and combustion going on in the two kingdoms on her right and left, as well as from her own circulation during the night, she converts into oxygen in the day time, pouring it forth afresh; thus continually preserving the equilibrium between the vital and other parts of the atmosphere, all

over the globe, by counteracting the deadly pollutions introduced by herself and her sister kingdoms.

Such is the important province of the Sun, the soul and centre of the world, over the three kingdoms of nature; and such is the important station the vegetable kingdom holds among the other two, that through the influence of the Sun, her lord and ruler, she not only supports all that has life belonging to the kingdom on her right, by being the medium of nutrition between it and the kingdom on her left; but continually, by a process which preserves herself in life, she corrects and renovates the deadly pollutions of a substance which is alike essential to the existence of both the other kingdoms.

The phenomena of the three central steps of the scale, viz. the chemical, vegetable, and animal, are said, by our author, to be perceived by the Senses; and in this respect to be distinguished from the mechanical and intellectual, the phenomena of which are inferred or deduced by Reason. We are aware that such a distinction is liable to objection, arising from the present vague notions entertained on these subjects. "But do I attach a meaning to these terms, (says our author,) in answering to such objection, somewhat different from that in which they are understood by other writers? Be it so. Has not every author a right to use what terms he pleases, provided he in the first place informs his readers of the sense in which he understands them, and afterwards adheres throughout to what he at first lays down? Instead of Chemical and Mechanical, I might have called these two steps A and B, or P and Q,where then would be the objection?

"I dispute not about property or accident, inherent or noninherent in matter. All that I say is, that when we exercise our understanding upon such phenomena of matter, as may be calculated, computed, numbered, valued, or estimated, by a process of reasoning a priori, we survey that predicament which I call Mechanical.But when we exercise our senses upon such phenomena of matter as cannot be thus reasoned out a priori, but are only discovered by actual experience, we survey the predicament which I call Chemical; to these meanings I adhere throughout."

Nothing, surely, can be clearer than this. We may, therefore, consider the three middle steps, as our author further remarks, (art. 49,) as including the whole compass of “Natural History," while the two lateral, namely, the Mechanical and Intellec tual, compose the sciences of "Natural and Moral Philosophy."

Suppose us then to be exercising our senses upon such phenomena of matter as cannot be reasoned out a priori, we shall then be considering matter, according to the distinction of our author, whether this matter belongs to the chemical, vegetable, or animal, steps of the scale, in that predicament which he terms Chemical.

Now, if we attend strictly to the great object of chemical research, we shall find that our author's notion is not so very distant from the truth. One principal object of chemical investigation, is to discover the composition of bodies. Now this applies equally to the matter of which all bodies are composed, whether they belong to the animal, vegetable, or mineral kingdoms. The whole taken together, can be subjected to the same chemical analysis of their component parts. Again, it is a principal object of chemistry to observe what is the nature of the results arising from the chemical union of two or more bodies; but this can never be determined before-hand, nor be reasoned out a priori, nor deduced by arguments from any premises. Nay, without actually perceiving them by sense and experience, we can never know them: which is very different in regard to many of the phenomena of mechanical philosophy. In all our systems of chemistry, so far as they go, we perceive that this sort of experiment is made upon all bodies, without regarding the classes or kingdoms to which they belong. From the constituent principles of air and water, on the one hand, to the most minute parts of organized animal substance, on the other, all have either been, or may be, subjected to the trials of chemical analysis and synthesis. Nay, further, whether man makes the experiments or not, the substances comprehended in these three steps of the scale, go on and act upon each other spontaneously; forming compositions and decompositions, in every possible variety; for there is nothing in a state of

absolute rest or quiescence in nature; though the motions between the integrant particles of matter, in the compounds they form, cannot be ascertained in the same manner that we can ascertain and demonstrate the phenomena of mechanical and intellectual philosophy.

There appears, therefore, the best of reasons for the distinction of our author. And, in our opinion, by tracing the boundaries, and distinguishing between things that differ, what he has advanced, tends to dissipate much of the mist with which the subject has been involved.

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Fuller, in his "Gospel its own witness," ably refutes the infidel objection against the gospel, drawn from the comparative insignificance of this globe, by a similar mode of reasoning. "Let creation be as extensive as it may, (he observes,) and the number of worlds be multiplied to the utmost boundary to which imagination can reach, there is no proof that any of them, except men and angels, have apostatized from God." Hence, no other part of his vast empire stood in need of the same, or of a similar interposition, that was vouchsafed to man. The earth being the only part of his dominions which cast off its allegiance, and the only spot on which redemption was wrought, it served as a theatre to exhibit transactions by which the whole universe might learn obedience. Hence the whole creation is called upon to rejoice on account of the redemption of man: and all the works of the Lord, in all places of his dominions, to bless his name*.

He goes on with the extension of the analogy in these three middle steps of the scale, to the visible universe; and observes, that in our own world, our senses inform us that the three kingdoms of nature are tainted with evil: That this disagreeable truth is only forced upon us by experience, when we philosophically investigate the three kingdoms belonging to the centre of the scale. He alludes Very different, however, is the docto the chemical changes which take trine of a celebrated philosophical place in these three kingdoms in our Theologiciant of these times. Admitworld, as, for instance, the rapid oxida- ting the infidel objection in its fullest tion or rusting of metals, and a stop- latitude, contrary to the doctrine of page of the circulation of oxygen and scripture, he reasons in the following respiration; which phenomena, he manner: "Is it likely, says the infithinks, convey a striking analogy of del, that God would send his Son to corruption and death, being a kind of die for the puny occupiers of so insigvictory or preponderance of the physical nificant a province in the mighty field over the spiritual side of the scale. of creation? Are we befitting of so But as in the other worlds of the sys- great and so signal an interposition? tem, we see not the condition of their Does not the largeness of that field three kingdoms of nature; but only which astronomy lays open to the view things incorruptible, viz. light and of modern science, throw a suspicion mechanism, he reckons them to be un- over the truth of gospel history? And tainted with evil; and as light and how shall we reconcile the greatness mechanism belong to the first and seof that wonderful movement which cond steps of the scale, he infers the was made in heaven for the redempcorresponding seventh and sixth, i. e. tion of fallen men, with the comparamoral and rational creatures; but tive meanness and obscurity of our which is of a nature to us utterly un-species?"-Yes, perfectly can we reknown." concile it. 66 Even so Father," said the divinely Anointed himself, "for so it seemed good in thy sight." But such an answer, though it be preposterous in man at least to spurn it, is too plain and homely to be received. It is thought better to say, in the highsounding language of this celebrated author-"For any thing he can tell, sin has found its way into these other worlds-For any thing he can tell,

Whether these conjectures have any foundation in truth, it is difficult to determine; at any rate it appears reasonable to admit the opinion respecting physical and moral evil, as not extending to other parts of creation; but that the whole visible universe, to the utmost boundaries of the fixed stars, may be reckoned incorruptible, all excepting this gangrenous spot, as our author terms it.

*Theory, art. 113; 115.

Mr.

* Psalm ciii.

+ Dr. Chalmers' Discourses on Astronomy.

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