LITERARY AND SCIENTIFIC INTELLIGENCE. Northern Expedition.-Lieutenant Parry, who so ably conducted the voyage to the Polar Sea, has been raised to the rank of Captain in the Navy. The details of the voyage, so far as have transpired, may be comprised in a few words. The Hecla and Griper arrived at the entrance of Lancaster Sound on the 1st of August 1819, proceeded directly over Captain Ross's chart of land, and reached the parallel of 74° or 75°, or 114° or 115° west, about 550 miles farther than Captain Ross asserted the Polar Sea to be navigable. In 90° they fell in with islands which continued successively till they reached the extreme westerly point of one nearly in 115°. Winter overtook them here, and they turned back several degrees, and wintered in a snug harbour in five fathoms water. On the breaking up of the ice this season attempts were made to proceed westerly; but immense barriers of ice, from the Polar Sea to the northward, precluded all hope of succeeding in the parallel of 74°, and before they could return to the eastward, and renew the attempt in a lower latitude, the navigable season, which is confined to August and a few days in September, offered no reasonable chance of succeeding this year. The existence of a Folar Sea to the westward of Hearne's River is now incontestibly established, and the existence of a north-west passage demonstrated, though perhaps not available for commercial purposes. In 90° the compasses were nearly useless. What Captain Ross laid down in his map as the Croker Mountains, was found to be an open channel 40 miles broad. The cold during the winter was excessive, the thermometer descending to 55° below Zero. Beer, wine, and spirits became ice; the beer was destroyed, but the wine and spirits were tolerably good when thawed. The vessels are entitled to the L. 5000 reward for having gone to a longitude beyond 110° west of Greenwich. On the north side of Barrow's Sound, the voyagers discovered a broad channel, up which they could not descry any land, though the weather was clear and favourable. To the land bounded on the west by this unexplored channel, and on the south by the Sound, the name of New Devon was given. Nearly opposite the channel, i. e. on the south side of the Sound, they met with another broad inlet, (nearly as broad it seemed as the Sound itself,) on which the name of Regent's Inlet was bestowed. The expedition sailed up this inlet a considerable way. The land opposite to New Devon was denominated New Somerset. Other places discovered received VOL. VII. names in honour of Major Rennell, Captain Sabine, and others. Among the curious discoveries made was an American musk ox, on Melville Island, the principal of the groupe of islands in a cove of which this enterprising navigator wintered in 1819. This animal has a large head and shaggy mane, resembling the lion. It was the only one of the species seen during the stay of the expedition at that island. A white hare was the only small animal which was met with. It was found upon another island. Partridges were seen in great numbers, and the newly discovered islands also abounded with florescent plants of different unknown species. The huts, of which some vestiges remain, are presumed to have belonged to some Esquimaux, whom chance or enterprise may have carried into these inhospitable regions. Numerous dresses, canoes, &c. &c. have also been brought over from Baffin's Bay, which are constructed with astonishing natural genius, industry, and neatness. We mentioned the only serious casualty which befel during the wintering of the crews in those high latitudes. Nevertheless the cold was so intense, that the utmost care was necessary to prevent fatal consequences. An idea of this may be formed from the fact, that a servant of Captain Sabine's, on some alarm of fire, ran into the air without covering his hand-it was immediately frost-bitten, and the poor fellow lost three of his fingers. The ships were roofed over during the winter, and the crews did not, as reported, erect huts on shore. Melville's Island was however explored by hunting parties, and Captain Parry crossed it, and was absent for three weeks together. It is reckoned about 150 miles long, and from 30 to 40 broad. It is also supposed that the whole sea north of the American continent is broken into islands. A singular phenomenon was observed relative to the magnet, which held a variation of 120° west, and only of about 150 miles farther, of 120° east, plainly proving, that in the course the ship took it had got round the Magnetic Pole. The ice in the harbour where Captain Parry wintered increased to about seven feet; but he found the ice westward to be upwards of 40 feet, which effectually stopped him, as he had no chance of cutting his way through such an immense body, for 500 miles, into Behring's Straits. Many whales and seals were seen, but no natives, nor any traces of human beings. The ships were out 18 months, having 4 A sailed from Sheerness on the 18th May 1819. Captain Parry's Journal, it is said, including the details of the voyage, will speedily appear. Banana Tree.-There is at present in the Botanic Garden at Glasgow, a very fine Banana or plantain tree, from the West Indies, nearly in full blossom, and is perhaps the only specimen which has ever flowered in Scotland. This noble plant is 19 feet high, and the leaves are from five to six feet in length, and two in breadth. German Literature.-The following is a List of the most distinguished Pocket-books and Almanacks published in Germany, 1820:--Frauentaschenbuch, edited by De la Motte Fouque. Taschenbuch zum geselligen Vergnügen, by Frederick Kind. Taschenbuch zum geselligen Vergnügen, by J. F. Gleditsch. Frauenzimmer Almanach zum Nutzen und Vergnügen, by F. Rochlitz. Cornelia Taschenbuch für Deutsche Frauen Taschenbuch für Damen, published at Tubingen, by Cotta. Taschenbuch für Liebe und Freundschaft, by St Schütze. Penelope, by Theodore Hell. Urania, the editors of this work offer a prize of, we believe, 30 ducats, for the best poem offered to them. A poem called Saladdin, the work of a very young author, obtained the prize this year. Minerva. Aglaja. Vergissmeinnicht, by Clauren. Kotzebue's Almanach dramatisicher Spiele. Alpenrosen. Rheinisches Taschenbuch. Schwäbisches Taschenbuch. Die Vorzeit. Tugend Almanach. Almanach des Dames. We forbear translating these names, because we hope the original will soon be as well known in our country as the title of the last, which may be considered as the parent of all the others. Cardinal Fesch's Library. The immense and rare library of Cardinal Fesch (uncle of the Emperor Napoleon) has been purchased by Messrs Sherwood of Paternoster Row, and Mr Booker of Bond Street the latter of whom is at present occupied at Faris in selecting such portion of the books as is best calculated to gratify English collectors. The sale of this library is most severely felt by the French literati, who complain that the British nation will ultimately strip their country of all that is most precious in art and literature. Mr Booker's selections of varieties will occupy between fifty and sixty cases, comprising a singular and extensive assortment of early printed works, consisting of curiosities in bibliography, and also a fine display of works appertaining to Germany and the North, together with the choicest specimens of divinity, among which are duplicates of many of the Fathers, particularly two copies of St Augustin's works, one bearing on its covers the arms of the celebrated Bossuet, and internally enriched by numerous marginal notes in his own hand, as verified at the Royal Library. In this valuable mass are to be found rare editions of the Bible, one 1479, together with many black letter specimens ; a beautiful MS. on the finest vellum; Saurin, 6 vols. on extra grand paper, with choice impressions of the plates; Le Jay's Polyglot, large paper, &c. &c. To these may be added a copy of Durandi Rationale, 1473, with numerous other early editions and illuminated MSS. Among the miscellanies are an edition of Bossuet, large paper, of which only thirteen copies were struck off; two sets of Montfaucon and Supplement, together with the "Monarchie Française," large paper; the "Encyclopedie Methodique," nearly complete; a superb copy of the "Physique Sacré," bound in morocco; and a choice collection of the writings of Calmet, Fleury, Mabil lon, Duchesne, Grotius, Vossius, Wolfius, &c. &c. And from the Italian and French imperial presses are some unique articles, being presentation copies from the authors to Cardinal Fesch. France. Hydraulic Ram.-M. Godin, of Paris, has invented an hydraulic ram, of a construction so simple, that it may be easily worked by any village labourer. This invention applies to the watering of meadows, to the draining of marshes, spots, and drawing water out of the earth, and raising it to considerable elevations. To those who wish to construct the machine on the spot, M. G. transmits instructions accompanied with engravings, and also a small model in relievo, if desired. Antique Statues.-A cultivator or farmer in the commune of Donnemarie, Seine and Marne, lately found, while st work in his field, two antique statues of bronze about six inches in height, one representing a Mercury entirely naked, with the winged Pegasus on his head, and the other, Fortune, in drapery, with her usual attributes. He has also found a cock and she goat, both of bronze, and two copper miniature medals, one representing the Empress Severina, wife of Aurelian, and the other the head of the Emperor Probus. Suicides. Of 199 suicides, or attempts at suicide, lately in Paris and its environs, within three months, 137 were of men and 62 of women. Of married persons were 102, and of those in celibacy 97; as to the motives, they have been fixed at bad conduct. The lottery and gaming, 28; from the fear of reproach, 6; from domestic chagrines, maladies, disgust of living, 65; from disappointments, &c. in love, 17; from wretchedness of circumstances, 47; motives unknown, 36; 146 actual suicides; 53 attempts. Italy. Education.-It appears from a report made on the 1st of June, by M. Scovazzo, director, that a school, on the plan of mutual instruction, has been established, with every prospect of success, at Palermo, in Sicily. It was opened for 250 children; the progress has been rapid, and the jury of monitors proves very useful. Such is the ardour for this mode of instruction, that holidays have been suppressed, and there are no interruptions but the Sunday and certain grand festival days. A general enthusiasm prevails for the new method. There has also been a similar school for about three months, at Messina. Others are to be opened at Trapani, Mazara, Agrigento, Syracuse, Termini, &c. and no obstacles whatever occur to the dissemination of this method throughout Sicily. Even the Jesuits have adopted it in their college of Alcamo, and before the expiration of two years, there will not be a village without a school of mutual instruc tion. Denmark Royal Library.-The royal library of Copenhagen contains between 300,000 and 400,000 volumes of printed works, and a prodigious number of interesting MSS. At the sale of the fine library of Count Otto Thot, amounting to 116,395 volumes, exclusive of pamphlets, manuscripts, and incunabula, the royal library obtained an accession of 50,000 volumes; and the Count, by his will, had bequeathed to it 4154 MSS. with his valuable collection of 6159 works that had been printed before the year 1530. In 1789, the Danish government bought up the library of Luxdorf, rich in classical works and in MSS. and it was annexed to the royal library. It afterwards received valuable acquisitions at the sale of the libraries of Oeder, Holmskiold, Rottboll, Ancher, and others, in 1789, 90, 91, 93, 94, and 98. In 1796, an accession was made of the immense library of Suhm, the historian. He had collected, in the course of 50 years, 100,000 volumes, which he left to the disposition of the public. A little before his death, he presented them to the royal library; it was not so large, but was a better selection and of higher value than that of Thot. In 1787, previous to these numerous acquisitions, the royal library contained a very great number of books and MSS. European Languages.-M. D'Arndt has published at Frankfort a treatise on the tor. origin and various affinities of the langua ges of Europe It appears as a supplement to the comparative dictionary of all languages, that was commenced under the auspices of the Empress Catharine, a work in which this author was a zealous coadjuIts explications shew that many nations, now remotely separated, were once intimately allied, and they throw a great light on many obscure points of ancient history. The first volume comprises all the languages of Europe and Asia, and some of Africa. The second contains notices relative to the origin of languages and people, extracts from ancient historians who have handled the same subject, and a very curious approximation of fifteen words in two hundred languages. Hydrophobia-Dr L. Spalding, a learn ed physician of New York, in a pamphlet which he has lately published, announces the circumstance of a plant, commonly called Scull-cap, (the Scutellaria lateriflora of Linnæus,) as being a preventive of, and cure for, the hydrophobia, and that it has been in use as such more than fifty years. It is described as having never failed of a sanative effect. It is recommended as fitter for use when dried and reduced to powder, than when fresh. The testimony of several American physicians is superadded to that of Dr Spalding. The name of the person who first used it is not known, but Messrs Deveer, father and son, are entitled to the praise of having first introduced it into general practice. Medicine. In the state of New York, there is a Medical Society, that in general presides over the faculty, and has a corre sponding member in every town of the state. The annual meeting is at Albany, the seat of government, where three censors are appointed for each of the four grand medical divisions of the union. The College of Medicine and Surgery of the state of New York has delivered this year 37 diplomas of doctors of physic. Turkey. For some time there has been printing at Constantinople, in the patriarchal press, a grand dictionary of the Greek language, ancient and modern, the first volume of which has already appeared. It will consist of more than six large volumes in folio. All the Archbishops and many of the Archons of the Phanal, &c. are subcribers. WORKS PREPARING FOR PUBLICATION. LONDON. A PROSPECTUS has been circulated for printing an uniform edition of the whole Works of the Right Rev. Jeremy Taylor, D.D. Lord Bishop of Down, Connor, and Dromore, in 14 volumes octavo; to which will be prefixed a life of the Author, and a critical examination of his writings, by the Rev. R. Heber, A. M. Canon of St Asaph, Rector of Hodnet, and late Fellow of All Souls' College. The first Part of Mr David Booth's Analytical Dictionary of the English Language is now in the press. The same gentleman is, also preparing for publication, a work to be entitled, The Morality of Human Nature, compared with that of Religious Systems, and with the Doctrines of Modern Philosophers. Mr Robertson, whose local knowledge of the country and of the transactions render him peculiarly competent to the task, has written the History of the late Revolution in Mexico, including a Narrative of the Expedition of General Xavier Mina, with some Observations on the practicability of opening a commerce between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, and on the future importance of such commerce to the civilized world. A new volume of Poems, by J. Clare, the Northamptonshire Peasant, is in the press, and is expected to appear about Christmas. Speedily will be published in 4to, price L. 2, 2s. boards, an Account of the Discovery of a New Continent called New South Shetland, with a Description of the Manners and Customs of its Inhabitants, illustrated by numerous Engravings, from Drawings made on the spot, by Captain J. Rogers. A New Ecclesiastical History is proposed to be published by subscription, by John Augustine Waller, Esq. Four parts to be published separately. Mr J. Bowring has in the press a volume of Translations from the Russian, with preliminary remarks on the language and poetical literature of Russia. A Christian Biographical Dictionary ; containing an account of the lives and writings of many of the most eminent Christians in every nation, from the commencement of the Christian æra to the present period, is preparing by John Wilks, Jun. Mr Ackermann has issued proposals for publishing, in six monthly parts, an Historical and Picturesque Tour of the Seine from Paris to the Sea, illustrated by 24 highly finished coloured engravings, from drawings made for the purpose by Messrs Pugin and Gendall. It will be printed in the same size and style as his other illustrated works, and the first part will appear on the 1st of January 1821. The same Publisher is also preparing a description of the Manners, Customs, &c. of the people of Dalmatia, Illyria, and the adjacent countries, in two pocket volumes, embellished with 32 coloured plates. This work will form the commencement of a series, intended to embrace all the nations of the globe, and to be denominated the World in Miniature. Digitalem Monographiæ; sistens historiam Botanicam generis tabulis omnium specimen hactenus cognitarum illustratum at plurimum ad icones Ferdinandi Bauer in bibliotheca Gulielmi Cattley, A. M. cura Johannis Lindley, F. L. S. The General History of the House of Guelph, or Royal Family of England, from the first record of the name, to the accession of George the First to the throne of Great Britain, printing under the immediate patronage of his Majesty, will be ready early in December, in one volume, 4to. A small work, to be entitled the Mental Calculator, a compendium of concise, but general rules of easy solution on various useful and interesting problems in astronomy, forming an epitome of the elements of that science, to which is annexed a Guide to the Constellations, is preparing by Mr Lovekin. Mr J. Brown has in the press, Anecdotes and Characters of the House of Brunswick, illustrative of the Courts of Hanover and London, from the Act of Settlement to the youth of George the Third. The Poet's Child, a Tragedy, from the pen of Miss Isabel Hill. Speedily will be published in 8vo, the first volume of the Principles of Medicine, written entirely on the plan of the Baconian Philosophy, to prove that the only ra tional method of curing disease, is to induce by medicine an opposite or counteracting action, sufficiently powerful to expel the disorder, by H. D. Hamilton, Medical Practitioner. Early in January 1821 will be published, in 3 volumes, Such is the World, a Novel Early in January will be published the Automatical Camera Obscura: intended to convey to the juvenile mind the knowledge of Scripture History. Dr Paris will shortly publish a Tabular View of Medicinal Combination; illustrating its objects and effects, one large sheet coloured, so as to indicate the operation of each ingredient in a Compound Formula, upon the principles established in his "Pharmacologia," &c. Observations showing the National and Domestic Evils resulting from too low wages, with hints respecting the means likely to render the working classes better satisfied, more loyal, contented and happy ; to which is annexed, a copy of the act of parliament upon this subject, passed July 24, 1820, and the speeches of the members of the House of Commons thereon. A second edition of Mr Lloyd's Translation of Alfieri's Tragedies, to which will be added, Memoirs of the Life and Writings of Alfieri. The Memoirs, 1 vol. 12mo, with his portrait finely engraved by Cooper, will be sold separately. Auston Park, a Tale, one volume, 12mo, is in the press. A small volume of Poems, entitled, What is Life, with some other effusions, from the pen of Mr Thomas Bailey, may be expected to appear about the first week in January. EDINBURGH. The Form of Process in the Jury Court; by John Russell, Esq. Clerk to the Signet, and one of the Clerks of the Jury Court. second edition, improved. The Mountain Bard, consisting of Ballads and Legendary Tales; by James Hogg. Third edition, with a Life of the Author by himself. A Treatise on the Proper Selection and Management of Live Stock, with Cures and Freventives of the most Prevalent Disorders; and likewise a Proper System for the Management of Arable and Grazing Farms, particularly adapted for the Highlands of Scotland; with Numerous Useful Hints to Practical Farmers. Boards, 7s. 6d. A New Periodical Work, entitled the Christian Recorder. No. 1. will appear on the 16th of January. 1s. A Treatise on the Law of Bills of Exchange, Promissory Notes, and Letters of Credit in Scotland; by the late William Glen, Esq. A new edition, corrected, improved, and much enlarged, with all the decided Cases bearing upon the Subject. The Scrap Book, containing a Collection of amusing and striking pieces in Prose and Verse, chiefly selected from the Standard and Floating Literature of the last twelve or fifteen years; together with an Introduction and Occasional Remarks and Contri butions; by John M'Diarmid, author of the Life of William Cowper, Esq. 12mo. St Aubin, or the Infidel; in 2 vols. 12mo. A History of the British Empire, from the Accession of Charles I. to the Restoration; with an Introduction, tracing the Progress of Society, and of the Constitution, from the feudal times to the opening of the History; and including a particular examination of Mr Hume's statements, relative to the character of the English Government; by George Brodie, Esq. Advocate; in 3 vols. octavo. Shortly will be published, a Treatise on the Diseases of Negroes; by James Thomson, M. D. &c. The Author having accumulated, from various quarters and his own experience, many important Observations, proposes to supply what is long been wanting on this subject—a minute and accurate description of the Disorders incident to Negroes, and their treatment: Written entirely for the use of the Planter, so as to enable him to afford relief with greater confidence and success, which has been but imperfectly executed in the various Editions of Dr Dancer's Medical Assistant. Every thing extraneous will be omitted, so as to render the expence moderate. The nature of many Diseases will be illustrated by Dissections of the Body, a thing hitherto utterly neglected; the vast superiority of the Country Remedies will be proved by numerous experiments; the Diseases of Children, and Management of pregnant Women, particularly insisted on; and, finally, an attempt nade to do away with the prevalent erroneous ideas regarding the hereditary constitutional Disorders of Negroes, MONTHLY LIST OF NEW PUBLICATIONS. LONDON. ANTIQUITIES. THE History and Antiquities of the See and Cathedral Church of Litchfield; illutrated by a series of sixteen engravings of Views, Elevations, Plans, and architectural details of the architecture of that church; with biographical anecdotes of the Bishops of Litchfield and Coventry; by John Britton, F. S. A. L. 1, 18s. medium 4to, L. 3, 3s. imperial 4to, L. 6, 6s. royal folio. The History and Antiquities of the Parish of Stoke Newington, Middlesex; containing an account of the Prebendal Manor, the Church, Charities, Schools, &c. &c. illustrated with maps and engravings; by William Robinson, 8vo. BIBLIOGRAPHY. Mr Bent's Catalogue of Books from Oct. 1818 to Oct. 1820. 2s. Clarke's Bibliotheca Legum; or, complete Catalogue of the Common and Statute Law Books of the United Kingdom. 9s. W. Baynes and Son's General Catalogue of a very extensive collection of second-hand books, for 1821. 3s. 6d. W. Baynes and Son's Catalogue of modern books. CLASSICS. Sophocles Opera quæ supersunt Omnia, cum annotatione integra R. F. P. Brunckii et Godof. 3 vols. 8vo, L. 1, 11s. Gd. The Iliad of Homer, translated into English prose, as literally as the different Idioms of the Greek and English languages |