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dent, for the able, impartial, and kind manner these four libraries are located in very different

in which he discharged his duties.

The Association then adjourned at 3 P. M. to meet in the city of New York, August 28th, 1855.

FREE POPULAR LIBRARIES IN BERLIN.

We have often alluded to the importance of having, in every city, one or more large, wellendowed reference libraries, for the use of learned men, and, at the same time, one or more less complete, but more popular, free libraries, where those who have been educated in our public schools may easily obtain the means of continuing their intellectual culture. There is as much need, for example, in Boston for a Free City Library, as for the noble Athenæum; and the Astor Library of this city, even if it be mainly consulted by scholars, is as useful to the public as the score of smaller circulating libraries, upon which the great mass of the population depend

for their instruction.

Our readers are aware that in England, the Free Library Act, in support of which E. Edwards, Esq., of Manchester, has been so energetic, continues in most successful operation; and that London, Liverpool, Manchester, Bolton, and other large places, although previously supplied with large and important collections of books, are now beginning to reap the great advantages of that popular measure.

About the same time that the Free Library movement commenced in England, an effort was made in various parts of the continent to supply the less educated portions of the population more abundantly with reading matter. In Berlin, the capital of Prussia, four such City Libraries were established, in August, 1850; and, although not endowed, like the new and excellent institution in Boston, nor supported by special rates, like the Free Libraries of England, they, nevertheless, are constantly increasing both in size and usefulness. From the report which has just been issued in regard to these popular establishments, we have derived the following facts, which will interest those of our readers who are engaged in similar enterprises at home.

These four libraries were started by the Scientific Union of Berlin, (Wissenschaftliche Verein,) a society which is under the direct patronage of the Prince of Prussia, heir apparent to the throne. The city government of Berlin, although possessing no control over the libraries, has occasionally voted moderate sums for their maintenance, last year, for instance, 2000 thalers. For their other expenses, dependance is placed upon voluntary contributions, and upon the receipts derived from an annual course of lectures, delivered, quite in the American style, once a week through the winter.

No charge whatever is made for the use of the

library; but a deposit of one thaler is required from those who are not known to the librarians, as a security against the loss or injury of any volume. This deposit is given up by the library on demand of the depositor.

parts of the city, rooms being provided for their accommodation in four of the principal public schools. The total number of volumes which they contain is 10,600. The number of different persons who consulted the libraries in the first year of their establishment (1850-1) was 855; last year, however, the number increased to 1938, who drew from the libraries in all more than 42,000 volumes.

The libraries are open twice a week for the delivery and return of books, every Wednesday and Saturday, from 12 to 1 o'clock.

We consider this an admirable commencement to be made in a city where, previously, such excellent libraries existed to supply the wants of learned men. The Royal Library of Berlin (an abstract of whose last report was given in our columns not long ago) is open to the public without any charge, and its half a million volumes may be consulted in the library by the poorest and humblest member of society, as well as by the richest or most learned. At the same time, the number of persons who are allowed to take volumes to their homes is comparatively small, and is limited to certain specified classes in society. So, also, the continuous reading of novels, poetry, and other books which are easily accessible, is very properly discouraged in the Royal Library. A contrary course would involve the institution in great and unprofitable expenses. A large and costly reference library, although it may, and should, be freely open to real students, from whatever class in society they come, ought not to be expected to supply reading matter in abundance to all the less educated portions of the population. It is for their wants that these free circulating libraries are especially designed.

In this connection, it may be interesting for our readers to compare the number of volumes which are accessible to the public in Berlin, with corresponding facilities enjoyed in some of

our American cities.

According to the last edition of Petzholdt's Hand-Book of German Libraries, it appears that there are in the principal libraries of Berlin the following number of volumes:

In the Royal Library,

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560,000 University Library, 50,000 Joachim's Thaler Gymnasium, 35,000 Ministerial Mining Library, 18,000 Archives of the Royal House, 15,000 Library of the Military Academy, 15,000 City Popular Libraries, 10,000

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Royal Architectural Library, 10,000

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Trade Institute,

6,000

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Free Masons' Library,

6,000

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Beside these, there are many other libraries more or less open to the public, of which the number of volumes is not stated, and the number of private circulating libraries in Berlin is remarkably large.

Notes on Books, &c.

Messrs. Longman, Brown, Green & Longmans, have sent us a work by Prof. Geo. K. Rickards, on Population and Capital. The author is Professor of Political Economy in the University of Oxford; and, by statute, is required to publish a part of the lectures delivered by him in each year. The opening chapter is occupied with some general remarks on Capital, and the remaining ones are devoted mainly to the criticism of Malthus' celebrated essay. The revolting doctrine of that school which practically inculcates that "private vices are public benefits" is well exposed by our author, and the conclusion, that "the productive power of a community tends to increase more rapidly than the number of the consumers," is reached, after a candid examination and thorough refutation of all the opposing arguments. Prof. R. acknowledges his obligations to American authors, mentioning Mr. Carey, and giving Mr. Alexander Everett credit for the most unexceptionable work on the laws of population.

A few months ago, we announced the publication by Nelson & Co., of this city, of a work on the French Conquests in Algeria, entitled, The Tri-color on the Atlas. The work is deserving of much attention; and perhaps no better idea of its matter and style could be gained, than by perusing an article devoted to the subject in a late number of the Gentlemen's Magazine. It commences thus:

Messrs. Nelson have recently published a volume "Under the above rather fanciful name, the which professes to afford details, especially, of Algeria and the French Conquest. The information given, however, is not confined, as the fanciful portion of the title might seem to imply, to the period since the fall of the Deys and the founding of the French settlement. The book accomplishes much more than this. It embraces a succinet, intelligible, and interesting history of the country from the earliest times down to the present era. tion of the Regency of Algiers, comprising pictures It further contains an admirably written descripof the city and of city life; the scenes in the vicinity of the capital, the sea-coast, and the inland provinces. A still more attractive portion of this book is that which is devoted to a picturesque description of the native races of the Regency of Algiers. In this portion, we are permitted to gaze at some very magnificent pictures of fierce Arabs and fiercer Kabyles, of placid Moors and fatalist Turks, and of crafty Karuglis, the offspring of Turk and Mooresses, of patient and persevering Jews, of faithful and courageous negroes, and of Mozabites, singular alike in person and pursuit. The book, then, is in part a translation from the work published in 1841 by the Bavarian naturalist, Dr. Moritz Wagner, who resided three years in the regency, and took notes, from which he constructed subsequently a very amusing account for the benefit of the public and himself. When we say that the present work is chiefly a translation from Dr.

ficient accuracy. Mr. Francis Pulzky, who is the Wagner's volumes, we hardly describe it with sufcompounded or composite translator, editor, and author of the "Tri-color on the Atlas," considerOf some of the latter we shall perhaps speaking that Dr. Wagner's lively work had become somewhat antiquated, only condensed the first vol

For the greater convenience of the public, more fully hereafter.

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The chapters on Amusements," and The Family Library" are particularly worthy of attention. The following is selected from the latter, on the importance of reading in a systematic manner:

"In addition to these suggestions on a course of reading, a few words on the plan of pursuing it may not be amiss. There is good reason to believe that the example of Dr. Johnson, who is often spoken of as having been a great desultory reader,

worth more than much learned imperfectly: for,
in the former case, the mind keeps what it gets, is
enlivened and strengthened; in the latter, it soon
loses what it had found, becomes weak, confused,
and inert."

the American people, it has cast off the bondage of prescription and the unbending rigidity of English institutions, and put on a flexibility suited to the altered circumstances of a young nation in a new world. It has not, however, cut loose from the pub-time-honored usages and pursuits. At once conpast. It has not broken away from all respect for servative and progressive in its spirit, it strives to preserve a due medium between a bigoted attachment to all that is old, and an indiscriminate passion for all that is new. Not less scientific than the science of the moderns on the wisdom of the classical in its course of studies, it aims to engraft ancients. Its anchor takes firm hold on the past, but its sails are set, and its prow directed to a more

Messrs. Lippincott, Grambo & Co. have ished for the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, the History of An Expedition against Fort Du Quesne, in 1755, under Major-Gen. E. Braddock. Copies of the valuable journals contained in dium of Mr. J. R. Ingersoll, during his residence this volume were procured through the mein London, for the Pennsylvania Society, and were committed to the editorship of Winthrop able Introductory Memoir which details the ori-less a mere foundation in a university, as in EngSargent, who has prepared an exceedingly valu"An American college is not a university, still gin and progress of this campaign. The work land. It resembles more nearly the preparatory is illustrated with numerous maps, and furnished schools, such as Eton and Rugby in the British with Notes, Appendices, and Engravings, and Isles, and the Gymnasia on the continent. Yet it will take an important place among our early differs in so many respects from any European inhistorical documents. stitution, that it has sometimes been pronounced unique and peculiar to America. It has even been called an Americanism.

The Manual of Sacred History, by Prof. J. H. Kurtz, has been translated from the sixth German edition by Rev. C. F. Schaeffer, and published by Lindsay and Blakiston, Philadelphia. The author is Professor of Church History in the

brilliant future.

"The place which the college holds among all the means of public instruction at home, is not less the common school on the one hand, and from the broadly and definitely marked. Quite distinct from

choosing his book from impulse and accident, then University of Dorpat, and has distinguished him- professional seminary on the other, though sustain

laying it aside ere it was finished, has had an injurious influence on the mental habits of many a young man. Such a practice might do very well for that renowned critic, who occupied an eminence whence the whole domain of literature lay spread out to his view; who had in his mind, to use a common phrase," a place for every thing, and every thing in its place." By a cursory reading he could

easily take the bearings of an author, scan him thoroughly, analyze, and classify him. Great as was his genius, however, before he could do this,

his reading had extended far beyond the limits of
a family library. His example, therefore, is not to
be recommended to one who has not pursued such
a course of reading as will make him familiar with
those standard works, which, in relation to general
knowledge, are to be considered as initial and ele-
mentary. The young reader may hope to see the
day when he shall be able to use and enjoy books

as Dr. Johnson did; but to begin at the outset to
imitate his habits in this respect, would be as un-
fortunate, though not as ridiculous, as some writers
have appeared to be, who, with little practice, like
dwarfs on stilts, have essayed to imitate his style.
"It is absolutely necessary for any one who
would gain available information, to read, for a
while at least, somewhat continuously. However
short the time of each day that he may be able to
command, let him read a few verses of the Scrip-
ture with such comments as may explain or enforce
its meaning. If he were not disposed to do this
from principle, as a Christian, yet if he do it not at
all, he will be greatly the loser as a scholar.

"Next, let him resolve to set apart for reading in course a due proportion of the daily period which he can devote to works. Especially should this be done within the department of history, and continued until one has become possessed of clear and connected views of the rise, progress, and succes

self by his various theological contributions. ing important relations to both, the college is in-
The present work furnishes an Epitome of the tended to lay a broad foundation in a thoroughly
Sacred Writ in an orderly and logical method. disciplined mind for all liberal culture, for all high
Division A relates to the Creation and Fall of attainments and achievements. Its principal aim is
Man. Division B to Redemption and Salvation, to develope and discipline the faculties, to call them
which are presented in their Introductory stages into strenuous exercise, and impart to them a
and in their fulfilment and final results. Thus the healthy tone, and train them for energetic, yet well-
whole Bible History is arranged in a succinct form, balanced action; to give strength, beauty, and
symmetry to the intellectual and moral powers; in
and explanations of difficult passages are afforded,
a word, to educate the whole man. College is pro-
the interpretations being generally in accord-
perly and pre-eminently an educational institution.
ance with the Lutheran standards. The trans- And so thoroughly is this fact wronght into the
lator announces that this volume will be suc-consciousness of the community, that, in common
ceeded by a translation of the author's larger parlance, an educated man is a man that has re-
Church History.
ceived a college education.

cated at the best. They usually betray, if not a

nize the necessity, and to aid in the advancement of college education. The sagacious Franklin, with the good sense which was characteristic of him, drew up a project for the foundation of a college, in which he strongly recommended the study of the

In The Problem Solved; or, Sin not of God, "We have, indeed, had our self-educated men, by Miles P. Squier, D. D., we suppose that the and some of them have acted a very distinguished author advocates what is generally admitted as part in the history of our country; but as a general the doctrine of the right wing of the new-school fact, self-educated men are uneducated, or half-eduparty; not so much in its fundamental proposi-want of discipline and knowledge, at least a want tion, as in the methods by which he proposes to of symmetry and completeness. They are not safe establish it. His doctrine, as far as we can com- guides. They generally prove inadequate to tryprehend it, is that Sin is in no sense the primor-ing emergencies; and the wisest and best men of dial arrangement of God, that he is in no way this class have been among the foremost to recogresponsible for it or its mischief; and that all his glory, as growing out of the existence of sin, lies in the methods of his providence against it. Prayer for Colleges, is an Essay by Prof. W. S. Tyler, which received a prize of $150, offered by a benevolent individual for the best production on this subject. The author has furnished a truly eloquent exposition of the relation of our College-system to the Christian church. The motives to continual prayer on behalf of College The American Tract Society have issued Cru Students are set forth with earnestness and den's Concordance, condensed, by the Rev. John enforced with much vigor and maturity of Eadie, together with an Introduction by David thought. Incidentally very much important in- King, LL. D. In this handsome edition many formation is elicited respecting the condition and influence of our professional schools. We copy some remarks defining the position of the American College.

sion of the leading nations in the civilized world.
At first, perhaps, the attempt at regularity may be
found irksome; nevertheless, let not the reader
yield to impatience. Better, if need be, that he
hould begin with only twenty minutes a day, and
pursue a course, than to read ten-fold that amount "Our system of college education is English in
in a desultory way. A little, well understood, is its germ, but American in its development. Like

ancient languages for all the students, and insists on it for those who intend to engage in the learned professions."

M. W. Dodd is the publisher.

of the less important words are omitted, and all references to the Apocrypha, as well as the exegetical and explanatory introductions of

Cruden to the several words. These omissions bring the work into a much smaller compass, and it is furnished at the low price of $1.

Braithwaite's Retrospect of Practical Medicine and Surgery, part 30, is just published by Messrs. Stringer & Townsend. This indispensable compendium embraces a Retrospective view of every discovery and practical improvement in the Medical Sciences for the past half year. Messrs. Farmer, Brace & Co. have issued a second edition of Peissner's German Grammar,

which is based on the affinity of the German and English languages. It is arranged mainly in the Ollendorffian style, and furnishes exercises for reading, conversation, and recitation.

Periodical Literature.

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Geographical Society are also furnished; an abstract of which will be furnished to our readers. We trust that the "Gazette" will be received with increasing favor.

Putnam, for February, has a portrait of the author of "Cuba," &c. Diplomacy and CanThe Universalist Quarterly, for January, connon Balls" reviews the Imperial Game in Eu-tains "The Man of Principle in Business;" "Inrope; "Living in the Country;" "National dications of Providence in the Establishment of Defence" is a military view of the question; Christianity;" "Religious Aspects of the Eastern "Prometheus and Epemetheus," or the Poet's Question;" "Sin its own Avenger;" "The Will,"

&c.

"Making the chil

Forethought and Afterthought; "Nature in Motion" treats of the migration and diverse wanIn the National Magazine, for February, is derings of solid particles; "Two Little Stars," commenced a pleasing illustrated sketch of John a poem; "My Three Conversations with Miss Bunyan. A Biblical Paper on "The Lost Tribes Messrs. Appletons have commenced the pub- Chester," not yet finished; "Glimpses of French of Israel," is also furnished. lication of a new and systematic series of School Life," or a sketch at the period of the Restora-dren something," is by Alice Cary. Geographies, the first part of which, issued in tion; "The Mountain Winds;" "Mining variequarto form, is called Cornell's Primary Geog-ties" have evidently been dug from the depths; raphy. The design of this volume seems to be Israel Potter," continued; "The Old Woman not to burden the youthful beginner with any that dried up and blew away" is undoubtedly thing above his comprehension, but to furnish identified; "Ottilia;" "A Pedagogue in Georcopious illustrations and maps which accord gia" gives an amusing account of the Hard-shell strictly with the character of the lessons, and to Baptists; "A Water Study;" "The Progress of our Political Virtues" as a nation, is represented as making in the downward direction; "Editorial Notes" are as rich as ever.

proceed in a progressive and philosophical manThe engravings are numerous and excel

ner. lent.

The sixth number of Dr. Johnston's Chemistry

of Common Life contains "the Poisons we select," "the Odors we enjoy," &c. This valuable work,

as suggested in the title-cover, "should be read

by the million." We have no doubt that it will be received with the favor which it deserves. Appletons are the publishers.

The second edition of Richard the LionHearted, the first volume of the Romance of Biography, published by J. S. Dickerson, has just been issued. This volume of thrilling adventures has been compiled under the editorship of Rev. Dr. Hawks. This series will include the lives of those remarkable historical characters, who will ever have a special attraction for the young, such as Wm. Wallace, Cromwell, Sir Walter Raleigh, and others.

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The American Medical Monthly, edited by Edward N. Parker, M. D., for January, has a paper by Prof. Green, on the employment of Injections into the Bronchial Tubes, and into Tubercula Cavities of the Lungs; also Dr. Gluck's Clinical Lectures on Diseases of the Eye.

Chambers' Journal, for January, is filled with the usual interesting miscellany. One of the articles is on Finnish Nationality and Literature. The latter is spoken of as reviving to a new life De Bow's Review, for February, has an opening by its contact with European culture. After article on "The South and the Union," in which the publication of contributions to Finnish Mythe progress of the Abolition movement is thology, by Leunguish (1782), and Ganander From the statistical view of the (1789), and a collection of popular poems or RuUnited States, we find that in 1775 there were nas, by the celebrated Prof. Porthan, of Abo 35 newspapers in the United States, and in 1850 (+1804), all vitality in this department ceased there were 2,526, circulating annually nearly for a time, until subsequently, when the Finland five hundred millions of copies. The federal passed under the dominion of Russia. The first government has granted over forty-eight mil-fruits of this new development was a collection lions acres of land for school purposes, and over of Finnish Runas, of more or less ancient date, four millions for Universities. Maine has a published in 1822, by Dr. Topelius, having been larger proportion of scholars at school than any gathered principally from the localities in the other State or country in the world. Denmark government of Archangel. Dr. Elias Löunrot, exceeds the United States, and the United States in the course of his travels among the Finns and exceeds all other countries, even including the Carelians in Russia, collected 32 Songs, forming slaves. Thus, there is one person at school to part of a mythe-epos about the Finnish Orpheus, every 4.9 whites and free colored, and one to Wainämöinen, the God of Song, and his advenThe Coquette; or, the History of Eliza Whar- every 5.6 of total population; in Prussia, one to tures with the smith Ilmarinen, at Pojolak. ton, is a reprint of a novel founded on fact, the 6.2; in Great Britain, one to 10; France, one to These were published in Helsingfors, in 1835, in scenes of which are laid in New England, in the 10.5; Russia, one to 50; Portugal, one to 81. the original language, and under the name of latter part of the last century. This ancient In New England, so admirable is the school Kálevala. A translation of this mythical Poem specimen of novel-writing is in the form of Let-system that only one person over twenty years by M. A. Castrin, appeared in 1841. Dr. L. pubters of Sentiment and Friendship, which contain of age in every 400 of the native whites is inca-lished in the same year, Kauteletor (Harp-Songs revelations not peculiarly flattering to the mem-pable of reading and writing; in the south and from Kautéla, the stringed instrument of the The southwest the proportion is one to twelve; in country), containing 652 ancient songs; in 1842, ory of one of Jonathan Edwards' sons. historical preface to this history is written by the Territories, one in six; in the slaveholding a volume of 7,000 Finnish proverbs; and in 1845, Jane E. Locke, and gives the author's name as States, one in twelve; in the non-slaveholding, a collection of riddles, 1,648 Finnish and 135 EsHannah, wife of Rev. Jno. Foster. The different one in forty; in the whole Union, one in twenty-thonian. All of these materials were gathered characters are all identified in this sketch. Pub- two. The proportion of the illiterate to the lished by Fetridge & Co. whole foreign born is one in twelve. This number is replete with useful information in commercial and agricultural statistics, &c.

The Pioneer's Daughter, by Emerson Bennett, and The Mysteries of the Court of Queen Anne, by W. H. Ainsworth, are both published by T. B. Peterson, in octavo form.

Putnam Portraits, done in Ink, by Jet, published by Crayon & Co. If it is worth while, we hope that the author, when he has got over the excitement of the present effort, will issue a Key, suggesting how the wit which may lie concealed can be readily extracted from his limping rhymes.

Martin & Johnson's quarto edition of Shakespeare, Nos. 9 and 10, have plates of Miss Julia Dean as Beatrice, and of Mr. C. L. Davenport as Othello,

The Crayon is the title of a new Art Journal, published in quarto, by Stillman & Durand, 237 Broadway. In the second number, which contains much interesting Art Intelligence, we find a beautiful poem by Bryant, called "A Rain Dream."

in the course of travels undertaken at the expense of the Literary Association of Helsingfors, and various treatises were published in this idiom, by which the foundation of a written Finnish Literature was laid. In 1826 there had already appeared a Finnish Dictionary, but embracing only the West-Finnish Dialect. The great Danish linguist, Rack, declares the Finnish language to be the most original, the most regular, most flexible, and most musical of all existing languages.

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The second number of the Geographical and Household Words, monthly part for February, Commercial Gazette has just been issued by J. Disturnell. It furnishes some facts relating to published by J. A. Dix, continues the issue of "Mary 'North and South," by the author of " the boundary of Texas and New Mexico, accompanied by a map which shows what territory Barton." Many brief and entertaining articles has been acquired by the Gadsden Treaty. A are also given, for this magazine is never wantfull report of Mr. Kohl's remarks before the ing in interesting matter.

Correspondence.

school of Galata Serar, founded by Mahoinet II.; the imperial military college; the imperial colcollege of artillery; the naval college; the agricultural, and the veterinary colleges. Constantinople has forty public libraries, to which it is difficult for any, who are not Mahommedans, to gain admission. The extensive collections of the medical school were destroyed by fire in 1848, but are to be replaced. A museum of antiquities was opened in May, 1852.

A distinguished Professor in one of our leges, suggests the great want of a General Catalogue of all the Graduates of all our colleges, either chronological or alphabetical, or both. The attempts already made have been deficient in one respect, and superfluous in another. They have not contained all the colleges, but the honorary degrees, which are of little consequence, have been given. We need some means of determining where our public men have been eduIcated. Who will undertake this work?

There are in Constantinople three printing establishments, for works in the oriental languages, state papers, &c. Two authorized European establishments publish Turkish works and lithographies of manuscripts. The periodical press comprises many journals in European languages, which are submitted to censors before publication. At Bulæ, there is a printing house for all kinds of books and oriental writings.

ORIENTAL STUDIES IN THE UNIVERSITY OF ST.
PETERSBURGH.

the university of St. Petersburgh. What has heretofore been a section of the historico-philological faculty, is hereafter to constitute a faculty by itself, and will now consist of the following chairs: Arabic, Persian, Turkish, Tartar, Mongolian, Calmuck, Chinese, Armenian, Hebrew, Grusinian, Mandjoor.

NEW STATISTICAL AND EDUCATIONAL WORKS.

AMONG recent statistical publications in Germany, the following are deserving of notice:

The second part of von Reden's "Deutschland und das Uebrige Europa," of which the first appeared a few months since, has recently been issued at Wiesbaden. The whole work now extends to more than eleven hundred large octavo pages, giving, in a condensed form, information of a recent character in relation to the extent, population, social condition, finances, military power, &c., of every state in Europe. Dr. Reden is one of the ablest of German statisticians, and this volume does full justice to his high personal reputation, and to the well-known character of his extensive statistical library.

NEW YORK, Jan. 29, 1855. Editor of Norton's Literary Gazette: In your issue of the 15th instant, there is a statement copied from the London Athenæum, to the effect that Mr. Robert Chambers, of Edinburgh, is the author of the "Vestiges of Creation." Some years ago there appeared a communication in a journal of this city, which entirely controverted this story. It was communicated by a Mr. Kentish, and was as follows:-The author of the "Vestiges THE city of St. Petersburgh has long been reof Creation," was Frederick Augustus Kentish, markable for the facilities which it has offered well known in Europe for his literary and scientific in the acquisition of modern Oriental languages. acquirements. He was the eldest son of W. A. The connection which Russia has maintained Hübner's "Jahr-Buch für Vollswirthschaft und Kentish, of this city, who is the author of a work with so many nations and tribes of the East has Statistik," (Dritter-Jargang,) has just appeared called the "Banking System." Before the "Ves-rendered it absolutely necessary, both for at Leipsic. It contains valuable articles on the tiges" were printed the author thought of sending poses of commerce, statesmanship and war, that Statistical Congress at Brussels, and the German them to his father in this country, but it was finally an intimate acquaintance with more or less of Zollverein, the statistics of the Kingdom of Wür

agreed that Messrs. Chambers, of Edinburgh, should publish the work. They promised to give him £700 for the copyright, but never paid him a shilling, and the author dying shortly after, very suddenly, in Liverpool, the publishers would never answer any letters of his family on the subject. Such is briefly the story, which I have never seen contradicted. Is there any foundation for it? From the well-known standing and position of the Messrs. Chambers, we can scarcely for a moment

pur

temberg, the statistics of the recent Industrial Exhibition in Munich, German emigration, German insurance, banks, and railroads in 1853, beside an excellent resumé of the recent Literature of Political Economy.

these languages should be possessed by a large
part of those who are engaged in the higher ser-
vice of the empire. The emperor has, therefore,
encouraged, in every way, such studies, while
the natural capability for the acquisition of lan-
guages, which educated Russians almost al-
Jacobson's "Preussische Staat,' (Leipzig, 8vo.,
ways exhibit, has rendered high attainments PP. 224,) although mainly intended as an ex-
in this respect not only possible, but common.
hibition of the present constitution and organi-
The rich treasures of eastern lore, accumulat-zation of Prussia, contains also a large amount of

give credit even to a supposition that it can be true.ed by the arts of war and the exchanges of incidental statistical matter, in regard to the

Yet thus it stands, among other curious scraps relating to literature, which I have preserved.

Educational.

PUBLIC INSTRUCTION IN TURKEY,

DELTA.

comprises many important things pertaining to
the antiquities and arts of the Orient, as well as
to its literature. Several of the universities of
the empire have, also, made provision for in-
struction in these languages.

population, territory, finances, debt, &c., of that kingdom. It is especially valuable as a guide to various official changes, which have been made since 1848.

Weber's "Illustriter Kalendar für 1855," (8vo., Leipzig, pp. 246,) although not exclusively a statistical work, contains a vast amount of valuable information, most of which is of a kind not easily accessible to readers in this country. Many particulars are given in regard to the universities, schools, learned societies, honorary orders, churches, finances, &c., of the various states of Germany. The work is, however, to be more commended for its illustrated than for its statistical articles. The wood engravings are beautifully executed, and furnish a pictorial history of Germany during the last twelve months.

peace, form a department in the Imperial Public Library, which, in size, variety of content, and value, is almost, if not quite, unequalled in the world. There has long existed, in connection with the ministry of Foreign Affairs at St. Petersburgh, a school for the study of Oriental lanDR. MICHELSON states that, before 1847, there guages, to which a library also pertains. The were only two kinds of schools, the elementary, library of the Imperial Academy of Sciences has (mekteb,) and the higher classes, (medresseh,) likewise a very extensive and remarkable coldestined for the education of the officers of gov-lection, known as the Asiatic Museum, which ernment and the ecclesiastics, but giving no facilities to the middling classes. There are now three divisions: 1. Elementary, for instruction in reading, writing, arithmetic, and religion, to which parents are obliged to send their children from the age of six years; the instruction is In the university of Moscow, there is a special gratuitous. 2. The intermediate schools, of chair for the Oriental languages, embracing which there are six in Constantinople, with 870 Sanscrit, Hebrew, Arabic, and Persian. At the pupils, and 8 more are projected. The studies universities of St. Petersburgh and Casan, there Among new pedagogical books, should be are, Arabic, orthography, composition, religious have been special sections for the study of Ori- mentioned the fourth volume of Raumer's history (Islam), the history of Turkey and gen-ental literature. In these sections are read, at Geshichte der Pâdagogik," (8vo., Stuttgart, pp. eral history, geography, and the mathematics. St. Petersburgh, the history and geography of 358.) The three preceding volumes have been These schools are wholly supported by govern the East, the Arabic, Turkish, Persian, Mon- considered by competent judges as the best Germent. Three colleges, divided into several sec-golian, Moldo-Wallachian, Georgian, Armenian, man history of education; and this new volume, tions; the two colleges of the mosques of the and Tartar languages; and at Casan, the Arabic, which is devoted to the universities, will probSultans Achmet and Selim, for those destined for Persian, Turco-Tartar, Mongolian, Chinese, Mand-ably be found of equal value. There are so the civil service; the college of the mother of joor, Sanserit, and Armenian languages. many persons in Germany of the name of the Sultan, founded in 1850, for the study of the A change was announced, on the 5th of No- Raumer prominently interested in public educahigher branches of diplomacy and administra-vember last, which will render the study of tion, that care is necessary to distinguish betion; a normal school for teachers; the medical these languages more than ever important in tween them. One is Minister of Public Instruc

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NORTON'S LITERARY GAZETTE.

tion in Prussia, another is Professor of History in the university of Berlin, and two others are professors in the university of Erlangen, in Bavaria. It is one of the latter, Kail von Raumer, who is the author of the work above cited,

The official catalogue of the university of Berlin has just been published, giving the following particulars in regard to the number of matriculated and not matriculated students now in attendance upon the lectures in that, perhaps the best, university of Germany.

Of the former, (matriculated students,) the Theological Faculty numbers 216, of whom 42 are foreigners.

The Law Faculty numbers 659, of whom 113 are foreigners.

The Medicine Faculty numbers 280, of whom 44 are foreigners. The

Philosophical Faculty numbers 329, of whom

108 are foreigners.

Total matriculated students 1484, of whom 307 are foreigners.

her face to face, she can never be forgotten; and comfortable retirement. He has left to that city
to the many who have never heard the sound of several considerable sums for public purposes,
her voice, and have known her only through her under the condition that his skeleton should be
charming pages, she must be missed like a friend." exhibited in the Cabinet of Natural History of
From the Athenæum we take the following. In Berne, as a palpable confirmation of the beneficial
the obituary of last month (Nov.) we have to in-effects of gymnastics on the human body.
clude the name of Mr. GABRIEL ALEXANDER, for
some years editor of The Monthly Review. He died
on the 26th ult., aged 62.-Here too may be

Monumental.

Professor FORBES. The Committee appointed to a "Forbes Testimonial" have adopted arrange for

the double form of memorial-medal and prize of books, and a bust. The prize is to be annual, to be given "to the most distinguished student of Natural History in the Government School of

Mines."

noticed the decease, at a venerable age, of Captain MANLY, whose publications and discoveries on the saving of human life in shipwreck have given his name so honorable a notoriety.- -The name of Mr. BRODIE CRUIKSHANK, author of "Eighteen Years A memorial bust of the Rev. Dr. CROLY has just on the Gold Coast," must also be added to the list of deaths. been completed, in marble, by Mr. Behnes, and the MARTIN JOSEPH ROUTп, D. D., the venerable Pre-Committee interested with the commission have sident of Magdalen College in the University of expressed their entire satisfaction with the result. There is every reason to believe that, at last, Oxford, and author of the "Reliquæ Sacræ," died December 22. Born in September, 1755, he had BENJAMIN FRANKLIN will receive the needless, yet almost completed his century of life. He succeed-just compliment, of a monumental statue. In Janed Dr. George Horne to the Presidency of Magda-uary, 1854, a Committee of Bostonians was aplen in 1791, and at his death had held the office pointed to select a model and to report upon the sixty-three years. The English papers have in-subject, with a view to the immediate execution of dulged in many historical reflections naturally sug- the work. On the last anniversary of Franklin's gested by the death of a centennarian-and, as birth-day, the Committee made a full and satisfaclinked with the life of a man in Dr. Routh's pository report, stating that $15,600 had been collecttion, such reflections must necessarily be closely ed, and a contract entered into with Richard J. allied with literature. He was a man of deep learn- Greenough, Esq., for the completion of the work, ing, uniformly courteous, and even to the young- according to the following design: A granite base, est, accessible. The Episcopal Church of the Uni- with the full length figure of Franklin standing, ted States is indebted to him, instrumentally, for with a cane in his right hand, and his hat under On the base there will be four basThe Emperor of Austria has just decreed the its origin; for he it was who, seventy years ago, his left arm. establishment of a seminary for the study of induced SAMUEL SEABURY to seek Episcopal ordi- reliefs representing different scenes in the life of Austrian history. It is to be under the direc-pation from the hands of the Scotch church. tion of Professor Adalbert Jâger, Professor of the History of Austria in the University of Vienna; and the arrangements will be made for its opening in the course of the next school year.

There are besides 618 not matriculated students, making the whole number in attendance upon the lectures 2,102.

There are about twenty-five American students attending lectures in Berlin, the larger part of whom are matriculated as members of the Philosophical department.

RECENT DEATHS.

Dr. GEO. F. TURNER died at Corpus Christi, of Yellow fever, on the 17th of October, aged 40. He was the author of some interesting medical contributions to the Medical Journals.

Dr. ROBERT SEMPLE, whose death occurred in California on the 25th of October last, was among the earliest emigrators to that state. In connection with Walter Colton, he established the first newspaper in California, in 1846.

The Illustrated London News of Jan. 6th, contains a likeness of this venerable man as he appeared shortly before his decease.

Franklin.

"Ben

jamin and Deborah Franklin." Would it not be well for New Yorkers to make a move in the same direction with our sister city.

The names of Hon. R. C. Winthrop and Hon. certain and satisfactory completion of the proposed Abbott Lawrence are a guarantee, at once, of the Sir ADAM FERGUSON, the friend of Scorr, and a memorial of him whose grave now bears at its man of note among the literary and convivial cir-head a stone with the simple inscription, cles of the last generation, died recently at the age of eighty-four. His intimacy with Scott began in early life, and was only terminated by the death of the great novelist. Ferguson served with the Duke of Wellington in several campaigns-having entered the army in the early part of the present century. He was honored with Knighthood by George IV. on the occasion of his majesty's visit to Edinburgh in 1822. Ferguson is said to have had at his command a vast fund of Scotch anecdote, which he was fortunate enough to be able to use to great advantage in conversation.

Continent.

Madam SALLY S. WOOD, the first authoress in From the French papers we learn the recent Maine, died at Kennebunk, Me., January 6th, at the advanced age of 95 years and 3 months. She death of M. LEON Faucher, by typhus fever. M. was in every respect a lady of the old school. Her Faucher, thus suddenly removed, though scarcely labors in literature date back many years-when 55 years old, has left a name among the literateurs she wrote "Tales of the Night;""Ferdinand and of his native land, as the author of "Etudes sur Almira;" and "Amelia, or, the Influence of Vir-L'Angleterre," and as conductor, for several years, tue;" together with other novels, yet in manu- of the Courrier Française; of late, he has written script, and unpublished.

England.

MARY RUSSELL MITFORD-whose charming and cheerful pictures of country life have won her a name and a place at every fireside—whose list of literary friends included nearly every great name in her day—and whom to mention calls up delightful memories-but whom to be obliged to mourn is sadness itself-died in Swallowfield, January 10th, aged 66 years. Her talent was of a peculiar cast; and the school of writing which she created found hosts of admirers. It has been well said of her, that "no female writer of our day has been so loved as Mary Mitford. To the few who have seen

little, except an occasional article on Political Eco-
nomy in the Revue des Deux Mondes. He has also
played a leading part in politics, and was at one
time a Cabinet Minister.

From Paris we hear of the death of VICTOR HEN-
NEQUIN, and M. BAOUR LORMAIN, an Ad member of
The former has written a crazy
the Academy.
book, called "Let us Save the Human Race;" and
also the first volume of a book on "Religion."
M. Lormain was author of "Poesies Galliques,”-
a translation of Tasso's "Jerusalem délivrée," and
also of some Ossianic poems.

Capt. CLIAS, a well-known Teacher of Gymnas-
tics, not only in France and Switzerland, but in
England, died lately, at Berne, where he lived in

Library Intelligence.

The Annual Report of the New York Mercantile Library Association has just been issued. members is 4,603; the total accessions for the We ascertain from it that the present number of year 1854 being 1,216, only 411 having withdrawn during the same period. The expenditures for 1854 amounted to $10,214 09; of which $2,074 17 was spent for books, $944 90 for periodicals, and $381 22 for binding, besides $212 from the Demilt legacy. The number of volumes added by donation 142, and by purchase 2,267; of which 90 are folios and quartos, 767 octavos, and 1,552 duodecimos. In the department of Fiction, there have been added 923 volumes; History, Biography, and Travels, 562; Mental and Moral Philosophy, 512; Political Science, Law, &c., 130; Theology, 114; Technology, 82; Natural Science, 48; Medicine, 37. The Association is in a very prosperous condition. At the late election, George C. Wood was chosen as the President; John Crerar, as VicePresident: Jos. C. Morton, as Corresponding Secretary; Geo. S. Partridge, Jr., as Recording Secretary. This Association has presented Mr. Benton with a silver pitcher, valued at $200, in consideration of his recent lecture before them.

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