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LITERARY RETROSPECT.

AMERICA.

Philology.

Noah Webster, Esq. author of several valuable works, has lately published a compendious Dictionary of the English Language, in which five thousand words are added to the number found in the best English compends; the orthography is, in some instances, corrected, the pronunciation marked by an accent, or other suitable direction, and the definitions of many words amended and improved. For the benefit of the merchant, the student, and the traveller, the following Tables are added:-1. Tables of the monies of most of the commercial nations in the world, with the value expressed in sterling and cents. 2. Tables of weights and measures, ancient and modern, with the proportion between the several weights used in the principal cities of Europe. 3. Divisions of time among the

Jews, Greeks, and Romans, with a table exhibiting the Roman manner of dating. 4. An official list of the post-offices in the United States, the counties in which they are situated, and the distance of each from the seat of government. 5. The number of inhabitants in the United States, with the amount of exports. 6. New and interesting chronological tables of remarkable events and discoveries.

Mr. N. G. Dufief, of Philadelphia, has published a work entitled Nature Displayed in her Mode of teaching Language to Man; or a new and infallible method of acquiring a language in the shortest time possible, deduced from the analysis of the human mind, and consequently suited to every capacity: it is adapted to the French language. Mr. Dufief adopts as a principle, that languages are most readily acquired by the ear, by memory, and practice; or, as it is usually termed, by rote. Several instructors in different parts of the United States now teach the French language on Mr. Dufief's principles,

Theology.

The Rev. Abel Flint, pastor of a church in Hartford, has translated a volume of Sermons selected from Massillon and Bourdaloue: the work also comprises a spiritual paraphrase of some of the Psalms, in the form of devout meditations and prayers.

Topography.

Mr. R. Munro has published at New York a Description of the Genessee Country in that State: it notices its situation, extent, civil divisions, soil, minerals, productions, lakes and rivers, curiosities, climate, navigation, trade, and manufactures, population, and other interesting information relative to that Country: an appendix contains a description of the military lands.

FRANCE,

M. Azuné has published a Dissertation on

the origin of the compass, in order to prove that the French were the first who made use of it: it was known in France so early as the twelfth century, under the name of marinière; it was used under the reign of Lewis IX. Givia d'Amflai, who is said to be the inventor, lived not earlier than about the year 1300. The flower-de-lis has been adopted in all countries for the compass. The samne author, in his Navigation, observes, that "Father Ximenes, a celebrated Italian astronomer, proved the priority of the French, in his work entitled, Del Gnomone Fiorentino;

p. 59."

GERMANY.

Chemistry.

M. Fröhlich, in Berlin, has published a German translation, by F. Wolff, of T. Thomson's (of Edinburgh) System of Chemistry, in four volumes, froin the second English edition.

The translator of this work has proved throughout that he possesses not only a coinpetent knowledge of the English language, but an intimate acquaintance with the subject of the work. The sense of the original is strictly kept to. The remarks are appropri ate, in part complete later discoveries, and in part elucidate some passages of the original. Miscellanies.

M. Geisler, artist, and travelling companion of the celebrated Pallas, assisted by M. J. Richter, who published, two years ago, Miscellanies relating to Russia, has published a work entitled (Spiele und Belustigungen der Russen) The Sports and Pastimes of the lower classes of the Russians: it is printed in folio, on vellum paper, and embellished with twelve coloured plates. This may be regard ed as a continuation of the works published at the same place, entitled, Picturesque Travels in Russia; and, the Manners, Customs, and Dresses of the Russian People.

History.

At Pest, in Hungary, M. Martin George Kovachich has published the first part of a collection of small unpublished Pieces of Hungarian History. This first part contains six pieces: these M. Kovachich proposes to continue, as he says there are more than one thousand of them well worth publishing. This work is a kind of supplement to Mr. Kovachich's former work in two volumes, Scriptores Rerum Hung. minores. It is pub lished in the German language.

Mathematics.

M. von Muhr, of Nurenburg, has sent to his Majesty the Emperor of Russia three manuscripts of the great mathematician Johannes Regiomontanus, together with some rare printed works of the same author; these have been placed in the Imperial library, and M. von Muhr, has been honoured by his Majesty with a present of a superb brilliant ring.

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Mr. Gifford's edition of Ben Jonson is ready for the press; he has been assisted greatly by some manuscripts of the late Mr. Whalley.

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which will be issued every fortnight. Price of each number 1s. 6d.

A Catalogue of the Particulars of the MSS. Collations and Books with MSS. Notes, of the late James Philip D'Obville, Esq. purchased by the University of Oxford in 1805, for £1025, will shortly be printed.

A Catalogue Raisonnée of the very extensive and valuable collection of Books deposited in the British Museum, is in contemplation; and it is hoped that it will not be long before the public will be favoured with a specimen of it.

Mr. Lawrence, of St. Bartholomew's Hospital, has in the press a translation from the German of Blumenbach's Comparative Anatomy, with numerous additional notes.

A new work is nearly ready, by Dr. Barclay, of Edinburgh, on Muscular Motion.

Speedily will be published, in one quarto volume, a Pathological Disquisition concerning the Gout, by George Lipscomb, surgeon.

G. Dyer begs leave, through the medium A new edition of Dr. Lind on the Diseases of the Literary Panorama, to apprize his of Hot Climates is in the press, and will be friends and the public, that he is proceeding with the Inquiry into the State of the Pub-published in the course of the spring. lic Libraries of this Kingdom," which was announced by him some time ago. He had free access to various public libraries in different parts of England, and has visited every one of those in Scotland. The Inquiry will make three volumes, and comprehend a short account of every public library, of a particular description, in the island, with biographi-practice; including clinical histories of Diabetes, Chronic Rheumatism, and Hydrophobia.

press,

cal sketches, and literary observations.
Mr. Banks has a little volume in the
entitled a Manual of Nobility.
A fourth volume of the Lounger's Com-
monplace Book is in preparation.

New and enlarged editions of the Rev. Mr.
Daniel's Rural Sports are in great forward-

ness.

Mr. Isaac Crookenden has just completed for publication a Treatise on the Human Soul, in which he controverts many opinions of Mr. Drew, Dr. Priestley, and other writers.

The Works of Sallust, translated by the late Arthur Murphy, Esq. will be published immediately.

Mr. Bryant's celebrated work on Heathen Mythology is reprinting.

Mr. Kidd has collected all the scattered remains of that eminent critic Ruhnkenius, and is about to publish them under the title of Opuscula Ruhnkeniona.

The Musical Essays by Dr. Callcott, are in great forwardness, and will be published in the course of the year.

The prospectus of a new periodical work, to be published by subscription, has just appeared. It is to consist of a series of short and simple essays and songs, calculated progressively to assist the musical education of young ladies at boarding schools, it will be called The Musical Mentor, or St. Cecilia at School; by Mr. Dibdin. The publication will consist of twenty-six numbers, one of

Dr. Bardsley, physician to the Manchester Infirmary, will speedily publish a Selection of Medical Reports of Cases, Observations, and Experiments, chiefly derived from hospital

Dr. P. A. Wilson, of Worcester, has nearly ready for publication an Essay on the Nature of Fever.

Speedily will be published the Modern Practice of Physic, which points out the Characters, Causes, Symptoms, Prognostics, Morbid Appearances, and improved method of treating the diseases of all climates, by Robert Thomas, M.D.: second edition, revised, altered, and enlarged.

Rev. Mr. Crutwell, of Bath, has, for several years past, devoted his whole time to preparing a new edition of his General Gazetteer, which is in the press.

The second edition of Rev. Lant Carpenter's Geography of the New Testament is in the press.

R. H. Peckwell, Esq. Barrister at Law, who has published a Collection of Cases of Contested Elections of the last Parliament, is engaged on a Treatise upon the Laws of Elections, with a Collection of the Statutes, Re solutions of the House of Commons, &c. relative to those subjects.

Mr. Parkinson will shortly publish a new and enlarged edition of his Experienced Farmer.

The London Booksellers are engaged in bringing out a Translation of Cicero's Works, which will be sold separately, as well as collectively.

The Clarendon press is about to issue The Public Orations of Demosthenes, with various readings and notes; two volumes octavo. Speedily will be published, A History of Birds, for the use of young people, by the late

Mrs. Charlotte Smith.

The seventh volume of Dr. Shaw's Zoo

logy, containing Birds, is nearly ready for publication.

Mr. Southey's Specimens of English Poetry, in continuation of Mr. Ellis's much admired works, will appear this month.

A new translation of the Epistles of Ovid is in the press, from the pen of the late Rev. Mr. Fitzthomas.

Partonepex de Blois, a poem in three books, with notes from the French of M. le Grand, by William Steward Rose, Esq. will appear very soon from the press of Ballantyne, of Edinburgh; with fine engravings from paintings by Smirke, Esq. jun. in which the costume of the time has been an object of un

common attention.

Mr. Nathaniel Howard, of Plymouth, has completed a translation, in blank verse, of the Inferno of Dante, with notes.

A new edition of Warton's History of English Poetry is preparing for the press; it will be continued to the time of Pope.

The volume of Poems by Mr. Thomas Noble, of Blackheath, will not be much longer delayed. He has added a canto to the principal poem (entitled Blackheath, or a Morning Walk in the Spring of 1804), which embraces a variety of subjects, commerce and agriculture. A translation of the first book of the Argonautica of C. Valerius Flaccus, concludes the volume, in quarto, ornamented with views on and near Blackheath, by Mr. William Noble, and engraved by Mr. Samuel Noble (both brothers of the author), and with wood cuts, as vignettes, by Austin. Price 24s. The prospectus forms a handsome specimen of the type and engraving.

Dr. Percy, of St. John's College, nephew to the Bishop of Dromore, is preparing, with his approbation, a fourth volume of the Reliques of Ancient English Poetry.

Wm. Wordsworth, Esq. author of Lyrical Ballads, has nearly ready for publication the Orchard Pathway, a collection of Poems.

Mr. Northmore has been for a considerable time engaged in writing an Epic Poem, to be completed in ten books, entitled Washington, or Liberty Restored.

Sir John Sinclair, Bart. and a Translation from the Italian of the Abbé Cesarotti's Critical Dissertation on the Controversy respect ing their authenticity, with notes and a supplemental Essay, by John M'Arthur, LL.D. three vols. roval octavo.

Mr. Byerly's long promised volume of Poems may be expected to make its appearance about the middle of the present month.

A novel, entitled Griffith Abbey, by the late Mrs. C. Mathews, is in the press; two volumes.

Soon will be published, Gabriel Forester, or the Deserted Son, by J. Lathy.

Mr. Belfour, translator of the Musica, and Fabulas Literarias of Yriarte, is about to publish a new and improved edition of Jarvis's version of Don Quixote, embellished with superb engravings, and illustrated by notes historical, critical, and literary, from the pens of Mayans, Bowles, Vicente de los Rios, Pellicer, and other able commentators: containing remarks on the life and writings of Cervantes, anecdotes of his contemporaries, and particularly of the manners, customs, and state of literature of the time in which he lived; forming a faithful, spirited, and classical edition of that immortal work.

Mr. Byerly's translation of M. de St. Venant's popular novel of Leopold de Circé, or the effects of Atheisin, will be published in the present month.

Mrs. Pilkington is engaged on a novel entitled Ellen, Heiress of the Castle.

The Benevolent Monk, a novel, by the author of the Knight, will soon appear.

The author of the Family in Switzerland will soon publish a novel entitled the Soldier's Family.

Mrs. Byron, authoress of Anti-Delphine, will shortly produce a novel entitled Drelincourt and Rodalvi, or Memoirs of Two Noble Families.

The author of Louisa, and the Orphan of Lenox Abbey, is preparing for publication a romantic Legend, in two volumes, under the title of Mandeville Castle.

Mr. Dibdin has in the press a novel in three volumes; it will be ready for publication about Easter.

The Ruins of Rigonda, or the Homicidal Father, a romance, is in the press.

A translation of Edward and Annette, from the German of Lafontaine, will be speedily published by I. F. Weise.

In the press, to be published by subscrip- The first number will very shortly be ready tion, A new Translation of Ovid's Metamor- of Illustrations of the most remarkable Scenes phoses into English blank verse by J. J. How-in Scotland, from Pictures by William Scrope, ard, Esq. two vols. Esq. F. L.S. Numbers, each one guinea. Soon will be published, in large quarto, No. I. of the British Gallery of Pictures, in two series. The first series containing a description of the cabinets and galleries of Pictures in Great Britain, embellished with en

Will be published in the present month, The Poems of Ossian in the Original Gaelic, with literal translations into Latin, by the late Robert Macfarlan, A. M. with a Dissertation on the Authenticity of the Pocms, by

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The second, containing a history of painting and its professors, embellished with highly finished specimens from the works of the most celebrated masters, selected from the finest examples in Great Britain; with a descriptive elucidation of the peculiar excellence of each painting, and anecdotes of the pictures. The historical and descriptive part by William Young Ottley, Esq. The engravings by Mr. P. W. Tomkins, historical engraver to her Majesty, who conducts the executive part of the work; Mr. L. Schiavonetti, Mr. A. Cardon, and other eminent engravers: the whole under the superintendance of Henry Tresham, Esq. R. A.

Mr. Edward Orme will publish by subscription An Essay on Transparencies; it will be dedicated, by permission, to her Majesty, and their Royal Highnesses the Princesses the Princesses Augusta, Elizabeth, Mary, Sophia, and Amelia; one large quarto volume, price two guineas.

The same gentleman has issued proposals for a new work, entitled British Field Sports, from drawings by Samuel Howett, to be executed under the direction of Mr. Orme; same size as the Oriental Field Sports, just completed, and in the same manner; in ten monthly numbers, at 21s. each, containing two highly finished coloured engravings.

Mr. Landseer is engraving an Emblematical Monument in honour of Admiral Lord Nelson, in which will be introduced the bust of his Lordship, and allusions to his most 'celebrated victories; from a drawing by P. J. de Loutherbourg, R. A.

Rev. G. S Faber, author of a Dissertation on the Prophecies, is preparing for the press a work on the Restoration of Israel and the Destruction of Antichrist.

Mr. White Wilkinson intends to publish, in the course of a few Wecks, A Review of the Bishop of Llandaff's Two Apologies for Christianity and the Bible.

ing, by subscription, a volume of Sermons by Dr. Benjamin Grosvenor, selected from a collection in the possession of Rev. John Davies, of Lymington, Hants. The volume will contain his most admired Sermons, which are exceedingly scarce, and others equally excellent which are little known. The work will be edited by Mr. Davies; with a recommendatory preface by Rev. David Bogue, A. M.; price seven shillings to subscribers.

Rev. Dr. Mant is printing a small Volume of Lectures on the Occurrences of the Passion Week,

The Rev. William Turner, of Newcastle upon Tyne, has ready for publication, an Abstract of the History of the Bible, for the use of young people, with questions for examination, and a sketch of Scripture geogra phy, illustrated by maps.

Dr. Toulmin, of Birmingham, is preparing a new edition of a scarce and valuable tract, entitled the Student and Pastor, by the Rev. John Mason, A. M. author of the celebrated treatise on Self Knowledge; to this edition it is intended to add the author's Letter to a Young Minister, with notes and enlargements, particularly an Essay on Catechising, by the editor.

A new edition of Harmer's Observations on divers Passages of Scripture, enlarged and cor rected by the Rev. Adam Clarke, A. M. is nearly ready for publication.

The Rev. W. Shrubsole's Christian Memoirs, or New Pilgrim's Progress, the third edition improved, with a Life of the Author, by his son, is in the press.

Lord Valentia, eldest son of the Earl of Mount Norris, repaired a few years since to India, with a view to contribute to the exten sion of science, and to gratify his own curiosity. From Calcutta he repaired overland to Lucknow, and having accepted an invitation from Mr. Paull, an eminent merchant there, he resided at his house during several months, when the rainy season commenced: he was accompanied by that gentleman down the Ganges; and they had an opportunity of be coming acquainted with whatever related to a river so famous in the annals and religious rites of the eastern world. In the course of several years residence abroad, Lord Valentia has visited and examined a large portion of Asia, and has seen parts of Africa. He has made a very valuable collection of whatever is rare or worthy of notice: and we are inform ed that the public will speedily be gratified with an account of his extensive travels, printed at the expence of his lordship; it is supposed that it will consist of two or three volumes in quarto, with a folio volume of engraving: these travels, and those of Dr. Buchanan (announced in our last), will bring us better acquainted with our vast possessions Proposals have been circulated for publish- in Asia.-Comp. Panorama, p. 863.

Mr. W. W. intends also to publish a companion volume to the above, and about the same time, under the title of The Religion of Reason.

Rev. Mr. Hewitt, Fellow of Hertford ColJege, will issue from the Clarendon press, a New Translation of Grotius on the Truth of the Christian Religion. The numerous testimonies in the notes, which, in the edition of the original, now issuing from the same press, are accommodated to editions prior to 1630, will in this translation be adapted to recent editions. A few notes will be added by the translator.

POLITICAL PERISCOPE.

In our last article on this subject, p. 1122, we suggested our doubts as to the extent of those calamities, which report described as having befallen the French arinies in Poland: later information has justified those doubts to more than their full extent. It is however acknowledged on the part of the French, that their force is withdrawn to this side of the Vistula; a retrograde movement, which certainly was not adopted without a cause. We find that cause in the nature of the country, and the privations sufiered by the French armies, which are exposed at the same time to the inclemency of the weather, the disadvantages of marshes and forests, the predatory warfare of their opponents, a war of posts, and a want of Irandy. Whether these sufferings are likely to affect the health of the soldiers, will be the subject of better reasonings than those too pompously displayed to be true, which appear in the French bulletins. In the mean time, an immense army is assembling; from France, from Holland, from wherever it can be spared in Germany: a pretty sure proof that the former army has proved inadequate to its purpose. Nor is this all: for French intrigue has excited Turkey to a struggle with Russia: for what purpose?-that a portion of the Russian army may be drawn away from opposing the French forces, in Poland, to keep the Turks in check. To counterbalance this in part, at least, Britain has sent a fleet of eight or ten capital ships to visit Constantinople, and to cruize in the Black Sea. The effect of this fleet may be considerable: it is certainly very embarrassing to the French party in the Divan and the least result of its operations, will be a command of the supplies which reach Constantinople by water. These are two thirds of its consumption. We say nothing as to offensive proceedings, because we hope they may be dispensed with: and because we mean to state the opportunities afforded by the nature and defences of the coast, with the condition of their works, and the character of their defenders, from sources not known in this country; some of them derived from M. S. Journals of British officers; others from surveys made under the direction of Buonaparté; and for his use.

Sweden still holds Stralsund, and the probability is, that the French cannot spare an army to besiege it: but should they be able so to do, the affair would be serious.

Denmark remains as it did: it may thank Danish bravery at the battle of Copenhagen, in part, for its tranquillity: the French respect that bravery, which they have not yet bought.

Holland is mortified by the loss of Curassoa; the particulars of which capture we have given neither are its expectations improved by the loss of its spice ships, as reported from Batavia: they cost 1,000,000 dollars.

Spain has, after a manner, regained the colony of Buenos Ayres: we doubt much whether the gain proves permanent; and moreover, whether this instance of colonial exertion will ultimately benefit the mother country. Had the mother country herself effected this recovery, the action had been diffe

rent, and so had the event been, also: but now the colonies have given a proof of their strength, which will not escape recollection, at some future period. We shall be extremely sorry, if fact should justify what is whispered as to the misbehaviour toward the inhabitants of some part of the British forces at Buenoз Ayres. We are reluctant to give these reports credit:-but, if they be true

Sir Home Popham is arrived in England from Rio de la Plata, where he left the British army encamped at Maldonado, after a

feeble attack on Monte Video. We have every reason to expect further advices of importance from these places, in a short time. Sir Home is under arrest, and will It is understood, inorcover, that Governor be tried by a Court Martial, without delay. Patton at St. Helena, is also suspended, for weakening the defence of that island, by furnishing troops for the expedition against Buenos Ayres. We hope, nevertheless, that these evils will end in good.

Malta and Italy continue much as before : but the importance of Malta as a place of refreshment for our ships in the Levant, and as giving a command over the Morea, and other parts of the Turkish dominions, will be felt very sensibly, should Britain have occasion to exert her power in those seas.

We understand by recent information that India is quiet: long may it continue so.

Russia, for self-defence, will meet Buonaparté with corresponding numbers; and with America has, it is said, settled her differforces, some of them of a peculiar descrip- ences with us: but on what terms is not tion. We have no fear for the behaviour of publicly known. Our merchants and shipthe Russian troops; the superior skill of their owners, are not perfectly easy on the subject. commanders remains to be decided by events. We shall be glad to hear, that the system adopted holds Buonaparté in check: when his advance is rendered impossible, he is on the very point of being beat-when the French have nothing to brag of, they are discomfited: if they do not gain, they lose,

If the voice of humanity could be heard amid the clashing discordances of politics, we would willingly raise that voice: but, alas! for the hopeless sufferings of mankind, when a savage thirst of blood deludes their rulers, under the disgraceful disguise of, would-beglorious ambition!

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