sulting from academical education, and lauded the generosity of all the benefactors to this University; but more particularly Archbishop Sheldon, the founder of the Theatre. He then set forth the pre-eminence of the toga, and the striking political advantages derived from the pursuit of Literature, by preserving the love of subordination and decorum, eradicating superstition, dispelling the clouds of ignorance, and rescuing human nature from the shackles of barbarism. He spoke with increased fervour in praise of the admirable system of Government adopted in this country, and more particularly of the great patronage and encouragement which this University had derived at its fostering hands; and which, in turn, it had dispersed among its own members. The Orator concluded amidst the plaudits of one of the most numerous audiences we have witnessed since the installation of the present Chancellor.

The Prize Compositions were recited. The Latin Essay, spoken by Mr. Edward Wickham, Fellow of New College, was on the subject of "The Condition of Slaves among the Ancients." This Treatise evinced considerable mastery of the Latin tongue, and deep research in classic lore. We were particularly gratified in observing the patriotic enthusiasm with which the youthful speaker terminated his Essay, by complimenting his own country on having set to the world the glorious example of considering all men as equally free, whatever may be their colour, their clime, or their national manners. This was followed by the recital of the Latin Prize Poem: the subject "Geology,' which was handled with considerable skill in versification, and much poetic genius, although the subject, however interesting, seemed to offer but little scope for classical composition. The reader will readily conceive, that these elegant verses were listened to with peculiar pleasure in a University which reckons among its brightest ornaments many deep indagators of the science which formed the theme, and a Professor who has caused the name of Oxford to be known and honoured from the banks of the Neva to the shores of the Atlantic.

Mr. C. A. Plumer, Fellow, and B. A. of Oriel, (the same gentleman who in 1821 gained the Latin Essay, "de Auguriis et Auspiciis apud Antiquos,") then read the English Essay on Public Spirit;" in which he evinced considerable patriotic feeling, in offering as a subject of public spirit, the purity of our Religion, the admirable Constitution of our Government, and the equitable administration of our Laws.

"Stonehenge," the Newdigate Prize Poem, followed. It was most eloquently repeated by the young Poet, Mr. Thomas Stokes Salmon, of Braseunose. These ele

(June,

gant lines are printed in p. 549. With this Poem the duties of the Convocation ended.

Ready for Publication.

No. I. of Roman Antiquities: or the Da robrivæ of Antoninus identified, in a Series of Plates, illustrative of the Excavated Remains of that Roman Station at Castor, with Plates of the Mosaic Pavements, &c. By E. T. ARTIS. (See vol. XCII. i. p. 483.)

A Course of Lectures, delivered at the Royal Institution of Great Britain, on the engraved Hieroglyphics of Chaldea, Egypt, and Canaan, by JOHN LANDSEER, Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries; Member of the London Royal Academy of Arts, and Engraver to the King. Illustrated with Engravings of Babylonian Cylindear, and other inedited Monuments of Antiquity.

A Visit to Spain; detailing the Transactions which occurred during a Residence in the latter part of 1822, and the first four months of 1823; with an Account of the Removal of the Court from Madrid to Seville; and general Notices of the Manners, Customs, Costume, and Music of the Country. By MICHAEL QUIN, Esq.

History and Description of Westminster Hall; with a plan of the Hall, and an Elevation of the Northern Portal.

Poetical Sketches, with Stanzas for Music, and other Poems. By Mr. ALARIC A. WATTS. (See p. 432.)

The Religious World Displayed; or a View of the four grand Systems of Religion; namely, Christianity, Judaism, Paganism, and Mahommedism; and of the various existing Denominations, Sects, and Parties in the Christian World. By the Rev. R. ADAMS, M. A.

A Series of Lectures upon the Elements of Chemical Science, lately delivered at the Surrey Institution, comprising the Basis of the new Theory of Crystallization, &c. By G. GURNEY.

Observations made during a Residence in the Tarentaise and various Parts of the Grecian Pennine Alps, in Savoy, and in Switzerland and Auvergne, in the Years 1820, 1831, and 1822, with Remarks on the present State of Society, Manners, Religion, Agriculture, Clime, &c. By ROBERT BLAKEWELL, Esq.

A Geognostical Essay on the Superposition of Rocks in both Hemispheres. By M. DE HUMBOLDT. And translated into English, under his immediate Inspection.

A Picturesque Voyage round Great Britain, containing a series of Views illustrative of the Character and prominent Features of the Coast. By W. DANIELL, A.R.A.

Sketches of the Lives of Correggio and Parmegiano, with Notices of their principal Works.

Description of an Electrical Telegraph, and of some other Electrical Apparatus: with Eight Plates. By FRANCIS RONALDS. Brethollet

1.823.7

Berthollet on Dyeing. Translated from the last Parisian Edition; with copious Notes, by ANDREW URE, M. D. F. R.'S. Emancipation, a Poem in two Cantos, embellished with explanatory notes, and five caricature designs.

The Correspondent's Assistant, or Familiar Letter Writer; being a selection of Letters from the Works of the most elegant and esteemed Authors, upon all the useful and generally interesting occurrences of life: to which is added the Secretary's Guide.

The Young Countess, a Tale for Youth. Miscellaneous Collections, forming a fourth volume to the Lounger's Common Place-Book.

Preparing for Publication.

At Copenhagen, two literary men of the same name, Messrs. HOLST, the one a Doctor of Laws, well known in Denmark by his writings, the other a Doctor of Medicine, intend to publish a periodical journal, to be called "Musee du Nord,' in order to apprise German readers of the best literary productions of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.

A Bengalee version of Todd's enlarged edition of Dr. Johnson's Dictionary is in a course of publication in India. The public

is indebted for this laborious and useful work to the conjoint labours of Baboo Ram Comul, sen. and Mr. Felix Carey.

Facetiæ Cantabrigienses; Anecdotes, Smart Sayings, Satires, &c.; by or relating to celebrated Cantabs: being a Companion to the Cambridge Tart.

A Dictionary of all Religions, and Religious Sects, Antient and Modern; also, of Ecclesiastical History and Theological Controversy. By Mrs. HANNAH ADAMS.

The New Mercantile Assistant, and General Cheque Book, containing Nine copious and distinct Sets of Tables. By Mr. WRIGHT, Accountant.

Life of Sheridan. By Mr. Moore. Original Views of the Collegiate and Parochial Churches of Great Britain; with Historical and Architectural Descriptions. By J. P. NEALE and J. LE KEUX.

A new Edition of the Decameron of Boccacio, from the original text from the MS. of Manelli. By Mr. BIAGIOLI, Author of several esteemed elementary works on the Italian Language.

The Author of the Farmer's Boy is about to re-appear in a small work, entitled Hazlewood Hall, a drama, in three acts, interspersed with songs.

Ellen Gray, or the Maiden's Curse, a Poem. By the late Dr. ARCHIBALD MACLEOD.

543

tended than could have been expected.Among the founders and fellows of the Institution present were, the Bishops of St. David's, Chester, and Lincom, Archdeacons Nares and Prosser, Sir James Mackintosh, M.P., the Hon. Henry Windsor, the Rev. Drs. Richards and Symmons, Rev. George Croly, A. I. Impey, Prince Hoare, Taylor Combe, Wm. Tooke, Esqrs. and several other well-known literary characters.

The business of the day was opened by a very neat and perspicuous inaugural address from the Bishop of St. David's, who concisely stated the proposed objects of the Society, and the singular but admitted fact, that while every department of art and science had a rallying point for concentrating and diffusing information, by a union of persous of similar tastes and pursuits, the interests of general literature and belles lettres had not yet thus acquired a local habitation or a name in this country: the Bishop concluded his address by apprising the meeting of the deep interest evinced by his Majesty in the welfare of the new Society, and the munificent contribution proposed to be made by him in aid of its object, and his gracious approval of the constitution and laws of the Society, as prepared by the provisional council, on which occasion the Rt. Rev. Chairman had been honoured with the following letter from Sir Wm. Knighton, under the sanction of the sign manual. My LORD, G. R.

Carlton Palace, June 2.

I am honoured with the commands of the King, to acquaint your Lordship that his Majesty most entirely approves of the constitution and regulations of the Royal Society of Literature, as submitted by your Lord, with great respect and esteem, your Lordship. I have the honour to be, my Lordship's most faithful and sincere ser

vant,

-

W. KNIGHTON.

The Secretary then read the constitution and regulations as so approved, and which appear well-calculated to extend and perpetuate the influence of the Society thus instituted as stated in the preamble "For the advancement of Literature: By the publication of inedited remains of ancient literature, and of such works as may be of great intrinsic value, but not of that popular character which usually claims the attention of Publishers: By the promotion of discoveries in literature: By endeavours to fix the standard as far as is practicable, and to preserve the purity of our language by the critical improvement of our Lexicography: By the reading at public meetings, of interesting papers on History, Philosophy, Poetry, Philology, and the Arts, and the publication of such of those papers as shall be approved of in the Society's Transactions: By the assigning of honorary rewards to works of great literary merit, and to important discoveries in literature: And by establishing a corres

pondence,

544

pondence with learned men in foreign countries, for the purpose of literary inquiry and information." .”—As a main auxiliary towards the attainment of these objects his Majesty has been pleased to assign to ten Associates, to be recommended by the Council, the annual sum of one hundred guineas, each payable out of the privy purse, and also two medals of fifty guineas each, to be adjudged to literary works of eminent merit, and to important discoveries in literature.

The Society, desirous of seconding his Majesty's munificence, have determined on appointing an equal number of Associates out of the funds of the Society, thus constituting ten Royal and ten Society Associates, who are to receive one hundred guineas each annually.

Such Associates will be elected out of a class of honorary Associates, to be nominated by the Council.

After the reading of the constitution and rules of the Society, the Secretary, the Rev. Mr. Cattermole, concluded his labours by reading a prospectus or view of the objects of the Society, and of the necessity experienced in this country for such an institution; the address appears to have been ably drawn up by the provisional Council, and we are enabled to give the following extracts from it.

"The renown which the British Nation has achieved during the late Wars, by the vigour and success of her arms and counsels, and the decisive lead she took in the great struggle for the restoration of European Independence, has irresistibly attracted the attention of the Continent to her national character and institutions; her language is universally diffused, and her Literature is studied by the learned among all the States of Christendom. In our System of Social Order, they will find much to admire and to imitate; in our Reformed Religion, as pure ordinances of worship as are perhaps compatible with the imperfection of our nature in the munificent endow ments of our Public Schools and Universities, an ample provision for instructing our youth in every branch of liberal and scientific learning; for the encouragement and improvement both of the Fine Arts, and those which are applicable to manufactures and commerce, a National Academy of Painting, Sculpture, and Architecture, and a Society of Arts, Manufactures, and Commerce: above all they will find in our Royal Society for improving natural knowledge, an Institution that has by the distinguished genius of its members, and the rapid succession of its brilliant and useful discoveries in science for the last century and a half, reflected a glory on the Nation, never eclipsed or perhaps equalled by the labours of any other Scientific Association. Amongst all these noble and useful Institutions, must it not strike them with astonishment, that there

[June,

has never existed in the British Metropolis a Society for the Encouragement and Improvement of General Learning and Polite Literature?

"The substantial benefits derived from Societies of this nature to those Sciences, which are conversant with the material world, viz. the various branches of Natural Philosophy, Chemistry, Medicine, Agriculture, and the Mechanical Arts, are incon trovertible, and universally admitted. What good or plausible reason can be assigned why similar advantages may not accrue from similar Societies in those Sciences, which are conversant with the Intellectual World, viz. Grammar, Rhetoric, Criticism, Poetry, History, Morals, and Polity? Are our knowledge and taste on these subjects incapable of augmentation or improvement? or, is there not good reason to believe that both might be essentially benefited by an investigation of their laws and principles with the same caution and the same spirit that have guided our physical inquiries.

"Neither is it to the objects already enumerated that the views and hopes of such s Society may be exclusively confined. In the various Literary Repositaries of this and other countries, innumerable manuscripts lie hid, which can only be made useful by being examined and brought to light. It has been a prevailing and laudable ambition for some ages, not only among learned, but among great and opulent men throughout Europe, to collect these treasures, but no progress proportional to their importance has yet been made in examining, interpreting, and comparing them, and in applying them to their proper uses. In the Bodleian Library alone, employment might be furnished for more than one generation of Students, before its accumulations could be even rightly appreciated. To the British Museum a similar observation may be applied; and when we reflect on the innumerable public and private collections of a similar nature subsisting in this kingdom, we cannot reasonably doubt that if due encouragement were given to the working of these mines of knowledge, the product of them would incalculably enrich every branch of polite and useful learning.

"It was at the close of the year 1820 announced to the Publick, that the outline of an Institution in this Metropolis for the Promotion of General Literature, had been submitted to the consideration of the King, by his Majesty's command,-that his Majesty had been pleased to express in the most favourable terms his royal approbation of the plan proposed,-that he had ho noured the projected Society with the sanction of his exalted patronage, and extended to it his royal munificence. On this foundation it was proposed to establish an institution under the title of the Royal Society of Literature for the Advancement

of

1823.]

of General Literature,' in its widest range and extent. "

"The Society are quite aware that the great objects of their Institution cannot be attained without adequate exertions on their part to establish their character, and to win the esteem and regard of the Public, without yielding to its prejudices: unless such exertions are made it must necessarily sink from its own imbecility. Neither did the Society hope to escape the attacks of prejudice, envy, and self-interest, by which all similar Institutions have in their infancy been assailed; but their trust is, that by steadily pursuing their course, they will soon leave such enemies behind them. Rumours have indeed been disseminated with great industry during the last twelve months, highly injurious to the interest of the Society, which they think it sufficient merely to notice, with an assurance to the Public, that they can, upon the highest authority, announce them to be wholly devoid of foundation.

"One plausible objection has been raised to the establishment of an Institution of this description in the British Capital, which the Society think it incumbent on them to notice. It is objected, that as the frame of their polity is such, as to give rise to incessant controversies on political and religious topics, a Literary Society, under the immediate patronage of the Crown, may be made an instrument of attack or defence of particular sects or parties, according to the passions or interests of its individual members. The Society are sensible that such a suspicion only would be fatal to all the objects they have in view, and they trust that such sense is a sufficient guarantee to the Public, that they will omit no means in their power to preclude the possibility of it. Their hope is that every member of their Society will be actuated by pure principles of religion and virtue, and warmly attached to the religious and political institutions of his country; but the British Constitution has prescribed and furnished adequate means for her own defence, and the Society of Literature, fully convinced that to make their council room an arena for such controversies, would be detrimental to the country, and ruinous to themselves, have made it one of their fundamental regulations to exclude all writings from their notice, that may relate to any temporary controversial topics.

"The great object of the Society is to render the pursuit of Literature honourable in itself, and beneficial in its results to Society, by encouraging a strictly classical taste, an impartial and just system of criticism, pure morality, and sound learning; and, to accomplish this desirable purpose, it is intended to have regular meetings, where men of literature may enjoy the opportunity of mutual intercourse, and may, GENT. MAG. June, 1823.

545

by combination of effort, and union of mind, promote the advancement of those branches of general knowledge, which the Society professes more especially to encourage and cultivate.

"At the stated meetings of the Society, such literary communications as the members or other learned persons may be disposed to make, will be gratefully received, and, if they correspond with the views of the Institution, will be publicly read. And as all information of an original kind, drawn from authentic sources, is valuable, transcripts of inedited Greek, Latin, Saxon, and ancient English manuscripts, conjectural emendations of eminent scholars, interesting selections from the unpublished journals of intelligent travellers, analytical accounts of valuable manuscripts, treasured up in public or private libraries, will be considered as desirable additions to the mass of knowledge, which the Society is anxious to accumulate. From such contributions selections will occasionally be made for publication; such selections will constitute the transactions of the Society, and as they will go forth to the public under the sanction of judges competent to pronounce on their merits, the transactions of the Society will be the depositary of a collection of valuable materials, which will afford important aid in the construction of future histories, and will preserve facts that may be effectual for the establishment of new scientific systems on more solid and permanent bases.

"Such are the principles, and such the objects of the Royal Society of Literature, which they have considered it their duty at the present season to lay before the public. Of the soundness of these principles, and utility of these objects, they are confident; and they call for the assistance of all their fellow-countrymen, who feel a zeal for the interests of Literature, and for those principles of sound reasoning and pure taste, which are inseparably connected with them."

The thanks of the meeting were then voted to the Bishop of St. David's, on the motion of the Bishop of Chester, who made a very appropriate speech on the occasion, and the business of the day was closed by proceeding to the ballot; on the result of which it appeared that the following noblemen and gentlemen were elected officers and council of the Society for the year ensuing.

Council-Marquis of Lansdowne; Right Hon. Lord Grenville; Rt. Hon. Lord Morpeth; Sir Thomas Acland, Bart.; Sir A. Johnstone ; F. Chantrey, Esq.; Taylor Combe, Esq.; Rev. George Croly; James Cumming, Esq.; William Empson, Esq.; Rev. Dr. Gray; Prince Hoare, Esq.; W. Jerdan, Esq.; Rev. Archdeacon Prosser; Rev. Dr. Richards; Rev. C. Sumner.

President―The Lord Bishop of St. Daviďs.

Vice

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Vice Presidents-The Lord Bishop of Chester; the Lord Chief Justice; Right Hon. J. C. Villiers; Hon. G. Agar Ellis ; Sir Gore Ouseley, Bt.; Sir J. Mackintosh; Rev. Archdeacon Nares; Colonel Leake. Treasurer A. E. Impey, Esq. Librarian-Rev. H. H. Baber. Secretary-Rev. Richard Cattermole. METROPOLITAN LITERARY INSTITUTION. The Second Lecture, under the auspices of this Society, was delivered on May 23d, by the Honorary Secretary, Mr. Jennings. It was the first of a series, and the subject "Poetry." It is one on which hundreds of

Lectures have been delivered; but it is still

interesting, and affords a lecturer ample scope for a display of imagination, elegance, and feeling. The room was well attended. COSMORAMA.

This pleasing panoramic exhibition has recently been removed from its obscure situation in St. James's-street, and is now open in Regent-street, where the views have the advantage of being seen by the natural, instead of artificial light, which was formerly adopted. There are two galleries, containing seven pictures each; they are viewed through large panes of glass, which possess extraordinary magnifying powers. So admirably is the optical illusion contrived, that the spectator may readily fancy himself on the actual spot represented. One gallery contains views of remarkable places in Europe; the others those in Asia and Africa. Among the most remarkable, both as a work of art, and for its illusion, is that in which, amidst the dreary region of the Alps, Mont Blanc elevates its summit, covered with eternal snows. There is a living dreariness about this stupendous mountain, where Nature is beheld in all her omnipotence and immensity, that cannot be contemplated without enthusiasm. The views of the Palace of Versailles, and the Cathedral of Cordova in Spain, have also much merit. The jets d'eau in the former are truly admirable. In the gallery of Asia and Africa, is a view of an Egyptian marriage procession, both novel and curious. The same gallery contains three views of the vast ruins of Palmyra; once the magni

[June,

ficent and powerful city of the plain, now fallen and desolate. The Temple of the Sun, in which architecture has lavished all its riches, and which can be put in competition with the most splendid antiquities of Greece and Italy, forms a separate picture remarkable for vigour and fidelity. But the representation of the Mausoleums found in the valley leading to Palmyra, impressed us with the most delightful emotions, which were at the same time associated with a melan

choly interest, naturally arising from the contemplation of these mouldering ruins of distant ages.-This view is taken from the West, not far from the grand Aqueduct; terminates the picture on the left. It is a and near the Sepulchre of Elabelus, which square tower, the shape which has been adopted in all these monuments. It is about 90 feet high, and is divided into four stories, exclusive of the vaults for interment. The inscription is in a frame over the entrance-the principal niche is much higherthe centre is formed of festoons of vines with their grapes-garlands of roses deck the pedestal, which supported the divan, and the prostrate statue of Elabelus. The whole of the interior, even to the pavement, is ornamented with sculpture. Behind this Mausoleum, are several tombs, of which there only remain the foundations, surrounded by their fragments. Nothing is more beautiful, than the greater part of the entablatures of these tombs-the niches elegantly sculptured-the interiors particularly present prostrate statues of old men: whose posture and drapery evince the opulence and refinement of this people.The two tombs near, and on the hill on the left, are entire, but without any exterior ornament. About the centre,, and towards the right, are other tombs which must have been magnificent. The tower on the declivity of the hill on the right, and behind which are several others, is the tomb of Jamblicus, of four stories and 80 feet high.

It may not be improper to hint to the spirited proprietor, and it is the only fault we have to notice, that the attendant exhibitors ought to possess a little more communicative spirit and urbanity of manners, than we observed them to display.