of which we have heretofore informed our readers, held its assembly last summer, at Lausanne, July 27, 28, 29. M. de Chavaunes, President.

These days were spent in hearing lectures on scientific subjects, in botanizing around the environs, and in various philosophical experiments. The place of meeting for next July is appointed to be at St. Gali; and for the following year at Geneva.

ADVANTAGES OF PERIODICAL

LITERATURE.

darkness could not always hold its wide and terrible dominion. Too long had ignorance held sway- that Cadmus of society, that begets disorders, and leaves to the aspiring the uncontrolled ascendant; whilst to the humble it produced that barbarous degradation in which he was so long enchained.

But the invention of Printing soon changed the face of things. Treasures withheld for ages were scattered to the world,-if not with profusion, at all events, with an unsparing hand; and rapid improvement amply recompensed the inspired artist for his discovery, and the learned for their labors. In passing, however, it must be observed, that to the Monks we are en tirely indebted for the preservation of the classic authors. Many have asserted, that what we now read as the works of venerated names, were the fabrications of the cloister; but if the fact be so, they do a singular credit to their authors. We merely notice this, to rescue from general calumny a body of people, who have deserved well of classical literature, and its patrons,→→ however their bigotry in religious matters may subject them to the charge of selfish illiberality.

However the sneers of ill-founded criticism may have slighted or thrown into the shade, Periodical Literature, its advantages have been sensibly felt by every man of thought or of discretion. Men who are iuformed can now more readilyconvey instruction and improvement to the world than heretofore; and add thereby so much to the general stock of human happiness. The learning of early times was too long locked up from general use, and was almost as if placed in some Sanctum sanctorum, accessible only to the privileged High Priests. The common wants were unattended to by the affluent, morally as well as physically speaking; With Printing commenced an almost inand the general miud remained in all its satiable disposition to enquiry. Principles native wildness; on fancy pruned, no imagi: long established, became doubted and disnation regulated, no faculty of the mind cussed; scholastic disputation was indulged called into proper action or display. Before in, almost to excess; but the sphere of gethe divine invention of Printing the dissemi- neral knowledge was enlarged, aud the nation of knowledge was attended with powers of the human mind became more a world of difficulty, and yet it must acute and better known. If theology had still be owned, that the learning of hitherto absorbed the greater attention of the early and middle ages possessed the informed; metaphysics now almost cast but little charms to arrest the fancy, the disputants into the shade-the cele or to satisfy the judgment. Polemics brated Thomists and Scotists, as they were chiefly occupied the learned, or metaphysics termed. With Printing also came the gloof little use, and still less understood. Theo-rious reformation. But as soon as the zeal logy ranged at its side the ablest men, of the times, and speculations about grace or the procession of the Holy Spirit occupied the labors of the monastery and the college. The discovery of the Justinian code gave however a new turn to enquiry, and the thoughts of the learned were directed to legislation. Nothing was written but in Latin:-medicine and physics-theology and ethics, were all discussed and taught in that language. It will be seen that all could not have had it in their power to become sufficient masters of it to receive or to convey instruction, and hence did the people so long remain ignorant of the first principles of philosophy or religion. The learning of the people did not pass beyond the anvil or the plough, or the servile obedience to their rulers, which was invariably pressed on their attention. But such disgraceful

of parties was worn out-after celibacy was decreed immoral—and self-interpretation of the scriptures allowed to all,-the illiterate-the insane-the fanatic and wise man, the combatants left the field of controversy to the Descartes or Mallebranches. The ardour of enquiry opened to itself new channels and men soon pushed their researches even to the discussion of an Almighty Providence. His laws were debated-his nature and attributes examined

and his motives for man's creation not very ceremoniously scrutinized. Finite ca pacities attempted to scan infinity itself; until in the inquiry-the mind startled at its daring, and lost itself in the labyrinth, into which its pride had unfortunately tempted it. Fatigued, however, with contentions on mind, its elements, its powers, and its uses,Nature in her works, in her

bowels, and general phenomena, arrested attention and in this new and entertaining field, men speedily launched their barksand gained considerably by their adventuring.

delight than to be able to state that that ' eminent artist E. F. has arrived in safety from Italy, where the contemplation of the great masters has added new powers even to his magic pencil.'

tion, and will immediately resume her duties in the fashionable world.'

་་

"WE are at once astonished and enrap'tured by J. K.'s last lecture on the diseases of the bladder. We understand he begins 'his new course on the 1st of April next.' And so on through the whole alphabet, and the whole circle of literature, arts and sciences.

But it is not here intended to trace the The public will learn with the same progress of mind, or descant upon the vast- heartfelt satisfaction which we feel in anness of those discoveries, which have tend-nouncing it, that the accomplished Miss ed so much to improve and civilize man-G. H. has recovered from her indisposikind. The task is too difficult to be attempted within the space which can be allotted to such essays; even were the materials for such an effort within the writers immediate reach. But it must still be observed, that Magazines, the great vebicles of periodical literature, have been of the most considerable utility and importance. A Magazine will be read, when the more bulky volume is neglected; suited as In the first place, the joys of Editors are its articles generally are, to "grave and very widely spread and general; in fact, gay, to lively and severe." The adventu- they are made the happiest of living crearer in the field of science, or general liter-tures-by being requested to publish such ature, first launches his little bark in the intimations as the following, sent to them smooth sea of some amusing, and un-by-expressly, as it should seem for their gratifipercritical Magazine; before he ventures into acknowledged publication-that sea, which may possibly be far "beyond his depth." If his daring be greater, and the shaft of criticism be levelled at his labors; though his sensibility be wounded, or his pride insulted-he still attempts, because he is as yet not publicly known; and his vanity prompts him to hazard, without much danger, a new, and, perhaps, a more fortunate production. A Magazine is the first asylum that opens its friendly door to genius, however garbed it be; and relieves it frequently from that embarrassment, into which the res angusta domi may have unfortunately plunged it.

cation.

"WE rejoice to hear that the MS. poem of A. B. is in such a state of forwardness that it may positively be expected to issue from the press this winter.'

'It gives, or affords, us the highest plea sure to be able to state that Mr. C. D. intends to add another book to his exquisite treatise on morbid affections.'

WE are, it is true, sometimes said to be sorry, but in that case there is invariably a hope attached to us, a land of promise at the end of the desert;-thus

We are sorry to find that the Rev. L. M. is prevented by the gout from fiuishA Magazine ising his grand work on the prophecies; but have reason to hope that the delay will be short, and the publication rendered more 'perfect every day it remains in the bands of its classic author.'

a general granary, into which a public stock is thrown, whence every one may freely draw, and at a price much belowthat of the ordinary market.

(To be continued.)

THE PLEASURES AND PAINS OF EDI.
TORS OF PERIODICALS
(A SKETCH.)

"Delightful task."-Thomson.
"Hail plural Unit"-Colman.

Even in the immense metropolis there are not more than a score or two, and in the chief places of the kingdom not a greater number than from one to five of the entire population, who know any thing of the pleasures we are about to describe. To the great majority of readers, therefore, this exposition must possess the grand charm of novelty.

• Nothing could inspire us with greater

WE lament to learn that N. O's famous picture of the Bombardment of Jerusalem will not grace the ensuing Exhibition; but the lovers of the arts will be consoled with us on being informed that it may be seen at his residence No. 717, next door to the Ophthalmia Hospital in 'the Regent's Park, and that many sublime 'touches have recently been added to this inasterly composition."

Being compelled ex officio to sympathize in print with all the hypothetical happiness heaven knows how few in reality!) of Authors, Artists, Players, Lecturers, Publishers, Picture-dealers, Cognoscenti, Exhibitors, Teachers, Fiddlers, and Hunters after popularity of every kind; feeling all

Why not bombard Jerusalem.

their little troubles, and more than partak- | trench ourselves behind the lies of our sering in all their great hopes; watching their vants "not at home,' we are invariably motions, as it were, and recording their pro- dug out, and suffer exposure. Authors, gress with a maternal anxiety; comforting whom our consciences will not allow us to the public when they are not immediately praise, charge us with prejudice, partiality, prominent, with the assurance that they will corruption, illiberality, malevolence, aud shortly be so, and being enraptured with all the deadly sins of human nature. Artists their stupendous merits when they do come are perhaps still more intolerant and greeforward with any labour-these are the dy of praise. Their appetites for flattery mere first links of our intimate connexion are only equalled by their immeasurable with every thing in the above lines. irritability; and woe be to that Critic who does not discover in every daub the colour. ing of Titian, combined with the grandeur of Michael Angelo; in every plaste-model the fancied fire of Phidias, and the imagined beauty of Praxsteles Indeed, we have ascertained that most public characters have such capacious stomachs, for applause, that there is no risk of surfeiting them with panegyric; but, on the contrary much danger of being thought churls and niggardly starvlings for not giving enough. Reviews must be puffs-criticisms must observe no blemishes-biographies must make men

Our opinions are of mighty importance. After seeing the midnight lamp expire in reading P.'s MSS. preparing for the press, we are rapped out of bed at seven o'clock by Q. determined not to present his Medals to the world without consulting us on the merits (so that we too must stand the hazard") of the dye. R. invites us to inspect his show-room six miles off, in a miry suburb, before he erects his national monument to the memory of Tom Thumb the Great, our knowledge of the original and historical information rendering our judgment on the subject so truly desirable. Our meals are interrupted, our retirement broken in upon, our most precious time consumed, our very sick-rooms invaded, by the discoverers of curious papers found where they were never lost, the liberal possessors and ready retailers of scientific information which happens to be no news, the writers of poetry according to their own nomenclature, and the projectors of the most immortal schemes that ever an ungrateful world slighted as absurd and ridiculous.

Then the multitude of especial favours that we receive-each in his sphere! Being chosen as the most appropriate channel for a highly (self) interesting_communication: -the publishers of long Essays written in haste and in want of our kind correction: -the most excellent Paper for an exposition of the greatest consequence to our readers in the improvement of S. T's pa tent:-the respectable medium for answering U's attack on V's important letter:the valuable journal for widely disseminating a specimen of W's intended publication on a question of universal attraction!

It must be confessed that our enjoy. ments are occasionally chequered with some slight regrets. We find elegiac poets very hard hearted, and if we affront them, or even pastoral writers, by not immediately inserting their productions, we are sure of a severe scolding, a heavy postage, and anger everlasting. Antiquarians are also obdurate dogs to deal with if disappointed on the ensuing day of publication, there is no escaping their research and remon strance. In vain do we bury ourselves in the darkest corner of our study, and en

angels!

Then we are occasionally sore beset with temptations. A pretty poetress has just finished her first attempt," Stanzas to a favourite Goldfinch;" and with down-cast blue eyes, a heaving bosom, and a faltering voice, entreats to see it in print. We are martyred between the writer and the writing. Such a supplicant, what man can deny—such a composition, what Editor can insert! A philanthropist has a plan for the relief of the poor-have we not charity to give it place? A reformer produces a scheme for remedying all abuses-have we not patriotism to find room for it! An enthusiast would preach mankind into one blessed group of loving brethren-the Sermons are long and perhaps tedious, but surely our humanity cannot reject them!

And it is often in vain to endeavour to elude these applications with, "Your puetry is charming, but it wants a little polishing to fit it for the public eye"-" Will you be so good as make the necessary alterations.' "It would delight us, but take the merit from you, which must not be.”—' Oh, I am not self-sufficient, and shall be happy to have my errors rectified.' "We will point out two or three slight defects in your exquisite ideas - so and so - - - et cetera." The verses are taken to be altered and we are never forgiven.

And then the Stage and its people! Heaven defend us from it and them! The theatre is a bottomless gulf for panegyric; the more that is poured in the more void it appears, and there is no return. One Shakspeare, who knew them well, has told us we had better have a bad epitaph

dren of iron-grey-it is the grand gusto half-tint, and uot amenable to the laws of nature! We could swell the catalogue, but might be thought personal.

"This is a new mechanical invention→ a fire and water escape, so that you are in no danger in your garret, should your house catch fire, nor in your cellar if it should be flooded. "Observe how the machinery moves." ‹ Yes, in the air, but either fire or water would destroy the very principle of its motion'-"I am sorry that you do not seem to understand the mechanical forces."

after our death, than their ill report while we live; and yet there it no avoiding the latter by the sacrifice of truths on the altar of flattery, though we butcher hecatombs. What is the death of a monarch to an actor's taking leave, overcome by his feelings, supported by his friends, and all the audience, who have them, snivelling into their white handkerchiefs! What is the march of a general at the head of a victorious army, to the peregrinations of a third-rate mime through the provinces! As for the great heroes-if Critics do not laud them with more than eastern adulation, woe be--We are sorry that you do not seem to tide them, their motives are base, and they are the private foes of persons they never saw but on the public stage. Dreading some tragic end to our labours, we dare say no more of these tyrants, who carry the mockery of their profession into their course with real life.

understand the force of our argument’—“ It is very easy to object to useful speculations, but not so easy to escape from the terrors of flood or horiors of conflagration!" Sır, we would rather trust to the resource of Gulliver among the Lilliputians, in both cases, than to your silly machine-Good by t'ye.'

"That is really a fine group, Mr. Sculp tor-the attitudes are easy, the pyramidal We might dramatize a hundred other form studied without affectation, the ani-scenes in which the situation of the Editors mals spirited, and the human figures full of periodical works invariably resembles of nature." But is there no point at which that of handsome women-most perseveryour admirable judgment could oblige me ingly courted, and little attended to when by suggesting an improvement?' "The they come to advise. But we have said whole, we have said, is excellent, yet as enough on the subject; and instead of reno work is absolute faultless, it does seem sorting, as the Fair would do, to a curtain possible to amend the anatomy of that horse's lecture, we shall drop the curtain, behind limbs, and thus improve its position-the which our readers have had a peep such as armour of one of the knights too is rather they may not have had before. heterogeneous, being semi-barbaric, semiGreek, like the St. George on a Pistrucci crown"-"Oh, I beg your pardon, Gentlemen, I am sorry to differ from such superior minds, but I have particularly regarded the

The Gatherer.

No. XXV.

form and attitude of that horse, which is "I am but a gatherer, and dealer in other

indeed the best part of the desigu, and the armour, I assure you, is classically accurate.' We are doomed ignorant pretenders as soon as our backs are turned, and the monument graces St. Paul's, with a crookedlegged Bucephalus and a painted Pict in an Athenian helmet:-very much on a par with the rest of the national monuments (of want of taste) in that Cathedral.

The Painter is equally solicitous for advice, alias praise, and equally wedded to his own system. "That sky is green" Ah! that was necessary for the contrast with these black rocks. "The natural colour is blue." "Surely you would not have a picture look black and blue!' “But these trees are heavy and brown." I must have a neutral tint in that bright sunset.-A picture is entirely yellow, purple, and gold-it is a fine effort of colour. Another has men, women, and babes at the breast, all muscular as Samsons or Herculeses-it is a noble display of anatomical knowledge. A third has men of stone, and dead chil

men's stuff."

Eclipses for the Year 1819.

TO THE EDITORS.

SIRS. The insertion of the following observations will oblige one of your constaut readers:

I am surprised why the Almanack writers give an account of only four eclipses for the year 1819, when it is known there will be six; and for the sake of your curious readers I will here prove it.

It is well known to those who understand astronomy, that when at the true conjunction of the sun and moon, the moon's true latitude is less than the sum of the semidiameter of the earth's disk and penumbra, then the sun must and will be eclipsed. The first eclipse which they have omitted will be of the sun; it will happen on Lady Day, the 25th of March; the true conjunétion of the sun and moon will be between eleven and twelve at night: