FOREIGN LITERATURE. The French society called the Historical Committee of Sciences, have determined on publishing some curious letters written by celebrated men, and which are in the hands of individuals; such as those of Linnæus, in the possession of M. de Jussieu; Gassendi and Descartes, belonging to M. Lebri. Also many of the manuscripts contained in the Royal Library of Paris, among which is the Harmonicon Céleste of Viete, long supposed to be lost. The Royal Academy of Brussels has proposed, as a subject for a prize, a Prosopography (as complete as possible) of the Letters of Libanius. The Prosopographia Codicis Theodosiani, by Ritter; the Prosopographia Platonica, by Groen Van Prinsterer; and especially the Historia Oratorum Græcorum, by Ruhnkenius, are mentioned by the Academy as models, in some respects, to be followed in the composition of such a work. The Royal Academy of Berlin has proposed, as a subject for a prize, an Historical and Critical Account, and a Comparison of the Renovation and Reform of the Ecclesiastical Constitution in the fifteenth century, and of the Political in the eighteenth. The candidates are to give an historical account of the attempts that were made in the fifteenth century for the reform of the Church. They are to treat of the motives and nature of the convocations of the Greek Councils-of their pretensions and rights-of the relations that existed between these Councils and the Pope, the clergy and the laity-of their manner of procedure,-in short, of every thing relating to the object, partly similar and partly different, of the Councils of Pisa, Constance and Basle. Considerations derived from former and later times may help to throw light on the subject. Secondly, to examine the principles by which the councils were directed, and to judge of their practical application. Thirdly, to compare these efforts of the fifteenth century with the political efforts of the succeeding age, in order that we may know exactly what should be looked upon as progressive, and what erroneous or retrograde, in general or in particular, for one period or for all times, and what real advantage has resulted for science and humanity in general. Cardinal Angelo Mai, well known for the skill and industry with which he has discovered many fragments of the works of ancient writers from palimpsest manuscripts, has just published the ninth and tenth volumes of his work, Scriptorum veterum nova collectio e Vaticanis codicibus edita.' The contents of these last GENT. MAG. VOL. XI. two volumes are chiefly theological, but the work, taken altogether, is extremely various and interesting. A still more curious work, perhaps, is the Homeri et Virgilii Picture antiquæ,' or, The Antique Illustrations of the Iliad and the Eneid,' engraved from the MSS. in the Ambrosian Library and Vatican, under the superintendence of the same indefatigable scholar. Hains' Repertorium Bibliographicum, or Catalogue of all the Works printed from the invention of the art to the year 1500, is now completed. This work is said to be much more complete than Panzer's, and includes also works in the German language, which were excluded by Panzer. The indefatigable Bibliographer, M. Renouard, has just published the Annals of the celebrated printers, the Stephenses, on the same plan with his Annales des Alde. To all engaged either in bookselling or in bookbuying, on a liberal scale, this work must be indispensable. The author has greatly improved on his predecessors, both in abundance of materials and in accuracy of arrangement. In a curious note to the Life of Paul Stephens, M. Renouard states that he formerly possessed a copy of Strabo, the Geneva edition of 1587, which had belonged to John Casaubon, whose mother was a daughter of Henry Stephens; this Strabo, which had numerous notes by the learned geographer, Cluverius, was lent by M. Renouard in 1792 to a gentleman then engaged by the University of Oxford in preparing the edition of Strabo afterwards published in 1807. After being without his book for more than twenty years, M. Renouard states that he wrote and applied personally to obtain it, but without success; at length, in 1825, the gentleman who had accidentally become its possessor by purchase, Mr. T. W. Moss, of Magdalen Hall, having learnt that it belonged to M. Renouard, it was immediately returned; and thus the exile arrived at its home after an absence of thirty-four years. The first part of a new edition of Plato, to be completed in one volume 4to. has just appeared at Zurich, under the editorial care of Messrs. Baiter, Orell, and Winckelmann. The object of the editors has been to unite the advantages of Bekker's and Stallbaum's editions, having submitted at the same time the various readings of the MSS. and the conjectures of the critics to a careful examination, so that the text is not to be considered a mere repetition of Bekker's, but rather as a groundwork for carrying on a more perfect and satisfactory system of emendation by future editors. For this purpose the various readings of Stephens, Bekker, 4 M Literary and Scientific Intelligence. Stallbaum, and others will be given, and, LIBRARIES OF THE GREEK MONAS- : Dr. Zachariä, who recently visited Oxford for the purpose of examining some of the MSS. in the Bodleian, and chiefly with a view to embody the result of his researches in his late edition of the Prochiron, has since been engaged in a literary tour through Austria, Italy, Greece, and Turkey, for the purpose of ascertaining the state of the libraries in these countries. His account of this journey will shortly be published; but, in the meantime, Dr. Z. has communicated to a German journal the following brief details : The Greek libraries belong either to the Hellenic schools, the Bishops and Metropolitans, or to the Monasteries. sometimes contain only MSS. others have MSS. and printed books, chiefly on subThey jects relating to the Church and to Theology; at present, with few exceptions, they are quite in a state of disorder, although traces of a better state of arrangement, in former times, may be observed. The printed books are chiefly editiones principes of the Aldine and Junta presses, or books of a later date, from the Greek press at Venice. monasteries on Mount Athos are by far The libraries of the the richest, and are more than twenty in number; their MSS. are chiefly of the tenth and eleventh centuries, the period, indeed, when most of these monasteries were founded. Comparatively speaking, these MSS. have suffered but little from the ravages of time. Seraglio and of St. Sophia contain only The libraries of the Oriental MSS.; unknown fragments of classical literature are not to be found in these libraries. Many beautiful MSS. of classical authors merit a closer comparison, and the historian could not examine without advantage the records and protocols belonging to the bishoprics and monasteries in the modern Greek chronicles, that are to be found on Mount Athos. The number of medical MSS. is also deserving of notice. however, was more especially directed to Dr. Z.'s attention, Byzantine jurisprudence. The most important results of his researches in this [June, department are the discovery of the Epitome Novellarum Justiniani, Justini et together with an interesting MS. which Tiberii, by Theodorus Hermopolitanus, particularly deserves to be mentioned, of and a palimpsest MS. of the Basilica; a Greek translation of the second part of the Assizes of Jerusalem. THE CAMDEN SOCIETY. May 2. The first annual meeting of this T. Amyot, esq. F.R.S. Treas. S.A.; Rev. tion. In returning thanks for a compliment- belonging to Sir Thomas Egerton, Baron now preserved among the MSS. of Lord Francis Egerton, President of the Camden Society. To be edited by John Payne Collier, esq. F.S.A." ROYAL SOCIETY. April 11. The Marquess of Northampton, President, in the chair. A paper was read, On a new Equi-atomic compound of Bicyanide with Binoxide of Mercury,' by James F. W. Johnston, esq. April 18. J. W. Lubbock, esq. V.P. J. T. Graves, esq. of the Inner Temple, and the Rev. S. R. Maitland, were elected Fellows. Read, 1. On the constitution of the Resins: Part I. by J. F. W. Johnston, esq. 2. Researches in Embryology, Second Series; by Martin Barry, M.D. April 25. The Marquess of Northampton, Pres. Read, 'An Account of the Magnetic Experiments carried on by Professor Airy and others, on iron-built ships, by order of the Board of Admiralty.' May 2. The President in the chair. The continuation of a paper by Dr. Carson, of Liverpool, On the Blood,' was read; in which the author very scientifically contends for the superiority of his plan of killing oxen, as compared with the old method of bleeding. The conclusion of Professor Airy's paper on magnetic experiments, made by him and others on board the iron-built steam-ship, the Rainbow, was likewise read. The noble President read a message from the Grand Duke of Tuscany, inviting the learned of this country to a literary and scientific réunion at Pisa, to take place about the middle of October next. The senior professor at Pisa will preside, and every facility and kindness is warmly proffered to visitors by the Grand Duke, the treasures of whose famous library and sculpture gallery will be thrown open on the occasion. May 9. J. G. Children, esq. V.P. Read, 1. a letter from Mr. Cooper to Prof. Faraday on the visibility of those rays to be found beyond the usual red rays of the solar spectrum; and, 2. part of Professor Daniell's fifth letter on Voltaic Combinations. ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. April 29. The anniversary meeting took place, Lord Braybrooke in the chair. It appeared from the report of the Auditors, that the amount of the receipts for the past year was 14,0941. 28. 9d., and of the expenditure 12,5887. 12s. 1d. The assets consist of living and preserved collections; uncertain arrears of subscriptions, 9007. 158.; invested in Exchequer bills, 2097. 6s.; in land on the farm at Kingston, 11,000l.; capital funded,11,2917. 128. 7d.; and cash in the banker's hands, 3411. 28. The liabilities are, bills unpaid, 9547. 14s. 6d. ; rent unpaid, 8207. 18. 10d.; and contracts pending, 3041. The Report of the Council stated that steps had been taken greatly to reduce the permanent expenditure. In 1837 the salaries were 3,5487., but from this year they would be reduced to 2,9167., making a saving in this department of 6321.; whilst the expenses of the general establishment, which, on the average of the last few years, were 8801., having been reduced to 5417., would leave a balance of 3391. An increase had taken place in the cost of provisions, which was to be ascribed to an increase in the number of animals, and amongst other circumstances, to the growth of the larger elephant. Memorials had been addressed to the Lords of the Treasury, soliciting a reduction of rent for the gardens, and particularly the north garden, which was charged at the rate of building land; but no answer had yet been received. Every resource of revenue over which the Council had control had increased, and an additional income derived from the gardens of 1,7201. There were now 3,010 members, and 38 candidates for election; the number of corresponding members was 126, of whom eight had been elected since the last meeting. The Muscum contained 1,228 specimens, of which 760 were characterised species of mammalia; 5,230 birds, to which 113 had been added since last year, and of which 5,000 were named; 1,000 specimens of reptiles; 1,170 fishes; and 23 mounted skeletons. The animals were in good health, and many valuable additions had been made to the library. Although the Council had not been able to dispose of the land at Kingston, they hoped soon to do so advantageously. The meeting then proceeded to the election of officers:- -The Earl of Derby was re-elected President; Chas. Drummond, Esq. Treasurer; and the Rev. John Barlow, M.A. Secretary. The new members elected on the Council were, the Right Hon. T. Frankland Lewis, Messrs. Charles Darwin, W. Ogilby, J. Whishaw, and W. Yarrell; in the room of the Bishop of Norwich, Sir J. P. Boileau, Col. Sykes, and Prof. Owen. HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. May 1. The anniversary meeting was held, Dr. Henderson, V.P. in the chair. From the Report of the Auditors it appeared, that the receipts of the past year were 5,7217. 108. 4d..; and the expenditure 5,6647. 12s. 6d. including a bond paid off to the amount of 500l. whilst there was a present balance of 3751. Os. Id. In addition to this bond, which was cancelled, the Council had directed notice to be given for the discharge of two others, for 2007, and 1001. The bonded debt was now 9,8501. and that on open account 2,5561. 148. 11d. making together 12,4067. 148. 11d. which did not include 4301. due for medals awarded. Against this amount was to be placed 7,101. 118. 8d. due to the Society, including the cash balance, but exclusive of the annual subscriptions due on the 1st instant. The other assets of the Society comprise the house, furniture, and library in Regent Street, and the garden at Chiswick, and their intrinsic value exceeds considerably the liabilities of the Society. The election of officers and council then took place, when his Grace the Duke of Devonshire was re-elected President; and Mr. Pendarves, M.P. Mr. J. R. Gowen, and Mr. R. Jolly, were chosen members of the Council, in the room of the Hon. W. F. Strangways, L. Holland, Esq. and Mr. J. A. Henderson. KING'S COLLEGE, LONDON. April 27. The annual general court of the governors and proprietors was held in the theatre, the Archbishop of Canterbury in the chair. There were also present the Bishops of London, Winchester, Hereford, and Quebec; the Marquis of Bute, Lord Bexley, Archdeacon Potts, the Rev. Dr. D'Oyley, Dr. Benson, &c. &c. The ninth annual Report of the council commenced by announcing the continued and growing prosperity of the College, and stated that in every department during the last year the number of students had increased; that a class in civil engineering had been opened, and at Christmas the number of civil engineering students was 19, and had since increased to 31. The number of regular students in the several departments during the last term was as follows:Classical, Mathematical, and Civil Engineering Medical Junior Department or School Total 151 65 396 612 to which must be added 137 occasional students who attend particular courses of lectures, so that the entire number of students and pupils during the last term was 749. The Council adverted with regret to the great loss which the College had sustained by the death of the late Principal, the Rev. Hugh James Rose, and stated that the Professor's pupils, &c. intended erecting a monument to his memory in the College chapel: the Rev. John Lonsdale was appointed his successor on the 29th of January last. The Council felt great pleasure in stating that there was a prospect of procuring a suitable building for an hospital in the vicinity of the Col lege, in which the medical students would have the advantage of attending clinical lectures under their own professors. LITERARY FUND SOCIETY. March 13. The annual general meeting of this admirable institution was held at their chambers in Lincoln's-Inn-Fields, Sir William Chatterton, Bart. in the chair. The officers for the ensuing year were appointed; the vacancy in the list of vicepresidents, occasioned by the death of the late Lord Carrington, was supplied by the nomination of the Marquis of Northampton; and two vacancies in the general committee, occasioned by ineligibility arising from non-attendance, were supplied by the election of Charles Dickens, esq. and John Bruce, esq. F.S.A. The committee then proceeded to the election of a Secretary in the room of the Rev. Whittington Landon, who has resigned; when Mr. Blewitt, who was an unsuccessful candidate on the two last occasions, was elected by a considerable majority. In the evening the club dined together at the Freemasons' Tavern, and in the course of the proceedings the chairman (Mr. Salmon) made the very gratifying announcement that a deceased friend of his had left, free of legacy duty, 1000l. to each of nine charitable institutions, amongst which number was included the Literary Fund Society. May 8. The fiftieth anniversary was held at the Freemasons' Tavern, his Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge in the chair. Among the guests were the Bishop of Llandaff, the Mexican Minister, the Earl of Ripon, Lord Ellenborough, the Right Hon. Henry Ellis, Sir C. Lemon, M.P. Sir William Chatterton, Captain Wood, M.P. Mr. Milnes, M.P. Mr. Knight, M.P. Mr. Hope, M.P. Sir D. Wilkie, Major Sabine, Capt. Beaufort, Sir H. Ellis, Mr. Hallam, Mr. W. Tooke, &c. The subscription exceeded 6007.; and among the benefactors announced were Her Majesty, 100 guineas; the Duke of Cambridge, 251.; the Duke of Rutland, 207. ; the Earl of Ripon, 217.; Lord Ellenborough, 211. annual donation; Lord F. Egerton, 107. annual donation; the Bishop of Durham, 10 guineas; the Earl of Eldon, 10.; the Marquis of Normanby, 107.; Mr. Wentworth Beaumont, 20 guineas, annual donation; Mr. B. B. Cabbell, 107.; the Right Hon. H. Ellis, 107.; Messrs. Longman and Co. a third donation of 501.; Mr. Hallam, 107.; Mr. Macready, 5 guineas; Mr. B. Webster, 5 guineas; Mr. Hill, the American actor, 5l. &c. From a brief Address written and distributed on occasion of the fiftieth anniversary, it appeared that, since the Society was formed Of these, 528 had been relieved only once, but others from twice to above twenty times, as their necessities required. FOUNDLING HOSPITAL. The Centenary of this great Institution was celebrated on the 17th May, by a sumptuous entertainment in the Hospital by the Governors, at their own expense, His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge, their President, in the chair. He was supported by Sir W. Curtis, Bart. Mr. Lewis Hayes Petit, Vice-President, Mr. C. Pott, the Treasurer, the Very Rev. the Dean of Chichester, Sir Frederick Pollock, M.P., Mr. Astell, Mr. Salt, Mr. W. Tooke, Mr. Olive, and about one hundred other Governors. The following beautifully appropriate verses written by the late Lord Tenterden, and which we do not recollect to have before seen in print, were sung with much effect on the occasion by Mr. Bennett : The ship sail'd smoothly o'er the sea, When threat'ning tempests round him rag'd, Around the glowing land he spread And tender bosoms learn'd from him Virtue and meckness mark'd his face ANTIQUARIAN RESEARCHES. SOCIETY OF ANTIQUARIES. May 2. H. Hallam, esq. V.P. The following gentlemen were elected Fellows of the Society; Alfred Burges, esq. Civil Engineer, of Great Georgestreet, Westminster (author of a paper in the Archæologia on the Old Bridge at Bow); Alexander Annand, esq. of Sutton, Surrey; the Rev. Henry Christmas, B.A. of St. John's College, Cambridge, author of a Treatise on Universal Mythology, and translator of the Poems of Lamartine and Camoens; and Henry Moreing, esq. of Wimpole-street. The Rev. F. V. J. Arundell exhibited a sword found at Tralles, in the ancient Lydia (but of the Italian workmanship of the 16th century), and an Egyptian swordsheath (considerably longer than the Roman swords) found in a tomb at Thebes. Mr. Bond's memoir on the ancient Italian bankers was continued. May 9. Mr. Hallam in the chair. Sir William Betham, F.S.A. communicated some observations on the inscription on a bronze arm, engraved in the Archæologia, but which had yet never been deciphered. He said the inscription was decidedly Irish, and that part of it has been damaged and rendered illegible; he reads the remaining part, pray for the souls of" several persons, by name. Also a drawing of a carving on stone in Llandevaelog churchyard, about two miles north of Brecknock, which Sir William supposed to be of the fourth century. A further portion was read of Mr. Bond's account of the Italian money-lenders, in the reigns of Edward I., II., and III. May 16. H. Gurney, esq. V.P. The Rev. Thomas Rackett, F.S.A. exhibited several antiquities found in the counties of Devon and Somerset. They consisted of, 1. Some Greek and Phoenician coins, said to have been found in Devonshire in May 1836, but they bore a very suspicious appearance, particularly one that was evidently a modern cast in bronze, imperfectly plated with silver; 2. a spur found at Hampden-hill near Montacute, Somersetshire; 3. a mould for casting celts, found at Anstey in Dorsetshire, and now belonging to C. Hall, esq. of a character similar to the French moulds, of which casts were recently presented to the Society; 4. a head in terra cotta, armillæ, gold and bronze ring-money, and an ivory figure, found at or near Ilchester; the latter object was an exceedingly curious and well carved figure of a king, about three inches long, bearing a covered |