The Norman Kings, who were ingenious adepts in realizing profit on every opportunity, commenced the sale of Judicial Offices. The Plantagenets followed their example. In Madox, chap. ii., and in the Cottoni Posthuma, may be found innumerable instances of the purchase of the Chancellorship, and accurate details of

the amount of the consideration monies.

ample of a King is said to be a warrant to his subjects. What was bought must, of course, be sold; and justice became henceforth a marketable commodity, and the sale of it a staple trade. Madox truly describes the sale of judicial redress as the worst abuse under the Anglo-Norman Government. The Courts of Law became a huckster's shop: every sort of produce, in the absence of money, was bartered for "justice." "The King, we are often told, is the fountain of justice; but in those ages, it was one which gold alone could unseal-men fined to have right done them; to sue in à certain court; to implead a certain person; to have restitution of land which they had recovered at law!" p. 23.

Thus, the Court of Chancery arose out of the contests between the King and the Barons, the Clergy and the Laity; the nobility, on the one hand, attached to the ancient county and baronial Courts, founded by the common and feudal law; the King, on the other hand, seeking to cripple these jurisdictions by the interposition of prerogative, and the aula regis, ably supported by the willing tools of power-an ambitious priesthood. Every encouragement was given to petitions against the ordinary course of the common law; these Bills or Petitions were referred to the Chancellor, and by him adjudged, as we have the verbiage to this day, according to equity and good conscience.'

But the Chancellors did not confine themselves strictly to matters of mere equitable jurisdiction. Mr. Parkes cites a proclamation of 22d Ed. III.,

in which the common-law business is directed to

be brought before the Archbishop of Canterbury elect our Chancellor ;-and, in The Records of early Proceedings in Chancery,' recently published, and of which the reader will find some curious extracts in the last number of 'The Jurist,' will be found bills in Chancery for robbery, assault, trespass, witchcraft, heresy, the regulation of candle-wicks, prizes, breach of promise of marriage, and even rape,-so miscellaneous was the jurisdiction.

Against these incroachments the Commons constantly complained, and were almost as constantly repulsed by the right royal answers:The King will appoint such officers as best like him.

'As heretofore, the same shall be.

'Let it be according to the discretion of the Chancellor, as it hath been.

The King will preserve his royalty, as his progenitors have done before him.

The King wills that the Chancellor, for the time being, shall have power to ordain and award damages, according to his discretion.

In the 3d Hen. V., A. D. 1415, we learn that John of Waltham was the inventor of the writ of subpoena, from a petition which protests against the process. As a remedy, the Commons pray, that the cause of action should be always stated in the writ, and the process enrolled and made patent in the court when issued; and that the party vexatiously suing out such process, in any question determinable at common law, should be liable to an action of debt for forty pounds.' The royal answer was, in the civil terms, used even to this day,- The King will advise.'

The ministers of those times had, no doubt, discovered the convenience of the doctrine held by their successors, even in this generation, that stare super vias antiquas was sound policy, except when they had occasion to make new roads, to their own particular ends; for we have seen, that, in the midst of the most startling innovations, men are still to be found who maintain the wisdom of their ancestors; and we now see, that, tempore Henrico Quinto, it was usual for functionaries, in one breath, to invade the rights of the people, and answer their remonstrances by Let it be as it hath been; -meaning, The usurpation is established-grumble, if you dare!'

The Chancellorship of Cardinal Wolsey was, like all other offices of that great man, marked by a determined character; we cannot pause to inquire whether it was or was not obnoxious to the charge of extortion alleged by Mr. Parkes; but we must confess, that the articles quoted in support of it, do not bear out the allegation. It was the fate of this extraordinary churchman to be much vilified in his own immediate day from aristocratic jealousy; in succeeding times, from the rancour of religious hatred. We at last come to a single bright spot in this dark history of ancient abuses:

'On the deposition of Wolsey, A. D. 1529, Henry VIII. appointed Sir Thomas More, "that with that bayte," as Cardinal Pole says, he might the more easily be brought to the bente of the King's bowe." But the probity of this celebrated lawyer was invincible. Now at his coming into office, he found the Court tedious causes, some having hung there almost twentie of Chancerie pestered and clogged with manie and yeares. Wherefore to preuent the like, which was a great miserie for poore suitors, first he caused Mr. Crooke, chiefe of the Six Clarkes, to make a dockett containing the whole number of all iniunctions, as either in his time had already passed, or at that time depended in anie of the King's Courts at Westminster. Then bidding all the Iudges to dinner, he in the presence of them all, shewed sufficient reason why he had made themselues in the like case would haue donne no lesse. so manie Injunctions, that they all confessed that they Then he promised them besides, that if they themselues, to whome the reformation of the rigour of the law appertained would, vpon reasonable consideracions, in their owne discretion (as he thought in conscience they were bound,) mitigate and reforme the rigour of the lawe, there should then from him no iniunctions be granted; to which when they refused to condescende, then, sayde he, for as much as yourselues, my Lords, driue me to this necessitie, you cannot hereafter blame me if I seeke to relieue the poore people's iniuries. After this he sayd to his sonne Rooper secretly, I perceiue, sonne, why they like not this; for they thinke that they may by a verdict of a jurie cast of all scruple from themselves vpon the poore jurie, which they account their chiefe defence. Wherfore I am constrayned to abide the aduenture of their blame.

'He tooke great paines to heare causes at home, as is sayd, arbitrating matters for both the parties good; and lastly, he tooke order with all the atturneys of his Courte, that there should no sub pænas goe out, whereof in generall he should not haue notice of the matter, with one of their hands vnto the Bill; and if it did beare a sufficient cause of complaint, then would he set his hand to it, to haue it goe forward; if not, he would vtterly quash it, and denye a sub pæna.' pp. 64, 65. 'He invariably refused and returned the numerous presents and "new-year's gifts" by which the suitors sought to influence his judgments. It is recorded, that being presented by "one Mrs. Goaker" with a pair of gloves, and forty pounds of angels put into them, he said to her, "Mistress, since it were against good manners to refuse your new-year's gift, I am content to take your gloves, but as for the lining I utterly refuse it."

'Some days in term, such was his dispatch of business, that no cause was heard or motion made. And

there cannot be a greater contrast than in the character with that of his predecessors, than is expressed in the of this great man, the first lay-chancellor, compared head of the 7th chapter in his biography, noting among "his especial and remarkable virtues in midst of his honours, incredible poverty in so eminent a personage.'

p. 66.

'The succeeding Chancellors in this reign were more supple courtiers, and, therefore, better adapted to their situation and calling. No particular circumstances occurred during the two subsequent reigns of Edward VI. and Mary, worthy of narration.'

Queen Elizabeth always serving herself first, took especial care to fill all the more important offices of the state with able ministers. Sir Ni

cholas Bacon, father of the yet more celebrated Chancellor and philosopher, (how seldom those titles can be united,) held her great seal for a space of eighteen years, and died in 1579, leaving behind him a well established character for equity and integrity. Of Bromley, his successor, we have no particular notice; but who can forget the dancing Chancellor! Sir Christopher Hatton, vice-chamberlain to the Queen, whom Spencer commended, and of whom Camden writes, 'Spendissime omnium tamen quos vidimas se gesset, et quod ex juris sciantia definit ex æquitate supplici studuit. It is true, that he is said to have had a prompter; the same thing has been alleged of more modern judges; it is well that ignorance is not always coupled with presumption!

Passing over Sir John Pickering, we next come to Sir Thomas Egerton, of whom Mr. Parkes relates, that the Queen happening to be in Court, while Mr. Egerton was pleading in a cause against the crown, her Majesty (?) exclaimed, in my troth, he shall never plead against me again.' He was very speedily appointed Queen's Counsel and Solicitor-General. An anecdote, somewhat similar, was circulated, not many years since, of a Government, in consequence of ability diaplayed certain modern Attorney-general, thus selected by in detence of parties arraigned for high treason. Our author might have added the curious fact, that a certain other Attorney-general volunteered his services to the accused on the same occasion, in resentment at having been passed over in a recent promotion; it is singular, also, that the last mentioned gentleman was the only Attorneygeneral for many years, who had been taken from the steady adherents of ministers; all the rest had been rats, and he seems to have thought it requisite to demonstrate, that he possessed the versatile faculty.

In the succeeding reign of James II., Lord Bacon broached his well-known plans of Legal Reform; but though the royal pedant at first entertained the project, he had neither strength nor honesty to carry it into effect. If he had kept his word, it would, probably, have been secundum that, so long as he had the making of Judges and artem; for this equitable Ruler was wont to say, Bishops, that should be both law and gospel which but pleased him.

It was in the chancellorship of Egerton, then Lord Ellesmere, that the celebrated dispute arose between Sir Edward Coke and the Chancellor, on the subject of equitable jurisdiction; and though we think the Keeper of the Great Seal had the advantage over the great luminary of the common law, both in argument and practical result, yet the annoyance is said to have hastened the end of Lord Ellesmere; upon whose death, Bacon, by a course of humiliating supplications to the King and favourite, from which the most profligate of modern lawyers would recoil with disgust, obtained the seal. Happy had it been for the honour of mankind, if the end had not been worthy of the means; this otherwise great man was as corrupt in office, as mean in suing for it. From his own mouth we must convict him.

'Lord Bacon, in his abstract reflections, writes, "If any one sue to be made a judge, for my own part I should suspect him." When his predecessor was dying, he assumed the character of an entreating courtier praying for the Chancellorship: in the office we see him corrupt! No. 103, in his collection of Apophthegms, is singularly applicable to his practical character, and to that of many modern lawyers-"103. When his Lordship was newly advanced to the great seal, Gondomar, the Spanish ambassador, came to visit him. My Lord said, that he was to thank God and the King for that honour; but yet, so he might be rid of the burthen, he could very willingly forbear the honour: and that he formerly had a desire, and the same continued with him still, to lead a private life. Gondomar answered, That he would tell him a tale of an old RAT, that would needs leave the world, and acquainted the young rats that he would retire into his hole, and spend his days solitarily, and would enjoy no more comfort; and commanded them, upon his high displeasure, not to

:

offer to come in unto him. They forbore two or three days at last, one that was more hardy than the rest incited some of his fellows to go in with him, and he would venture to see how his father did; for he might be dead: they went in, and found the old RAT sitting in the midst of a rich Parmesan cheese!" So Gondomar applied the fable after his witty manner.'-Pp. 84, 85. We wish that we could excuse the philosopher upon the plea, that he only conformed to the manners of his times. God knows, they were bad enough; but he, whose mind so far outran the age in which he lived, ought not to have been subject alone to its corruptions. We quit this unpleasing theme with a useful quotation for the consideration of our contemporary lawyers and Judges.

known of his subsequent life, or place of death. We may conclude that he was not living at the time of the Restoration, or so useful a tool would not have been overlooked by the second Charles.

Sir Edward Littleton, who deserted the banner of liberty, in the hope of preserving his office, was the next and last* Lord Keeper of this reign; for, on his joining the King, with the seal, at York, the Parliament voted that if he did not return with it in fourteen days, he should lose his office, Royal seal should be void. A new seal was then and all process subsequently sealed with the made, the old one, subsequently taken at Naseby, was broken, and some temporary measures were

adopted, as to the equitable jurisdiction. The capital punishment of the unfortunate sovereign, and the abolition of monarchy, terminated the tragical contention between the King and the ParWe shall return to this subject shortly.

'In Mallet's meagre life of Bacon, where Johnson says that the Biographer forgot that his hero was a philosopher, one applicable reflection may be quoted-liament. "The offices of Attorney and Solicitor-General have been rocks upon which many aspiring lawyers have made shipwreck of their virtue and human nature. Some of these gentlemen have acted at the bar, as if they thought themselves, by the duty of their places, absolved from all the obligations of truth, honour, and decency. But their names are upon record, and will be transmitted to after-ages with those characters of reproach and abhorrence that are due to the worst sort of murderers; those that murder under the sanction of justice." Men, who before they attained office were the active friends of legal reform, afterwards are the panegyrists of corruption and the calumniators of their former political connections.'-P. 91.

When the Great Seal was brought to James, from Bacon, his Majesty is reported to have exclaimed Now, by my soule, I am pained at the heart where to bestow this; for, as to my lawyers, I thinke they be all knaves!'-so he gave it to a priest !!!

TRAVELS IN RUSSIA.

Travels in Russia, &c. &c. By William Rae Wilson, Esq., F.S.A.; Author of Travels in Egypt, the Holy Land, Greece, &c.; and of Travels in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. Illustrated by Engravings. 2 vols. 8vo. Longman, Rees, Orme, Brown, and Green. London, 1828.

Ir is not a little curious to observe the different manner in which men of various temperaments view a foreign country. There is nothing, however, more inexplicable to us, than the preposterous union of an ardent love of change and excitement, and a bold and self-denying resolu. tion, with a paltry vanity and coxcombical passion for appearing as the author of a book of travels. On the fall of Bacon, the Duke of Bucking-Men, however, leave home for very opposite purposes; and, while some are willing to bear every ham employed Dean Williams to value (!!!) the place; and, on his Majesty's perusing the valua- fatigue and hardship to advance science or procure wealth, there are, doubtless, as many others tion, he was sensibly impressed with the fitness who are equally ready to waste their lives in of Williams for the situation, and he was made wandering for the sake of a quixotic renown, or to Lord Keeper accordingly. From such a beginning, we need scarcely add, that he was worthy gather information enough to filla respectable-looking of his ecclesiastical predecessors, and left us no reason to regret that he was the last clerical Chancellor.

In Bacon's place comes Williams, a man on purpose brought in at first to serve turnes, but in this place to doe that which none of the laity could bee found bad enough to undertake; whereupon this observation was made, that, first, no lay-man could bee found so dishonest as a clergy-man; next, as Bacon, the father of this Bacon, did receive the seales from a Bishop, so a Bishop againe received them from a Bacon; and at this did the Lawyers fret, to have such a flower pulled out of their garland.-This Williams, though he wanted much of his Predecessor's abilities for the Law; yet did he equal him for learning and pride, and beyond him in the waie of bribery, this man answering by petitions, a new way, in which his servants had one part, himselfe another, and so was calculated to be worth to him and his servants 30001. per annum, a new way never found out before.'-P. 95. Charles II. In this reign, the sins of the fathers were visited on the children.'

Archbishop Williams, having jilted the mother of the Duke of Buckingham, was removed, and his place bestowed upon Lord Coventry, several of whose orders, still extant, show that he had ability to reform his Court; but the times were not favourable to such an enterprise.

'In 1639, Sir John Finch, Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, was made Lord Keeper. This infamous Judge was, doubtless, thus rewarded for his former services of drawing and propounding to the other Judges the question of Ship-money, and for having obtained their answer favourable to the Crown, "after many solicitations, with promises of preferment to some, and high threats against others he found hesitating and doubtful." Such an important service, together with his iniquitous conduct on his circuits, and his corrupt judgments in the Common Pleas, gave him an indefeasible right, in those days, to the seals.'

This court-sycophant fled to Holland, to avoid an impeachment, and it is singular, that little is

volume. Some are more fortunate than others, in being able to travel farther and stay longer; but, from the little pert passenger in a Calais steam-boat, who notes down the conversation of his companions to help out his Journey from London to Paris,' to the happier and prouder man of leisure, who can visit Italy and the Isles of Greece for a similar purpose, it is one and the same passion that fills their minds, and makes them determine on braving the dangers of sea and land, to effect their object. The truest sign of a man's being instigated to travel by this desire, and nothing else, is his publishing his tour, as soon as possible after his return, and its being filled, either with the details of a geographical grammar, or the little flimsy road-talk which amused him and his companions.

Now, we have a very high respect for travellers in general; and it therefore grieves us greatly, when we see any one of the fraternity appearing before the public without the proper credentials of sound reflection, or enough of originality in his intellectual constitution to bring something additional to the stock of our previous knowledge. We have of late been obliged, more than once, to express ourselves thus on this point; and we are afraid Mr. Wilson's work has not much softened our asperity against modern tourists. He has collected, with vast industry, whatever was to be collected from guides, postmasters, and friends in office, and we thank him for his pains where his information is new; but he has travelled as if he were one of those above-mentioned

ratives, his publication will undoubtedly afford considerable amusement. We take our first extract from his description of Tsarskoe Selo, which is really very lively and amusing.

'Having gratified ourselves with inspecting all the beauties of this delicious retreat, we proceeded to Tzarskoe Selo, which was originally erected by Peter the Great, who presented it to his consort, but was rebuilt by Elisabeth, in 1744; was again improved and extended by Catherine II., and is now the summer residence of the imperial family. Every thing is here on a scale of extraordinary magnificence, and worthy the residence of a monarch. At one extremity, there is a noble lake, flanked by a majestic terrace of massive polished granite; and over the canal communicating with that fine piece of water are three bridges of the same material. The banks of the lake are farther ornamented with three Gothic buildings, forming what is denominated the Admiralty; they being destined to serve as a shelter in winter to the elegant yachts, and other pleasure-vessels, that in fine weather are seen gliding over the glassy waters, reflecting their gilded sides and gay banners. On one part of this lake is a vast hall, built by the Empress Elisabeth, for concerts; but the noblest architectural ornament is the superb rostral column, erected to commemorate Orlov's victory over the Turkish fleet at Chesme. On three sides of the granite pedestal are bas-reliefs, and on the fourth an inscription, recording that memorable action. What adds considerably, also, to the beauty of this scene, is the number of swans, ducks, and other aquatic birds, that are to be seen on the lake and its banks. It would require some space to describe all the various objects that embellish this abode of royalty; the Gothic ruins; the Turkish kiosk, copied from one in the garden of the seraglio at Constantinople; the various Chinese and other pavilions; the magnifient triumphal arch, erected in honour of Count Gregory Orlov; another of more recent date, to commemorate the achievements of the late war; the new terrace, &c. Let it suffice, therefore, to observe, that it is difficult to determine whether our admiration is most excited by the splendours of art, or by the beauties of nature, which here exhibits a luxuriance that one would ima gine absolutely impossible at the 60° of northern latitude. The palace itself, both for its extent and imposing appearance, may be considered as one of the noblest royal residences in Europe, although it has

now lost much of its pristine magnificence; the roof, which was at first gilded, having been painted of a light green colour.

"The principal rooms form an enfilade, and the pannels of their doors are richly gilded. Notwithstanding, however, all the elegance displayed in other respects, they are poorly furnished, with the exception of those extremity of the palace. In her study were a number occupied by the reigning Empress, which are at one of books, in the French and English language. One of these was open, and we found it to be Captain Parry's Voyage, which she appeared to have been just looking over. Adjoining to these are the apartments of the Emperor. One room in this palace is entirely of amber; which was a present of Frederick I. of mosaic. In a spacious and lofty hall are portraits of Prussia to Elisabeth; and the doors are inlaid with Catherine II., and Anne, daughter of Peter. The grand banqueting-room, or gallery, is 168 feet in length, by 91 in breadth, with 52 windows on each side, and contains specimens of antique china and large jars, piled from the floor to the ceiling. The floors are uncommonly fine, some of them being inlaid with mother-of-pearl, and others formed of porcelain of different colours. One room is fitted up in the Chinese style, with curious images, pagodas, &c. In this suit is the bed-room of Catherine II., where are

columns of blue glass, so constructed as to appear to support the ceiling. From the windows is a beautiful view of the gardens and lake; and adjoining to it is a gallery, decorated with flowers and bronze busts of the Roman emperors. On a flight of steps are enormous colossal figures of Hercules, &c. The adjacent village of Tzarskoe Selo contains 5000 inhabitants;

restaurateurs are established here.

and French

* Sir Richard Lane held the seal of the King, but as a mere sinecure.

the houses were built of wood, and without chimneys, so that the smoke was forced to escape at the door. In consequence of the wood being laid level with the ground, these habitations must be damp, and, consequently, injurious to the health of the inmates; and many of them, from the want of a solid foundation, incline on one side. In North America, a mode has been adopted in building to prevent humidity from the ground, which merits publicity:-When the foundation is raised two feet above the ground, a layer of sheet lead, of the same breadth, is placed upon it, and the walls are then continued on the lead, by which means the whole is secured from damp.

At Podberos, a curious scene, by no means uncommon at the post-houses, although apt, at first, to excite alarm in a traveller, took place. On the appearance of our equipage, a crowd of boors, that were lying about near the door, set up a loud yell, contending among themselves who should furnish horses for the next stage. On such occasions lots are cast, by tossing up fruit, copecs, stones, or any thing else, in a hat, and the traveller must abide by their decision, as it is in vain for him to interpose, or express any will of his own. A sketch of this extraordinary scene, taken on the spot, is given in the engraving in front of this volume. At the post houses slices of raw turnip are handed about, with a spirituous liquor, as a whet before dinner, a practice that is also particularly observed in Sweden. We left this with small lean horses, and passed a military colony, respecting which an anecdote is related, with regard to a visit made to the place by the Emperor Alexander, for the purpose of inquiring into the condition of the soldiers. His Majesty, having entered into a kitchen, observed a goose roasting, and on visiting a second saw a similar feast preparing; in short, in every kitchen, he slipped into, he invariably beheld a goose upon the spit, and re turned perfectly satisfied that the colonists had plenty of excellent cheer. It was, however, afterwards discovered, that he had been imposed upon; for, after all, there was only a single goose, which had been very dexterously conveyed from one kitchen to another, so as to be turning at the fire whenever he entered. This was a contrivance on the part of the governor, to imhis Majesty with a favourable idea of the flourishpress ing state of the colony.'-Vol. II. pp. 3-8.

Beyond Osnaburg the country became beautiful, and the rural character of the landscape was increased by the number of farm-houses, all of which had an air of snugness and comfort about them, that rendered them highly pleasing objects. After passing through a wood, a magnificent prospect burst upon us of an extensive plain immediately beneath. On an eminence, above the village of Iburg, is a pile of building, “An old, old monastery once, and now

Still older mansion,"

The town-house is a very antique and massive building, the walls being eight feet thick; the windows are Gothic, and two of them have stained glass, with figures of Justice, Fortitude, Charity, Patience, Hope, and Faith. The hall, which is sixty feet in length, by thirty in breadth, has some grotesque but well-executed carvings, and niches or stalls, with seats and cushions, over which are the names of the persons to whom they belonged. At one end was a table covered with coase tapestry, and at the other an enormous fire-place, with a massive canopy of carved wood, representing various events in the life of our Saviour. The walls are adorned like those in the town-hall at Aix-la-Chapelle, with the portraits of those who were present here at the signing of important public treaties. A door beneath the table was opened by our cicerone, who took out a silver figure, representing a game-cock, the head of which can be taken off by unscrewing it, when it forms a drinking-cup, in which capacity it is used at the election of a burgomaster. Among other curiosities was exhibited to us the hand of a notary public, which was chopped off in 1703, for forging a document, and is preserved here in terrorem; also an iron collar, with spikes, no very pleasing memorial of the barbarities formerly inflicted upon criminals. Besides these, was an iron sword six feet in length, which formidable weapon is still borne in procession on some occasions. It was in this hall that the famous treaty of Westphalia, which terminated a religious warfare that had been carried on for thirty years, was signed in 1648.

'The city itself is very ancient; and the houses, the fronts of which are decorated with carvings and figures, generally rest upon arches. Beneath these are the shops, and the latter are consequently very gloomy. There are about 18,000 inhabitants, the greater part of whom are Catholics. The walks around the town are

pleasant, particularly those on the ramparts, which are planted with lime-trees, and command a prospect of the river Aa that flows beneath.

'Although the greater part of the population are Catholics, recent political changes have considerably increased the number of Protestants; and in August, 1818, the Catholic University, which had of late years about 300 students, was broken up; but there is still a also seminary for educating priests of that persuasion; a Catholic Gymnasium, which latter has about 250

scholars, and a library containing 25,000 volumes. Horses must be cheap here, if 1 may judge from a strong one for a cart, which I saw sold in the principal street for one guinea.'-Vol. ii. pp. 264-269.

NOTICES OF BOOKS.

An Essay on the Diseases of the Jaws, and their Treatment; with Observations on the Amputation of a Part or the Whole of the Inferior Maxilla; tending to prove that such Operation is seldom, if ever, necessary. With two plates. By Leonard Kecker, M.D., Surgeon-Dentist, &c. &c. Underwoods. London, 1828. THE author of the present essay is well known to the medical profession by his excellent treatise on 'Dental Surgery.' In the work before us, he has taken a careful review of all the diseases incidental to the

bones constituting the jaws, which are numerous. The art of a dentist is, like that of a surgeon, divided into the Art and Science, of this department of medical education. Unfortunately for the public at large, most of the modern dentists, who flourish in the public papers by means of advertisements, generally study the mere mechanical part of the profession, while the scientific portion is omitted. It is, therefore, pleasing to find an individual, (and a foreigner too,) paving the way for its improvement in this most important part. And it is truly lamentable, to find the majority of medical practitioners (including many professed dentists) so little acquainted with the fundamental principles of of their profession. We need hardly inform our readers, who are the sufferers on this occasion. The author of the present essay appears to use his endeavours to create a more general study of the diseases of the teeth and mouth among medical pupils generally. We cannot but recommend a careful perusal of beth his present and his former work, as containing valuable remarks, with illustrative cases, highly interesting to the pathological student, and recommend him to pay more attention to the diseases in question, as being frequently, and, we may add, in our opinion, most generally, created by indigestion, intemperance, and neglect.

An Analysis of the Historical Books of the Old Testament. Vincent. Oxford, 1828.

THIS is a useful and important little work. It is adapted to give the young a clear idea of the course of scripture history, and the more advanced reader will find great advantage in the assistance it offers to the recollection. The notes are well selected, and all highly useful. We recommend the work to general attention, not as superseding the Bible in its proper form, but as a key to its contents.

Arran; a Poem, in six Cantos. By the Rev. David Lansborough. Blackwood. Edinburgh, 1828.

THE pleasure we experience in reading descriptive poetry, is very akin to that we feel in wandering over the fields, or among the scenes which it describes. It affords a soft and quiet sort of gratification, neither heightened nor disturbed by some of the accompaniments of other species of poetry, and the writer of it, accordingly, has only to possess feeling, and general good taste, to insure our sympathy, and make us enjoy his compositions. Mr. Lansborough's Poem has great merit of this kind, and we should tread every spot of ground he has mentioned with a deeper and more lengthened enjoyment, since reading many of his happy and picturesque descriptions.

Constable's Miscellany; Register of Politics and Literature for 1827. Constable. Edinburgh, 1828. WE are exceedingly glad to find such a work as this, in its present cheap form, before the public. It contains a Memoir of Mr. Canning, a concise and judicious abstract of every thing of importance which has become matter of political or literary history during the last year, and is altogether well compiled.

Mémoires du Compte de Modene sur la Revolution de Naples de 1647. Paris, 1828.

THESE Memoirs were first printed in Paris in 1666, and had become so scarce a work that a new edition of it has just been published. The old edition is to be met with in most collections of historical productions; but we notice the present one, in consequence of a very curious correspondence which has been added to it, and shows what part France took in this revolution. These letters are written by Louis XIV., Cardinal Mazarin, the Duke de Richelieu, M. de Brienne, and the Duke de Guise.

[The concluding Article of the Eight Days at Brighton will be given in our next.]

TYRANNICAL TREATMENT OF THE LAST QUEEN OF GEORGIA.

THE subjugation of Georgia, to the Russian sceptre, was attended with many interesting circumstances, which are as yet, either entirely unknown, or at least, known but very imperfectly in Europe. We have, however, met with an account in a German journal, of the removal from Tiflis, of the last individual of the Royal family, who attempted to recover the sovereignty which Russia had extinguished. An abstract of this story, which though romantic, is we believe, substantially true, may be allowed to occupy a page in The Athenæum at the present moment, when the powerful Autocrat of the North, is understood to have recommenced war with Persia, on the one hand, and on the other, to threaten a formidable

attack on the Ottoman Porte.

It is well known, that, about the end of the last century, some of the principal tribes of Georgia, unable to repel the repeated attacks of the Turks and Persians, eagerly sought the assistance and protection of Russia. The appeal was not made in vain. The Russian troops marched into the country, and supported the Kings of Georgia, Imerthia, (called in the maps and gazeteers, Immeretia and Imiretta,) and the other chief Princes of the country. But it was soon

withdraw the permission for her residence in Georgia. But this was not sufficient; the Queen might take some important step before the deeision of the Russian Governinent could arrive; and to guard against every accident, he gained over, by promises and bribes, Kalatusoff, a Georgian of noble family, who was in the Queen's household, and honoured with her entire confidence. This wretch, seduced by the offer of a brilliant reward, disclosed all the plans of the Queen.

Maria relied much on the Pshavi and Tushini, two Caucasian tribes, who inhabit the banks of the Yora to the north-west of Tiflis, and whose character and customs render them formidable to their enemies. Their laws incite to the most daring hardihood in the field, and they are taught from battle wounded in the back is punished with to regard revenge as a duty. He who returns death, and the beard must remain unshaved until the death of a relation be avenged. These mountaineers had from time immemorial, formed the body guard of the Georgian kings, and they had always been strongly attached to the Royal family. Maria determined in the first instance her escape was betrayed by Kalatusoff, at the to take refuge among the Pshavi; but the plan of moment when every thing was prepared for its execution.

One of the chiefs of the Pshavi, named Hadilla, remarkable for his courage and gigantic stature, found, that these independent Sovereigns quarrel- of escape. He had several conferences with the was deputed by his tribe to conduct the plan led among themselves, and Russia was not slow in taking advantage of the dissensions, which, it is Queen on the subject, which were immediately alleged, she provoked. Like the Greeks, the disclosed by Kalatusoff. General Tsitianoff Georgians wished to be independent; but that wished to verify the information he had received, wish did not coincide with the policy of the and for that purpose ordered Hadilla to be sumCabinet of St. Petersburgh. It was there deter-moned before him. There was with the General, mined, that the several native Princes should be only his interpreter, whom he thought proper to - removed to a distance from their territories, and have present at this interview, though he knew allowed pensions for their subsistence. Most of the language of the Pshavi perfectly well. Kalathem submitted quietly to the arrangement imtusoff was concealed behind a sofa. On Haposed on them. Only one, Salomon II., King of dilla's entrance, he saluted the General in the Imerthia, rejected the Russian offer. He fled, manner of his country, and the following diaplaced himself under the protection of the Porte, logue followed between them : and died at Trebisond, in 1815.

The Princess, whose last unsuccessful attempt to throw off the Russian yoke we shall briefly relate, was Maria, the daughter of Prince George Tsitianoff, and the widow of George XIII., son of the celebrated Heraclius, King of Georgia. This last of the Georgian Kings died in December 1800. His eldest son, David, ought then to have ascended the throne, but, in consequence of stipulations made by Russia in the Treaty of Tiflis, concluded in November 1795, he was merely declared Regent, and was, finally, removed to Russia in the year 1803. The whole country was immediately converted into a Russian province. This change was chiefly brought about by Prince Paul Dimetrewitch Tsitianoff, who, though nearly related to the royal family, was completely devoted to the interests of Russia. He had risen to the rank of general in the Russian army, and, for his services on this occasion, was appointed Governor-General of Georgia.

Prince Tsitianoff appeared to have now put an end to all idea of further resistance on the part of the country, and as no danger was apprehended from Queen Maria, she, without much difficulty, obtained permission from the Russian Government to remain in Georgia with her infant children, of whom she had seven, five male and two female. The Queen, however, did not feel much gratitude for this favour, as she suspected that her sons, on approaching manhood would be taken from her and removed to Russia. She, therefore, resolved to escape into her father's territory, where she expected to find the means of making head against the Russians. In the mean time General Tsitianoff, who was aware of the bold and decided character of the Queen, kept a a strict eye upon her. All her movements were carefully watched, and at last the General thought it necessary to advise the Russian Government to

What has brought you to Tiflis?' 'I have deceive me, you have other reasons for being come here to purchase salt.' Do not attempt to here. I have come to purchase salt. Your life is forfeited if you do not speak the truth. If you persist in concealment, I have power to order your head to be struck off instantly.' What, order me to be beheaded immediately! By whom then? By that Armenian interpreter there, perhaps, (putting his hand in his bosom) but I have still a dagger ***.'

The general perceived that he could not succeed by threats, and endeavoured to extract something by milder language. But his alteration of tone produced no effect Hadilla's unvarying answer was, that he came to buy salt. The general than called Kalatusoff from his concealment, and confronted him with the Pshavi, who indignantly refused to answer any farther questions. Six Russian grenadiers were then introduced, who disarmed Hadilla, and conveyed him

to the fortress.

The General was now satisfied that the removal of the Queen was indispensable to the peace and tranquillity of the country. He, therefore, resolved to accomplish that object on the following day, the 12th of April, 1803. It was his wish, however, that nothing should seem to be done privately, but that it should appear that the Queen was proceeding of her own accord on a journey. Every thing was, therefore, to be conducted with pomp and ceremony. Accordingly, at an hour of the morning rather too early for waiting on a Princess, Major-General Lazareff, in full uniform, accompanied by an interpreter, named Sorokin, having the rank of Captain, and followed by two companies of infantry, with military music, proceeded to the Palace. Lazareff went directly to the Queen's apartment, where he found her sitting, in

the oriental manner, with her legs crossed under her, on an elevated cushion. She was surrounded by her seven children, the eldest of whom was barely seven years of age, and who were sleeping on adjoining eushions. Lazareff intimated that she must immediately prepare to leave Tiflis. The Queen had for some days apprehended that a measure of this kind would be adopted before she could effect her escape. But, though she was not altogether taken by surprise, she did not fail to remonstrate against so precipitate an order. She pointed to her children, and said, that if she waked them rashly it would turn their blood.' This is a prevailing prejudice in Georgia. When Lazareff stated that he acted under the orders of General Tsitianoff, she merely said Tsitsiane toofiani,' i. e., Tsitsianoff is the which the Queen sat, and which covered a kind disgrace of his family.' Beside the cushion on of state bed or throne, there was a pillow on which she used occasionally to recline her head, and which she now drew towards her knee, apparently resting her arm upon it. In this pillow she had, for some time, kept concealed the sword of her deceased husband. Lazareff perceiving no disposition to prepare for the journey, approached the cushion on the left, and stooped down with the intention of raising the Queen. Maria, who had by this time laid the pillow quite across her knee, suddenly drew the sword and plunged it into his side, exclaiming, 'So perish all the agents of and the Russian, with a convulsive cry, instantly tyranny and dishonour." The wound was mortal, expired. Sorokin, the interpreter drew his sword to oppose the Queen, and wounded her severely on the shoulder; Helena, the mother of Maria, being alarmed by the noise, rushed at this moment into the apartment, and seeing the blood streaming from her daughter's wound, clasped her in her arms, with the eager action of a parent protecting her child. Four officers also immediately entered, and in a moment the House was full of Russian soldiers. The Queen was dragged from the arms of her mother, and hurried with her children into a carriage, which had been prepared to receive her. A strong military escort accompanied the carriage. Every where on the road the Georgians gave proofs of their attachment to the Queen, but the soldiers permitted very few persons to come near her. It was wished to know what the Queen might say to any of the people, or what conversation might pass between her and her children. For this purpose, a Russian, who understood Georgian, was selected to conduct the carriage. This man, on his return to Tiflis, related many affecting anecdotes of the journey. Among the rest the following:-The young prince Gabriel, only six years old, said, Mother, why did you kill that officer? For your honour, my dear,' answered the Queen; to which, the child replied, Mother, say that I did it, and then the Russians will not harm you.'

On arriving in Russia, the Queen was shut up in a cloister, and thus ended the kingdom of Georgia.

CONTINENTAL SCENES.