minds. He remarks that the death of several
opponents was maliciously attributed to him,
through the severity of his pen. Aiming at the
highest rank in his profession, his pride and am-
bition were gratified by increasing honors and
opportunities of usefulness. At the West he oc-
cupied the chair of Medicine and Clinical Prac-
tice, in the Transylvania University, Lexington.
The relation of his travels in Europe, at two dif

will do me the honor to allow one of the ser-
vants to bring me the mutton, I will help my-
self." Whereupon the Doctor "took the carving
knife and cut from the center of the blade-bone
a circular piece of mutton, which, having placed
on his plate, he took a gravy spoon and with it
carefully transferred every drop of gravy from
the circular hole he had made on the blade-bone
to his own plate; then politely bowing to Mrs.
Toms, returned the dish." All of which was ex-ferent times, contains several points of interest.

ceedingly like Dr. Parr.

What is said of Priestley at Northumberland is interesting, and fully confirms the accounts often related of his literary activity, his personal kindness, and his religious disposition. He thought Heaven to be a place of degrees, where the gradually disciplined soul would rise from one stage of happiness to another.

Some of the notices of material progress in the United States are curious, as of the German Mineralogist who was employed in 1810 to teach the members of the Legislature of the State the value of Pennsylvania Coal. This philosopher went about dressed in leather, and was shrewd enough not only to set a proper estimate on the coal formation, but to secure to himself a per centage, which he compromised for a sum of money, and retired to Germany.

Though defective in arrangement, and with little merit of literary execution, Mr. Binns' narrative of his life is at least valuable for its sincerity, and its personal record of important

events.

OUTLINES of Chemical Analysis, prepared for the Chemical Laboratory at Giessen; by Dr. Heinrich Will. Translated from third German edition by Daniel Breed, M. D., and Lewis H. Steiner, M. A., M. D. James Munroe & Co. Every analytical chemist knows the translation of the first edition of this work by Prof. Hoffman, published in 12mo. by Munroe & Co., in 1847. Since then, the book has much more than kept

up with the rapid advances of the science. Its

author, then Liebig's assistant, is now his successor in the first analytical laboratory in the world. The book, too, has grown from duodecimo to octavo, with twice the number of pages, and but little inferior to its predecessor in mechanical execution. Furthermore, it contains quantitative analysis, which the other did not, and the tables are not only more numerous, but, owing to the increased size of the page, are much more perfect and useful. The translation, which differs quite from that of Prof. Hoffman's, even where the original has not been rewritten, is perhaps rather closer than his to the original.

His quaint descriptions of several interviews
with Sir A. Cooper, Abernethy, Mrs. Somerville,
&c., illustrate the extreme individuality of mind
which distinguished his independent course
through life. In alluding to the amount of his
literary labors, Dr. C. expresses his regret that
he occupied his time on so many and diverse
subjects, and did not concentrate his thoughts
and power on some one great work. He wrote
numerous prize treatises, and always won the
prize. His original works and translations, to
which latter he generally appended notes,
amount to about 250 distinct papers or volumes,
from the years 1795 to 1851; and on the subjects beyond the beginner in analytical chemistry, he
of a large majority of them, he had never seen a
can hardly have any other alternative than Will
line by any other pen when he made them the
or Bowman; for Wöhler's book that unjustly
topics of his own. The opposition, denunciation, bears the name of Lieber is not a systematic
and persecution of those self-created literati and
treatise, and that of Fresenius may be considered
"scientifici" who were hostile to him, is said by
as superseded by the present, except for phar-
our author to have been as virulent as that which
maceutists. And while Bowman's Practical
signalized the crusade against Galileo, Leibnitz,
Chemistry contains much valuable matter not
Newton, &c. He remarks, "I can say, with
elsewhere so accessible to the beginner, and
equal pride and truth, that throughout the en-
tire duration of the malign and unsparing war-that before us, still, as a guide to analytical
which could not be expected in such a work as
fare I was thus forced to sustain, I suffered not

a single defeat. Every practical enterprise in
which I seriously and heartily engaged, termin-
ated in my success. Every opinion and doctrine
deemed erroneous by me, which I resolutely and
determinately assailed, was prostrated or so en-
feebled as to fall into disrepute and be finally
nullified. And every sentiment and position I
earnestly supported with all my resources, was
ultimately established." Dr. C. claims to have
modified the condition of the Quarantine estab-
lishments, by his Boylston Prize Essay, thus re-
lieving commerce from unnecessary restrictions,
and to have made important researches on the
Yellow Fever; also, to have been the first per-
son who wrote analytically and philosophically
of Prison Discipline and Reform of Culprits;
also, to have first introduced the system of
Phrenology to the American public. Such is
the brief account of the life of one who was, in
point of originality of thought and fearlessness
of purpose and undaunted energy, a represen-

If we reckon the elaborate work of Rose as

chemistry, it is too brief-wanting in the system necessary to a thorough text-book on that branch

of science. We are not aware that Rose's last

great work has been translated; but even were it in the hands of the beginner, a work like Will's Outlines would be necessary to prepare him for it. Hence even the translation of that magnificent repository of analytic lore would be of less service to American science than that conferred upon it by Drs. Breed and Steiner in

this smaller but comprehensive work.

AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF CHARLES CALDWELL, M. D. With a Preface, Notes, and Appendix, by Harriot W. Warner. 8vo. pp. 454, portrait. Lippincott, Grambo & Co., Philadelphia. This production is the work of an eminent physician somewhat distinguished for his scientific attainments, who died in Louisville in 1853, at the advanced age of eighty-three years. Although composed during the last few years of the author's life, it bears the marks of being prepared by a vigorous mind. It is not only the record of an extensive personal and medical experience, but it also furnishes numerous narrative reminiscences of many of the leading physicians of former years who have won eminence by their talents and professional skill. Born at the South, Dr. C. studied in Philadelphia, where the celebrated Dr. Rush then taught, and with whom the young aspirant did not fail to break a lance. Indeed, we find marked periods throughout all of his eventful life, where he stood forth as a brave champion for opinion's sake, and earned many a well-fought battle by annihilat-tative man in his profession. This autobio- a dozen or more of plates printed in colors, not ing his opponent. The history of his personal graphy will be read with delight by those who differences with great men, is related in an agreeable and forcible manner, yet not without an evident degree of relish and a considerable spice of vanity.

During the "Whisky Rebellion," Dr. C. acted as surgeon to the brigade, having obtained his appointment by means of a romantic adventure. Afterwards, while engaged in his professional lectures, in Philadelphia, he freely criticised the writings and current theories of the day, which brought him into constant conflict with leading

take pleasure in perusing the history of one who
talked with Washington and the reminiscences
of the earlier days of the Republic, or who are
interested in the narrative of an earnest actual
life. The present work is abridged from the
author's MSS. with a preface, notes, and appen-
dix, by Harriet W. Warner.

GENERAL NOTIONS of Chemistry, by J. Pelouze and E. Fremy. Translated from the French by Edmund C. Evans, M. D. Philadelphia, Lippincott, Grambo & Co.

Pelouze and Fremy are great names; and there is something taking in the idea of general notions divested of technicalities and minutia. Moreover, the book has been gotten up in a very good style, and its sale will be particularly aided by to be compared with any thing hitherto met with in chemical works. Its grounds for popularity are, therefore, so well established, that it need not be materially affected by what a careful examination of the details of the work leads us to state.

In the first place, we feel a doubt whether the eminent chemists above named, have had any close connection with the work. It rather appears to have been constructed, from notes of their lectures, made, perhaps, by some laborious or needy student. Certainly, we should regard it

uncharitable to hold any chemist of the first rank responsible for errors in a book that bears so little internal evidence of so distinguished an origin. Perhaps our doubts would be dissipated by an examination of the original, for it is hard to believe that the translator has done much to elucidate his authors. In fact, his translation strongly reminds us of that of the illustrious Septuagint of old, where the idioms and ellipses peculiar to the one language, are scrupulously transferred to the other.

Nor is the subject by any means presented free from technicalities. It has lost only the precision that the Atomic Theory has given to the modern science, without becoming a whit more readable. The facts are as numerous, and it is as thickly sprinkled with chemical names, as in other works; and we fear that the uninitiated would make but little out of the work. But it has its interesting spots where the general notions condescend to a minuteness highly interesting to those who desire to know the exact course of certain French manufactures. Thus, there are ten pages on gunpowder, fifteen on glass, eighteen on pottery, sixteen on iron manufactory, sixteen on sugar, and nine on wine; sixtyeight pages, or more than a seventh of the whole book, on these five subjects. These and kindred subjects more briefly treated, will constitute for the chemist the chief interest and utility of the work.

VIRGIL; with English Notes, prepared for the use of Classical Schools and Colleges. By Francis Bowen, A. M. Stereotype edition.

James Munroe & Co.

The Boston edition, Messrs. Little & Brown's, It is pleasant to greet a new volume by of the British Poets is rapidly advancing, and Washington Irving, which has just been publishthe number of volumes already published makes ed by Geo. P. Putnam. In Wolfert's Roost we good the promise with which the undertaking renew our acquaintance with the venerable Mr. was commenced but little more than a year ago. Diedrich Knickerbocker, and are permitted to One of the recent names upon the list is that of tread with him once more the classic ground Dr. Isaac Watts, that pious versifier whose Di- that borders on the Tappan Zee. The Sketchvine and Moral Songs are taught to children of Book of Geofrey Crayon, Gent, is also re-opened, successive generations, while his Psalms and and some of its tales and legends, narratives of Hymns are enshrined in the affections of Chris- adventure, scraps of history, and pictures of pertians of every name and age. Undoubtedly his sons and places, are laid before us. Some we popularity is owing rather to his earnest devo- have seen before, in the pages of the Knickertion and his knowledge of the intricacies of the bocker Magazine, but they are none the less human heart, than to poetic genius, and his welcome for that; and we are encouraged to bewarmest admirers must admit that he has writ- lieve from this new display, that there are other ten scores of lines offensive to taste, and the very treasures yet in reserve. Do not let any thing opposite of poetry in sentiment and in diction. be lost, Mr. Putnam, that has been touched by We could wish that a collection of his Psalms this master's hand. and Hymns had been added to this volume, which contains only Hora Lyrica and Songs for Children. In Southey's Memoir of the Author, which is prefixed, Dr. Watts appears as a theologian rather than as a poet.

In striking contrast with good old Dr. Watts is the luxurious, sensuous, imaginative Keats, whose Endymion, Hyperion, Eve of St. Agnes, and shorter miscellaneous poems, fill the next volume of this set. A new, fresh biography of the Poet, kindly and appreciative, with touches of genial humor, betrays the pen of a brother poet, and the initials at its close reveal the new ly elected professor of Belles Lettres at Harvard. Our readers will not be sorry if we give them one or two short extracts.

"His very name stood in his way, for Fame loves best such syllables as are sweet and sonorous on the tongue, like

"One cannot help contrasting Keats with Wordsworth;

Mr. Joel Munsell has sent us a new work en. titled Spirit of Humanity, and the Animal's Friend. The editor of this volume has extracted the opinions of the enlightened and benevolent of various ages and climes, from Moses down to the beginning of the present century, including Pythagoras, Plutarch, and all the ancient worthies. The laws of nature, of society, and of God, are brought to bear upon the subject in hand, and practical morality is enforced in all the relations of man to God's sentient and intelligent creation. We cannot say much for the mode of arranging these topics, as, for instance, we cannot account for the propinquity of "the slave-trade" and the "treatment of horses," unless it be that the one naturally suggests the other.

Questions of the Soul is the title of a new work Spenserian and Shaksperian. In spite of Juliet, there is a by J. T. Hecker, published by D. Appleton & We are glad to see a continued demand for great deal in names, and when the fairies come with their Co. This book is addressed to earnest souls. It this beautiful and useful edition of the distin-gifts to the cradle of the selected child, let one, wiser than is engaged with questions which lie at the very the rest, choose a name for him from which well-sounding foundation of Religion. Glancing first at the guished Roman Classic. Professor Bowen's Vir- derivatives can be made, and best of all with a termination gil is the best for schools and colleges, that has in an. Men judge the current coin of opinion by the ring, abortive attempts which have been made to sebeen published in America. The type is clear and are readier to take without question whatever is Pla- cure rest and happiness in the quiet pursuits of and inviting, and the notes happy in quality tonic, Baconian, Newtonian, Johnsonian, Washingtonian, life, under the name of Social Reform, whether Jeffersonian, Napoleonic, and all the rest. You cannot at Brook Farm or in the community established and quantity. Perhaps we might mention one make a good adjective out of Keats,-the more pity,-and error a little too much translation. Virgil will to say a thing is Keatsy is to contemn it. Fate likes fine by the "Brotherhood of the Holy Cross," under the patronage of the Episcopal Bishop Ives, the always be a favorite with the student. The names." "pascua, rura, duces," present a varied and writer proceeds to show what are the wants of grateful banquet after the dry statistic-like dis- the one altogether a poet, the other essentially a Words- the soul, and asserts that the first and deepest patches of Cæsar. Virgil, 'tis true, was an imi-worth with the poetic faculty added; the one shifting from want of the soul is guidance. Looking into the form to form, and from style to style, and pouring his hot, different Church Organisms for help, he finds tator. Homer, Hesiod, and Theocritus were his throbbing life into every mold; the other remaining always models. But (with reverence be it said) he has the individual, producing works, and not so much living in that Protestantism only offers "four bare whiteoftentimes outdone his pattern. We can have his poems as memorially recording his life in them. When washed walls-a lecture room," and answers to no patience with a servile imitator; he is Wordsworth alludes to the foolish criticisms on his writings, the call of humanity like a step-mother, "Be he speaks serenely and generously of Wordsworth the poet, your own guide," or "Read the Bible." But, the parasite bird that occupies another's nest. as if he were an unbiassed third person, who takes up the But we admire the productions of genius in imi- argument merely in the interest of literature. He towers according to our author's poetico-ascetic view, tation, as we enjoy the exquisite variations into a bold egotism, which is quite above and beyond selfish- the soul needs an infallible guide, which is only wrought by a master-hand upon the musical ness. Poetry was his employment; it was Keats' very exist found in that Church which is the living succestheme of a Beethoven. To Virgil's beauty and ence, and he felt the rough treatment of his verses as if it sor of the dead Christ. Unity, authority, eduhad been the wounding of a limb. To Wordsworth comelegance as a poet, his purity as a writer must posing was a healthy exercise; his slow pulse and unimpresscation, priestly absolution, spiritual food, and be added, as forming part of his attractive char- ible nature gave him assurance of a life so long that he could ascetic cultivation, are alone found in the RoThere are no black spots upon his pages wait; and when we read his poems we should never suspect man Catholic church, which spreads its divine such as defile the works of Ovid, Horace, Ter- the existence in him of any sense but that of observation, as skirts over the weakest and unworthiest of the if Wordsworth the poet were only a great sleepless eye, ac- race. ence, and the majority of Latin poets, against companied by Mr. Wordsworth, the distributor of stamps, whom the young scholar must be guarded. But as a reverential scribe and Baruch. But every one of Keats' we do not intend to commend Virgil (a rather poems was a sacrifice of vitality; a virtue went away from superfluous work after the plaudits of nearly him into every one of them; even yet, as we turn the leaves, they seem to warm and thrill our fingers with the flash of twenty centuries), but rather to welcome a new his fine senses, and the flutter of his electrical nerves, and impression of Prof. Bowen's edition of the sweet- we do not wonder he felt that what he did was to be done swiftly." singing Mantuan.

acter.

Mr. Hecker is most profuse in the introduction of lines of poetry, which are to be taken with a grain of poetic license. We presume that this work is intended as an antidote to the "Know Nothing" excitement.

Mr. M. W. Dodd sends us a new edition of the late Dr. Spencer's Pastor's Sketches, the two

in our own minds for our own contemplation. The second Music, by Prof. G. O. Robinson, assisted by J.
is the fiction created for others, untruthful and unnatural B. Woodbury. This fine collection is issued by
words, novels. That cannot be considered Fiction which
stories, the written dreams of distempered minds, or, in our
the Southern Baptist Publication - Society, of
is true to Fact. A representation of truth is not a Fiction. Charleston.
A story, every element of which is true to common fact, is
not a Fiction. A tale which justly illustrates a principle, or
real life, or a genuine experience, is not a Fiction. In all
these cases Fact would be fairly expressed and elucidated.
A true picture is not a Fiction. It is faithful, reliable, and
proper. For truth may be told, is expected to be known
and studied. Fiction is false, not true to Fact, Fact distort-
ed, Fact partly concealed, Fact in mask, or in some way
changed so as to be essentially false. Fiction is not a direct
falsehood made of whole cloth, but a falsehood made of
patchwork, or a false coloring, or exaggerated statement, or
deceitful representation, that "leads to bewilder and dazzles
to blind." It presents life, nature, fact, in an-unnatural, and
but not the probable. If Fiction was true to Fact, it would
therefore untrue, aspect. It is an expression of the possible,
be for all purposes of mental culture as good as Fact. But
just here is the evil of Fiction; it is not true to Fact, and

life will naturally suggest themselves to the re-indolent students in deceiving their instructors. Uteri, by Jas. M. Green, M. D., of Macon, Ga., is

valuable Statistics of National Affairs, Population, Finances, and of the Governments of the Union and of the different States, including the latest election returns as compared with former years, Lists of Officers, etc. The miscellaneous portion of this Register relates principally to the subject of Slavery, containing Hon. Wm. H. Seward's speech, and the various Acts of Congress on this Question. There is also an Article on the European War and the "Know Nothings."

calf & Co., Cambridge. We have communicated the main facts embraced in this Report in our last number.

Periodical Literature.

wise one for general adoption. To establish the anthor's views of a classical education, the opinions of the recent distinguished instructors and educational men throughout the land are mentioned, incidentally showing that the voluntary studies have not generally been chosen nor vigorously pursued by any large number of students. Acknowledging that there should be some modification of the present course, the author of this pamphlet suggests that a definite curriculum of study, designed as a The New Englander for February is the first We have received the Sixth Annual Report of mental discipline, prescribed, to extend over the number of the thirteenth volume, and is pubThis the Albany Penitentiary, 8vo. pp. 48. Printed by J. entire four years, and to which all regular candi- lished by F. W. Northrop, New Haven. Munsell, Albany; the Sixth Annual Report of the dates for graduation are to be required to conform, review is one of the leading exponents of New Western House of Refuge, pp. 86; the Twelfth An- including all those branches which, by the consent England principles, theology and church polity. nual Report of the State Lunatic Asylum, pp. 48 of the learned of all ages, are entitled to be re- The following articles are contained in the l'rinted by C. Van Benthuysen, Albany; the Mi-garded as the best instruments for evolving and present number: I. "Sandwich Island Notes" is nutes of the Fifth Annual Meeting of the Medical exercising the human mind; and that all the re-reviewed and pronounced an "unmitigated slipSociety of Georgia, held in Macon, April 1854. pp. maining studies be embraced in a group, from We have also received the first number of the first volume of the Proceedings of the New Orleans Academy of Natural Sciences, published on the first of March, 1854. This Society has weekly meetings from April to September inclusive, and these proceedings contain full reports of the papers read on these occasions. The present officers are Prof. E. H. Barton, M. D., President; Prof. J. L. Riddell, M. D., and J. S. Copes, M. D., Vice Presidents;

56.

Isaac L. Crawcour, M. D., Cor. Secretary; Rev. Alex. Campbell, D. D., Librarian. The seal of the Society has the following three-fold device. A serpent coiled into a circle; Clouds and Stars in the inclosed space; and a Globe, exhibiting the Western Hemisphere, occupying the center of the Seal. The whole signifying the Eternity and the Universality of the Objects of Science.

Porter.

which the Faculty may, at the proper time, select shod," both morally and in a literary point of such as seem fitted to the intellectual wants of each view. II. "Symptoms modifying our National individual student, as ascertained by the observa-Joy," by Rev. Gordon Hall. III. “The Philosophy tion of his tastes, mental habits, and actual attain- of Reform," by Rev. Wm. Clark, showing the dements during the earlier years of study, and to sirableness of the union of Conservatives and provide for his instruction in these, without exact- Radicals. IV. "Common School System of ing from him, as at present, attention to the whole Mass.," by Rev. B. G. Northrop. V. "The number. The second pamphlet relates to the evils South Side View of Slavery" reviewed by which are inseparable from the American college Rev. A. P. Marvin. VI. "Revivals of Religion," system in its present form; and the contents of these pages were originally addressed to one of the by Rev. W. De Loss Love. VII. “A Philosophieditors of the Mobile Register. The difficulties cal Survey of the Ocean," by Prof. Olmsted. here spoken of relate to the government of students, VIII. "Recent Works on Psychology," by Prof. and these letters embrace a great many valuable hints on the subjects, which are suggested from a The Southern Quarterly Review has been issued long experience of the workings of the college sys- somewhat later than usual, because of the detem. The necessary qualifications of College offi-struction of the office of the Review, in Columbia, cers as exercising authority, are well portrayed. by fire. The leading article is a review of the The Annual Report of the Portland Athenæum Prof. Barnard asserts that American Colleges as"North and South," a pamphlet republished presented in October 1854, has been issued in a sume a responsibility which, in respect to moral from the editorials of the N. Y. Tribune. Article pamphlet form. The number of paying proprietors training, they have not the power adequately to has been more than doubled since 1848. The in-discharge-that the system, by introducing law as II. is devoted to the exposure of "the blunders of come of the Institution is about $1,100 per annum. Hallam," the historian, who is accused of writing Article III. About 500 volumes have been purchased during his histories in a partisan spirit. the past year, making the whole number in the treats of the "Powers of the General GovernLibrary 8,352. The amount of money received ment" in respect to internal improvements, and since Jan. 1847 is $10,607, out of which $4,146 has is aimed against the construction of the Pacific been spent for books, periodicals, &c. It is proRailroad, until the increase of trade supplies its posed in the Report that the different libraries and own means of travel. Article IV. "The Human Literary Societies of Portland should unite in the Family," a review of several Ethnological works. erection of a handsome edifice for their mutual Article V. Review of "Curtis on the Constitu

accommodation.

The Brooklyn Athenæum, whose second Annual Report has just been published, is in a flourishing condition. The Library now contains more than 8,000 volumes, about 500 of which have been added during the past year. The whole number of books drawn from the library during the year was 8,642, which gives an average circulation of nearly 80 volumes per day.

Prof. Barnard's Report on Collegiate Education, and Letters on College Government, have been published in two octavo pamphlets by D. Appleton & Co. The first is an able report, prepared by Prof. Fred. A. P. Barnard, late Professor of Chemistry in the University of Alabama, assisted by Prof. John W. Pratt, and addressed to the Faculty of that Institution in September, 1854. This Report was occasioned by a growing feeling of dissatisfaction on the part of the community in view of an alleged necessity for a radical reorganization of the University. This Report aims to show that the condition of the Institution is highly prosperous, and that the plan of instruction which is pursued in the Virginia University, in which a student is allowed to choose his own studies, &c., is not a

a sufficient guardianship of morals, has essentially
failed. As a remedy for this state of things, he
recommends the abandoning of the Cloister system,
and the revival of the old distinction between Uni-
versity and College, between Professor and Tutor,
as in the English seats of learning down to the
eighteenth century. That students may not be
removed from the influences of the family circle,
to occupy some dreary dormitory, Prof. Barnard
shows the importance of establishing Collegiate
Institutions in the cities and larger towns, believing
that the retirement which is thought so necessary
to culture is purchased too often at the cost of
morals, and that students will be more free from
vice even in such more apparently exposed situa-
tions.

Prof. Jonathan Pearson, of Union College, Sche-
nectady, has prepared a General Catalogue of the
Officers, Graduates, and Students of that Institu-
tion, from 1795 to 1854. Besides the list of the

Graduates of each year, this catalogue furnishes
the names of students who pursued a partial or
"University" course, and also the names of those
who received honorary degrees. By the summary
it appears that there have been 3,289 graduates;
1,070 who did not graduate. Of this number
(4,309), there have been over 1,100 lawyers, over
900 clergymen, and about 800 physicians, and at
least 225 presidents, professors, and teachers. 759
of this number are known to have died. An Index
of names is furnished, and the whole is very care-
fully and conveniently arranged.

The New Church Repository, for February, has an article asserting the infallibility or "inerrability" of Swedenborg. There is also a very curious article on Sleep.

The Western Literary Messenger has reached its twenty-third volume, and is a pleasant miscellany, edited by Jesse Clement, and published by Thomas & Lathrop, Buffalo.

The Twenty-ninth Annual Report of the President of Harvard College to the Overseers, exhibitThe January and February numbers of the ing the state of the Institution for the academical United States Review have been just published year 1853-4, has just issued from the press of Met-together in one part. The leading article ex

presses strong sympathy with the "Czar of Russia" in the present contest. "St. Jonathan" is

were in 1754. "The History of the War," for houses, while Cincinnati (a city whose importance the last quarter, is summarily presented. There in the business is only fourth in this country) had a very superlative glorification of that progres-is also a digest of French and German Litera- no representative, and scores of other important sive individual. "Human Nature in Chunks" ture. points were in similar condition. Any thing like a shows some of the queer sides of human life. The Eclectic Review, for February, has-1. general meeting of the Trade is not secured. The The Mercantile Lorary Reporter, published "Art; its Prospects and Aspirations." 2. "Neale's Large buyers have little interest in a sale where inducements to come together are not sufficient. in Boston, for February, contains reports of the Rise and Progress of Islamism." 3. "Dr. Johnvarious meetings and lectures of the Association. son as a Christian and a Critic." 4. "More The Connecticut Common School Journal, for Sunny Memories," or some criticisms on Grace January, has a lengthened Review of Hon. Henry Greenwood's "Haps and Mishaps of a Tour in Barnard's labors in Connecticut and Rhode Isl- Europe," not altogether so complimentary as our and; a continuation of the account of the Lon-fair authoress might have expected after showdon Educational Exhibition, &c.

ing such an appreciation of things in the old The New York Teacher, for February, contains world. "Modern Russian Literature" is the the full Report of the Superintendent of Public subject of an article which gives numerous exInstruction of this State, and other items of in- tracts. "The Reconstruction of Poland " is pronounced to be the only efficient barrier against

terest.

The Southern Teacher, vol. 1, No. 1, for Janu- Russian encroachments. ary, is published at Trenton, Tennessee.

"threes," "twos," and even "ones," are peddled out to any one who will bid for them, often at the same prices at which the largest quantities are sold; and where one wanting a book by the edition must come in direct competition with one who needs two or three copies. Instead of the company of fifty to one hundred, which is now collected (I refer to actual members of the Trade), there should be five secured, the others also fail. With such a meager hundred. From the fact that this first point is not representation of the Trade, little facility for the introduction of new works is afforded, or for the accomplishment of any other of the desired objects. Tait's Edinburgh Magazine, for February, con- Of all the stock purchased at the sales as now contains a review of the life of "the great Ameri- ducted, three-quarters of the items, at least, are on can Humbug;" remarking that "America may the memorandum books of the purchasers before justly boast, and does boast, of extraordinary they leave home, to be purchased at any rate, and as facilities for the production of monsters of all large a portion of the other quarter as it would be kinds. The biggest specimen of every describ-advisable for purchasers to have, would be bought able or indescribable thing in existence is Amer-private sale than under the present system. more advantageously, both to seller and buyer, at The New York Wholesale Commercial Register, ican or Yankee." Barnum is credited with for January, is wholly devoted to advertise- having humbugged the world more than any ments, and is published everywhere. other impostor. "Reading Raids" is an article The Monthly Law Reporter, for February, pub- on a few of the American Poets, as Alice Carey, lished by Crosby, Nichols & Co., has a commu-T. B. Read, O. W. Holmes, and J. R. Lowell. nication in defense of Mr Crittenden in his action in the Ward Trial, by a member of the Bar in Kentucky.

The Journal of the Franklin Institute, for February, gives the list of American Patents issued in November and December last. At the annual meeting of this Institute, John C. Cresson was chosen President, and Frederick Fraley, Corres

ponding Secretary.

Ranking's Half-Yearly Abstract of the Medical Sciences, No. 20, July to Dec., 1854, has just been published by Lindsay & Blakiston, Philadelphia. This well known digest of the contents of the principal medical works published during the last six months previous to Jatuary, with its Critical Reports of the Progress of Medical Science, is an invaluable aid to the profession.

The British and Foreign Medico-Chirurgical Review, for January, just issued by S. S. & W. Wood, has in the department of Original Communications, interesting articles on "The Blood," and "The Pathology of Insanity," the latter by Dr. J. C. Bucknill.

In the Medical Examiner, for February, we find a curious memoir on the "Number of Victims killed by Lightning," and an inquiry into certain Phenomena observed in Men and Animals struck.

Correspondence.

It would seem, then, that the contributor fails to secure the contemplated advantages. He depreciates the prices of his books, selling, in many cases, at rates which he would not think of accepting at private sale, and pays the auctioneer a fine commission for transacting business which he might better have attended to himself, and for which he already has all the necessary facilities, such as a store, clerks, porters, etc. The purchaser, on the other hand, fares no better than the contributor, so far as any benefit from these sales is concerned. He incurs the fatigue, loss of time, and expense of two weeks' attendance upon the sale to accomplish The opinion is gaining ground among those most what might be done at private sale in one or two interested, that Trade Sales, as at present conduct- days. Moreover, he is obliged to purchase in the ed, are worse than useless, and that a reform is much hurry and excitement of an auction sale, and canneeded. With your permission, I propose to offer not hope to escape getting sometimes badly "stuck." a few suggestions in regard to this matter. He is likely to buy, not only injudiciously, but also The principal advantages expected from Trade more extensively than is well for him. The small Sales may be enumerated as follows:

A REFORM NEEDED IN TRADE SALES.

Editor of Gazette,—

saving made on a portion of his stock is more than book-lost in the disadvantages of other purchases. It is for this reason that so many of those who used to

1. The calling together members of the
trade generally; affording opportunity for making
acquaintances, for exchanges, and other business.
2. Affording facilities to publishers for the intro
duction of new works.

be regular purchasers at the sales have ceased attending them, their places being supplied by those who have not yet had experience in its working.

3. Presenting opportunities for working off bal-It ances of editions, and for the transfer of books unsalable in one market, to another where there is a demand for them.

4. As a means of increasing the sale of books. The American Journal of Dental Science is claimed in behalf of Trade Sales as at present conThese are, I think, all the important advantages published by Lindsay & Blakiston, Philadelphia. ducted, so far as contributors are concerned. PurThe January number contains a searching re-chasers hope to obtain a more extensive assortment view of the late trial in the Beale case. There is also an interesting Essay on the Microscope, by W. H. Dwinelle, M. D.

The New Quarterly Review, for January, has an agreeable "Retrospect of English Literature," in which the most recent works in History; Travels, and Light Literature are commented upon. Grace Greenwood's Travel Talk does not seem to suit the temper of the critic. "Old Chelsea Bun House" is another quaint book by the author of "Mary Powell." "The Year '54" is an amusing reminiscence of things as they

of stock, and at lower prices than in the ordinary
method of purchase.

Are these advantages really secured by the pres-
ent Trade Sales? and are there not commensurate
disadvantages resulting from them?

The first point named, that of securing periodical meetings of the Trade, is by no means accom

plished. A small minority, only, of the leading

houses have latterly been represented at these sales,
though something of a company of smaller dealers
has doubtless been called together. For instance,
I believe that at no one time during the last Trade
Sale in New York could there be found representa-
tives from one-fifth of the Boston publishing

seems to me that the present system of Trade Sales is, in effect, supporting expensive establishments and paying large profits to individuals to do business which might be more satisfactorily done without their aid. The term Trade Sales is, in itself, a misnomer, for they are neither confined to, nor regulated by the Trade. "Book-auctions" would be a more appropriate name. The names of a "Committee of the Trade" appear on the catalogues, it is true, but by whom, when, and for how long service were they appointed? Are not these committees a mere form, and the "Regulations of the Sale," in fact, completely the work of the auctioneers, whose sole object is (rightly enough) their own commissions?

That Trade Sales, on the present plan, meet the

wants or wishes of the Trade, it is evident to any

one who is in the way of hearing expressions of opinion among publishers themselves, is not the case. A remodeling of the whole system is called for. The absence of a number of leading invoices from this Spring's sales arises from dissatisfaction with the plan, and were it not that many contribute