freely offer what it requires a "search," and a correspondent fee, to procure from the College of Arms. We say this with a full appreciation of the great liberality which is manifested by the officers of the College on all occasions where literary or historical objects are in view. Nor have they any just cause of jealousy of the British Museum; for whilst, on the one hand, the Museum MSS. save them from a vast number of troublesome and unprofitable applications; so, on the other, the power of pursuing researches to a certain extent at the Museum must infallibly lead to a considerable amount of professional business at the College of Arms. It is only by hedging round a library with all manner of difficulties and expenses, that it really falls into desuetude, as is too much the case with those of the Cathedrals and Universities.

The late Sir Harris Nicolas was so deeply impressed with the value of the Heraldic MSS. in the British Museum that he compiled a manual of reference to them, of which there has been more than one impression.

Mr. Sims, in the present volume, presents a complete Index to the whole, not only to the distinct pedigrees but to all the coats of arms. It consists

of a series of Indexes for every county, from Bedfordshire to Yorkshire, and one also for London. A more general Index might perhaps have been still more acceptable; but the genealogical inquirer ought to be very thankful for what is here given him, which, as the volume probably contains more than 50,000 references, must have been a work of great labour, and one which we trust that many will encourage as a matter of conscience, though the place of its chief use will necessarily be the British Museum itself. It is, however, frequently of great convenience to know before one takes a journey, whether that journey is likely to be successful; and those interested in particular counties will certainly like to have the present Index in their own library.

The heraldic manuscripts of the British Museum are chiefly in the Harleian Collection, of which Mr. Sims has indexed no fewer than 216; among the Additional MSS. are 21; two in the Lansdowne; one in the Egerton collection; and one in the Cottonian collection; which last is the Visitation of Huntingdonshire, recently edited by Sir Henry Ellis for the Camden Society.

Buildings and Monuments, Modern and Medieval: being Illustrations of the Edifices of the Nineteenth Century, and of some of the Architectural Works of the Middle Ages. Edited by George Godwin, F.R.S. Fellow of the Royal Institute of Architects, &c. Editor of the Builder. Small folio, Parts I. II. III.—The bold and effective woodcuts which have now appeared for some years past in the weekly sheets of our excellent contemporary The Builder must be familiar to all who are the least interested in architecture, if it were only from the show they make among their fellows of the "illustrated " press in the windows of the news-venders. It will we are sure be very acceptable to such as set a higher value upon these prints than the ephemeral pleasure they give on their first appearance, to have smooth and well-printed impressions at a very mode. rate price. In the republication now before us, with the advantages of glossy ink and tinted paper, they assume a beauty which some persons will be scarcely prepared to expect, who are not fully aware

of the great importance of good printing to wood engravings; and the great merits of Mr. C. D. Laing as an effective engraver are thus set forth to due advantage. When we add that each part contains eight large engravings for half-a-crown, the cheapness is also unquestionable. The subjects are agreeably varied, and descriptions are added from the experienced pen of Mr. Godwin.

A Treatise on Benefit Building Socie ties, containing Remarks upon the erroneous tendency of many of the Societies at present in existence; and an Inquiry into the true Causes of their defective Operation, with a view to their Amendment; or, the Formation of New Societies upon correct principles. By Arthur Scratchley, M.A. Actuary to the Western Life Assurance Society. 8vo.-So many societies have latterly been established for enabling the industrious classes to live in houses of their own, that it becomes a matter of important interest to the community, that their savings

should be not only securely but also advantageously invested. No one can contemplate the prospect of the consequences which must result from a fatal error in this respect, without feeling a strong desire that the constitution of these and similar associations should no longer be left in the hands of men who are unacquainted with their principles and management. It is melancholy to reflect that, owing to errors in theory, false calculations of rates of payment and interest, and general mismanagement, all occasioning severe pecuniary loss, there are very few, indeed, which can realise to so many as half the subscribers the advantages which are lavishly promised in the prospectuses. Yet, if the theory be sound, the calculations correct, and the management prudent, there is no difficulty in the formation of a society in which the members may invest their savings with the perfect certainty of reaping the full advantages that can possibly be derived from accumulation at compound interest, advances at sufficient interest, and quick and safe reinvestment of repayments at compound interest. For wherever more is promised, there we may be assured the plan is rotten, however specious may be its pretences. We have transcribed the entire title of a work, compiled by a distinguished practical mathematician, which has for its main object the preservation of the industrious and prudent from the danger of embarking in projects that cannot be carried out, and for exhibiting the true formation of safe associations for mutual assistance. Mr. Scratchley examines the principles of a great number of existing societies, and points out the errors and miscalculations which endanger their fabric. He then proceeds to investigate the true theory of a building society, and lays down a series of admirable rules and practical directions for its judicious and advantageous management. Considering these societies as joint-stock companies for the improvement of the capital subscribed by means of advances and reinvestments, he shows that other important objects may be combined with the principal one of building or purchasing houses. In par. ticular they are well adapted for assurance of life, or of fidelity in situations of trust. In the latter respect, which is due to Mr. Scratchley, they remove the great obstacle to the advancement of a poor man without friends to become security for his honesty. To facilitate the formation and management of societies of this improved description, Mr. Scratchley has subjoined a number of tables elaborately calculated. There are some preparatory instructions in the nature of the matters to which the

tables relate; and, in the Appendix, the algebraic demonstrations of the arithmetical rules. We have never before seen so complete a work on the subject.

The Apostles. 18mo. pp. 156.-This book contains the history of the Apostles 66 to the end of their lives, with brief notices of their writings." It is in some respects geographical, as well as biographical, and much ingenuity has been shown in expanding a subject by no means copious in the first instance. We could however, recommeud, that in making quotations, whether of poetry or prose, the authors' names should be more frequently given. For the expression "a modern writer" (as at p. 47) is rather vague. Altogether this volume will form an appropriate companion, to such works as are introductory to the reading of the Scriptures.

Fep.

Claims of the Church of Rome. 8vo. pp. 127.-The author of this volume has also published "The Sure Hope of Reconciliation," and "Principles of Protestantism, considered with a View to Unity." The first of these works is already considered by Romish reviewers as not going far enough, but for us it goes too far. They all appear to be written under a bias (of which the writer perhaps is not fully conscious), which has been justly described as Tendimus in Latium.* His ideas of unity, we hope, will prove merely theoretical, for practically it would cost too dear to realise them, and to ourselves they are as unwelcome as "The Mass of the Chancellor de l'Hôpital," was to Queen Catharine de' Medici.

A Guide to Candidates for Holy Orders. By the Rev. C. M. Mount, A. M. 12mo. pp. xiii. 272.-This work is so copious that a detailed examination of it is impossible. The author, we presume, as “Examining Chaplain to the late Bishop of Bath and Wells," is thoroughly acquainted with the comparative importance of the various topics in a candidateship for ordination. We have been pleased with it, where we have tested its character. At p. 193, note, the word treasure, should have been treasury, which would better express the author's meaning, without implying a notion of value, which is foreign to his meaning, but which the incautious reader is not unlikely to infer.

Happy Restorations. 18mo. pp. 99.-This little volume contains three narratives, viz." The Great Preparation," the " Young

* Virg. Æn. b. i. l. 205.

Footman," and "The Second-Hand Dress." As we do not intend to tell these stories ourselves, so as to save the trouble of reading them, we shall merely say, that they are well worth reading. If true, they are important; and if imaginary, they describe situations by no means improbable; and the principles they inculcate are of general utility.

The National Cyclopædia of Useful Knowledge. This admirable work (a condensed edition of the Penny Cyclopædia) makes rapid progress, Part XXXII. for September bringing us as far as "Nicotiana." When completed no library should be without this book; the information it contains is of the very highest order, and upon every imaginable subject, and the price so low as to place it within the easy reach of the humblest mechanic.

The Monthly Volume. Nos. 42, and 43. pp. 192 each.-Of these volumes, the former is entitled "The Crusades." We remember, in our boyish days, reading a sixpenny history of Richard I. which we thought extremely interesting, and, therefore, we have no doubt that this volume, which is a history of the Crusades for juvenile readers, will attain its object. The subject is well condensed, and the general review of the causes and effects will give the reader a full idea of the state of that period. Perhaps the moral reflections, which are interspersed through the history, would answer the purpose better if they were briefer.--The second of these volumes is "The Life of Lavater," a topic by no means overworked; for, though his name is generally known, in connexion with physiognomy, his personal history is little known in other respects. The Life is a very useful one to be acquainted with, and many a reader will be surprised to find, that he has hitherto known Lavater merely as the advocate of a science, though he chiefly lived for far higher objects. It is a volume which ought to be extensively read, especially as it is given to the public in so convenient a form.

Loiterings among the Lakes. Square 16mo. pp. 208. This pretty little volume is written by the author of "Wanderings in the Isle of Wight." It is a narrative of a supposed tour among the lakes of Cumberland and Westmerland, which a father relates to his son. A good deal of local history is introduced, as are also several specimens of border poetry from Scott and Wordsworth. There are several elegant embellishments. It would make a nice, and no doubt an acceptable present.

The Life of the Rev. Philip Henry. 18mo. pp. 144.-This memoir, though placed before us in a separate form, is also included in a series entitled "Christian Biography." It is abridged from a larger volume, written by Philip Henry's son, Matthew, the author of the well-known Commentary. That memoir was inserted by the late Dr. Charles Wordsworth, Master of Trinity college, Cambridge, in his "Ecclesiastical Biography," and only omitted in the last edition, on account of its length, and because a new edition had appeared from the original diary, under the superintendence of Mr. now Sir J. B. Williams. If Johnson's remark be correct, that there has rarely passed a life of which a record would not be useful, it is eminently true in the case of a person who has gone through eventful times with integrity and exhibited an uniform spirit of piety. Orton mentions in his Life of Doddridge, that he often spoke of the Life of Mr. P. Henry, "as affording him much instruction and encouragement." A volume entitled "Remains of the Rev. Philip Henry" (18mo. pp. xii. 183) was edited last year by Sir J. B. Williams, who, as a descendant of the family, possesses most of their MSS. If these MS. Notes appear brief, from not having been prepared by the author for publication; they are nevertheless pithy, and afford some useful "Aids to Reflection," as Coleridge would have said. Sir John has also published a new edition of "The Life of Mrs. Savage," the daughter of Philip Henry (18mo. pp. xxiv. 228). It is compiled chiefly from her Diary, and in this edition of last year is considerably revised. It may be termed, in many respects, an illustration of the character portrayed in Proverbs xxxi.

Sir J. B. Williams is also the author of a Life of Sir Matthew Hale, and a member of the American Antiquarian Society.

A short Commentary on the Collects. By the Rev. C. C. Spencer, M. A. 18mo. pp. 88. This little work partakes of the revivalist system, which has introduced so much disunion. It is not without merit, though it might be clearer. At the collect

for the Nativity, on the words "Being regenerate," it says, "A regenerate or newborn life is given to us in holy baptism." (p. 12.) If the liturgical expression requires explanation to guard against misapprehension, the commentary does not fill up the void.

A Continuous Outline of Sacred History. By the Rev. W. S. Evans. Fep. 8ro. 180.-We do not exactly see the use

of this volume, as it contains no more than what is in almost every Bible, with some very slender additions. It is, in fact, a recapitulation of the contents of the several chapters as given by the translators, with the dates added, and portions from Josephus, and 1 Maccabees intervening. The poetical books of the Old Testament, and the doctrinal ones of the

New, as well as the Chronicles, are omitted. The History of the Gospels is formed into a harmony, and some tabular lists are appended. The dedication strikes us as new; it is inscribed to the Rev. M. Margoliouth, a Jewish clergyman, and gives a list of his publications, which will serve the purpose of a friendly advertisement.

UNIVERSITY OF OXFord.

Sept. 19. This day being the day on which Dr. Martin Joseph Routh, the venerable President of Magdalene College, entered his 95th year, the first stone of the new Grammar School of the college, the building of which has been projected many years, but hitherto by various circumstances prevented, was laid by the President himself, (who appeared in excellent health,) attended by the resident members of the college, at the western extremity of the gravel walk within the precincts of the ancient college walls. The following inscription, from the pen of the learned President, engraven on copper, was placed beneath the foundation stone:-"Scholam Grammaticalem veteri Aulæ Magdalenensi, quæ in alia sede nunc floret, prius annexam, rursus intra monia sua ædificandam, curaverunt Præses Sociique Magdalenenses, Anno Salutis MDCCCXLIX." The President having pronounced the words,-" Floreat grammatica, floreat hæc schola grammaticalis, olim academicis propria, jampridem omnibus patefacta," the ceremony concluded. The building, designed by Messrs. J. C. Buckler and Son, architects, will consist of a single room, the dimensions of which are determined by those of the old grammarschool, which was pulled down in 1828. The front towards the High-street will present an elevation of five bays, formed by buttresses, and containing an uniform range of transomed windows of lofty proportions. The north elevation is to be distinguished by a porch in the centre, with a room over, approached by a stone staircase in an octangular bell turret, terminating with a crocketed pinnacle. The parapet of the school is to be embattled, and the east and west walls finished with gables; the windows in these aspects will be distinguished by superior dimensions, pointed arches, and tracery. The roof is to be of open timber framework, spanned by single arches, springing from stone corbels. Several new exhibitions have been founded in connexion with the school, one of which, value 701., may be held by

any member of the school entering the university.

BRITISH ASSOCIATION FOR THE AD

VANCEMENT OF SCIENCE.

The British Association has held its nineteenth meeting at Birmingham, under the presidency of the Rev. T. Romney Robinson, D.D. of Armagh. He was inducted into the chair by the Marquess of Northampton, at the first General Meeting, held in the Town Hall, on the evening of Wednesday, Sept. 12, and on that occasion delivered a long and very eloquent address.

Mr. Phillips, the Secretary, read the report for the last year. It referred chiefly and more particularly to the observatories and magnetical and meteorological apparatus at Toronto and Kew. In connection with this subject, the council had great pleasure in announcing that Her Majesty's Government, on the joint application of the Marquess of Northampton and Sir John Herschel, had granted to Mr. Francis Ronalds a pecuniary recompense of 2501. per annum for the invention of his method of constructing self-registering magnetical and meteorological apparatus. At the same time they expressed the satisfaction with which they had learned that the ingenious invention of Mr. Brookes for similar purposes had also received a pecuniary recompense from the Government.

On Thursday business began in the Sections: the members of the Association visited the Botanical Gardens; and in the evening there was a soirée at the Town Hall, when the electric light was exhibited by means of Mr. Gassiot's powerful battery, and the subject was slightly explained by Prof. Faraday. There was also some good performance on the organ. On Friday the members of the Association, to the number of 450, dined together in the Town Hall, the President taking the chair. On Saturday there was no business in any of the Sections; and the morning was occupied in excursions to Dudley, to Kenilworth, Warwick, and Leamington, and to Wednesbury. The objects of the latter excursion were to witness the process of

manufacture of patent shafts, &c. and to visit some of the iron-works and furnaces in the neighbourhood. Besides the hundreds of members of the Association who repaired to Dudley, thousands of the surrounding neighbourhood, being furnished with tickets of admission, reached the entrance to the galleries under the Castle Hill in barges, carriages, and on foot. The little army of both sexes began soon to pour into the cavern; and shortly after 10 o'clock Sir R. I. Murchison, accompanied by the French Ambassador, reached the scene of action where he had addressed the public ten years ago at a former meeting of the Association. Lord Ward had directed his agent Mr. Smith to spare no expense in rendering the access to the galleries still more attractive than on the former occasion; and that gentleman had caused a foot-road to be cut along the slope of the side of the gallery-so that all the visitors who entered on foot saw the barges beneath them as in a river Styx : the interior vaulted cavities and the massive buttresses which support the roof being beautifully lighted. More than midway along the galleries on the western side of the hill, a dense mass being assembled in the lower part, Sir R. I. Murchison addressed them from a higher portion of the ground, and making use of a speaking trumpet, was heard to the distant recesses of the cavern. He gave a popular sketch of the structure of the subterranean region of the Staffordshire coal-field, and its relation to the upper Silurian rocks on which it rested and the lower red sandstone by which it was flanked and through which it had been elevated. Adverting to the underground researches of Mr. Blackwell and others, and to a recent memoir of Mr. Jukes of the Government Survey, he then explained how the Rowley Hills of basaltic greenstone were the centre of all the eruptive agency of this tract. He particularly dwelt on the value to the miner cf an acquaintance with organic remains; and explained how entirely the upper Silurian limestones were separated from carboniferous deposits, and how all over the world these ancient limestones, like this of Dudley, being once reached, all hopes of finding coal vanished. He expatiated on the extension of his Silurian rocks (named and illustrated from the region of which the Staffordshire coal-field formed a part) over Europe, including Russia and Siberia, and over America; and concluded by proposing three cheers for Lord Ward, who had lighted up the caverns for them, and the same for Mr. Smith, the miners, and those who had carried out his lordship's wishes. The company gave three to the Silurian geologist and he thanking them, begged GENT. MAG. VOL. XXXII.

the French Ambassador to say a few words through the speaking trumpet, which his Excellency (M. Drouyn de Lhuys) did with much effect. Blue and red lights were then exhibited at the far recesses of the galleries, and the crowd began to defile by the upper road and to pass out. At 1 o'clock a great number of the party assembled on the summit of the adjacent hill of upper Silurian limestone called the Wren's Nest, where Sir R. I. Murchison gave them from this the highest spot in the county a general view of the relation of outline to his previous underground lecture. The Bishop of Oxford proposed the thanks of the party to Sir R. I. Murchison; and in reference to the allusion which he had made to Caractacus or Caradoc, the famous British King of the Silures, proclaimed the geologist to be "The Silurian King."-Prof. Rogers of Philadelphia being then called upon to explain the analogy between the Alleghany mountains and the older rocks of England, made an eloquent address. The public museum of the Geological Society of Dudley was afterwards visited, as well as the cabinets of Mr. Fletcher and Mr. Gray. Hospitalities were offered on all sides; and the Priory and many houses in the town were opened to the visitors. In the evening there was a soirée at the town hall. On Monday evening Prof. Willis delivered a lecture at the town hall "On the Application of Science to Railways." On Tuesday Mr. Carte made experiments with his rockets for saving life from shipwreck, at the Reservoir, and in the evening there was a third soirée at the town hall. On Wednesday the General Committee assembled to sanction the resolutions which had passed the Recommendation Committee. The President moved that the communication of Lord Rosse "On Nebula" be printed entire amongst the Reports of the Association. Various recommendations involving small grants of money, then received the sanction of the Committee, to continue the Meteorological Observations made at Kew and the Azore Islands; to continue Researches on Crystalline Slags, by Dr. Percy and Prof. Miller, 57.; Investigations on Colouring Matters, by Dr. Schunck, 5.; Investigations on the Air and Water of Towns, by Dr. Smith (Manchester), 57.; to R. Mallet, esq. Rev. Dr. Robinson, and Prof. Oldham, to determine by instruments the elements of the Transit of Natural and Artificial Earthquake Waves, 50.; to Dr. Lankester, Prof. Owen, and Mr. R. Taylor, on Periodical Phenomena of Animals and Vegetables, 107.; to Mr. Strickland, Dr. Daubeny, Prof. Lindley, Prof. Henslow, on Vitality of Seeds, 67.; and to Prof. E.

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