VALUABLE WORKS PUBLISHED BY GOULD & LINCOLN, BOSTON, No. 59 WASHINGTON STREET. A New Edition, with an Additional Chapter by the Author. JUST PUBLISHED: THE PLURALITY OF WORLDS. WITH AN INTRODUCTION. By EDWARD HITCHCOCK, D. D., Pres't of Amherst College. Author's Reviewers are Reviewed. Price $1. GEOLOGICAL MAP OF THE UNITED STATES AND With an Explanatory Text, Geological Sections, and Plates of the Fossils which charac- The Map is elegantly colored, and done up with linen cloth back, and folded in octavo form, with thick cloth covers. "The most complete Geological Map of the United States, which has yet appeared. The execution of this Map is very neat and tasteful, and it is issued in the best style. It is a work which all who take an interest in the geology of the United States, would wish to possess, and we recommend it as extremely valuable, not only in a geological point of view, but as representing very fully the coal and copper regions of the country. The exand is rich in facts on the subjects. It is embellished with a number of beautiful plates of planatory text presents a rapid sketch of the geological constellations of North America, the fossils which characterize the formations, thus making, with the Map, a very complete, clear, and distinct outline of the geology of our country.”—Mining Magazine, N. Y. The Dialogue prefixed to this edition contains some notices of objections which ANNUAL OF SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERY; or, Year-Book have been made to the doctrines of the Essay, and some additional development of the arguments. NOTICES OF THE WORK. of Facts in Science and Art. Exhibiting the most important Discoveries and Improvements in Mechanics, Useful Arts, Natural Philosophy, Chemistry, Astronomy, Meteorology, Zoology, Botany, Mineralogy, Geology, Geography, Antiquities, etc.; together with a list of recent Scientific Publications, a classified list of Patents, Obituaries of eminent Scientific Men, an Index of Important Papers in Scientific Journals, Reports, etc. Edited by DAVID A. WELLS, A. M. 12mo. Cloth, $1 25. "The Plurality of Worlds' is a work of great ability and one that cannot fail to arrest the attention of the world of science. Its author takes the bold ground of contesting the generally adopted belief of the existence of other peopled worlds besides our own earth. A gentleman upon whose judgment we place much reliance writes, in regard to it: The Plurality of Worlds' plays the mischief with the grand speculations of Christian and other astronomers. It is the most remorseless exccutioner of beautiful theories I have ever stumbled upon, and leaves the grand universe of existence barren as a vast Sahara. The author is a stern logician, and some of the processes of argumentation are singularly fine. Many of the thoughts are original and very striking, and the whole con-guished man. As it is not intended exclusively for scientific men, but to meet the wants ception of the volume is as novel as the results are unwelcome. I should think the work of the general reader, it has been the aim of the editor that the articles should be brief, must attract attention from scientific men, from the very bold and well-sustained attempt and intelligible to all. The editor has received the approbation, counsel, and personal conto set aside entirely the scientific assumptions of the age."-Boston Atlas. tributions of the prominent scientific men throughout the country. "This work has created a profound sensation in England. It is, in truth, a remarkable book-remarkable both for the boldness of the theory advanced, and for the logical manner in which the subject-matter is treated."-Mercantile Journal. This work, commenced in the year 1850, and issued on the first of March annually, contains all important facts discovered or announced during the year. Each volume is distinct in itself, and contains entirely new matter, with a fine portrait of some distin THE ANIMAL KINGDOM. BY PROFS. C. TH. VON SIEBOLD AND H. STANNIUS. The new scientific book, Plurality of Worlds,' recently published in this city, is A TREATISE ON THE COMPARATIVE ANATOMY OF awakening an unusual degree of interest in the literary and scientific world, not only in this country, but in England. The London Literary Gazette, for April, contains an able review, occupying over nine columns, from which we make the following extract: We venture to say that no scientific man of any reputation will maintain the theory, without mixing up theological with physical arguments. And it is in regard to the theo- Translated from the German, with Notes, Additions, &c., by WALDO J. BURNETT, M. D., logical and moral aspect of the question, that we think the author urges considerations which most believers in the truths of Christianity will deem unanswerable."—Evening Transcript. "The Plurality of Worlds' has created as great a sensation in the reading world as did the Vestiges of Creation." But this time the religious world is not up in arms with anathemas on its lips. This is a book for it to lick its ear' over. It is aimed at the speculations of Fontenelle, or Dr. Chalmers, respecting the existence of life and spirit in the worlds that roll around us, and demonstrating the impossibility of such a thing."-London Cor. of N. Y Tribune. "To the theologian, philosopher, and man of science, this is a most intensely interesting work, while to the ordinary thinker it will be found possessed of much valuable information. The work is evidently the production of a scholar, and of one earnest for the dissemination of truth in regard to what he considers, for theologians and scientific men, the greatest question of the age."-Albany Transcript. -:0: A HISTORICAL DOCUMENT OF GREAT INTEREST. Boston. Svo. Cloth, $3. This is unquestionably the best and most complete work of its class yet published; and its appearance in an English dress, with the corrections, improvements, additions, &c., of the American editor, will no doubt be welcomed by the men of science in this country and in Europe, from whence orders for supplies of the work have been received. NEW AND POPULAR SERIES OF JUVENILE BOOKS. THE AIMWELL STORIES. A series of volumes illustrative of Youthful Character, combining Instruetion with Amusement. BY WALTER AIMWELL, Author of "The Boy's Own Guide," "The Boy's Book of Morals and Manners," &c. THE LANDING AT CAPE ANNE; dependent of itself, but the series will be connected together by a partial identity of char "We like Clinton' for its naturalness. It is a narrative about real life, pleasantly described in just the way to attract young readers, resembling, and quite equal to, the 'Rollo' series. It is indeed just the book for boys,' and just the sort of book boys like." -Christian Register. "Well, the boys have read it, and they pronounce it first rate. We confirm their judgment. It enters into the heart of the boy comprehends his thoughts, his wishes, and his temptations; mingles in his sports; stimulates him in his studies, and implants right principles and noble views. It is a safe book, an entertaining book, and a useful book."The Independent, N. Y. "An attractive, entertaining, and instructive book for boys. A more beautiful and appropriate gift-book of the kind, for lads, cannot easily be found."- Boston Traveller. BAKER GODWIN & CO., PRINTERS, CORNER NASSAU AND SPRUCE STREETS; N. Y. NEW SERIES-VOL. II. AND Publishers' Circular. NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 15, 1855. IMPORTANT NOTICE NUMBER IV Librarians, College Professors, Clergymen, LITERARY MEN GENERALLY.. :0: THE UNITED STATES LIBRARY AND IMPORTING AGENCY. ESTABLISHED IN 1850. The Subscriber would respectfully invite the attention of all interested in Books to bis superior facilities for the supplying of LIBRARIES OF ALL CLASSES. From his extensive connection with EUROPE he is enabled to import pomptly, and at the lowest rates. Acting at present as Agent for some of the most important LIBRARIES AND PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS IN THE UNITED STATES, he is enabled, by uniting his orders, to purchase on the very best terms. Gentlemen visiting New York are invited to his establishment to examine Catalogues, of which he has a large variety, before making their selections. Old Books and Foreign Catalogues sent regularly by mail, on receipt of post office address. CHARLES B. NORTON, AGENT FOR LIBRARIES, 71 Chambers St., New York. Should sufficient encouragement be given, Mr. NORTON proposes to visit EUROPE in the SPRING, for the 78 purpose of making purchases of Libraries. By personal application, he feels confident, from past experience, that he 78 will be enabled to supply to great advantage. All orders designed for him at that time he should be notified of at the 79 earliest moment, Books for Publie and State Institutions imported Free of Duty. TO SCHOOL AND VILLAGE LIBRARIES. All new American Books supplied on the lowest terms and as soon as issued. WEEKLY PARCELS made up and forwarded. Societies, 76 The Astor Library, Literary Intelligence, Books Wanted, NEW WORKS: American, English, Law Reports, 80 80 81 Books of all descriptions sent by mail to any part of the country. A priced list of all New Bocks may be seen in 83 NORTON'S LITERARY GAZETTE, published twice a month, at $2 per annum. ADVERTISEMENTS. Boston, . Gould & Lincoln, 84 John Wilson & Son, The particular attention of Foreign Libraries is invited to the facilities of Mr. NORTON for delivering American 82 Publications in Europe. Orders left with his agents, as below, will meet with prompt attention. 65, 82, 83 66 82 82 66 82 London, TRUBNER & CO., 12 Paternoster Row. Paris, H. BOSSANGE, Quai Voltaire. Amsterdam, F. MULLER. Berlin, ASHER & CO., Unter der Linden. have recently issued, new editions of the following valuable THE NEW PASTORAL, by Thomas Buchanan Read. 1 works formerly published by 9. Callicott's Cyclopedia of Geography, 1 25 2.50 2.00 2.00 vol. 12mo., cloth. $1. "The unrestricted limits of this poem give the author greater scope for the development of his fine descriptive faculties, and for a fuller exhibition of that keen and delicate appreciation of rural life and scenery, which has won for him a high and enduring reputation among the poets of our time. Since America made her first poetical contribution to English literature, we have heard an incessant call from both sides of the water for a truly American poem.' This call is at length answered. Every thought and feeling of the New Pastoral' is intensely and entirely American. Read's best friends and most sanguine predictors will be astonished by the breadth and energy of the power which he displays in this, his last and most ambitious flight." II. MORNINGS WITH JESUS: a series of devotional readings for the closet and the family, by the late Rev. Wm. Jay, of Bath. In 1 vol. 12mo., cloth. $1. III. 10. Putnam's Cyclopedia of History and Chronology, 200 LECTURES ON ENGLISH LITERATURE, delivered 11. Antisell's Cyclopedia of Useful Arts, 66 Peruvian Antiquities, 17. Layard's Babylon and Nineveh, in the Chapel Hall of the University of Pennsylvania, by Prof. Henry Reed, with a portrait. Edited by his brother, William B. Reed. 1 vol. 12mo., cloth. $1 25. 200 16. 100 125 P. & McM. have the following valuable books in press, which they will immediately publish: CORSICA, by Ferdinand Gregorovius. Translated from the German by the Hon. E. Joy Morris, translator of "Afraja," 1 vol. 12mo. $1 25. II. PATENT LAWS AND THE PATENT OFFICE, being a Brief History of the Progress of Inventive Genius, including an Abstract of the Laws of Foreign Countries on the subject of Patents; to which is added a Digest of the Patent Laws of the United States; Decisions of the United States and State Courts in cases of Appeal and otherwise; Opinions in cases of Appeal from Decisions of the Commissioner of Patents, &c., &c.; together with General Directions to Applicants for obtaining Patents, with the Forms to be observed in Applications; Form of Caveat; Proceedings to be Instituted as preliminary to final Appeal, &c., &c. With an Appendix. By J. G. Moore, formerly of the New York Courier and Enquirer. 1 vol. 12mo., cloth, $1 25. III CHEMISTRY APPLIED to the manufacture of Soap and Candles, a thorough exposition of the principles and practice of the trade, in its fullest details, based upon the most recent discoveries in science and improvement in art, by Campbell Morfit, Professor of Analytical and Applied Chemistry in the University of Maryland. Second edition. Entirely re-written with great care and judgment, embracing all the approved novelties that have accumulated since the publication of the last edition. IV. LEAVES FROM LIFE, by L. N. R., author of the "Book and its Story." One handsome volume, 12mo. THE GOSPELS, with moral reflections on each verse, by Pasquier Quesnel, with an Introductory Essay by the Rev. Daniel Wilson, A. M., Bishop of Calcutta, and edited by Rev. Henry A. Boardman, D. D. In two handsome volumes 8vo. Buildings erected, with descriptions, and ten engravings. XII. Statistical History of Great Britain for the past Fifty XVII. Financial and Commercial Review of the Year 1874. Second Edition of LOMAX'S DIGEST OF THE LAWS OF REAL PROPERTY, generally adopted and in use in the United States; in 3 vols., royal Svo., greatly enlarged and improved. HISTORY OF A SUIT IN EQUITY, as Prosecuted and Defended in the Virginia State Courts and United States Circuit Courts. By Alexander H. Sands, Esq. Preparing for Publication. REPORTS OF CASES, ARGUED AND DETERMINED IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF VIRGINIA, from Jefferson to 6th Randolph, inclusive: appending to each reported case references to subsequent enactments and decisions on the same subject. Condensed in 7 vols. royal 8vo. By Lucian Minor, Esq. Norton's Literary Gazette. they are careful not to transcend the pro- more than sufficient to lay the foundation of LIBRARY. visions of their act of incorporation, they feel the library that our country should now have; It was our intention in commencing this article, to trace the history of this Institution from its first endowment by Smithson to its reception and establishment by Congress, sub THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION AND A NATIONAL joining a record of what it has actually accomplished during the eight years that it has been in existence. But as this has already been done by us on more than one occasion, its repetition seems unnecessary at the present ALL who have taken sufficient interest in the affairs of the Smithsonian Institution to observe carefully the debates that have been going on of late, respecting its general management, and concerning the disposition which should be made of its income, will rejoice with us at the prospects that this much vexed state of things will speedily be brought to a conclusion. time.* It remains, therefore, but to add, in this connection, that the question as to the most fitting application of the income of the Institution, has at various times come before the Board of Regents, amongst whom are advocates for each plan of operation. While, however, the erection of the buildings was Our country has at present but one library worthy of the name, namely, that noble monument reared to the memory of John Jacob Astor. We do not forget the resources of the Boston Athenæum, and the Philadelphia Library Company, of Brown and Yale Universities, and South Carolina College, nor are we unmindful of the peculiar importance to be attached to our popular and useful circulating libraries; but how meagre are the resources of each of these for supplying the wants of the scholar and the scientific man who desires to push his researches beyond the narrowest bounds. On the other hand, the Astor Library, which is no less a monument to the wisdom and farsighted policy of him who has presided over every detail and laid every stone of its present greatness, is the only library in our country It is probably well known to most of our readers, that two distinct and quite diverse opinions have long prevailed in the minds of still going on, it was deemed inadvisable to where most departments of knowledge are re its friends, as to the proper objects and rightful mission of this establishment. One is to the effect that by that law of Congress which gave a legal existence to the Institution, there is demanded a large and well organized LIBRARY, which shall be a Thesaurus of general literature, as well as of all needful specialities, to which our scholars and literary men may resort, and upon which they may draw when desirous of suing investigations of an abstruse and extended nature. The advocates of this plan state that with an annual appropriation of twenty-five thousand dollars, a library would soon be built up and maintained, exceeding in importance any now existing within the United States. take any conclusive action upon the subject. presented with some degree of completeness. But while wonders have been accomplished with the means at its disposal, what is there left to draw upon for carrying this library to a still higher state of completion, and where are the twenty, thirty, or even forty thousands of dollars to come from which should annually be expended in keeping up with the literature of the world? And is not such an establishment needed? What would be its effect upon our country? With an ample depot of maps objects, as the interests of the Institution and charts on the one hand, and a repository seemed to require. In consequence of this for American archives and State papers on decision, one of the Regents, who the other, it would need no collection of with the majority of his colleagues in this beasts, birds, or fossils to make its influence They maintain, opinion, tendered to Congress his resigna- felt in every corner of our land. Its plan also, that this was the evident design of Con- tion. It was not accepted, but a committee of operation should be upon the most liberal gress, and that the words "not to exeed twenty-five thousand dollars," virtually imply that as nearly that amount as possible was to be devoted to library purposes. from time to time be made for these and other differed was appointed by each house, to inquire into of its present management. Whatever decision shall thus be arrived at The other opinion which prevails is, that to have the intention of the founder, as conveyed by the terms of his will, properly carried out, there is demanded a much broader plan of opera--and we apprehend it can be but in accordtions than that embodied in any mere collection of books, however complete and well maintained. Knowledge, they say, can best be "increased" by means of scientific and other investigations carried on under the patronage of the Institution; and knowledge can also be best "dif ance with those previously attained-it can far more secure and extended basis than that fused" by means of the publication of ori-verted the funds from its support. But a fact ginal scientific treatises, and important con- of still greater moment, is, that Smithson's be tributions to literature, by lectures, and in such other ways as shall be found most conducive to that end. This party base their views of the Institution's proper sphere directly upon the will of Smithson; and while quest, munificent though it was, would be not "The SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION-What it has done and is doing."-Norton's Literary Register, 1853, pp. 44-51. See also Norton's Literary Gazette, vol. 2, pp. 23 and 84. scale. If any responsible person wishes to consult a work on its shelves, let it be loaned or forwarded to him under such necessary restrictions as are found sufficient by the Royal library of Berlin and other European institu tions. If this is found to interfere with that certainty of consulting works which should ever attach to a reference library, then let such a corps of assistants be organized that extracts can be copied, tracings made, and maps copied, so that the library shall remain not a mere local institution, but one of the greatest general usefulness. No one can well doubt the willingness of our government to foster such an enterprise, when he looks at the sums expended upon exploring expeditions and for the publication of their results. Let the matter be properly brought before our National Legislature, and the same liberality will be evinced that has ever been so freely displayed for the encourage ment of scientific and geographical explora- prurient order without making use of a single ostracised. All the ancient literary landmarks tions. A happy exemplification of this truth is contained in the address made before the National Convention of Librarians, by its distinguished President. He says, "Congress having the control of the treasury of this rich, mighty, and intelligent nation, will not, indecorous or objectionable word. He succeed are sought to be removed, and a new code of ed; and now a host of men and women are to criticism must be built upon the ruins of what be found, willing to follow the lead of such a is fast becoming antiquated and obsolete. We pioneer. We could instance many, were it our mention no names, either of books or authors. purpose to deal with them at this time. The We have no selfish ends to accomplish, no permoral bearings of the intense School of Litera-sonal piques to gratify. What we have written, ture we will not now discuss; we have another has been penned in all kindness, candor, and I believe, be backward in making appropri-object in view. For, were there no question of sincerity, and in the way of our duty. The case ations for this object, whenever it shall be suitis a serious one, and demands prompt attention. common literature and language, we must pro. test against the perversion of public taste certain to be accomplished by the circulation of writings of this unnatural school. The time has been, when Bishop Taylor, Addison, Johnson, each formed his school of literary style, and became the model in composition of a generation of admirers. But it was granted to the "glorious old dreamer," John Bunyan, to indite his half-inspired allegory in language destined to outlive and outshine all cotemporaHis thoughts were clothed neous literature. in a garb which, like the garments of wander ably presented to them. Congress may be re-morality in the case, still, in the name of our garded as liberal in matters of science and of learning, whenever they are sure that the money will be honestly and properly expended. Many men do not believe this; but look at the action for replenishing the desolated hall of the Library of Congress. Most persons were of the opinion that Congress could not be brought to make an appropriation exceeding $30,000 for this purpose; but when Mr. Chandler proposed $75,000, it was readily granted. It would have been, had he asked $200,000, if they had thought that sum necessary, and believed that it would be honestlying Israel, "waxed not old;" and the greatest of modern reviewers has not deemed it other and judiciously devoted to the gathering of a than just to give the author of the Pilgrim's good library." Progress an uppermost niche in the temple of No time can be more auspicious for such an literary fame. And what are the characteristics undertaking, than the present, and while we of Bunyan's style? They are just what every already behold the Smithsonian Institution writer should emulate, who seeks for a name rivalling, in the importance of its original and a place among leading minds in the Repubresearches, the Royal Society of Great Britain lie of Letters. Let us enumerate a few of the and the Académie des Sciences of France, we characteristics of a good English style-purity, hope soon to see a National library arising by simplicity, sweetness, smoothness, plainness, eloits side, vieing, in the completeness of its col-quence, fluency, combined, so far as practicable, lections, with the Bibliothèque Imperiale, The Royal Library of Berlin, and the Library of the British Museum! MODERN LITERATURE. We have left unexpressed too long, perhaps, our opinion of a certain School of Literature, which by degrees has gained currency among all classes of the community, until, finally, public taste and public morals have alike felt its perverting and depraving influence. We refer to that class of writings in which every thing is exaggerated, agonized, intensified, until truth becomes a jewel lost in obscurity; and thoughts, themselves original and immortal, would seem smothered past restoration by the unwholesome exhalations of the surrounding word-heap. It would be difficult to trace the origin and growth of this upas-tree in Literature. So far as our connection with it is concerned, it is an exotic transplanted from foreign soil; and, though slowly acclimating itself, it has at length firmly buried its roots, and loftily lifted up its stem, and broadly spread its boughs, until it can defy and withstand the tempest of public opinion and the lightning stroke of public morality. "By its fruits ye shall know it;" for its fruits, luscious and beautiful to the eye, are the veriest Dead Sea apples to the touch and taste. In the production of books of the stamp we refer to, one would think the authors had acted upon the principle of the English peer, who, for a wager, undertook to write a book of the most with terseness, force, and condensation. Judged by this standard,-the true one we think, what is to become of those writers who are sat isfied to sport themselves in the shallow waters of a superficial, though ambitious school. The tide of time must inevitably bear them high and dry upon a silent shore. And, while despised, but sensible contemporaries are content to write for the future, and leave their works to the judgment of posterity, these poor ephemera flutter through their day of sunshine, and then sink suddenly and forever into oblivion. Of this latter class are the writers to whom we refer at this time. Now, we contend that a book in which the heroines are all of the Byron or Tom Little order; whose every character is concentrated perfection or condensed depravity; whose plot is made up of incredibilities and impossibilities excitingly interwoven; whose style just stops short of impropriety by depicting vice in all its attractiveness and luxury, without descending to vulgar language; a book in which every thing hero, heroine, narrative, and style-is thus intensified, is unfit for general circulation, and calculated to accomplish a vast amount of mischief. And yet, this hot-bed literature, in its various forms, circulates its million of volumes each year, vitiating the taste, corrupting the imagination, and incalculably injuring well-formed habits of thought and expression among the masses of American citizens. Good books are rapidly being supplanted, and classic authors The plague is in our midst; who will attempt to stay its ravages? STANHOPE BURLEIGH. The "Know Nothing" spirit is abroad in our land, endeavoring to inculcate its two omnipotent dogmas: first, a proscription of foreigners as office-holders of any kind, with a restriction of their privilege of voting; and second, a crusade against all Roman Catholics, and more particularly Jesuits-the form which Catholicism almost universally assumes in this country. "Polite Literature" is not slow in following Witness the long the bent of public humor. train of novels, white, black, and dingy, which attended the agitation of the slavery question caused by Mrs. Stowe's work, each setting forth the advantages or disadvantages of the institution, its morality or its immoralities; observe those, also, which were called into being by the efforts made to reach the poor, and hitherto unregarded classes of the community, such as the Lamplighter, Fashion and Famine, The Newsboy, and some which are unworthy of mention; see those, too, which appeared simultaneously with Gavazzi's appearance, and were intended to exhibit the frightful enormities of which the Roman Catholic religion was capable; and now behold Know Nothingism with its "Wide-Awake Gift," "The Know Nothing," and no one does know how many more of the same order are to follow. We hold that the legitimate province of Literature is to exalt public taste by leading it, rather than lower its standard by following in the wake. If great reforms are to be brought about in Religion, Politics, and Social Philosophy-as we sincerely hope there ever will be-we cannot believe that Fiction will do much towards aiding their movements, but rather the contrary; for the false sympathy excited by the narrative of possible details does not impart that healthful, vigorous tone to the mind and heart which is most conducive to earnest action, if indeed it leads to action at all. All this, however, is but an episode to the business before us, of introducing to our readers the novel of the day, "STANHOPE Burleigh; or, the Jesuits in our Homes, by Helen Dhu;" a volume which has just been issued by Messrs. Stringer & Townsend, in a very attractive form. The work is dedicated "To the Young Men of the Republic," and from title-page to colophon is calculated to excite in their hearts a wholesome fear of losing, by the wiles of Jesuistry, the fondest treasure of their hearts. If any thing could be better devised to arouse the energies of this class of the community, we know not what it is. It is very difficult to give a correct idea of the |
