has been referred to a defect in the power of the nerve itself: but the author was led to conclude that it was rather the parts surrounding the nerve, than the nerve itself, which were diseased, by observing that a similar species of deafness was occasionally present in syphilitic affections of the throat; and that the operation of mercury, in removing the primary disease, also relieved the deafness. Guided by this analogy, Mr. Saunders resolved to try how far what is usually called nervous deafness might be relieved by a similar plan of treatment; and. in some cases, which were not of long standing, he found his hypothesis justified by very considerable success. He enjoined a rigid diet, gave active cathartics, and alterative doses of calomel, for some weeks; and from the result of his experience, he feels himself authorised to conclude that recent cases of nervous deafness may be relieved by a strict antiphlogistic regimen, conjoined with those medicines which are the most adapted for promoting absorption. This suggestion we consider as being highly important, and we hope that it will be confirmed by the experience of other practitioners. Bos. MONTHLY CATALOGUE, NATURAL HISTORY. Art. 15. A short History of Reptiles, (extracted from Works of Credit,) designed as an Introduction to the Study of that Branch of Natural History, and as a Pocket Companion to those who visit Museums. 12mo. PP. 55. sewed. Darton and Harvey. A BRIEF account of the crustaceous animals is also here annexed to that of the reptiles: but the whole is a very imperfect and desultory compilation, and, as a scientific manual, more calculated to bewilder than to guide. Some of the detached passages may, nevertheless, afford both entertainment and instruction; and we certainly have been amused with the grave assertion that butterflies, fascinated by toads, will fly down their throats. Indian, English, and Linnéan names are strangely jumbled, and form a rattle, in their way; though not, we appreh nd, of that fascinating power which will compel the devoted shillings to fly into the pockets of the writer. EDUCATION. Art. 16. A Summary of parental and filial Duties; or an interest. ing Description of what Parents and Children owe to each other; inculcating also the most valuable Requisites for a liberal Educa. tion. Extracted from the Works of the Sieur de Charren. Muir. By 325 By J Taylor, Head Master of the Academy, Dronfield. Pp. 100. 28. Longman and Co. 12mo. A collection of sensible instructions and remarks, which merit the regard both of the parent and the child, as being calculated to contribute to the improvement of each. It was well said by the Latin Poet, Dos est magna Parentum Virtus.-Happy is it, indeed, that, in the clashing vicissitudes of human life, worthy and useful men have arisen from worthless and useless parents; while, to the grief of many virtuous minds, vicious and wicked descendants have sprung from most honourable ancestry: yet it is true that the mistakes and follies of those to whom the nurture of youth is committed, even of such as are on the whole truly respectable, leave ill impressions which are not easily worn out, and have been productive of great and lasting evils; and that those young persons possess great advantage, whose parents or governors present in their own conduct an example of rectitude and virtue. The tendency of the present publication is to assist both parties; and on the whole it is calculated to effect this Hi. design. Art. 17. Twenty-four Lectures on the Italian Language, by Mr. Galignani: in which the Principles, Harmony, and Beauties of that Language are, by an original Method, simplified and adapted to the meanest Capacity, and the Scholar enabled to attain, with Ease and Facility, a competent knowledge of the Language without the Help of any Master. In this Second Edition, the Work is enlarged one-third, by numberless Additions and Improvements, by the Editor, Antonio Montucei, Sanese, LL.D. Italian Mas8vo. PP. 340. 75. Boards. Boosey. 1806. ter. Art. 18. Italian Extracts, or a Supplement to Galignani's Lectures; consisting of an extensive Selection from the best classic and modern Italian Authors, preceded by a copious Vocabulary, with familiar Phrases and Dialogues. By the Editor, Antonio Mon7s. Boards. Boosey. tucci, Sanese, LL. D. 8vo. pp. 376. 1806. For several reasons, we forbear to dwell minutely on the merits of these publications.—Of Galignani's original work, we have already spoken at some length in our XXIst Vol. N.S. p. 87. and the present Editor's ample title pages display the nature and extent of his additions. Besides, as we labour under the disqualification of tramontane birth, we wish not to be taxed by some future compiler of an Italian Grammar and Extracts, with ushering to the public, trash of the most barbarous and despicable kind. On the other hand, we should be grieved to offend a polite Tuscan writer, who talks at his ease of the often detested Veneroni's Dialogues', and of the very coarse packingcloth of Signor Mossolini.' In this dilemma, we must observe, generally, that the Sienese Dr. manifests no ordinary diligence in his labours, and a very intimate acquaintance with the genius and minutiæ of his native language; that the alphabetical list of the irregular verbs is by far the most complete that has fallen under our notice and that, with the exception of heavy and impure English, we may pass the same verdict on this brace of volumes, which the Dr. pro nounces pronounces on one of his own performances :- Art. 19. English Grammar epitomised, for the Use of Schools. Art. 20. English Exercises, for the Use of Schools. 4th Edition. Art. 21. Introductory Lessons in Astronomy, and other Branches of 12mo. Muir. These publications are compiled by the same author, and, as the titles express, are introductory works for the use of young persons. The English Grammar is a tolerably good abridgment, in which the rules are brief, and well condensed: the English Exercises contain a great variety of lessons for the improvement of young persons in Spelling and Syntax; and the book on Astronomy, which likewise contains lessons on Geography, is, as far as it goes, useful. These works furnish a compendium of the sciences of which they treat; and for those persons whose stations in life do not require much information, they may be sufficient without having recourse to others. Art. 22. Entertaining Instructions, in a Series of familiar Dialogues between a Parent and his Children: interspersed with original Fables well adapted to the Capacities of Youth. 12mo. pp. 150. 3s. 6d. Boards. Hatchard. The author of this work having frequently observed that fables are read by children merely as a temporary amusement, without their paying the smallest regard to the application; and, judging that a previous Dialogue, somewhat analagous to the Fable, might impress it deeper on the mind of the young reader than by merely running through a succession of them which are no sooner read than for gotten, has interspersed a few Dialogues and Fables in such a manner as, from their novelty, may arrest the attention. This idea is commendable, and the volume is well calculated to fulfil the intention of the author: the subjects are treated in a pleasing and judicious manner; and they are successfully adapted for imparting instruction and amusement to young minds. We have heard the name of a Lady of Distinction mentioned as the writer of these dialogues: but we do not feel at liberty to make it public. Art. 23. The Second Part of the Pronouncing Spelling Book: containing Exercises upon Sound, and short Rules for Pronunciation, &c. . By Mrs. Wilmshurst, of Maldon, Essex. 12mo. Is. Conder. The object of this book is to teach young persons, by means of definite sounds given to the letters, the proper mode of pronouncing the English language. To fix standard rules for the pronunciation of a language which is derived from so many sources, and which is . REV. MARCH, 1807. Y subject W.Res. Do subject to so many variations as ours, is certainly an impossibility. Mrs. Wilmshurst differs from Mr. Walker; others will likewise differ in opinion from her; and perhaps no two persons, who carefully consider the subject, and trust to their own ear, will agree in every respect. Mrs. W., however, has taken pains in adapting the exer cises to the comprehension of young children; and for this as well as other tracts written for their improvement, she deserves well of the public. MILITARY and NAVAL AFFAIRS. W.Res. Art. 24. Observations and Instructions for the Use of the Commissioned, the Junior, and other Officers of the Royal Navy, on all the material Points of professional Duty. Including also Forms of general and particular Orders for the better Government and Discipline of His Majesty's Ships: together with a Variety of new and useful Tables; among which are, General Tables for Watching Ships' Companies in all Rates;-for shewing the Stations of the different Officers at Quarters;-for the general Appropriation of Men at Quarters, in Ships of every Class;-for Furling Sails;-Mooring and Unmooring;-Making and Shortening Sail;-Tacking Ship, &c. &c. With an Appendix, being a complete Set of Forms for Watch, Station, and Quarter Bills for Ships of War. By a Captain in the Royal Navy. 8vo. pp. 78. Steel. Practical knowlege and experience have evidently dictated this work; which, as appears from the long title-page, contains very numerous and necessary instructions for naval officers. The author proposes it for the use of juniors, and to assist the recollection of others who may have been long absent from duty: for which ob. jects we think that it is well calculated. It may also be advanta geously consulted by the most experienced even who are in constant service, as the remarks of the author display good sense and a propriety of judgment, added to knowlege of the subject. It must be admitted that the writer is well founded in maintaining the utility of one uniform system of orders and arrangements for all ships of war, since at present scarcely any two are regulated precisely alike. He will not, however, in all probability, experience equal concurrence in his proposition for an inspection of a ship by the respective classes of officers, previously to going to sea; because. though his reasons for such a survey are not without foundation and force, the service is already so much harassed by inquisitorial mea sures, that officers will not readily assent to a suggestion for an addition to them. Art. 25. Letter to Admiral Lord Keith, &c. &c. &c. With Advice to the Captains who were under his Command, on the Subject of a Dutch Frigate and Five Sail of Dutch Indiamen, found at Anchor, on hia Lordship's Arrival at Simond's Bay, June 17958vo. 18. J. J. Stockdale. 18c6. Art. 26. Answer to a Letter addressed to Lord Keith, &c. &c. 8vo. 1. J. J. Stockdale. G.2. The The object of this letter to Lord Keith is to implore his Lordship's interference, for the payment of prize money (or considera tion-money) for the vessels mentioned in the title, and which has never yet been distributed. We understand that this is matter of fact, and that blame is certainly due somewhere, but not to Lord Keith: who, equally with every seaman in the squadron, has hitherto been deprived of this remuneration. Whether the Admiral's remonstrances are likely to avail, with those who cause so injurious a delay, we cannot pronounce: but undoubtedly the service has reason for complaint. It is stated by the author that a frigate and five Indiamen were found by Lord Keith lying at the Cape; but the fact is, that three of these latter came in after the Admiral's arrival, and were taken into our possession by the Rattlesnake sloop of war. No difference, however, in his argument arises from this little inaccuracy. The Answerer accuses the letter-writer, in abusive terms, of a false statement at the outset, which vitiates all future claim to attention, in mentioning a frigate as being taken with the Indiamen. We speak on good information, however, when we confirm the first assertion. There was a Dutch frigate, commanded by Captain Dacres, lying in Simond's Bay; which Lord Keith afterward permitted to depart, and proceed to Batavia, for reasons not publicly known.-The style of this pamphlet is extremely reprehensible, and the motives of the writer are not easily assignable. Lord Keith, we are sure, will not thank him for his vindication: none was required; or, if it were, none such as this could be acceptable; which, after all its scurrility, leaves the matter of complaint just where it was. MEDICAL, &c. Art. 27. Reply to Dr. James Carmichael Smyth, containing Remarks 8vo. We have already noticed the former stages of this controversy, in which Dr. Johnstone urged the claim of his father to the discovery of the acid fumigation, and Dr. Smyth endeavoured to vindicate his right to the parliamentary reward that was voted to him. This last publication has again called forth the pen of Dr. Johnstone, which he employs with the same talents as before, and with much greater severity. On taking a general review of the dispute, we are decidedly of opinion that the elder Dr. Johnstone was the discoverer of the acid fumigation; and it appears clearly from the work before us, that he was in the habit of using it, on all such occasions as those in which it was afterward recommended by Dr. Smyth. On the other hand, it seems equally clear that Dr. Smyth was ignorant of the method of applying acids in the gaseous state, until after not only Dr. Johnstone but also M. Guyton had published on the subject; *M. R. Vol. xlii. p. 211.; and Vol. xlvii. p. 436. G.2. |