Page images
PDF
EPUB

ART. IX. SELECT LITERARY INFORMATION.

Mr. Bowring has in the press, a volume on the Literature and Poetry of Poland, which will speedily be published.

In the press, Instructive Poems for young Cottagers, by Mary R. Stockdale.

Early in February will be published, in 12mo., An Argument for the Bible, drawn from the Character and Harmony of its Subjects. By the Rev. David M'Nicoll.

Shortly will be published, The History, Constitution, Rules of Discipline, and Confession of Faith of the Calvinistic Methodists in Wales.

Shortly will be published, a volume of Essays on Literary Subjects. By T. Hathaway of Bishop's Stortford,

Speedily will be published, in 4to. Ezekiel's Temple: being an attempt to delineate the Structure of the Holy Ed fice, its Courts, Chambers, Gates, &c. &c., as described in the last nine chapters of the book of Ezekiel. Illustrated with plates. By Joseph Is

reels

Nearly ready for publication, Memoirs of the Life and Character of Mr. Robert Spence (late Bookseller of York) with some information respect. ing the introduction of Methodism into York and the neighbourhood, &c. &c. By Richard Burdekin.

The Rev. Mr. Fry, Rector of Desford, has nearly ready for publication, A New Translation and Exposition of the very ancient Book of Job, with Notes. In one vol. 8vo.

An Account of Public Charities, digested from the Reports of the Commissioners on Charitable Foundations; with notes and comments. By the Editor of "The Cabinet Lawyer." Will be published January 1, and continued in monthly parts, until completed, in about 10 parts.

On the 1st of January will be published, An Inquiry into the Expediency of introducing a Theological Faculty into the System of the University of London. By the Rev. F. A. Cox, LL.D. Honorary Secretary to Council.

Mr. W. Jevons, Jun. has in the press, Systematic Morality; or, a Treatise on the Theory and Practice of Human

Duty, on the grounds of Natural Religion. In 2 vols. 8vo.

Shortly will be published, The Union Collection of Bymns and Spiritual Songs, additional to the Psalms and Hymns of Dr. Watts; adapted to the use of the Church and the social circle, the family, and the closet. In this Collection, it is intended to bring into one view the beauties of the best composers. Evaugelical sentiment, combined with the charms of poetry, and ardour of devotional feeling, with becoming dignity of expression, have been considered the chief requisites. Hymns of a controversial nature on baptism, will not be introduced.

Early in February will be published, Emma de Lissan; a Narrative of the striking vicissitudes and peculiar trials of her eventful life. By the Author of Sophia de Lissau; the Faithful Servant, or History of Elizabeth Allen, &c. Part I. price 3s.

Preparing for the press, Memoirs of the late Rev. W. Grimshaw, A.B. Minister of Howarth, in the West Riding of the county of York; compiled from his diary, and other original documents, never before published. To which will be added, a volume of his works, from original M.S.S. consisting of " Experiences;" "The Nature, State, and Conduct of a Christian;""The Important Duty of Instructing, Administering, and Reclaiming Sinners from the Evil of their Ways;" "The Believer's Golden Chain," &c. &c. By James Everett.

Also, by the same Author, Wesleyan Methodism in Manchester and its vicinity, comprehending Cheshire, Lanca. shire, and part of Derbyshire and Yorkshire.

The Rev. B. Jeanes, of Charmouth, has nearly ready for the press, A General Pronouncing Vocabulary of Proper Names (of persons and places), comprebending all those found in the Holy Scriptures, the Greek and Roman Classics, and every one of note in every department of modern literature; the whole exhibited, for convenience of reference, in one alphabetical arrangement, in which each word will be divided and accented, and the sound of every syllable distinctly shewn exactly as it

ought to be pronounced, according to the most approved principles and general usage. In 1 vol. 8vo. Price to subscribers, 9s. to non-subscribers, 10s. 6d. In this work the Author has been assisted by some of the first scholars of the age, whose names are a sufficient guarantee to the public for its correctness.

The Author of " London in the Olden Time" is engaged on a second Volume, comprising Tales illustrative of the manners, habits, and superstitions of its inhabitants, from the 12th to the 16th century; in which the state of minstrelsy, the form and proceedings of taking sanctuary, the ancient institutions for archery, and the superstitions relatng to talismans and astrology will be

exhibited, together with sketches of Sir Johan Froissart, Geoffry Chaucer Dame Juliana Berner, and others. The work will appear early in the spring.

On the 1st of February will be published, No. I. of a series of Views in the West Indies; engraved from drawings taken recently in the Islands, with letter-press explanations made from actual observations. The intention of this work is to convey a faithful outline of the existing state of Slavery in the British Islands; the costume of the Negroes; the process of Sugar-making, &c.; and to describe the character of the scenery in the several colonies. Each Number to contain four coloured views to imitate drawings.

ART. X. LIST OF WORKS RECENTLY PUBLISHED.

AGRICULTURE.

The Natural and Agricultural History of Peat Moss, or Turf Bog; to which are annexed, Corroborative Writings, Correspondence, and Observations on the qualities of Feat or Fen Earth, &c. By Audrew Steele. 8vo. 10s. 6d.

FINE ARTS.

Picturesque Views of the English Cities, from drawings by G. F. Robson. Edited by J. Britton, F.S.A. &c. No. I. Containing Eight Engravings. Medium 4to. 11. Is.; imperial 4to. 21.; imperial 4to. proofs and etchings, 41. 4s.

HISTORY.

Memoirs of Zehir-Ed-Din Muhammed Baber, Emperor of Hindustan. Written by himself, in the Jaghtai Turki; and translated partly by the late John Leyden, Esq. M. D., and partly by William Erskine, Esq. With Notes and a Geographical and Historical Introduction; with a map of the countries between the Oxus and laxartes, and a Memoir regarding its construction, by C. Waddington, Esq. of the East India Company's Engineers. 4to. 21. 12s. 6d.

MEDICINE.

Introductory Lecture on Anatomy, delivered at the New Medical School, Aldersgate-street, Oct. 2, 1826. By F. Tyrell. 8vo. 3s. 6d. sewed.

Observations on the Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of Derangement of the Mind. Founded on an extensive Moral and Medical Practice in the Treatment of Lunatics. By P. S. Knight, M.D. 8vo. 7s. 6d.

THEOLOGY.

Morning and Evening Prayers for one Month, with other occasional Forms for the use of families. By the Rev. James Richardson, M.A. one of the Vicars of York Minster. 12mo. 3s.

Also, by the same Author, Daily and Occasional Prayers for the use of young persons. 1s. 6d. neatly bound. A cheap edition for distribution, 6d. sewed.

Sabbath Meditations, in Prose and Verse. Vol. II. for the Year 1827. By the Rev. John East, M.A. 18mo. 3s. 6d.

An Historical Review of Papal and Conciliar Infallibility. By the Rev. W. Keary, Rector of Nunnington, Yorkshire. 12mo. 5s.

Parochial Sermons. By the Rev. C. Bradley, Vicar of Glasbury, Brecon. 8vo. 10s. 6d.

The Sunday School Catechist. By the Widow of a Clergy inan. 18mo. 1s. 6d.

Sermons and Plans of Sermons, selected from the M.S.S. of the late Rev. Joshua Benson. Vol. VI. with Preface and Indexes to the whole Work. 8vo. 68.

THE

ECLECTIC REVIEW,

FOR FEBRUARY, 1827.

Art. I. 1. A Treatise on Diet, with a View to establish, on practical Grounds, a System of Rules, for the Prevention and Cure of the Diseases incident to a disordered State of the Digestive Functions. By J. A. Paris, M.D. F.R.S. Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, &c. &c. 8vo. London. 1826.

2. A Treatise on Indigestion and its Consequences, called Nervous and Bilious Complaints; with Observations on the Organic Diseases in which they sometimes terminate. By A. P. W. Philip, M D. F.R.S. &c. &c. 8vo. London.

3. An Essay on Morbid Sensibility of the Stomach and Bowels as the proximate Cause and characteristic Condition of Indigestion, Nervous Irritability, Mental Despondency. Hypochondriasis, &c. &c.; to which are prefixed, Observations on the Diseases and Regimen of Invalids on their Return from hot and unhealthy Climates. By James Johnson, M.D. of the Royal College of Physicians, &c. 8vo. London.

4. Lectures on Digestion and Diet. By Charles Turner Thackrah, Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of London; of the Societé de Medicine pratique de Paris, &c. 8vo. London. 5. A View of the Structure, Functions, and Disorders of the Stomach and Alimentary Organs of the Human Body, with Physiological Observations and Remarks upon the Qualities and Effects of Food and fermented Liquors. By Thomas Hare, F.L.S. &c. Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in London. Svo. London. 1825, 6. A Familiar Treatise on Disorders of the Stomach and Bowels, Bilious and Nervous Affections: with an Attempt to correct many prevailing Errors in Diet, Exercise, &c. Being an Exposition of the most approved Means for the Improvement and Preservation of Health. By George Shipman, Member of the Royal College of Surgeons in London. 8vo. London. 1825.

7. A Letter on the Medical Employment of White Mustard Seed. By a Member of the London College of Surgeons. 8vo. London,

[ocr errors]

1826.

T is somewhat humiliating to the dignity, and mortifying to the pretensions of the medical art, to find often, that its VOL. XXVII. N.S.

K

highest stretch of acquirement in reference to practical value, does not extend beyond the dicta of unassisted reason, or indeed the nice instinct of common sense.

A formidable array of title-pages we have here presented to our readers. The authors of the several volumes are all men of considerable respectability, some of them of no small professional renown, and the subjects of which they treat are of high and general interest. What then, it may be asked, is the sum and substance of the information they convey? Do they not commence and terminate by manifesting what was sufficiently manifest before, viz., that sins against the stomach are sins against the whole frame; and, that if you go to undue lengths, either in the quantity or quality of your food, you will be visited with more or less of immediate suffering, and encounter considerable risk of radical and lasting mischief.

In spite, however, of the common-place with which treatises on diet and digestion must necessarily in part be made up, they will, if properly executed, be found replete with interesting matter. It may also be urged in justification of this class of works, that dietetic, like religious precepts, how obvious and important soever, require to be repeatedly enforced and practically applied. A particular mode too of putting even the most common truths, may occasionally be productive of beneficial sequence. There are no persons, for instance, unconscious of the impropriety of lengthening out their daily meal to the extent of producing even the slightest uncomfortable sensation in their stomach. But we verily believe, (shall we condescend to say, that we speak now from our own feelings and experience?) that this impropriety will be more forcibly than ever impressed on the mind, after perusing the striking observations in which Dr. James Johnson expatiates on this one particular.

At any rate, the physiology of that organization through the medium of which matter exterior to our bodies becomes converted into an actual integral portion of their substance, cannot fail of affording to the contemplative and inquisitive, materials of interesting research. It is principally under this feeling that we engage in the disquisition connected with the general subject of the volumes before us; and we are not without hopes of being able to furnish a paper which shall be both instructive in its philosophical bearing, and useful in its practical application.

It may not be uninteresting, in the first place, to exhibit briefly the general anatomy of the digestive apparatus, and to explain the rationale of the digestive process; extending in both cases the signification of the term digestion, to the whole

of the changes which the ingesta undergoes. It will then be our business slightly to advert to the connexion which obtains between the digestive and other functions of the animal economy;-to treat of the questions respecting the kind and quantity of food and drink which are best adapted to the demands of man;-to inquire into the principles and sources by and through which the digestive process becomes interrupted ;-to dwell a little upon the remote and indirect, as well as immediate consequences of such derangement; and finally, to speak on the best methods of prevention and cure, as comprehended under the heads of Diet, Regimen, and Domestic Medicinals.

When food is taken into the mouth,' says Mr. Hare, it has simply to undergo mechanical division from the teeth, assisted by the tongue and furrowed surface of the palate, and (to) receive an admixture of saliva, which is a chemical medium of fitting it for assimi lation with those fluids which are supplied to the stomach from other sources. The motions of the jaws and tongue tend to promote the secretion of saliva by the stimulus which their muscular apparatus communicates to the respective glands. The teeth furnish the first mechanical step towards the digestion of our food; the saliva furnishes the first chemical step.

(Hare.)

After due mastication and the free effusion of saliva, the tongue places on its back the pulpy mass, and contracting on its base, projects the load into the pharynx-the principal cavity of the throat, or, as it may be considered in the present discussion, an expausion of the common alimentary tube. At the time that the tongue propels the mass of food, the muscles elevate and enlarge the pharynx, as the mouth of a corn-sack is held for the reception of grain.

There are four openings into the pharynx ;-the first, that which communicates with the mouth; the second, that which communicates with the nostrils; the third, that of the glottis which opens on it from the air-tube; and the fourth, the oesophagus or gullet, the continuation of the alimentary canal to the stomach. It is apparent that, in deglutition, the food must be wholly excluded from the first three, and enter only the gullet. Accordingly, we find, when the tongue casts it from the mouth, the passage to the nostrils is closed by a fleshy curtain which, hanging from the palate, is carried backwards andupwards by the action of appropriate muscles and the pressure of the descending food; while the entrance to the air-tube (the windpipe) is covered by a curious little lid, which the tongue forces at the same time on the glottis. These structures are peculiarly beautiful and well deserving attention.' (Thackrah.)

It is said, that the celebrated Dr. Hunter never lectured on the anatomy and physiology of that structure, the above brief but good description of which we have borrowed from two of the writers whose works are before us, without discovering

« PreviousContinue »