tes, Shakspeare and Fielding; in whose high and severe schools we are sure Mr. Whitehead has studied, not for matter, but for mode. It is not meant to assert that there are not other qualities also required in a writer of fiction, in which Mr. Whitehead may be excelled. As a record of human character, skilfully and powerfully delineated, however, Mr. Whitehead may rest assured that he has done something more than add another story to the Circulating Libraries: he has turned over an additional page of the history delineating human nature. The scholarship displayed in the fidelity of the history of the hero and his numerous associates, is so inferior an attainment compared to those we have been dissertating upon, that it almost escaped us to say it is equal to his other powers. We, for our own part, could have wished he had named his chief personage Richard Dundas, or Richard Jackson, or any thing else; as the loading the memory of a wellknown person with fictitious events, confounds the just limits of biography and fiction, and has the evil effect of suggesting to the mind those points of character as facts, which, after all, can only be taken as the author's view of human nature,—in this instance, very safely: but in studying mankind we should be careful to distinguish between the actual revealments of the phenomena of human nature, and even the highest author's exposition of them. Mr. Leech's designs are well worthy to accompany the text; and this is saying everything for them. The Rioters: a Tale. By Harriet Martineau. Second Edition. 18mo. pp. 104. London: Houlston and Stoneman. This is a very timely re-publication; and those friends of order and good conduct, who have still a sympathy with the unhappy and misguided sufferers who think destruction can better their lot, would do a real service by largely distributing it. Miss Martineau's powers of telling a story, and her acquirements as a political economist, are too well known to require our eulogy. Her stern sense of principle, as recently manifested in her noble correspondence with the late Government respecting a pension, must have convinced those not previously acquainted with her works, of her high and uncompromising character. The little work now alluded to fully developes these qualities of her mind and heart; and, coming from a warm friend to the people, the mode in which it points out their errors must be doubly valuable. The simplicity of the style, and the soundness and completeness of the arguments, should recommend it to every one interested in promoting right notions amongst the multitude. Fine Arts. Mainzer's Musical Times, and Singing We cannot speak too well of the above We think it is certainly destined to take the lead of all the musical Journals. We should have been gratified in giving some extracts from the very interesting matter of the last two or three numbers, did our space permit. But we must be content to recommend our readers to peruse it for themselves. To the Profession, as well as to Amateurs, the "Musical Times" will be found to be of great interest and utility. The work contains sixteen pages of closely printed matter. We sincerely hope the spirited Projector will receive that extended public support which his undertaking so well deserves. first attempt to elucidate the laws for procuring sleep at will, by directing the activity of the cerebral organs. Many of our contemporaries have noticed this work in very eugolistic language; but it seems to us that they have all omitted that which distinguishes it from all others, namely, the fact of a physician purchasing a remedy, or supposed remedy, for sleeplessness, and presenting the recipe to the public. This is what Dr. Binns has done; and whether his plan be efficacious or not, for this act he deserves the thanks of the public. The Doctor defines sleep to be "the art of escaping reflection;" and thinks he can prove that sleep is an active, and not a passive, condition of the body. He places this faculty in the ganglionic system; and, in his preface, quotes Leibeg, Stevens, and Muller, in support of his doctrine. Whether correct or not we will not attempt to assert or deny; but it has one recommendation which will go far with many readers, namely, it is novel. In the sixteen chapters into which the work is divided, we have, among many questions treated of, all in a popular form, a very remarkable one on dreams. The author adopts Dr. Abercrombie's division of dreaming; but it is plain that there are many dreams which cannot be included in these four classes, and that there is still a book to be written on the subject which shall give a more general explanation of the phenomena. Indeed, Dr. Binns appears to be of this opinion, for he does not seem satisfied with what he has written on the subject, as he hints that it is his intention to pursue the subject in a separate volume. We should say there was a wide field yet unexplored, which would repay the labour of exploration. But the subject is one which requires very delicate handling. The chapter on asphyxia, and death from strangulation, contains some very extraordinary cases of resuscitation after execution by hanging, especially of a butcher by the name of Gordon, who was hanged at the Old Bailey, of Dr. Dodd, and Fauntleroy, who, it appears by an affidavit made before the Court of Chancery last year, is alive now in America! On this fact we shall offer no opinion, but state that Dr. Binns informs his readers that he learned from an American gentleman, that it was generally believed in the States that he was alive. We have no space to devote to a critical analysis of the mode of procuring sleep at will, but may add, that it is based on the single sensation of Cullen; and consequently, for this, and much amusing reading, we must refer to the work itself. Retrospect of the Progress of Medicine and Surgery for the Year 1841-2. By Mr. E. O. Spooner and Mr. W. Smart. Read June 30th, 1842, before the Annual Meeting of the Southern Branch of the Provincial Medical Association, and published at its request. 8vo. sewed, pp. 87. Blandford: Shipp. Though originating no new views, this offspring of the provincial medical press may not be undeserving of the attention of the profession at large, as a refresher to the memory, and a summary of the salient points in the medical and surgical history of the last year. On the whole, the authors evince good sense and discernment in the selection of their topics and their mode of handling them; but, for our own part, we should like their paper better without the pieces of monstrously fine writing, tagged on here and there to its general work-day texture. Some little extra flourishing, we suppose, must be allowed for in consideration of the pomp and circumstance of the occasion. There is a Pickwickianism in these proud gatherings that soars above the level language of ordinary life. Still it is rather too strong for our taste to find our worthy reporters 'lamenting, with the poet, the concealment of many a gem in ocean's depths serene." " Lectures on Electricity, delivered at the Royal Victoria Gallery, Manchester, Frictional electricity constitutes the subject of the present volume, which is to be followed by another on Galvanism, &c. It appears to be a verbatim transcript of a full popular course of lectures by the author, who has been long and advantageously known as an electrician. It may be a question whether he would not have done better, in preparing his lectures for the press, to modify their form in some respects. The arrangement suitable to the lecture-room may not be the best adapted for private reading. More serious students will prefer the order observed in Professor Daniell's Introduction to Chemical Philosophy. On the other hand, Mr. Sturgeon's plan has something in it of a dramatic interest, that will, probably, recommend it to a large class of readers, who would shrink from the severity of thought required by such works as Daniell's. The book before us abounds with interesting facts, and may be recommended to those who approach the subject without much previous scientific discipline. A Treatise on Protracted Indigestion and its Consequences; being the Application to the Practical Department of Medicine of the Results of an Inquiry into the Laws of the Vital Functions; addressed by the Author, on his Retirement from the Medical Profession, both to the Members of that Profession, and the well educated Public, particularly Parents. By A. P. W. Philip, M.D., F.R.S., &c. 8vo. pp. 367. Longman and Co. This is the eighth edition of the work. Were it purely technical, there would be no need that we should do more than announce the fact of its publication; but as it has been coniderably modified, with a view to rendering it accessible to general readers, it may not be superfluous to drop a word or two by way of introducing Dr. Wilson Philip and his work to the latter. Be it known, then, that the Doctor has been nearly forty years an ornament to the profession from which he retires, and that during the greatest part of that time he has been, if not singly the foremost, at least conspicuous among the few foremost, original investigators of physiology in this country. The present work is intended for an exposition of the most important practical applications of the principles elaborated by the patient labour of a long life. To the public its more immediate utility will consist in its warning and arming them against the insidious approaches of that Protean disorder, indigestion; that yearly slayer of thousands. Dr. Wilson Philip's inquiry into the nature of the vital functions was undertaken for the express purpose of remedying what early struck his acute mind as existing defects in the practical department of British Medicine. That inquiry was not, in the author's opinion, completed till the year 1836; its results, therefore, have not yet been fully adopted by his professional contemporaries; indeed, it was not till within the last few years that their practical importance became clearly known to himself. There seems, therefore, no escaping the alternative put by the Doctor: those persons to whose cases his principles are applicable, must either read his book, that so they may be able to compel the attention of their medical advisers to its principles, or they must wait till a new race of practitioners has come forth from the schools where these principles are now taught. Death, however, may in the meanwhile put his veto upon the latter resolution. Descriptive Anatomy, By J. Craveil hier, Professor of Anatomy to the Faculty of Medicine of Paris, &c. 2 vols 8vo. pp. 1217.-Library of Medicine. Whittaker and Co. Cruveilhier's "Descriptive Anatomy" needs no encomium of ours to enhance its European reputation. The present translation has been executed, with the express sanction of the author, by Dr. W. H. Madden, and revised throughout by Professor Sharpey. It is accompanied by occasional notes, which are just what notes to such a book ought to be ;-perfectly subservient to the text, brief, and embodying such subsidiary facts as ought to be known to the English student. The work is abundantly illustrated with small, but finely executed, woodcuts, the great utility of which will be readily appreciated. The form of the book (no trifling consideration with respect to one that is to be carried to and from the dissecting room) is the most convenient compatible with the voluminous nature of its contents. Each volume will fit snugly enough in one of the pockets of those hyperborean gar ments in which our students rejoice during the winter session. Clinical Midwifery; with the Histories of Four Hundred Cases of Difficult Labour. By Robert Lee, M.D., F.R.S., &c. Fcp. 8vo. pp. 224. Churchill. A succinct account of the cases of difficult parturition which came under the author's notice during a period of fifteen years, arranged under a few general heads, and accompanied with pertinent remarks. We think the work well calculated to effect the author's purpose of remedying in some degree that want of experience and clinical instruction, which is too often painfully experienced by the young practitioner in midwifery in this country. English medical literature is by no means rich in works of this kind; and we would most strenuously dissuade the student from having recourse to foreign helps in this department. Much as we esteem the labours of our Continental brethren in other departments of medicine, we deprecate the admission of their obstetrical books into the hands of Englishmen, who are not well grounded in the principles and practice of British Midwifery. Natural History, &c. A History of British Forest Trees, indigenous and introduced. By Prideaux John Selby, F.L.S., M.W.S. &c. Illustrated by nearly 200 engravings. 8vo. pp. 540. Van Voorst. A beautiful book, worthy of its beautiful subject. It notices thirty-one genera, some of which comprise several species and varieties. The author, who has been forty years a scientific planter, writes out of the fulness of his knowledge and his love of his noble nurslings. The best idea that in our limited space we can give of his general method, will be afforded by transcribing the headings of one of his chapters: take for instance the SYCAMORE or GREAT MAPLE - Synonymes and Specific characters-Picturesque characterGeographical distribution-Uses of the wood and sap-Soil-Insects which live upon it-Mode of propagation-Varieties-Statistics. It is ardly conceivable that the exquisite art of wood-engraving can be carried to a higher pitch of perfection than is attained in many of the wood cuts with which this book is profusely adorned. The Botanical Text Book for Colleges, Schools and Private Students. With numerous engravings on wood. By Asa Gray, M. D. Fisher Professor of Natural History in Harvard University, &c. Post 8vo. pp. 413. Wiley and Putnam: New York. A work both intrinsically and externally creditable to the American press. It contains an able digest of the principles of vegetable physiology to the full extent of their development up to the present day. It adopts, for instance, with due acknowledgment, some of the principles recently so ably advocated by our countryman, Professor Johnston, of Durham. systematic part is entirely after our own heart; for why? it devotes but six pages to the bugbear system of Linnæus, and upwards of two hundred to the natural system, spaces which pretty fairly represent the ratio of the pleasures and advantages they respectively offer to the botanical student. Poetry, &c. The The Sepulchre of Lazarus; Recollections of Scotland, and other Poems. By Sarah H. Moulton. Post 8vo. pp. 136. London: Saunders and Otley. The most ambitious poem in this collection is the "Sepulchre of Lazarus," which is divided into two parts. The other pieces are of a miscellaneous character, and some of them are in prose. To produce smooth and evenflowing versification is no rare talent in the present day, and is the chief resource of those, who, as in the present instance, have met with such reverses of fortune as to induce a melancholy temperament. In such productions pleasing thoughts are often found, and a gentle expression that is tranquillizing. Poetry, however, requires more than this, and it seems marvellous what is the intention of issuing such productions. When it is considered that there is every probability that Shakespeare never sanctioned the publication of hi it is difficult to avoid affixing a very poor reason for the publication of so much careful mediocrity. Friendship's Offering and Winter's Wreath; a Christmas and New Year's The days for Annuals are nearly over, and the fashion has lasted a long time for a fashion. A few, however, still linger; and, curious enough, the original ones seem to have more vitality than the younger. Considering the price, the Friendship's Offering is as pretty a present as can be made. The embellishments are nine in number, and the subjects are all popular, more especially the frontispiece, which consists of a group of the Royal Family; and as it is stated by the editor to be the only engraving that gives them thus, it will be particularly interesting to the purchasers of this kind of volume. The other engravings are of various merit; and though perhaps if judged of as works of art may not be of the highest kind, yet, as embellishments of a pleasing miscellany, are very creditable and pretty. The letter-press aims at nothing very lofty, but comprises some interesting tales and poetry, in which may be found stanzas worthy of the appellation. Forget me Not; a Christmas, New Year's and Birth-day Present for 1843. Fcp. 8vo. pp. 354. London: Ackermann and Co. This, the origin of all the Annuals, is still one, if not the best, of this decaying race. This year the embellishments average an equal value with foregoing ones, and the letter-press is no way inferior. The frontispiece, which has no painter's name, is a very beautiful female head. Jane Vavasor's Visit, by Franklin, and the Birthright, by Wright, are also very pleasing designs. The latter looks very much as if originally intended to illustrate Measure for Measure; and represents, very well, Isabella's interview with Angelo. This, however, may not be the case. The letter-press of the volume is varied, and comprises some contributions of con siderable interest. Laman Blanchard's story of the Birthright, and Mrs. Ward's Burial of Oliver Cromwell, may be part clarized amongst many of merit. Whistle Binkie. A Collection of Songs for the Social Circle, 32mo. in 4 parts, pp. 496. Supplement, forming part 5, pp. 124. Glasgow: Robertson. This is a collection of Songs written and sung by a convivial society at Glasgow. It was first edited by Mr. Carrich, a man of considerable literary acquirements, and self-taught. And lastly by Mr. Rodger, a gentleman exceedingly popular in his own locality. Being chiefly in the Scottish dialect, it may not be right for a Southern to sit in judgment; but seeing that every one can feel and understand Burns, there can be little force in that argument. They are fluent, and have the air and tone of the really fine lyrics with which Scotland abounds: but they are not the production of poets and men of genius, although there is occasionally some smartness and cleverness. Generally, however, they are extremely common-place, and seem like a manufactured article made to particular patterns, and all bearing the same mechanical cut. They are not to be found fault with exactly; and some persons may ask wherein they differ from the genuine: to such we can only say, one wine of the same species is totally different to another, and yet it "would puzzle a conjuror” to put down in words wherein consisted the difference.-It is possible, however, that to Scotch people they may have charms of allusion that those "who are not to the manner born," cannot understand :-in these cases the reader "should minister to himself." Politics and Statistics, &c. Fourier and his System. By Madame Gatti de Gamond. Translated from the Fourth French Edition. By T. C. Wood, Jun. Esq. with a short Biographical Sketch, extracted from "The London Phalanx." 8vo. sewed, pp. 104. London: for the Author. To criticize the present work would be to enter upon a discussion that would involve all the great question |