operation of the cause which consoli- | with my method, I made two experi dated the tufa. "The number of MSS., and of fragments originally brought to the museum, as I was informed by M. Ant. Scotti, amounted to 1,696; of these, 88 have been unrolled, and found in a legible state; 319 more have been operated upon, and, more or less, unrolled, and found not to be legible; 24 have been presented to foreign poten tates. 66 Amongst the 1,265 that remain, and which I have examined with attention, by far the greatest number consists of small fragments, or of mutilated or crushed MSS., in which the folds are so irregular, as to offer little hopes of separating them so as to form connected leaves; from 80 to 120 are in a state which present a great probability of success, and of these the greater number are of the kind in which some volatile vegetable matter remains, and to which the chemical process, referred to in the beginning of this report, may be applied with the greatest hopes of useful results. “One method only has been adopted in the museum at Naples for unrolling the MSS., that invented in the middle of the last century; it is extremely simple, and consists in attaching small pieces of gold-beater's skin to the exterior of the MSS., by means of a solution of isinglass, suffering the solution to dry, and then raising, by means of thread moved by wooden screws, the gold-beater's skin, and the layer adhering to it, from the body of the MS.: this method of unrolling has the advantage of being extremely safe; but is, likewise, very slow, three or four days being required to develop a single column of a MS. It applies, likewise, only to such MSS. as have no adhesive matter between the leaves; and it has almost entirely failed in its application to the class of MSS. which are found to have Roman characters, and where the texture of the leaf is much thicker. It requires, likewise, a certain regularity of surface in the MSS. | Iments before them, one on a brown fragment of a Greek MS., and the other on a similar fragment of a Latin MS., in which the leaves were closely adherent: in both instances, the sepa ration of the layers was complete, and the characters appeared to the persons who examined them more perfect than before. "I brought with me to Rome some fragments of Greek MSS., and one of a Latin MS.; and experiments that I have made upon them indulge me to hope, that a modification of the process just referred to will considerably assist the separation of the leaves, even when they are not adherent; and that another modification of it will apply to those specimens containing earthy matter, where the letters are not destroyed. "Hitherto, there have been no systematic attempts to examine in detail all the MSS. which contain characters, so as to know what is really worth the labour of unrolling and preserving; but this clearly is the plan which it would be most profitable and useful to pursue. The name of the author has generally been found in the last leaf unrolled; but two or three of the first columns would enable a scholar to judge of the nature of the work; and, by unrolling a single fold, it might be ascertained whether it was prose or verse, or historical, or physical, or ethical. By employing, according to this view, an enlightened Greek scholar to direct the undertaking, one person to superintend the chemical part of the operation, and from fifteen to twenty persons for the purpose of performing the mechanical labour of unrolling and copying, there is every reason to believe, that in less than twelve months, and at an expense not exceeding £2,500 or £3,000, every thing worth preserving in the collection would be known, and the extent of the expectations that ought to be formed, fully ascertained. "It cannot be doubted, that the 407 papyri, which have been more or less unrolled, were selected as the best fit"The persons charged with the busi-ted for attempts, and were, probably, ness of unrolling the MSS. in the the most perfect; so that, amongst museum, informed me, that many chemical experiments had been performed upon the MSS. at different times, which assisted the separation of the leaves, but always destroyed the characters. To prove that this was not the case the 100, or 120, which remain in a fit state for trials, even allowing a superiority of method, it is not reasonable to expect, that a much larger proportion will be legible. Of the 88 MSS. containing characters, with the excep tion of a few fragments, in which some lines of Latin poetry have been found, the great body consists of works of Greek philosophers or sophists; nine are of Epicurus, thirtytwo bear the name of Philodemus, three of Demetrius, and one of each of these authors, Colotes, Polystratus, Carniades, and Chrysippus. The subjects of these works, and the works of which the names of the authors are unknown, are either natural or moral philosophy, medicine, criticism, and general observations on the arts, life, and manners. "It is possible that some of the celebrated long-lost works of antiquity may still be buried in this collection; but the probability is, that it consists entirely of the works of the Greek sophists, and of Roman poets, who were their admirers. When it is recollected, however, that Lucretius was an Epicurean, a hope must arise with regard to the Latin works; but, unfortunately, the wretched and mutilated appearance which they exhibit, (they are in a much worse condition than the Greek works,) renders this hope extremely feeble: for no powers of chemistry can supply lost characters, or restore what is mechanically destroyed." there afforded of success in unrolling the manuscripts, must also be disappointed at the manner in which Sir Ĥ. Davy expresses himself. He is of opinion, that they are of an inferior description, consisting chiefly of Grecian Sophists. Were this fully ascertained, all interest would quickly subside: but his reasonings on this head appear to me very inconclusive. Few will coincide with him in this opinion, when it is known, that Herculaneum was a large town, and that the manuscripts at first amounted to upwards of 1600. And if we may judge from their size and number, of the respectability of their owners, we cannot suppose they would have been destitute of the best authors, when the Romans of that day were notorious collectors. However, if Sir H. D. should succeed in unrolling them, he will deserve the thanks of the civilized world, and add fresh laurels to his wreath of immortality. Of their importance, we hope ere long that we shall be enabled to judge from ocular demonstration. The library of St. Ambrose, at Milan, has been examined by its learned librarian, the Abbe Majo, and a most extraordinary discovery has been made. It seems that the ancient parchments, for want of other materials, had been cut up and interlined for missals by the monks, during the Observations on the Herculaneum Manu- middle ages. Some of these recovered scripts. TO THE EDITOR OF THE IMPERIAL SIR, Every one who has read the letter of Sir H. Davy, in the Quarterly Journal of Science, Literature, and Art, for April, 1819, and who has been highly gratified with the hopes which are treasures, viz. six orations of Cicero, are already advertised in this country. Another place, where it was thought Greek authors might be met with, was the Sultan's library at Constantinople, which was supposed to include that of the Greek Emperors; but Dr. Clarke, in his Travels, has declared that none are to be found there. I trust that no apology is necessary for bringing this subject to the notice of your readers: it is an important one; and all information on it is highly interesting. Permit me, therefore, to express a hope, that some one, thoroughly acquainted with the state of these valuable researches, will furnish a detailed account of them, and also, from time to time, publish a report of the progress made, through the medium of your excellent Magazine, which has begun so well, and of which, no doubt, we shall soon be enabled to say, "Vires acquirit eundo." PHILOPALÆUS. Penzance, May 14th, 1819. Review." Letters of William Thomp vey and Co. London. Latin, keeping at the same time an evening school, that he might be enabled to purchase books, and pro in 1811 he turned his attention to the small octavo, boards, price 25. Har-secute his studies. His visits at this time to Warrington becoming frequent, he was introduced to a new circle of acquaintance; and, after some time, his pecuniary circumstances and attachment to reading being known, a share was purchased for him, through the persevering exertions of a benevolent individual, in the Warrington library, which gave him free access to about 1800 volumes. In 1812 his health was so much impaired, that he was compelled, early in 1813, to abandon his labour; but, while confined to his house, being visited by the clergyman of Winwick, he received from this gentleman much encouragement to prosecute his studies of the classics. THE little volume before us contains In the year 1810, although compelled to earn his bread by manual labour, he determined to acquire some knowledge of the French language; and, having made a considerable proficiency, No. 4.-VOL. I. Being unable to return to his former employment, his friends suggested the idea of his commencing a school at Penketh, near Warrington. In this he engaged; and continued to discharge the duties of schoolmaster, until sickness dictated their suspension, and death put a final period to his earthly career. Prior, however, to his entering on this new mode of life, he turned his attention to mensuration, algebra, and the mathematics, as branches of qualification for his office; and, for the further improvement of his own mind, he began to study the Greek and Hebrew languages. In 1814 and 1815, his time was chiefly devoted to his school, and to reading; but bodily infirmities retarded his progress in studies which chiefly regarded himself. In 1816 his indisposition became alarming, manifesting strong symptoms of a consumption; and, towards the close of the year, he was obliged to relinquish his school. He languished until the 9th of February, 1817, when he departed this life, being a few days more than twenty-three years of age. In the course of his studies, he had perused about 400 volumes, of which he had kept a distinct account. Connected with their titles, he had occasionally recorded an analysis of their contents; extracting such passages as appeared remarkable, sometimes in English, and sometimes in French. Some of these he had accompanied with short criticisms, on the merits 2 B of the works, and the characters of their authors. The following extracts are given, as specimens of his judgment, and also of the manner in which he expressed his opinion. 66 knew no bounds, that could call up images from every part of the creation, and give permanency to the most delicate sensations, he fell a prey to the most destructive vices, a lamentable instance of human depravity. "When we consider the native greatness of Burns's soul, the bril 1815, August 10th. "Curiosities of Literature. "The plan of this compilation is extremely desultory. It contains, how-liancy of his wit, and the exuberance ever, a variety of entertaining things. D'Israeli seems to be a person of much reading, particularly in French, Italian, and English. Religion he appears to have none; and his moral principles, I fear, are very loose: some of his sentiments are directly opposed to Christianity." "1816, 4th Month. "The Life of Arthur Wellesley. "Notwithstanding the incense of adulation, which is plentifully offered in this work, it is evident that Lord Wellington must possess a great military genius. Were I to look at heroism in that light in which it is commonly surveyed, I should join my voice with the exulting millions. But, feeling a strong conviction of the unlawfulness of warring with 'carnal weapons,' I dare not follow in the triumphal procession, nor use the language of applause to the desolaters of families and kingdoms. The volume contains some very mournful passages from the private journals of officers, who were in some of the severest actions." p. 96. The epistolary correspondence of Mr. Thompson with his friends, seems to have begun at an early age. From the date of one letter in this collection, he could scarcely have exceeded fourteen when it was written. To other kinds of composition he occasionally turned his attention, but it was in this department that he principally ex celled. In a letter to a friend, dated January 8th, 1814, he has expressed his opinion of Burns, the Scottish Bard, in the following sentences. "In Burns, we have another melancholy proof, that virtue is not necessarily concomitant with great genius; that the most splendid talents can by no means ensure happiness to their possessors; and that, on the other hand, when degraded by criminal indulgence, they add to the weight of guilt and misery. It is with the greatest concern I contemplate his exit off the stage of life. With a mind that of his imagination; that awful defcrence which super-eminence never fails to excite, commands us to tread lightly on his ashes, and to throw the cloak of charity over those frailties, which we ourselves with difficulty avoid. If we have but right views of ourselves, and of human nature, it will greatly weaken the malignancy of our censures. The triumph of criticism will give way to tears of humiliation; and before we exult over the weakness of a fellow-creature, we shall try and prove our own ways, that they be right in the presence of the Most High." p. 88. In another letter, which was written July 8th, 1815, the following senti Lents occur. "I lately read a small volume of Essays on the Nature of the Passions, &c. by David Hume. I found them very alluring, by their exceeding elegance of diction, and highly-polished style; and they also contain many pertinent classical allusions, and correct sentiments: yet their general tendency verges rapidly towards complete scepticism; and, after having insidiously undermined the fair fabric of Christianity, they leave no other asylum for the wretched and tried among the sons and daughters of mortality. As far as I have seen of the philosophical works of Hume, I do not know a more dangerous writer; he was well acquainted with the principal labyrinths of the human heart, and had narrowly watched the development and connection of the passions: yet it was his misfortune to get entangled in attempting to solve the mysteries of religion by the same process of reasoning with which we examine things belonging to the material world; and all his refinement of manner is not sufficient to expiate for the perplexity and doubt in which he leaves the minds of his readers. In every species of knowledge, it is much casier to puzzle than instruct,-to start a controversy, than to conduct it with ability. This method, so unfavourable to the common stock of intellect, has been much practised by writers on theology, particularly since the French revolution; which event has not less influenced the opinions and creeds, than the political state, of Europe. Thus, we have had ephemeral productions without number, on the most sacred doctrines of Christianity; and writings of various constructions, calculated to mislead, from the universal pyrrhonism of Bayle, to the scurrility and abuse of Paine, and the Abbé Barruel." p. 101. The preceding passages, which have not been selected with any particular care, may be considered as fair specimens of the author's style. His letters, in general, display much comprehensiveness of thought, and a considerable degree of acuteness; accompanied, on most occasions, with a sound and discriminating judgment. His diction, in some instances, rises into classic elegance, but it rarely descends into meanness; and, in no case, has he merited the charge of affectation. In almost every paragraph, that nervous simplicity, which seems to be the distinguishing characteristic of his style, presents itself to our view. His language betrays neither pedantry nor embarrassment; his periods are full and easy; and, in general, his sentences terminate where every reader is prepared to expect a final pause. That his language and his letters are wholly free from defect, is what we should hesitate to assert; but they contain very little to call forth the asperities of criticism. It is no small recommendation to this little volume, to say, that two considerable editions have been sold within one year, and that a third is just published. It is pleasing to add, that the profits of this work are appropriated to the use of the Author's parents, and their surviving family. [We have been favoured with the two following articles by a friend in Dublin, from whom we shall be glad to receive further communications.] RESUMPTION OF CASH PAYMENTS. IT may be useful to consider the circumstances that may arise, in the progress of the measures proposed for this purpose. 1st. During the four next years, in which the Bank is not required to pay cash at the old Mint price of gold coin, £3. 17s. 10d. per oz. If the price of gold be less than the price at which the Bank is required to issue ingots, this is, in effect, a further restriction, for no one will ask for its gold; but if the price of gold be higher, the Bank should come to Parliament to raise the price of its issues, to prevent so great a calamity as a run on the Bank, forcing a depreciation of their notes by going into the bullion-market at disadvantage; and while the notes disappear in the Cancel-office, the gold disappears by export. Either of these prices may occur at any time; for, supposing the best posture of Bank aflairs, and that the price of gold shall be 2s. 2d. per oz. lower than at present, during the four years, notwithstanding the purchase of so many millions gradually in that time by the Bank, as will prepare their coffers for any reasonable demand, and, by meeting this demand till it ceases, either to preserve or to restore the price of bullion to the standard of £3. 17s. 10d. still there are circumstances not within the dominion of this power of the Bank; and these, whenever they occur, must produce either restriction, or a contraction of currency, by loss in the Bank issuing gold at disadvantage; or, on the other hand, the Bank may add to all its former profits, the profit of the bullion trade, when successful. Another mode, not adopted, is, to commence cash payments immediately, at the market-price of bullion, at which a certain quantity is to be purchased. As soon as five millions are bought, suppose at an average of £4 per oz. and Parliament being satisfied it cost so much at a fair purchase, (the average price of Europe,) orders it to be coined at that rate, and issued; the Mint to be shut to all other coinage. At a future time, if five or ten millions can be bought at an average of £3. 15s. per oz., Parliament may call in the former at the shortest possible notice, to prevent counterfeits; and may issue the other larger coin in its place. But it is only on gold rising, and the balance of trade being against England, that foreign exchanges will draw off the gold. This mode would have prevented the necessity of Bank restriction; but the national debt, and the war requiring th |