quatuor feta longiffima, plantis quatuor an⚫ticis fiftulatis capitulo terminatis 22. "In fpeaking of the manner of finding thefe infects in the itch, our author obferves, that the failure of many who have fought for them has been owing to their having expected to meet with them in the larger veficles that contain a yellowifh fluid, like pus; in thefe, however, he tells us, he has never fund them, but in thofe puftules only which are recent, and contain only a watery fluid. We must therefore, he oblerves, not expect to find them in the fame proportionate number in patients who, for many months, have been afflicted with the difeafe, as in thofe in whom its appearance is recent, and where it is confined to the fingers or wrifts. The caufe of this difference with respect to the puftules, he conjectures, may be owing to the death of the infect after it has depofited its eggs. "A fmall transparent veñcle being found, a very minute, white point, diftinct from the furrounding fluid, may be difcovered, and very often even without the affiftance of a glais; this is the infect, which may be eafily taken out on the point of a needle or penknife, and when placed on a green cloth may be feen much more diftin&tly, and obferved to move 23. "The author remarks, that even before fuch a transparent veficle is formed, we may often difcover traces of the infect on the fingers or hands, in a reddifh ftreak or furrow, which is occafioned by the acarus; and he adds, that it is even more afual to find it in thefe furrows than in the puftules themfelves. He tells us, that a friend of his at Hanover (who had the itch in a flight degree, and to whofe accurate inquiries with an excellent microscope he acknowledges himfelf much indebted,) found feveral infects in fuch furrows. Two of the longest of the furrows were about an inch in extent. They feemed to be thoroughly dry, but exhibited here and there very minute fhining and transparent fpots. Thefe fpots, however, were not at all elevated above the furface of the fkin; and although feveral of them were, opened and examined, no infect was found in them. Thefe furrows he has obferved only on the hands and fingers, having in vain fought for them on the legs, and other parts of the body, in his children,, who had the itch-in-a high degree." viewed through a microfcope, will be The appearance of these infects, whem beft underflood by the figures of them given in the Journal. The first of these figures reprefents the acarus farinæ; the fecond and the third are reprefentations of the itch infect as it appeared through Dr. Wichmann's microfcope; and the fourth is a figure of the fame infect as given by Bonomo. From thefe figures, the body of the acarus farina appears to be moie oblong than that of the itch infect; and the feet of the latter, it is obferved, are placed much nearer the head than in moft other fpecies of acari, and are fhorter and thicker. (To be continued.) 104. Method of Chemical Nomenclature, propoled by Meffieurs de Morveau, Lavoifier, Bertholet, and De Fourcroy. To which is added, A new Syftem of Chemical Characters, adapted to the Nomenclature, by Mefteurs Halfenfratz and Adel, tranflated from the French, and the New Chemical Nomenclature adapted to the English Language. By James St. John, M. D. IT is with much pleafure that we announce this tranflation of the Memoirs of Mellieurs De Morveau, Lavoifier, Bertholet, and De Fourcroy, on a new Method of Chemical Nomenclature. Nothing was more arbitrary, or more abfurd, than the greatest part of the ancient chemical appellations. The moft extravagant whimes and fancies were indulged. A ridiculous mystery was adopted, with the exprefs purpose of rendering the fcience as little intelligible as poflible, at leaft to the bulk of mankind. As philofophical inveftigation advances, and true feience gains ground, the various abfurdities and my flerious follies of the alchemitts vanith. The gentlemen who have undertaken the prefentarduous talk, which bids fair 22 Mem. pour fervir a l'Hiftoire des Infectes. Tom. VII. p. 94.” 23 "Fabricius (Faun. Groenland. p. 221) has mentioned the dexterity of the Groenlanders in extracting this infet. Habitat,' fays he, in veficula feabigi Groenlandorum, qui illum acu eximere fcientes, mihi miranți, ut vivum animal incedentem oftenderunt.— Linnæus, in defcribing it (Fam. Suecic. 1194), fays, 'Habitat fub cute hominis fcabiem cauffans, ubi vefcu'am excitavit, parum recedit, corporis rugas fecutus, quiefcit iterum & titillationem excitat; modis oculis fub cuticula delitefcens obfervatur ab adfueto, acu facile eximitur, ⚫ ungui impoîtus vix movetur, & vero oris catido halitu affietur, agilis in ungue curfitat.,* and Baron de Geer (Mem. pour fervir a l'Histoire des Infectes, tom. VII.) obferves, that the infects he has had occafion to extract from itchy fores were extrenicly minute, not larger ran a grain of common fand., At frit,' fays he, when they are taken from under the epidermis, they feem to be without motion; but by degrees they begin to move their feet, and to dawl, though Howly." EDITOR." to accomplish fo defireable a purpose, ftand high in the opinion of the chemieal world; and we will venture to af fert, that this fpecimen of their labours will not leffen the cfteem in which they are held. Our neighbours have lately made a rapid progress in the fcience of chemiftry; and this work becomes almost abfolutely neceffary for thofe who wish to keep pace with them. There can be very little doubt but that this new method of chemical nomenclature will ge nerally prevail on the Continent; and unless it does the fame here, in a few years we shall be at a lofs to understand their commoneft writings on the fubject. And therefore, however unpleasantly or inelegantly many of the terminations may found to a Britith ear, fuch as Carbonat, Sulphat, Muriat, Nitrite, Tartrite, Fluat, Oxalat, Arfeniat, Borat, Nitrat, Acetat, Formiat, Phosphat, Carburets, Sebats, Luctats, Litticats, Tunflats, Molybdats, Succholats, &c. &c. yet we do not fee how they could have been better rendered into English: and when once they are familiarifed, they are fufficiently expreflive. Perhaps it might have been more confonant to the English language, and more agreeable to an English ear, had the various com. pounds been called Muriatic, Carbonatic, Formiatic, &c. Salts of the refpective fubftances. Our Vitriolic Acid is by them termed Sulphuric Acid; perhaps for good rea fons; and its combinations with other fubftances become fo many different Sulphats. We thought it a confiderable improvement in the language of chemistry when the various fynonymous appellations of this Acid become, as of late years, included in that of the Vitriqlic Acid; which formerly had many more names, fuch as Oleum Witrioli, Spiritus Vitrioli, Acidum Sulphuris, Spiritus Sulphuris, P. Campanam, Spiritus Aluminis, Acidum Calcanthe, Acidum Primogenium, Acidum Catholicum, Univerfale, Vagum Eofile, &c. We cannot give our chemical readers a better idea of the utility of this work than by selecting a few of the ancient arbitrary appellations, and contrafling them with the modern. They will thus in a moment obferve that the ancient names, though at prefent generally, well known, have yet very little, if any, relation to the fubflances to which they have been applied; and, that in fact they are, in many inftances, only words got by rote, which have nothing in themselves expreffive of the different combinations, refting entirely on the memory; whereas the modern, in a multiplicity of inftances, would almost answer the purpose of a direction for compounding. Old Names. Green Copperas Butter of Antimony Glauber's Salt Sedative Salt Spirit of Mindererus Corrofive Sublimate Vinegar of Lead Modern Names. Sulphat of Magnosia Sulphat of Soda Tartrite of Soda Boracic Acid In perusing this work we are further truck with the indefatigable zeal and industry of the foreign chemifts, who have produced almost every poffible combination of different fubftances with Acids. Thus, under the article of Acetats, or falts formed by the union of the acetic or radical vinegar with different bafes, we have no less than 24. And of the Acetites, or falts formed by the union of the acetous acid or diftilled vinegar with different bafes, we have alfo 24 and the fame number under the article of Benzoats, or falts formed by the union of the benzoic acid with different bafes: and fo of the Bombiats, or acid of the filk worm, &c. To these may be added the Borats, Camphorats, Carbonats, or falts formed with carbonic acid (our fixed or mephitic air), and diferent bafes; Citrats, with acid of lemons; Fluats of fpar; Formiats of Ants Lithiats of acid of human calculus; Malats of apples; Muriats of myriatic acid; Nitrats of nitrous; Oxalats of forrel; Phofphats; Saccolats, or thofe with the faccholactic acid; Sebats, or thofe with the acid of fat. We are, however, furprised to see the name of Potash in the new Nomenclature, and is certainly as arbitrary as any of the old which runs through a number of compounds, chemical appellations. This laft fhould have had the additional epithet of Concrete, to distinguish it from the former. We We cannot help, however, obferving that, in the enumeration of their different compounds it might have been a confiderable improvement, had they been arranged agreeable to the laws of elective attractions, rather than to an alphabetical arrangement. If the different acids had been arranged alphabetically, their various compounds under each head might have been fo placed that the first mentioned substance might have been known to have the power of decompounding all thofe below it; and fo on refpectively. Our limits will not permit us to enter into the new theoretical opinions refpecting the formation of the Sulphuric Acid, or the ideas refpecting Hydrogan Caloric, &c. &c.: for thefe we must refer our readers to the work itself, premifing, that we do not apprehend the chemifts on this fide of the water will implicitly adopt all the opinions even of a Lavoifier or a Fourcroy. There is much ingenuity difplayed in the new fyftem of chemical characters by Meffieurs Haffenfratz and Adel, which puts us very much in mind of the elegant neatnefs and fimplicity of the late Dr. Byrom's Stenography. We cannot help fubfcribing to their utility, becaufe, by the use of these characters, we think it poffible for chemifts of different countries, ftrangers to each other's language, to communicate chemical ideas, and even reciprocally to make themselves masters of each other's problems and combinations. Dr. St. John, in a well-written Preface to the work before us, takes notice of a very curious phenomenon refpecting the putrefaction of human bodies; which we think fufficiently important to communicate to our readers in a future number, as we imagine the knowledge of it cannot be too generally conveyed, fome very fingular and melancholy accidents from diffection having lately happened in this country, probably from a fimilar caufe. 105. Sermons by Mr. Symmons; (reviewed in a Letter from a Correspondent.) Ubi PLURA nitent in carmine, non ego "PAUCIS offendar maculis." HOR. TO encourage rifing merit, and to call forth latent excellence to the obfervation of the publick, is unquestionably the more agreeable and the more noble part of the duty of a critic. He who is truly entitled to that refpectable name will naturally be more inclined to dwell upon numerous and evident excellencies, though attended with fome imperfections, than to point the feverity of his cenfures against inconfiderable defects. This golden rule in Criticism seems to have been overlooked by the author of a critique on Mr. Symmons's Sermons in a late Review. The merit which the Sermons cannot be denied to poffefs he attempts to "damn with faint "praife;" and the faults which they may be thought to have he exaggerates and dwells upon, and cenfures with a very difproportioned feverity. The Sermons and the Criticism are before the publick; and whoever, of ability and judgement, will take the trouble to compare them, will find abundant proofs of my affertions. Give me leave, Mr. Urban, in your impartial pages, to fupply the omiffion, by giving a jufter character of the merits of thefe Sermons. Their merits are, indeed, great. The profeffional Critic allows, that the author poffeffes “abili"ties and learning; that the Sermons "contain juft remarks, clear and point"ed explanations of different paffages "of the Scriptures, with a manly and "rational piety: and that in many of "them the divifions are peculiarly "happy." I add, that the Sermons difcover a vigour and comprehenfion of understanding, a clearness and precifion of ideas and language, and a happy felection of the leading and distinguishing thoughts and circumstances belonging to the fubject, which always mark and difcriminate the man of genius. Thefe, with a warm, but in general well-go. verned, imagination, and a ftyle every where nervous and dignified, at times, animated and figurative in a high degree, and, excepting in a very few inftances, correctly juft, are the excellencies of thefe difcourfes. They do honour to the author, and deferve high praife. It were eafy to give extracts, which would fully juftify the above character; but at this time I must confine myself within more moderate bounds. Give me leave only to refer the attention of the learned to the eighth and ninth fermons, as decifive fpecimens of the cha racter given. In them will be found the excellence of compofition and ftyle, which I have attributed to the author. Let the Sermons be read and examined. Let the * Critical Review for February, 1788. author author be followed with attention in the extensive view he has taken of the Jewish difpenfation, in the remarks he has advanced on the wisdom of its plan, its fuitableness to the state of ideas and manners prevalent in that early and unimproved age, and its farther introductory fubferviency to a more perfect difpenfation; and the judicious reader will not hesitate to pronounce, that the Telection and arrangement of the objects, as well as the extent of the views, do honour to the author's understanding. Let him proceed to the hiftorical picture, which is given in the beginning of the ninth difcourfe, of the ftate of the enlightened part of the heathen world, in its arts and fciences, in its morals and religion; and he will evidently perceive the hand of a mafter, both in juftnefs of the refemblance and in the vividnefs of the colours. Let him then attend the author in his com parative view of the two difpenfations, with refpect to their fpirituality, their mildnefs and holiness. Let him hear the objections of infidels, of Hume and Gibbon, produced in their full force; and let him weigh the judicious and fpirited anfwers of the preacher, full of good fenfe and difcriminating know ledge; and he will be highly pleafed with fo able an advocate for Chriftianity. Let him, finally, follow him to the conclufion, and read that divine al · legory under which he has represented true religion, from the beginning to its prefent ftate, with the animated and very pathetic addrefs to Chriftians, to vindicate the honour of Chriftianity by a pure life and converfation; and, as before he has admired the vigourous 'under ftanding, the comprehenfive mind, and nervous, animated style of the writer, he will now be apt, if he has any piety, to feel the fire of his devotion kindling in his heart, and the carneftnefs of his exhortation animating his practice. If the reader of judgement should proceed, with equal care, to the perufal of the others, he will, in the conclufion, allow and maintain with me, that these Sermons are justly entitled to high rank among the pulpit compofitions of the prefent age. Being afraid, Mr. Urban, that I have trefpaffed too much on your patience, I fhall conclude with intreating one favour of your readers: that if, on the perufal of the prefent letter, they should be apt to fufpect that the writer has carried his prailes too high, let them have recourfe to the volume, and they will find, on the whole, that LESS, in JusTICE, could not have been said. AUDI ALTERAM PARTEM. 106. Obfervations on a Defign for improving the Navigation of the River Severn, in the Counties of Salop, Stafford, Worcester, and Gloucefter. 8vo. THE writer fets out with higher encomiums on the improvements of turnpike roads and navigable canals in this kingdom than we think ourselves warranted to bestow, reflecting, as we do, that these fuppofed improvements, inftead of introducing plenty, cheapness, &c. &c. have conduced to draw the provifions and the people from their diftant retreats, the haunts of fimplicity and innocence, to an overgrown capital, into whofe debaucheries and miferies they are plunged. both with the Severn, had been planned The uniting Trent and Mersey, and every since 1766, but only the first junction completely carried into execution; for though an intercourfe has been opened between Liverpool, Hull, and Bristol, the latter is ftill imperfect. A bill brought into parliament for that purpose, in 1786, was thrown out; a fecond, fince framed, has been warmly oppofed at Gloucester and Shrewsbury. To the arguments of the latter town this pamphlet is intended as an answer. 107. The Question of Wool truly flated; which the Fats are examined for and agains the Bill now depending in Parliament. IN this cafe of the wool-growers verfus the wool-manufacturers, the author of this tract appears in the former character, to vindicate his brethren against the exportation of our wool to France, by a statement of facts. On this head, fee our vol. LII. p. 137. 108. A Speech on the Wool Bill, which might bave been spoken in the House of Commons on Thursday, May 1, 1788, on the Question of adjourning the Confideration to that Day Three Months. THIS orator takes the other fide of the queftion, and oppofes the bill for prohibiting exportation with bold affertions. The bill has paffed both Houses, in favour of this fide, viz. the wool-manufacturers, who are fuppofed to be effential to the fupport of the wool-growers. 109. Obfervations upon the Bill prefented to Par liament for preventing the Exportation of Wool A propofal to employ 10 riding officers within 15 miles of the sea,—to cir culate culate concife abftracts of the law, and offer encouragement to informers. He propofes an additional tax on the oil ufed in manufacturing the wool, to anfwer the expence of their falaries, which he estimates at 6000l. This may do in the closet of a fpeculator; but placemen are too much out of fashion at prefent. 110. Transactions of the Royal Irish Academy, 1787. 4to. MANY and various have been the fuccefs, in the beginning of the prefent can enjoy the protection of a Monarch "whofe patronage of the liberal arts has "made his reign an illuftrions æra in "the annals of literature; at a time "when two of the fciences have had 66 advantages, hitherto unknown in this 66 country, held out to them in the ef"tablishment of a medical fchool, and "the foundation of an obfervatory for "aftronomical purposes; and at a time "when every qualification, natural and "acquired, occurred in pointing out a "prefident, whofe zeal for the interefts "of Ireland could only be equalled by "his zeal for the interefts of learning. "Animated by fuch encouragement, "the Irish nation are called on to exert "themfelves. The Academy, in this "volume, with most respectful defer"ence, prefents the first fruits of its la"bours to the publick: whether the "beginning now made fhall be relinquifhed with difgrace, or this Society "be taught to afpire to hopes of vigour "and continuance, is a queftion which "thofe who have abilities to promote "the advancement of literature fhould "be informed is left, with all its impor "tant confequences, for their exer"tions to determine.-To embolden "their diffidence, the nature of these publications holds out all the advantages of mutual example; while the great national benefit to be derived "from this inftitution must ftamp their "indolence a crime of no lefs magni"tude than treafon against the welfare "of Ireland. They are called on by 66 every tie which can have a laudable "influence on the heart of man; by the "hopes of fuccefs, and the infamy of "defeat; by the folicitations of a natu "ral instinct, which will not fuffer their "faculties to reft without exertion; and "by the authoritative voice of Reafon and Experience, which pronounce "fuch exertions falutary; by emula"tion; by philanthropy; by honeft pride; by a glorious view of the dignity of their country, and the dignity "of human nature. To fuch a call, "Irishmen cannot be inattentive; the "God of Truth will look propitious "on their labours; and a ray from "Heaven will light them to fuccefs." Preface, by the Rev. Robert Burrowes, A.M. fellow of Trinity College, Dublin, and M. R. I. A. Under the head of Science we have, belonging to Trinity College, Dublin. I. An Account of the Obfervatory By the Rev H. Ufher, D. D. fenior Fellow, |
