that Shakspeare afterwards mended; nevertheless, I suspect that he had much reading, how far, soever, it might fall short of erudition. There are symptoms of his having known something of French, and, if he knew anything of Latin, a certain requirement of Spanish and Italian was of easy access to him. Whether the latter suspicion be true or not, is it possible to conceive Shakspeare, in question of his plots, not to have been an active reader; and supposing his reading to have been desultory, it is not inexplicable that desultory reading should have been a mighty aliment to his fancy. His mind was an alembic of sweets. The bee is not fed on fields of sugar-cane, but on the bitter herbs of the mountains; and on those mountains the most beautiful and best-tasted wild birds are better nourished that are our caged and crammed domestic fowls. I once examined the stomach of a wild bird killed in the Highlands; its feathers were splendid, and its flesh was white, firm and plump, but in its crop there was nothing but heather-bells. I had been reading the works of Burns, and could not help saying to myself—'Well, poor thing! thou seemest to me a Burns among birds, since in the wild air of nature thou couldst fatten upon heather-bells!' Shakspeare's learning, whatever it was, gave him hints as to sources from which classical information was to be drawn. The age abounded in classical translations; it also teemed with public pageants, and Allegory itself might be said to have walked the streets. He may have laughed at the absurdity of many of those pageants, but still they would refresh his fancy. Whether he read assiduously or carelessly, it should be remembered that reading was to him not of the vulgar benefit that it is to ordinary minds. Was there a spark of sense or sensibility in any author on whose works he glanced, that spark assimilated to his soul, and it belonged to it as rightfully as the light of heaven to the eye of the eagle." There is novelty as well as manifest justice in some of these views. We have only room to quote farther Mr. Campbell's solution of the question about Hamlet's inconsistencies, viz., " that his morbid mind is endued both with the reality and the affectation of madness. Such cases are not unknown in the history of mental aberration." The remarks bestowed upon each play may be understood from these few specimens to have no slight share of illustrative point about them; and we may add, the poet is often to be detected in the critic. ART. XIX.-A Letter to Sir James R. Carnac, Bart., on British Interference with the Religious Observances of the Natives of India. London: Allen & Co. 1838. THE author, who seems to have had much experience in India, is very angry, especially with those persons who have designated the much-talkedof Pilgrim Tax Regulation a direct encouragement of Idolatry. Some of the facts and suggestions which he has set before us deserve careful consideration; but we have also felt in perusing the Letter that a spirit of Special Pleading pervades it, and that the author is not always con-sistent. We have not, for instance, found his reasoning satisfactory when endeavouring to show that the withdrawing the protection of our Indian Government from the Hindoo worship, is the same thing, as respects the Hindoos, as active and direct measures intended for the suppression off their Paganism. ART, XX..-An Analytical and Comparative View of all Religions now extant among Mankind. By JOSIAH CONDER, London: Jackson and Walford. 1838. We have heard it alleged that the only person calculated to write a history of all religions, would be one of no religion at all, neither in reality nor professedly. The observation has more of smartness in it than soundness or truth; for while it must be admitted, that there is a danger of strong prejudices operating on the mind of any man who attaches himself to any particular creed, when he comes to perform the part of a historian, interpreter, or commentator, in regard to such matters, still a person of Lo religious belief is sure to be a despiser and scoffer of whatever system he happens to treat, and is therefore as likely to present an erroneous and uncharitable account as will occur between those who agree upon some first principles and leading doctrines. At the same time, to go uc further than the Christian world, what a lamentable diversity and rancorous opposition do exist! Whoever, therefore, like Mr. Conder, undertakes to communicate a correct view of the whole and of each creed and profession, "with their Internal Diversities," ought to be widely and deeply informed, as well as dispassionate and tolerant. To this comprehensiveness of information our author may safely lay claim; for honesty of purpose, and earnestness to do complete justice to all sects and churches, we also think, he has a right to demand credit. At the same time the strictest rules of impartiality require not of him, either in justice to his readers or himself, that he should withhold an explanation of matters of faith which his own creed recognises and upon which he reposes his everlasting hopes. That creed, we need not say to those that are to any extent acquainted with Mr. Conder's former writings, is what is understood by the term Scriptural, the peculiar doctrines of the Gospel being fully and sincerely believed in by him. But even to persons who may be of a different way of thinking, the vast mass of information crowded into this thick volume ought to recommend it strongly. It may justly be regarded as a work which has kept pace with the religious community of all shades, bringing the reader down to the present day, and planting him upon an eminence from which he may direct a mighty and momentous survey. ART. XXI.-A Brief Compendium of Arithmetic. By BENJAMIN SNOWDEN. London: Simpkin & Marshall. 1838. MR. SNOWDEN informs us that for more than fifty years his time has been devoted to the instruction of youth. This we can well believe, for the clear, concise, and practical form of this Compendium testify as much. As an introduction to larger treatises on Arithmetic we recommend the small volume. ART. XXII.-Lavater's Original Maxims, &c. By B. WERTHEIM. Nisbet and Co. London: 1838. THIS tome is almost too tiny and slender to catch the eye, especially when by the side of some of the formidable volumes which load our table. Its contents, however, are of the nature of gems which must not be estimated according to bulk, but to intrinsic quality... ART. XXIII.-An Opening of the Mystery of the Tabernacle. By JOHN VIZARD. London: Crofts. 1838. THI is a comment on the first eight verses of the twenty-fifth chapter, of Exodus, in which close biblical research, learning, and ardent piety manifest their valuable and impressive fruits. The author regards the portion of Scripture he has here expounded as forming a part of a great allegorical mystery which enfolds the most solemn and substantial truths that can engage the mind of man. The manner in which he has compared Scripture with Scripture, thence deducing much of his exposition, enables the reader to discover a mine of spiritual truth where all may have previously appeared barren, idly fanciful, or impenetrably obscure. ART. XXIV. The Education of the Feelings. London: Taylor and Walton. 1838. THIS is a modest, well-intended, and well-executed little work. It is designed to urge the great importance of Moral Education-to shew the bearing of a few great truths upon it-to point out the Natural Laws which the Creator has established, by which the feelings are to be trained and cultivated." The volume does not profess to contain original views on the subject of education; for who in this age, so remarkable for enlightened, extensive, and systematic books treating of physical, mental, and moral culture can flatter himself with the idea that he has great discoveries to communicate? The object of the work is better: it is addressed to those who have not enjoyed an opportunity of studying larger and systematic treatises in this department of theoretical and practical knowledge, while from these more imposing and formidable sources it draws the best lessons plentifully. A short extract from the preface will aptly close our notice. "New works on Education are constantly ushered forth-the subject is not new to the world, but it is ever so to individuals. Every one newly invested with the office of parent, feels as fresh and vivid an interest in it as if no one had ever been educated before, and seeks eagerly for light and information. To such no apology will be necessary for giving additional testimony to truths which, if known, have not been sufficiently acted upon." ART. XXV.-Mrs. Wilberforce; or, The Widow and her Orphan Family. London: Saunders & Otley. 1838. THE name chosen for this novel, we fear, will operate to its disadvantage, by suggesting ideas that readers will consider unnecessary and indeed unpleasant, The fiction also labours under those drawbacks which a too copious infusion of religion exhibits. The work, however, is evidently the production of one accustomed to study human character, and to indulge in earnest reflection upon the phenomena which that world of wonders is continually developing. ART. XXVI.-Hood's Own; Or, Laughter from Year to Year. No. V. titled "Refusing Tithes," and author and artist will be found to combine their powers in fine style; or if a striking name afford an argument in behalf of a tale, take that of the "Great Plague," and no disappointment will be experienced even on the part of those who entertain the most favourable opinion of Mr. Hood's genius. In truth our creator of "Laughter from Year to Year" presents a phenomenon in literature; for his humour and wit are sterling as well as original and inexhaustible. ART. XXVII.-The Popular Encyclopædia. Glasgow: Blackie. 1838. THE half volume before us brings this far-famed work forward to the word Sun. The punctuality and rapidity of the appearance of its progressing Parts when considered in connexion with the intrinsic and original merits of the Lexicon, render the improved and enlarged edition the most desirable work of the kind that is published, upon anything like a similar scale, or at a similar expense. ART. XXVIII.—The Practical Works of Jeremy Taylor. With a Sketch of his Life and Times. By the REV. GEORGE CROLLY, LL.D. London: Rickerby. 1838. THE present portable, handsome, and, indeed, elegant edition of the most fervent and devotional works of one of England's most eminent divines and writers extends to eight volumes, post octavo. These volumes contain the Life of Christ, Holy Living, Holy Dying, The Golden Crown, The Worthy Communicant, Select Sermons, and The Liberty of Prophesying. In these works Taylor's copiousness, his fertility of composition, his eloquence of expression, his fervour of devotional feeling, his impressiveness and richness of thought, are universally allowed to be amazing-to have the power to melt as well as to exalt. This exemplary Prelate was certainly one of the most gifted and most sanctified of men. Not to dwell upon his mental endowments, he possessed the advantages of a comely person, and a melodious voice which were the suitable organs of a never ceasing flow of piety and pure religious ardour in thought and action. This edition will be the means of extending the influence of this great writer's choicest works, and of showing to those who may be ignorant of the treasures of divinity which our language has embodied, that unsurpassed beauty of imagery and comprehensiveness of illustration are the appropriate handmaidens of Christianity. ART. XXIX.-Rambles in the Pyrennees; and a Visit to San Sebastian. By F. W. VAUX, Esq. London: Longman. 1838. A SLIGHT, but modest and elegant narrative, detailing the particulars of a hasty tour through certain most interesting parts. The tone and temper of the author are really well calculated to induce others to visit the regions and spots which he describes, and at the same time to indicate the dispo sitions which an Englishman ought to cherish when he passes from his own fire-side to foreign parts. Mr. Vaux must be a desirable travelling companion; for intelligence and taste as well as activity and good humour characterize his volume. THE MONTHLY REVIEW. AUGUST, 1838. ART. I.-Animal Magnetism and Homeopathy. By EDWIN LEE, M.R.C.S. London: Whittaker & Co. 1838. It is said that when Dr. Treviranus, an eminent physician of Bremen, visited London, Coleridge, who took a deep interest in the subject of Animal Magnetism, anxiously inquired of the foreigner what were the real facts relative to the phenomena of which he was reported to have been an eye-witness. The reply is stated to have been to the following effect,-"I have seen what I am certain I would not have believed on your testimony, and that which I am therefore bound to suppose you cannot believe on mine." After the time we refer to, the subject attracted little attention in this country, until a very recent date; but seeing that it has been revived, and that it is discussed with greater earnestness than ever, it may be right that we should endeavour to let our readers have an opportunity of judging whether the Bremen Physician's answer indicated a weak credulity, or wisdom and a philosophic tolerance. And in this endeavour we shall avail ourselves of the statements contained in the slender volume before us, and of some other sources of information, together with such testing criticisms and analogous cases as may seem pertinent and fair. But before we proceed further, it is proper that reference should be made to Mr. Lee's competency to try the questions at issue belonging to the mysterious subject of Animal Magnetism, since he is the authority upon whom we chiefly rely for facts and suggestions. Let it be borne in mind then that our author is not only learnedly but practically acquainted with the principal medical institutions and opinions which have obtained in France, Italy, and Germany. He has travelled much on the Continent; he has visited and attended the hospitals of these countries; he is the Corresponding Member of various foreign societies, connected with medical science; and he has written able and satisfactory works relative to the same branch of study. Regarding certain nervous disorders, too, he has bestowed particular attention; his practical experience in this department having led to a highly approved publication. In these circumstances, it must be evident that Mr. Lee is entitled to more than an ordinary hearing, whenever he treats of any medical doctrine or practice which has had its birth and has found its most VOL. II. (1838.) No. IV. ΙΓ |