highly interesting experiments on the influence of polarisation on the interference of two portions of light. Hitherto we have seen, that although great progress had been made in furnishing the data of the science, scarcely any attempt had been made to devise a theory for their explanation. In a paper laid before the Institute in 1812, M. Biot endeavours to show that the phenomena of polarisation are produced by a succession of oscillations of the particles of light round their centres of gravity. These oscillations are occasioned by the action of attractive and repulsive forces, and go on to a certain depth in the crystal, after which they acquire a fixed polarisation, by which their axes are arranged in two rectangular directions. In a subsequent memoir, he proceeds to explain by this hypothesis, the rotatory polarisation exhibited by certain substances, such as oil of turpentine and rock crystal, and believes that this property of turning the particles of polarised light round their axes, resides in the ultimate particles of the solid or fluid. This theory is allowed to be ingenious, but at the sanie time, has received little confirmation from subsequent experience. The labours of Sir David Brewster in this field of inquiry, have been already alluded to; but too much praise cannot be assigned to him for the splendid facts he has brought to light. The succession of his discoveries runs nearly in the following manner :-the light reflected from the clouds, the blue light of the sky, and the light of both the exterior and interior rainbows, are all polarised-the fact of the polarisation of light by transmission through bundles of crystallised and uncrystallised plates the production of the polarising structure in glass by heat, and by rapid cooling-that all the phenomena of polarisation could be communicated to soft and indurated substances by simple pressure-the production of the complementary colours, by the successive reflection of polarised light, between two plates of gold or silver-the phenomena of right and left-handed circular polarisation-the action of crystallised surfaces upon light. These are some of the main facts, regarding the subject of which we are now treating, which have formed the basis of all the subsequent reasoning in this country, and on the continent. Together, they form a distinct and highly attractive science, but necessarily involving abstruse. calculations, carried on with mathematical problems, and algebraic notation, which would tend to disgust at first sight, rather than attract those who have not been accustomed to that style of reasoning. In order to explain the different phenomena by the undulatory theory, as they have successively risen, various additions and modifications of the original simple hypothesis of Huygens, have been adopted. As it would be utterly impossible in a slight paper of this kind, to enter deeply into this subject, we will try and give the reader a general notion of the present state of opinion on this abstruse argument, without following the different philosophers who have written so largely on the topic, or particularly dwelling on the beautiful results obtained by Messrs. Fresnel and Arago, when applying to the phenomena of polarisation Dr. Thomas Young's theory of the interference of light. It may be stated, that those who now support the Huygenian doctrine, believe that the ordinary undulations of a wave of light, arise from the vibrative, or inconceivably back and forward motion of each particle of N. S.-VOL. I. 4 U the luminous ether, through a most minute line, which is perpendicular to, and extends on both sides of the course of the ray of light. The annexed little diagram will make this perfectly familiar, as the dotted line Fig. 6. represents the sensible course of the ray of light, and the curved line, the real undulatory progress. Thus far the motion is sufficient to account for reflection, single and double refraction, and colour of thin plates, but for the explanation of the phenomena of polarisation, we must imagine that each molecule in its onward progress, revolves round the sensible course of the ray in a circular manner, and thus presents its poles, or sides, to be acted on by the forces of reflection or refraction, according to the laws observed; now, in this circular motion of the etherial molecules, it is manifest, that the motion may be either from the left to the right, or from the right to the left, and thus we have a clue to the phenomena of right and left-handed circular polarisation; and we may even account for the right and left-handed elliptic polarisation, noticed in some substances by the supposition of the molecules describing elliptic curves. Thus almost all the beautiful phenomena which have been discovered, are capable of explanation by this ingenious and interesting theory. The process is still going on at the present time, and the day is not probably far distant, when the hypothesis will be complete, and receive the universal approbation and support of the learned. Of the phenomena which we have been considering, few can sufficiently estimate their importance, few have really devoted sufficient attention to the subject, to ascertain their value, and the many applications to which they are subservient. These new properties of light, may be considered new and important instruments of research into those regions of nature, which have as yet been considered beyond the reach of man's sagacity. After the lapse of a few years, the structure and formation of organised matter will be displayed by this means, and thus a new light be really thrown upon the works of the creation. THE GREEN ROOM. MR. ROOKE'S NEW OPERA of 66 HENRIQUE, OR THE LOVE PILGRIM." On Thursday Evening, 2nd May, Mr. Rooke made his second appearance as an Operatic Composer. Having been delighted with the Music of Amilie, we were led to expect much from Henrique. The libretto of both Operas is the composition of a Mr. J. T. Haynes, who proceeds more technically in his work, than skilfully. When will Managers and Musical Composers understand that good acting and worthy music, to secure permanent celebrity, should be wedded to immortal verse? Mr. Haynes's attempts at poetry are simply despicable. The plot of an Opera should be of the simplest construction, of which perhaps La Somnambula is a model. Henrique's is of a most complex character, insomuch that the author himself has thought it advisable to prefix the The Green Room. The argument of the several acts to his book. This specimen of his composition satisfies us that he can write prose nearly as well as he writes verse. Our Operatic Composers, literary and muiscal, bell-man does both better. would do well, we think, toconsult the Greek Choral Dramatists for the construction of their plots. Models for the Musical Play are these immortal works, in all that regards purity of conception and simplicity of execution. There are three main plots in the Opera Henrique, crossing and interlacing each other, as in Knowles's Comedies. But as the production is withdrawn it would only be slaying the slain to enter into an analysis. THE HAYMARKET THEATRE promises to do more, we think, for the true drama, than greater houses. On the 24th May, Mr. Milman's Tragedy of Fazio was performed for the purpose of introducing Cooper, in the character This lady shewed more of the hero, and a Miss Maywood in that of Bianca. intelligence than physical power, but she shows an instinct for high acting, seldom equalled. Mrs. Charles Gore's King O'Neil, or the Irish Brigade, is rich in humour, and well supported by the admirable talents of Mr. Power. Samuel Lover's Happy Man made us happy also, for the remainder of the evening. Mr. Charles Kean is engaged for twelve nights, and the Manager announces the Comedies of The School for Scandal, and The Rivals, with new scenery, dresses and decorations, in strict accordance with the manners and costume of the period in which they were written. OUR MONTHLY CRYPT. OUR friend Alerist has communicated to us a piece of criticism, which will do the hearts of the Oxford Divines good. If the English Church could be translated into the Angel-Church, they might imply at once apostolical, a We are reminded of Lord Gower's word identified with angelical, succession. translation of Göthe's line :- They speak in English when they lie :"— Und lispeln englisch, wenn sie lügen ;" THERE is no kingdom whose antiquities have been more sedulously investigated than England. Our learned antiquaries (heaven rest their souls!) have for ages striven with the intensest assiduity to recover and explain every vestige of the olden time. Most of these worthy and unsatiable curiosoes have likewise excelled in a sparkling euphuism of language, a spicy quaintness of style, and a prodigality of illustrations that have made them singularly entertaining to all the lovers of legendary lore. In the history of this antiquarian literature numberless vexatæ quæstiones have been disputed with surprising pervivacity among the critics. There has been interminable warfare on every topic that could possibly admit of contradiction from the landing of King Brute to St. George and the Dragon- from this hopeful pair to Prince Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, and and from these again to the old parchment in a battle lately de terré in Warwickshire. The origin and etymology of the name of Merry England could not fail to be a dainty subject for this keen encounter of wits. The antiquarians who have discussed this question, may be divided into two classes; one comprising those who maintained or at least hinted, that the veritable etymology of England, was related to the oriental and classical title of the ministers of heaventhe other party declaring that it had nothing whatever to do with them. The former theory was last year revived by a learned investigator of northern antiquities distinguished alike for the critical acumen which has enabled him to discover concealed truths, and the invincible perseverance by which he has established their evidences to the satisfaction of the public, and the discomfiture of those who supposed themselves interested in upholding deception. We should have before reviewed the pamphlet in which this gentleman has proposed his theory on the subject, for it is one of the most ingenious and piquant publications that has appeared in the Antiquarian literature of recent times. It is entitled" The Angel or English Queen, Angelorum Regina, Regina Gentium Terrarumque Angelorum. By en Gammel-sngs grosserer," published by Parbury und Co. We think the Author has succeeded in proving his point, that Englishmen are angels, of which some had doubted. That Englishwomen are so, no one hesitates to declare, at least under the present reign. The design of this Essay is to fix the original and native sense of the national title we bear; and to prove the etymological identity of the words Angelus and Anglus. If we can evince this it will follow that Angel-land and England, are essentially and properly synonymous, notwithstanding the numerous diversities of orthography and pronunciation. And here at the beginning of our enquiry we protest, that it is neither idle curiosity nor national vanity which leads us to assert, that the epithet angel was in the earliest times applied to the Angli or Angles; and that it rightfully belongs to the English at this day—so far as the signification of their name is concerned. This we assert, however unangelic they may have become in cus toms and manners; and however much they may be inclined to smile at discovering, that the angels are bonâ fide their namesakes, as well as their cousingermans. We shall therefore pursue our etymological researches with all the dogged and obstinate patience, which is the most prominent characteristic of an English antiquary. We shall throughout appeal to hard and simple matter of fact, collected from lexicographers and historians, and meet all the arguments that can be alleged against us, without shuffling, flinching, or running away. If we succeed in demonstrating the proposition that the Angels and the Angles or Englishmen have one and the same name and title, the latter ought to be much obliged to us for making them acquainted with their high relationship. We shall certainly respect ourselves, and other nations will respect us the more, when we have evinced beyond all contradiction to the Herald's College, this new line of consanguinity. And we trust that no Englishman will be perverse or ungenerous enough to be displeased with us for showing him how high he may look for “kith and kin." Seriously, however, our present enquiry will lead us through some of the most interesting departments of etymology as connected with national antiquities. We shall pursue our researches in as direct and simple a manner as we can, through the mazes of antiquarian records; non fumum ex fugore, sed ex fumo dare lucem." It is a matter of common notoriety, that the divine names and titles, have been in all languages applied to great and elevated characters. Thus the Hebrew word Elohim or Aleim, God, was continually applied to eminent characters, a fact alluded to in the New Testament where it is acknowledged that those were called gods, to whom God's word came. The Greek theogony and nomenclature affords numberless instances of the same thing. The Monthly Crypt. We conceive the Angelic epithels were likewise appropriated by men and applied by way of honor and distinction. As these Angelic epithets form the very foundation of our argument it will be necessary to examine them with care. The Hebrew root lak, to enlarge, send abroad, or spread abroad, appears to be the universal root, from which the Oriental name lakim or melakim, angels or messengers, is derived. Thus says Guichart ing his "Harmonie Etymologique des Langues. Lak in all the Hebrew dialects signifies legare, delegare, Et en cette façon on derive de cette racine "dont il est facile à former de lak. laaq, laquais en Francois, et laquey en Allemand, angelus, nuncius." And thus says Parkhurst in his Hebrew Dictionary, "from lak we derive the latin lego to send as a deputy, whence the compound delego, and the English legate and delegate. Also French laquais, Spanish lacuyo, Danish lackei, and English Lackey." " But there is another Hebrew root sometimes applied to angels, from which the Greek ayyeλog appears to be directly borrowed. This radical is agel, or gel which signifies sometimes nearly the same as lak, to enlarge or send or spread abroad, and sometimes, more distinctly, to lay open, discover or reveal. Thus, says Parkhurst, “ayyɛλoç, an angel, is probably derived from the Hebrew gel to reveal." On this root, Guichart observes, "agel or gel signifies properly to reveal or lay open. From this root, we derive gula, galleota Zalewrai, galleota in Italian, which signify diviners, revealers, augurs, and that sort of people who reveal future things, Of these, Cicero speaks in his first book on Divination. To which (says he) the interpreters of prodigies, whom in Sicily they call From whence also the German and English galleotæ, evidently answer. glass; if indeed this be not derived from glacies, ice." The Greeks according to their usual method of giving all syllables as distinct enunciation as possible, pronounced ayyeλoç, aggelos, as angelos. From this, in the gradual transition of language from east to west, the Latins derived their angelus, and the Germans their Angel, Angle, Engel, or Enghel. derivation of the German from the Latin, is supported by Cruciger, Wachter, Ihre, Leibnitz, Guichart, Thomassin, and all respectable etymologists. This In all these cases the leading and prominent idea connected with this word Angelus, seems to be that of enlargement and spreading abroad. Thus Southey has very accurately given the angel of death this title Enlarger in Madoc. When the soul, Emancipated by Death the Enlarger, shall` Attain the end prescribed to virtue and to love, It will be found on examination, that this radical idea of enlargement and spreading abroad, not only explains the meaning of the word Angelus, as signifying angels, messengers, revealers, &c., but also the several forms and inflections of the same word. In one of these inflections, it signifies an angle or corner, because every angle must enlarge and diverge from its point. The same ideal meaning governs its application to an elbow or hook, and is equally apparent in its application to a plain or level country. Having thus far entered on the critical etymology of the word Angelus, it will be desirable to give a brief sketch of the history of Angels, so far as it is connected with our present enquiry and lest our remarks should appear to want authorities, we shall freely quote them, as we proceed. : Those spirits (says Grotius), which are interposed between God (the opificer of things) and men, the Hebrews call sometimes Elohim or gods, sometimes angels. Thence those names were taken by Pythagoras, who took many things from the Hebrews, and whose institutions are said by Josephus to be the same as the institutes of the Essens. But those names are used with some difference. For by the name of gods he called those sublimer minds which |