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LITERARY AND SCIENTIFIC INTELLIGENCE.

THE Committee of the House of Commons, appointed to inquire into the complaints against the Copyright Act, came to the following resolutions:

1. That it is the opinion of this Committee, that it is desirable that so much of the Copyright Act as requires the gratuitous delivery of eleven copies, should be repealed, except in so far as relates to the British Museum; and that it is desirable that a fixed allowance should be granted, in lieu thereof, to such of the other public libraries as may be thought expedient. (Carried in the Committee by six ayes to five noes, the latter including the four members for Oxford and Cambridge.)

2. That it is the opinion of this Committee, that, if it should not be thought expedient by the House to comply with the above recommendation, it is desirable that the number of libraries entitled to claim such delivery should be restricted to the British Museum, and the libraries of Oxford, Cambridge, Edinburgh, and Dublin Universities.(Only one dissentient voice.)

3. That it is the opinion of this Committee, that all books of prints, wherein the letter-press shall not exceed a certain very small proportion to each plate, shall be exempted from delivery, except to the Museuni, with an exception of all books of mathematics.-(Great Majority.)

4. That it is the opinion of this Committee, that all books in respect of which claim to copyright shall be expressly and effectually abandoned, be also exempted. -Great Majority.)

5. That it is the opinion of this Committee, that the obligation imposed on printers to retain one copy of each work printed by them, shall cease, and the copy of the Museum be made evidence in lieu of it. (Decided by the casing vote of the thairman.)

THE BRITISH MUSEUM.

Receipts for the year ending 25th of March 1818: L. 12,455 12 Expenditure, same period, 11,724 9

Balance,

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731 3 4 The Guingéné Library at Paris is said to be purchased, and duplicates sold to the amount of L. 1000, to meet the expence. Between L.3000 and L. 4000 more is expected in 1819 for Duplicates of Dr Burney's Library. The number of visitors last year was 50,172.

The first number of the "Vienna Jahrbuch der Litteratur" appeared lately at Vienna. It is a journal established under the auspices of the Austrian government,

VOL. III.

with Prince Metternich for its patron, and intended to be continued quarterly, after the manner of our two leading Reviews. The work cannot fail of a paramount degree. of interest, as being the vehicle of the sentiments and views of the Austrian government, on topics of great importance to Europe, in the present state of affairs. An article on the liberty of the press in England, from the pen of Genz, forms one of the leading attractions of the present number. The editor is Collin, the tutor of the young Napoleon. Von Hammer, the Orientalist, and other men of eminence in literature, are contributors.

Messrs Longman and Co. hav. lately received from America an interesting manuscript, containing a narrative of the Wreck of the Ship Oswego, on the coast of South Barbary, and of the sufferings of the master and the crew while in bondage among the Arabs; interspersed with numerous remarks upon the country and its inhabitants, and concerning the peculiar perils of that coast; by Judah Paddock, her late mas

ter.

The work will be published in the course of the present month.

The Royal Academy of Sciences at Paris have proposed, as a prize problem,—“ To form by the theory of universal gravitation alone, and without taking from observations any thing but arbitrary elements, tables of the movement of the moon, as exact as the best tables in existence."

M. Humboldt and his companions, in the course of their travels, heard an account o a tree which grows in the valley of Aragua, the juice of which is a nourishing milk. and which, from that circumstance, has re ceived the name of the cow tree. The tree in its general aspect resembles the Chrysophyllum cainito; its leaves are oblong, pointed, leathery, and alternate, marked with lateral veins, projecting downwards; they are parallel, and ten inches long. When incisions are made into the trunk, it discharges abundantly a glutinous milk, moderately thick, without any acridness, and exhaling an agreeable balsamic odour. The travellers drank considerable quanti ties of it without experiencing any injurious effects; its viscidity only rendering it rather unpleasant. The superintendent of the plantation assured thein that the negroes acquire flesh during the season in which the cow-tree yields the greatest quantity of milk. When this fluid is exposed to the air, perhaps in consequence of the absorption of the oxygen of the atmosphere, its surface becomes covered with membranes of a substance that appear to be of a decided ani mal nature, yellowish, thready, and of a LI

We find, in the last numbers of the Greek Mercury, published at Vienna, a decree of Prince Kallimachi, Hospodar of Moldavia, assuring to the editors of that journal and their successors, a pension of 200 piastres, as long as the publication may continue, in order to encourage them to persevere with that useful undertak ing.

Mr Claudius James Rich is preparing a second Memoir of Babylon, containing an Inquiry into the correspondence between the ancient descriptions of Babylon, and the remains still visible on the site, suggested by the remarks of Major Rennell, published in the Archæologia.

cheesy consistence. These membranes, when separated from the more aqueous part of the fluid, are almost as elastic as caoutchouc; but at the same time they are as muco disposed to become putrid as gelatine. The natives give the name of cheese to the coagulum, which is separated by the contact of the ai; in the course of five or six days it becomes sour. The milk, kept for some time in a corked phial, had deposited a little coagulum, and still exhaled its balsamic odour. f the recent juice is mixed with cold water, the coagulum is formed in small quantity only; but the separation of the viscid membranes occurs when it is placed in contact with nitric acid. This remarkable tree seems to be peculiar to the Cordilliere du Littoral, especially from Barbula to the lake of Maracaybo. There are likewise some traces of it near the village of San Mateo; and, according to the account of M. Bredmever, in the valley of Caucagua, three days' journey to the east of the Caraccas. This naturalist has likewise described the vegetable milk of the cow-tree as possessing an agreeable flavour and an aromatic odour: the natives of Caucagua call it the milk-tree.

Lord Byron's Manfred and the Lament of Tasso have lately been translated into Italian; but neither of these pieces has been relished by the Italians, which has induced M. Calleoni to recompose the last mentioned work in the Italian style. This attempt has just made its appearance at Milan.

M. Agricola, at Golnitz, in Altenburg, has in his garden an apple-tree, which, in the year 1816, bore 268 sorts of apples and other fruit. In fact, the tree has on it above 300 sorts; but those last grafted have not yet borne fruit. This gentleman has effected this curiosity for his amusement, by inoculating and grafting, and has fastened to every branch a little board, with the name of the sort of apples it bears. The tree has a strange appearance, from the various shapes and colours of the leaves, blossoms, and fruits. Some years ago, the Russians bivouacked near this tree, and were so surprised at the strange shape of it, and the number of little boards, that they did not injure it, though they cut down other fruit-trees for fire-wood.

M. C. Hallascka, of Prague, has published a description of an air-spout, (so he calls it in contradistinction to water-spout) which happened on the 10th of May. Clouds suddenly rose in the east, which rapidly enveloped the whole east and south of the heavens, the west wind became more violent, and rapidly alternated with the east, so that a violent conflict between the two winds was perceived. During this conflict there was formed among the clouds a dark opake pillar, (or air spout,) the diameter of which was about twenty fathoms, and which rose in a whirlwind from the earth to the clouds, which hung very low. It committed dreadful ravages in the fields, carrying with it in its course, or scattering all around, stones, sand, and earth, and continued its progress, with a hollow sound, towards the cast. By the refraction and reflection of the sun's rays, falling from the west on the pillar of dust, it looked like a column of fire in the clouds. This terrible pillar revolved with incredible rapidity, sometimes horizontally, sometimes vertically, furrowing the ground, which it tore up, and with its stones, several pounds in weight, which it hurled, whizzing like sky-rockets, into the air. This lasted about fifteen minutes. A silvery stripe, in the shape of a tunnel, the point of which was turned towards the earth, was now formed in the middle of this air-spout, which began at its top, and almost reached the centre. This silvery stripe contracted itself several times, and at last totally disappeared.

WORKS PREPARING FOR PUBLICATION.

LONDON.

DR JAMES JOHNSON, author of " the Influence of Tropical Climates on European Constitutions," &c. will speedily publish a small work entitled, the Influence of Civic Life, Sedentary Habits, and In

tellectual Refinement, on Human Health and Human Happiness; including an estimate of the balance of enjoyment and suffering in the different gradations of society.

In a few days will be published, a translation of M. P. Orfilla's directions for the

Treatment of persons who have taken Poison, and those in a state of suspended animation: together with the means of detecting poisons and adulterations in wine; also of distinguishing real from apparent

death.

Shortly will be published, Memoirs on the Present State of Science and Scientific Institutions in France; containing a descriptive and historical account of the Royal Garden of Plants; the Royal Institute; the Polytechnic School; the Faculty of Sciences; the College of France; and the Cabinet of Mineralogy; the Public Libraries; the Medical School; and the Hospitals; with plans of the latter, never before published, &c. &c. Illustrated by numerous plates and tables. By A. B. Granville, M. D. F. R. S. F. L. S. M. R. I. &c.

In a few days will be published, in octavo, an Inquiry into the Influence of ituation on Pulmonary Consumption, and on the Duration of Life; illustrated by

statistical reports; by J. G. Mansford, member of the Royal College of Surgeons of London.

EDINBURGH.

A most accurate Compendium of the Faculty Collection of Decisions, from its commencement in 1752, to the Session of 1817, by Mr Peter Halkerston, Solicitor in the Supreme Courts, in one volume folio.

Geometrical Analysis, a new edition enlarged and improved, followed by the Geometry of Curved Lines, being the treatise on lines of the second order, much expanded, and now besides augmented by the description and properties of all the remarkable higher curves, by John Leslie, F. R. S. E. Professor of Mathematics in the University of Edinburgh.

Coquetry, a novel. 3 vols. 12mo.

Reports of the Practice in the Clinical Wards of the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, by Dr Andrew Duncan, jun.

Facts and Observations towards forming a new Theory of the Earth.

MONTHLY LIST OF NEW PUBLICATIONS.

LONDON.

BIOGRAPHY.

Memoirs of Count de las Casas, communicated by himself, comprising a letter from Count de las Casas at St Helena to Lucien Buonaparte, giving a faithful account of the voyage of Napoleon to t Helena, his residence, manner of living, and treatment on that Island; also a Letter addressed by Count de las Casas to Lord Bathurst. 8vo. 8s. 6d.

DIVINITY.

of the King's and Queen's College of Physicians in Dublin. 8vo. 7s. 6d.

MISCELLANIES.

A Letter to Sir Samuel Romilly, M. P. from Henry Brougham, Esq. M. P. F. R. S. upon the Abuse of Charities.

A Concise Description of Endowed Grammar Schools. 2 vols. 8vo. L. 2, 16s. On the Safety-Lamp for Coal-Miners; with some Researches on Flame; by Sir Humphry Davy. 8vo 8s.

America and her Resources; or, a View of the Agricultural, Commercial, ManufacConder, on Protestant Nonconformity. turing, Financial, Political, Literary, Mo2 vols. 8vo. 14s. boards. ral, and Religious Capacity and Character of the American People. Bristed. 8vo. 14s.

Discourses on several Subjects and Occasions,; by the Rev. W. Hett, M. A. 2 vols. 8vo. 18s.

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Essays on the Proximate Mechanical Causes of the general Phenomena of the Universe; by Sir R. Phillips. 12mo. 3s. 6d. Pilpay's Fables. 12mo. 6s.

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TOPOGRAPHY.

The Scientific Tourist through England, Wales, and Scotland: in which the traveller is directed to the beauties and principal objects of antiquity, art, science, the fine views and situations, &c. worthy of notice or remark; including the minerals, fossils, rare plants, and other subjects in natural history, divided into counties; by T. Walford, Esq. F. A. S. and F. L. S. 2 vols. 12mo. 12s. and with coloured plates, 14s.

Spanish America; or, a Descriptive, Historical, and Geographical, Account of the Dominions of Spain, in the Western Hemisphere, Continental and Insular: illustrated by a map of Spanish North America, and the West India Islands; a map of Spanish South America; and an engraving, representing the comparative altitudes of the mountains in those regions: by R. H. Bonnycastle. 2 vols. 8vo. L. 1, 1s.

VOYAGES AND TRAVELS.

Travels in Egypt, Nubia, Holy Land, Mount Lebanon, and Cyprus, in the year 1814; by Henry Light, captain in the royal artillery. 4to. L. 2, 5s.

Travels through the United States of America, in the years 1806 and 1807, and 1809, 1810, and 1811; including an account of passages between America and Britain, and travels through various parts of Britain, Ireland, and Canada, with corrections and improvements till 1815; by John Melish. 8vo. 18s.

Narrative of a Journey in the Interior of China, and of a Voyage to and from that Country, in the years 1816 and 1817; containing an account of the most interesting transactions of Lord Amherst's embassy to the court of Pekin, and observations on the countries which it visited; by Clarke Abel, F. L. S.

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Memoirs of an unfortunate Son of Thespis; being a Sketch of the Life of Edward Cape Everard, Comedian, twenty-three years of the Theatre Royal, Drury-Lane, London, and pupil of the late David Garrick, Esq. with Reflections, Remarks, and Anecdotes, written by himself. 3s.

The Appeal: a Tragedy, in Three Acts; as performed at the Theatre Royal, Edinburgh. 3s.

Observations on the different kinds of Small-pox, and especially on that which sometimes follows vaccination. Illustrated by a number of cases. By Alexander Monro, M. D. F.R.S.E Professor of Anatomy and Surgery in the University of Edinburgh. 8vo. 10s. 6d.

An Engraving and Report relative to a design for a Chain Bridge, proposed to be thrown over the Frith of Forth at Queensferry; by James Anderson, Civil Engineer and Land-Surveyor, Edinburgh. Engraving, 2 feet 5 inches by 1 foot 10 inch

es.

Proof impressions, L. 1, 10s.-common copies L. 1, 1s. Report 5s.

Edinburgh Encyclopædia, conducted by Dr Brewster, Vol XII. L. 1 Is.

The Caledonian Shipping List and General Register of Vessels, belonging to the ports on the east coast of Scotland, and the Clyde on the west: with an account of the Coasting and Whale Fishing Companies, and a variety of other interesting information, collected and arranged up to August 1818. 2s. 6d.

A Catechism on the Gospel by Matthew, intended chiefly for the use of Sabbath Schools; by the Rev. James Miller, Eassie. 1s. 4d.

A new edition of an Enquiry whether Crime and Misery are produced or prevented, by our present System of Prison Discipline; by Thomas Fowell Buxton, Esq. M. P. 1s. 6d.

An Examination of the Justice and Expediency of a Bill, intituled, "An Act for building and promoting the building of additional Churches in Scotland;" by a Member of the Scots Bar.

1s.

The Confession, &c. of Nichol Muschet of Boghall, who was executed in the Grassmarket, January, 1721, for the murder of his wife in the Duke's Walk, near Edin burgh, containing a brief narrative of his life, and a full account of the contrivance and perpetration of his crime. Is.

The Traveller's Guide through Scotland and its islands. Seventh edition, enlarged and improved, with upwards of thirty Maps, Views of Remarkable Buildings, &c. 2 vols. 12mo. Jās.

A Statement of the Results of Practice in Continued Fever, as it prevailed in Auchtermuchty and neighbourhood, in 1817; with an Appendix, containing a few Practical Remarks on Measles, Scarlatina, &c.; by James Bonuar, Surgeon. 3s. Gd.

MONTHLY REGISTER,

FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.

EUROPE.

FRANCE. It appears that the parties arrested in consequence of the Ultra-Royalist conspiracy, have been all indulged with a relaxation of the rigorous confine ment to which they had previously been subjected, and it is not now supposed that they will be brought to trial; a circumstance which seems to give some colour of truth to the letter which we noticed in our last Number, as alleged to be written by Monsieur to the king.

The King of France. on the 25th August, the day of St Louis, granted 345 free pardons, and commuted 145 sentences for milder punishments. Among the former were included 121 persons condemned for political offences.

Private letters from Paris state, that the number of English, Irish, and Scots in France, appears on the police books to amount to 62,000, every one of whom is registered as to name, residence, &e. and could be arrested in 24 hours.-The evacuation of the country by the army of occupation will be the signal for the return of a great proportion of this emigrant population. It is estimated that their expenditure amounts to L. 50,000 a day.

SPAIN. The Pope, it is asserted, in commiseration of the deplorable circumstances of the Spanish treasury, has allowed the King to make a temporary and contingent appropriation of part of the income of the church, by suspending the appointment to ecclesiastical dignities for the space of two years, and converting their revenues to the * use of the government. Hardly ever, since the emission of French assignats, was national paper in a more depreciated condition than that of Spain.

An important note, said to have been presented on the 12th June last, by the cabinet of Madrid to the allied powers, has reached this country through the French papers, and its authenticity does not scem to be doubted. The object of this paper is to prevail upon the allied powers to engage their united force in reducing the South American provinces under the legitimate yoke of Ferdinand, from which they are desirous to be freed. The writer, indeed, expatiates on the common-place topics usual on all such occasions, namely, the great desire of his Catholic Majesty to put an end to the effusion of blood, and to bring back his misguided subjects to the path of duty and obedience; but clearly

enough shews that, with all this cant about his subjects, Ferdinand has not the least objection to shed their blood, to shoot or hang them, just as they please, until he reduces them to a submission to his authority. Indeed, this memorial to the allied powers speaks a language not to be misunderstood. He tells them, after commending their efforts in Europe, "that it still remains for them to stifle this system in America itself, where its effects are of the most serious nature," and afterwards he wishes them to interpose in the unfortunate circumstances "in which America is placed, so that every means of prudence and proper vigour may be employed to reduce the revolted provinces, and to put an end to the immorality and political pestilence which such a state of things presents." In order to forward this object, he proposes to grant,-1st, a general amnesty; 2d, the free admission of Americans to all public employments; 3d, an improved commercial system; and, 4th, he again vaunts about his sincere disposition to concur in all measures which the allies may propose, and which he may deem compatible with his rights and dig nity.

GERMANY.-The Emperor of Austria, upon the recommendation of the Imperial Commissioners of Commerce, has granted the Golden Medal of Honour to the proprietor of a cotton factory in Bohemia, in consideration of the perfection to which he has brought that manufacture. Honorary medals have also been bestowed on his partner, and others employed in his work. Thus we see the pursuits of peace gradually succeeding those of war, and the favour of sovereigns at length attracted to those who minister to the comforts of mankind.

With a view to the gradual extinction of paper-money in Austria, the taxes are to be levied there, and all public salaries paid, in specie, from the first November next.

PRUSSIA. The following extraordinary proceeding is stated in the foreign papers :The Margravine of Anspach had, in lieu of her dower, L. 2000 a-year granted her by the King of Prussia, upon the tranfer by the late Margrave, of his principalities to the Crown of Prussia. This L. 2000 per annum was confirmed by the King of Prussia and his ministers, on the death of the late Margrave; but, for some canse at present unknown, not a single instalment has been paid, notwith

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