POLITICS. Art. 35. A Letter to the independent Electors of Westminster, from Henry Maddock, Jun. Esq. Barrister at Law. 8vo. 1806. 28. Miller. Mr. Maddock here takes the ground which has been often occu pied by the Old Whigs, and contends that it is not politic in the Commons to elect the sons of Peers to represent them in the Lower House. His objections to the election of Lord Percy for Westminster proceed therefore on public principles. He tells the Electors that the nobleman whom they have lately chosen cannot represent their class, their habits, or their opinions; that he cannot enter into their feelings; and that, in a contest between the Aristocracy and the People, he must inevitably take part against the latter. They are called likewise to consider, in the present state of the representation, when Peers and rich commoners have so preponderating an influence in the return of members to serve in the lower House of Parliament, whether any truly constitutional man can espouse a system which must decidedly add to that preponderance, and in fact convert the House of Commons into a representation not of the people but of the Peers. At a General Election, these reflections are not unworthy of notice: but we observe with concern that constitutional principles are daily going out of fashion; and because the French have abused the name of Liberty, many Britons seem inclined to relinquish those Bound maxims which were venerated by their ancestors, and without which this country could never have become the admiration of the world. Independent Electors, if truly solicitous of obtaining a House of Commons which shall fairly represent the people of England and zealously watch over their liberties, should display. a sacred veneration for the principles of the Constitution, when they are required to exercise their franchise. As men of talents and vigor of mind are not always rich, and capable of standing a contest, Mr. M. recommends the establishment of an Election Fund. BIOGRAPHY. Art. 36. Memoirs of Mrs. Crouch. Including a Retrospect of the Stage during the Years she performed. By M. J. Young. 2 Vols. 12mo. 9s. Boards. Asperne. 1806. On opening these volumes, we were rather curious to ascertain what events in the life of this pleasing actress required to be exhibited to public inspection. We soon found, however, that we must expect nothing to rouse our attention, or excite our interest; and that, in fact, any theatrical name might serve to stand in the front of publications made up like the present, which is scarcely superior to a series of play-bills and newspaper stage criticisms. Art. 37. Father's Memoirs of bis Child. By Benj. Heath Malkin, Eeq. M. A. F. A. S. Royal 8vo. 10s. 6d. Boards. Longman and Co. 1806 The memoirs of a child who never completed his seventh year must be regarded as a curiosity of literature; and the enthusiasm of the parent parent biographer, who proudly displays the traits of this prodigy of genius, can be no matter of surprise. Thomas Williams Malkin, who was born Oct. 13, 1795, and died July 31, 1802, was indeed a most uncommon child; for, according to the facts here stated, the faculties of his mind rapidly expanded at an age when the germs of intellect scarcely appear. That a boy at six years of age should write correctly, sketch designs with his pencil, form an imaginary country (another Utopia) in his mind, draw the map of it, with the names (all of his own invention) of its cities, rivers, lakes, islands, &c. write a kind of history of it, and even attempt the formation of its language; -that he should compose poetry, fables, and tales, and undertake dramatic composition;-are incidents of infantine history, which others besides a parent must contemplate with astonishment: but we are not sure that this precocity of genius is desirable; nor that this exhibition of it is likely to do any good, unless the melancholy termination of the tale should teach parents, instead of being solicitous for premature mental improvement in their children, to study to give them that vigour of constitution which is essential to their attainment of manhood. We could have wished that Mr. Malkin had composed these memoirs with more simplicity. He flatters himself that he has waited till his passions are cool: but his readers will perceive that his ardor is not sufficiently chastised by judgment. When he tells us that his child, at five years of age, understood the English language with critical precision, could he hope to escape from being suspected of hyperbole or do any of the specimens, astonishing as they are, bear him out in this assertion? His remarks on the psalm and little prayers inserted at p. 48 and 49, are also instances of extravagant eulogy. In the long dedication to Mr. Johnes of Hafod, a biographical notice is inserted of Mr. William Blake the artist, with some selections from his poems, which are highly extolled: but if Watts seldom rose above the level of a mere versifier,' in what class must we place Mr. Blake, who is certainly very inferior to Dr. Watts ? MISCELLANEOUS. Art. 38. Brookiana. 2 Vols. Crown 8vo. 10s. 6d. R. Phillips. In some general remarks, which we have on former occasions offered to the public respecting the merits of publications bearing the denomination of ana, we expressed our disapprobation of the plan of anatomizing the works of great men, and picking and culling such portions as the literary caterer thinks will form a palatable dish for the community. If, however, instead of melting down the rich ore of a good author, an Editor takes the pains to collect a miscellaneous fund of information respecting such a writer, his literary and domestic friends, his family connexions, his place of residence and pursuits in life, &c. &c. such a miscellany is calculated to furnish very useful and interesting amusement, and is a very agreeable mode of perpetuating the memory and memoirs of men who deserve to live in the remembrance of posterity. As the compiler of these volumes of Brookiana has adopted this latter plan, we have pleasure in patronizing his labors and recommending them to general notice. In such a variety a variety of amusing anecdotes, letters, and extracts, from different quarters relating to Mr. Brooke, it would be difficult for us to select portions for our readers without embracing a wider scope than our limits allow; and we have no doubt that those, who have read the Fool of Quality, the tragedy of Gustavus Vasa, or some other of the various productions of Mr. Brooke, will take a pleasure in perusing this collection of papers, and not be satisfied with such specimens as we might be able to introduce into a corner of our Review.-In the mean time, as some of our readers may wish for a little acquaintance with Mr. Brooke and his family circle, we shall present them with a letter from one of his friends, describing his residence and domestic habits at Corfoddy in Ireland : When I came within six or seven miles of Mr. Brooke's, I was afraid I should mistake my way in such a wild part of the country, so that I asked almost every one I met, man, woman, and child, “Ís this the road to Corfoddy?" every one knew Mr. Brooke, every one praised him, and wished he might live for-ever. As I knew that the author of Gustavus Vasa had written a great deal in praise of agriculture, I expected, of course, as I approached his house, that I should find it "Bosom'd high in tufted trees;" that his hedges would be covered with flaunting honey suckle; that I should find his garden a second Eden, and that his grotto would exceed Calypso's fabled one. To tell you the truth, I never was so disappointed in my life; not a tree on the whole road to shelter the tra veller from a shower; not a hedge to be seen; and the way so bad, that I am sure it must be impassable in the winter. His house stands on a barren spot, and the only improvement. I could see, a little garden in the front, shaded with a few half-starved elms, that seem rather to have been planted by chance than design. I was told that he had just walked out; and, as it was uncertain which way he went, the old man that took my horse advised me to stay till his return, as he was sure his master would not be long out, as he heard him say that he had a great deal to do that day. I took his advice;-I was led into the library by an old woman, who told me there was pen, ink, and paper, if I wished to write, and that she would be very happy if 1 would accept of any refreshment after my journey. The library was small, but well-furnished with the best English and Roman Classics, and a small shelf of the most pious books in our language, such as the works of the author of the "Whole Duty of Man,' Watts's, and the works of Bishop Kenn, with the following distich on the fly-leaf, in a neat female hand, probably by Mr. Brooke's mother: "My son, peruse the works of pious Kenn, The best of bishops, and the best of men." "Dr. I was charmed with the manner in which he received me. I was scarce half an hour in conversation with him, when I found 1 could trace him in all his writings. He was dressed in a long blue cloak, with a wig that fell down his shoulders, a little man, as neat as wax work; with an oval face, ruddy complexion, and large eyes, full Mrs. full of fire. In short he is like a picture, mellowed by time. I never saw so This estimable man lived to an advanced age; and like many other distinguished characters, he survived those rich talents, which had delighted and instructed his cotemporaries, and which will long continue to transmit his fame in the works which they produced. Art. 39. Prospectus of a Work intitled, A Philosophical and Experimental Inquiry into the Laws of Resistance of Non-Elastic Fluids, and Cobesion of Fibrous Salids, as far as either is connected with the Theory, or Practice of Naval Architecture. Also Political and Commercial Strictures on the comparative State of Naval ArchiPart I. A tecture in Great Britain and India, in Three Parts. View of the present State of Oak Timber in England, the Causes of its Scarcity, with the Prospects of a future Supply. Part II. A View of the Timber Trade of India, with a Plan for its Im. provement, so as to obviate the increasing Scarcity of Oak Timber in England. Part III. A View of the present State of Naval Architecture in India, shewing in general the vast Resources in Naval Staples, contained within the British Dominions in that Country;. from the due Cultivation of which, it is presumed, Great Britain might be rendered effectually independent of the northern Nations. of Europe, for the Means of supporting her Navy. The whole to conclude with an Address to Jacob Bosanquet, Esq., Chairman of the Honourable the Court of Directors, on the Advantages which the Hon. East India Company, in particular, would derive from the Extension, Improvement, and liberal Encouragement of the In 2 Vols. 4to. By AlexNaval Resources of British India. ander Mackonochie, Esq. 4to. 1s. 6d. Egerton. We have little or no concern with a Prospectus, and we mention the present chiefly in order to intimate our wishes that the Author would publish the mighty work which he has in contemplation. Although he possesses not the gift or talent of expressing himself with neatness and conciseness, yet he may have made many valuable experiments relative to the resistance of solids moving in fluids. Proofs being as yet kept from us, his remarks are not open to controversy: but we venture to observe that many of his assertions are hardy. We hope that the approaching undertaking may not prove too heavy for the shoulders of Mr. Mackonochie: for part of that undertaking is intended to prove that ships are at present designed without Science and constructed without Art!!' Art. Art. 40. Retrospect of Philosophical, Mechanical, Chemical and Agricultural Discoveries, being an Abridgment of the periodical and other Publications, English and Foreign, relative to Arts, Chemistry, Manufactures, Agriculture, and Natural Philosophy: accompanied occasionally with Remarks on the Merits and Defects of the respective Papers; and in some Cases shewing to what other useful Purposes Inventions may be directed and Discoveries extended beyond the original Views of their Authors. Vol. I. 8vo. 6s. 6d. Boards. Wyatt, Hatton Garden. As must be evident from the title page, this compilation is not of such a nature as ought to exact from us any large portion of remark and criticism; since the memoirs, papers, &c. which are here abridged, have been already before the public. The abridgments, the Editors fear, and justly fear, may not always be so satisfactory as the originals. We have not given the work a thorough perusal, but strayed from one communication to another; and we must remark that one or two certainly were not satisfactory; the want of plates, also, is severely felt by the reader.-On the whole, however, we are disposed to view this collection of Abridgments, and critical Index, as likely to be highly useful. If the expence be not an insuperable objection, we recommend drawings and plans, &c. of machines, instead of verbal descriptions; and if these cannot be afforded, we advise the Editor not to attempt the description of any complicated machine. De Art. 41. A Pocket Encyclopedia, or Miscellaneous Selections: being Rudiments of useful Knowlege, from the first Authorities. signed for senior Scholars in Schools, and for young Persons in general. Containing Information on a variety of Subjects not to be found in any Book of general Use in Schools; and yet by all Persons necessary to be known. Compiled by J. Guy, Writing Master of the Royal Military College, Great Marlow, Essex; Author of An English Grammar, &c. &c. 12mo. pp. 506. 4s. 6d. Boards. Longman and Co. That a work corresponding to such a title as is here presented to us would greatly benefit the public, and confer credit and emolument on its compiler, is too obvious to demand explanation: but unfortunately, it is also too obvious that, though Mr. Guy may be a very good writing master, he is by no means a master of good writing. That the author of an English Grammar should repeatedly confound principle, the substantive, with principal, the adjective, is truly surprizing but what shall we say of such sentences as these? There is what is called Jesuit's black, which dye black without first dying blue.' The wood is solid and ponderous, and so hard as to break the tools in felling them. The brine of these pits commonly obtain four ounces of salt from a pound of brine.' The culture of citrons, lemons and merit particular attention. The flesh of the pavies adbere oranges, to the stone.' Oil of olives is the most popular, and most universal of all others; nay, it is reputed, one of the most universally useful things in the whole world. The melting pots are as big as large hogsheads, and contains,' &c. Similar |