man for his interesting and instructive lecture, which was carried by acclamation.-F. H. T. Bruce or Wallace?" "Is Woman Mentally In-, ferior to Man?" "Which was the most Ambitious Man, Cardinal Wolsey or Napoleon Bona- Law Students' Societies.-A correspondent has parte?" "Is a Republican Government more sent us a copy of the rules of the Rotheram (Yorkconducive to the Happiness and Prosperity of a shire) Law Students' Society, and asks to have Nation than a Monarchial One?" "Can the them reviewed and commented upon. Rules are Actor be a Moral Man, according to the Present dry materials for the reviewing process, and law a State of the British Stage?" "Are barbarous dangerous subject to comment upon; but so far Nations as Happy as Civilized Ones?" “Ought as a notice of these rules may be of service to the Jews to be Admitted to the British Parlia-other similar societies, they readily command our ment?" "Will Literature, Science, and the Fine Arts, be as Progressive under a Monarchy as a Democracy?" Prizes have been given to Mr. J. H. Farmer, for an Essay on the "Force of Habit;" to Mr. E. Stevens, for one on "Nature and Art;" to Mr. G. Hughes, on the "Difficulties that Beset the Paths of Genius;" Mr. G. Higham, on " Fiction;" Mr. W. A. Green, on "The Rise and Progress of the United States." The only successful poet is Mr. G. Cooper, who produced a piece, possessing great originality, on that hackneyed theme, the " Creation." On the 27th of January last this society held its first anniversary, over which Mr. T. J. Dorain presided; Mr. W. A. Green occupying the vicechair. An hour or so after supper the company partook "of that cup which cheers yet not inebriates." During the evening a number of standard toasts were drunk, and music and recitations were introduced.-G. H. Colchester Mechanics' Institute.-On Friday evening, March 4, 1853, a lecture was delivered, by Mr. G. R. Coleman, to a large number of the members and friends of the discussion class (amongst whom was an unusually large attendance of ladies) upon "The Application of Coal Gas for Illuminating, Culinary, Heating, Chemical, and Manufacturing Purposes." Mr. Payne occupied the chair. The lecture embodied a large amount of practical information on a subject which comes home to the houses of many. In addition to lucid diagrams displayed by the lecturer, his topic was illustrated by a complete working model of a gas manufactory. After giving a complete history of the manufacture of coal gas, Mr. Coleman experimentally illustrated the different kinds of light which have been submitted to public regard since the introduction of that gas, viz., the Beale, the Bude or Gurney Light, the Drummond and Electric Lights, &c. Perhaps the most interesting part of the lecturer's discourse, and which met with the applause of all present, was the introduction of a very excellent gas cooking apparatus, in which was performed the whole process of cooking mutton and other chops, which were partaken of by the audience with a zest not often witnessed. We must not forget to mention that various parts of the lecture were illustrated by several well-performed chemical experiments; after which, ironing by gas and roasting coffee were explained, with several other important matters connected with the application of coal gas; and, in concluding his lecture, Mr. Coleman observed that, in undertaking the delivery of these lectures, he was animated chiefly by a wish to increase their interest in the subject, and to excite in them a desire to study that important science; and if he should succeed in that, his aim would be accomplished, and he should be satisfied. On the motion of Mr. Charles Bewers, a cordial vote of thanks was presented to Mr. Cole attention and space. This we presume to be all our correspondent would desire. The rules are sixteen in number, and are explicity drawn. Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4, state the name of the society, and that the members shall be of two classes,-solicitors and attorneys for honorary members, articled clerks and other law students (before examination) for ordinary members;— members may be expelled on the vote of two thirds of those present at any meeting;-honorary member's payment to be one guinea, in shape of an entrance fee; other members, 2s. 6d. entrance fee, and 1s. monthly. Nos. 5 and 6 provide for weekly meetings, "for the purpose of discussing legal and jurisprudential questions;" also for annual meeting, and election of officers thereat;-temporary vacancies to be filled up at weekly meetings. Nos. 7.8, and 9, provide that ordinary members shall be fined 6d. for absence, and the president 1s.;-fourteen days' notice to be given of any mo tion;-president in rotation to supply question for the next discussion, or forfeit 6d. Nos. 10, 11, and 12,-no member to speak for more than half an hour (:), and only once in each debate, except opener, who may reply;-the president to decide the question at end of debate; also all matters of order, &c., and enter report of debate in a book, with the authorities cited. (Phonography is a desideratum.) Nos. 13, 14, and 15,-after three months' arrears members expelled, unless explanation follows;necessary expenses to he allowed to secretary; and three months' notice, or three months' subscription, given, or paid, on a member withdrawing. No. 16,-that the society take in the “Law Students' Magazine” and “Quarterly Law Magnzine," and such other works as may be deter mined. We presume the Controversialist is taken by the members individually, as a matter of course. and therefore did not require to be named. We can only say, further, that these rules seem as well adapted to the purposes of the society, as such societies are adapted to the wants of law students. Tewkesbury Mechanics' Institution.—This institution was commenced in 1848, with fourteen members. It was intended that it should be sup ported by the subscriptions of the members only: but the committee soon found that the sphere of its influence was too contracted for such a prin ciple to be carried out, and that the ab ipso durst opes expectations of its first supporters could not be realized without extraneous assistance. The committee, therefore, in 1850, determined to "pat their hands to the plough;" and after much l bour, and by the help of liberal donations, were enabled to procure suitable accommodation for the members, and to form a library and museum, taking as their precedent the "Great Exhibition of 1851." The committee determined to attempt After tea, the chairman, Mr. Wilkes, delivered an a local "Exhibition," by obtaining the loan of eloquent address, in which he spoke of the imattractive objects of antiquity and art from the gen-portance of having fixed principles, and the netry of the town and neighbourhood. In this they were successful, and the Exhibition opened in the town hall. In connexion with it, lectures, concerts, dissolving views, &c., were announced for two evenings, and were very largely attended. Since this exhibition, the success of which astonished the promoters themselves, donations of money, books, and additions to the museum have poured in, Lord Sudeley heading the lists with the munificent donation of £50. The institution now boasts of an interesting library-upwards of 300 volumes, a well-furnished readingroom, supplied with two daily and five weekly papers and various periodicals, and a lecture room for discussions on Friday evenings. Among the questions that have been discussed this season are the following:-"The Character of Cromwell;" "Will Parliament be justified in sanctioning the Opening of the Crystal Palace on Sundays?" "Which Season of the Year is most productive of Sociality, Summer or Winter?" "Which most deserves the Admiration of his Country, Burus or Telford?" "Transportation or Nontransportation?" "Was Joan of Arc an Impostor?" "Is Bribery to any extent Justifiable?" "Ought Capital Punishments to be Abolished?" "Cæsar or Napoleon, which the Greater Man?" At the last quarterly meeting, the treasurer's account showed a balance of £33 in favour of the institution. Such is the short sketch of the history of this institution, and I hope at a future date to be enabled to report still greater progress.-A MEM BER. Manchester-All Saints Mutual Improvement Society. The first annual coffee party of this society was held on Thursday evening, the 28th of April. About seventy persons were present. After a very appropriate address from the president, Mr. Robt. Thornhill, the secretary, Mr. Thos. H. Hope, read the report, by which it appeared that the society consisted of twenty-three members and three honorary members; the meetings being held weekly; and that during the year thirteen essays had been read and discussed. A paper on "Mutual Improvement Societies and their Advantages," was then read by Mr. Unwin; after which the company was addressed by the Rev. Dr. Burton, the treasurer; Mr. Denton, Mr. Heathcote, and Mr. Anderson, delegates from the Cavendish-street and Grosvenor-square Mutual Improvement Societies, and by several of the members. Edinburgh Temperance Mutual Improvement Association. The fourth anniversary soirée of this association was held on the evening of Thursday, the 14th of April, in Mr. Buchanan's Coffee-house, High-street, when a large number of the members and their friends sat down to tea. cessity of cultivating and improving the intellectual and moral faculties. The report of the past year was read by the secretary, and gave a most cheering account of the past progress and present prospects of the association. Addresses were delivered during the evening on the following subjects, viz.:- Means of Mental Improvement; " Social Advancement of the Working Classes;' "Perseverance necessary to Improvement." A number of recitations, songs, glees, &c., were interspersed with the speeches, and contributed greatly to the enjoyment of the meeting.-JAMES. Union of Mutual Improvement Societies, Edinburgh.-A soirée, consisting of the members of the Edinburgh Temperance Mutual Improvement Association, the Edinburgh Young Men's Association, the Nelson Association, and the Controversialist Society, was held in Edinburgh, on the evening of the 27th of April last. The chair was occupied by Mr. T. Usher. The chairman addressed the meeting on the propriety and advantages of a union between the four societies, with any others that might join it. Addresses were afterwards delivered by Mr. M'Jarrow, on "Knowledge;" Mr. Fyle, on "Self-Culture;" Mr. Gilbertson, on "Education:" Mr. Wilson, on "The Age we Live in ;" Mr. Hardie, on "The Advantages of Mutual Improvement Societies;" Mr. Thomas, on " Eloquence;" and Mr. M'Lean, on "Friendship." Several recitations and songs were given in the course of the evening. The number present was considerable, and the whole proceedings passed off to the satisfaction of the parties present. As it is very seldom that so many mutual improvement societies unite in this friendly way, this desire for union should be hailed as a cheering sign of progress. The societies contemplate a union of a permanent character for the purpose of promoting their common interests, and a course of three or four lectures is to be delivered under the auspices of the union in the month of May. It is trusted that the formation of a union in Edinburgh may be considered as a good example to the members of mutual improvement societies in other towns. We have noble objects in view, and to promote these it is important that we should give and obtain all the help possible. Such societies have too long been isolated from others of a similar character: an unfriendly rivalry has thus been kept in existence; and, above all, the strength and importance of mutual improvement societies have not been sufficiently felt. By means of a union, however, such societies would be able, while maintaining their individual existence and independence, to have lectures delivered, and to carry on other operations which they could not do separately with much chance of success. Let us hope that many such unions may be formed and prosper. Opinion is when the assent of the understanding is so far gained by evidence of probability, that it rather inclines to one opinion than to another, yet not altogether without a mixture of uncertainty.”—Zimmerman. The Juquirer. QUESTIONS REQUIRING ANSWERS. 159. Perhaps some of your scientific correspondents would please to furnish, for insertion in your useful journal, a cheap mode of making a camera obscura fit for taking sun pictures or Talbotypes.-J. D. B. 160. I should feel much obliged to any of your numerous readers who would inform me, through the pages of your excellent magazine, how I could prepare photogenetic paper, suitable for taking landscapes by the camera obscura; also, if such paper may be bought, and what is the price of it. -J. H. 161. Will any of your correspondents inform me what book or books I ought to read to obtain a knowledge of the law, &c., relating to merchants and ship-brokers? I can have access to Russell on "Factors and Brokers," 1844; Smith's "Compendium of Mercantile Law," 1834; and Wilkinson's "Law of Shipping," 1843; but I am afraid that since the above dates there may have been material alterations in the law and practice, or that there may have been some better books published.-B. X. 162. Can any of your readers inform me who Chief Justice Marshall and Alexander Hamilton (noticed in Todd's "Student's Guide," chap. iii., section entitled "Expect to become familiar with Hard Study") were; and also give me a good reference for applying for their speeches at any library-Eff. 163. Will some of your readers have the goodness to inform me, in the next number of the British Controversialist, who is the author of the following lines?— "Be thou like the first apostles; Fear not prison, scourge, or rod; Speak-and leave the rest to God." He an particular works, &c.) by which they think I may attain a more harmonious expression.-R. F. F. 165. There are two individuals, real literary men, with very different opinions relative to the sun. One of the two gentlemen affirms that the sun is an opaque body, having living beings upon it; that the luminous body which we see, and which affords us light, is the sun's atmosphere; and that the sensation of heat which is felt is produced by the action of the above atinosphere upon the latent caloric of the bodies of animals. The other gentleman alluded to believes that after matter was created in its chaotic state, God so acted upon it as to divide the heterogeneous mass to its simples, so that the fiery and lucid particles ascended (being lighter than the rest), and which moved about the expanse for two days, after which God condensed it, and, casting it into a proper orb, placed it at a convenient distance from the earth and other planets, insomuch that it became a sun. The former of the two gentlemen believes the sun to be an opaque body, while the latter believes it to be a body not on fire, but a body of fire. Perhaps some of your correspondents will be kind enough to state which of the two hypotheses they consider to be most philosophic.-R. S. 166. Since the appearance of the criticisms upon the Greek Testaments of Alford and Bloomfield, in Vol. III. of the Controversialist, Alford bas published another volume of his work, in which, I am told, he departs very much from the plan pursued in the first volume. Also, it seems, that Alford's is to be in three volumes instead of two. Can any of your readers inform me of the nature of the changes in Vol. II., and whether they be considered improvements? Is the same doctrine taught in the two, or do they differ in anything of consequence? Also what is known of the author generally, and his religious opinions? ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS. W. C. 142. How to obtain Ease and Power in Debate. -"Rolla" congratulates the readers of the Bri164. I have a great wish to acquire a smooth tish Controversialist that B. S. has entered the and beautiful utterance; but at present I have a arena of debate, and not left him (“Rolla") there very harsh and ungraceful manner of expressing to solitary fame on so great a subject. If“ Rolla my thoughts. I am told that my ideas are cor--if even B. S.-has failed to furnish "Timea' rectly conceived, but that my words are uncouth with a philosophic answer to his inquiry, we trust and discordant. Thus, I said to a friend, "Rainy the true answer will be elicited, even though it be weather makes the roads very rough." from the ruins of either or both theories. B. S., swered, more pleasingly, "Yes; the rain, though after taking up the one idea to which "Rollas" useful, is often unpleasant." I have found that remarks tended, comes to the same happy conclu persons are esteemed and loved, and have in- sion-that "Timon" may" abjure despair." The fluence and power of impression in company, former part of his reply is an echo to the practical part of "Rolla's." Still we would remind him that in all debates the effect of the "cavalry charge" is infinitely superior to that of the heavy artillery," to use his own figure, which is not one of the most expressive. It was the pebble slung by the shepherd-hero that laid low the mighty Philistine, not the might of the armies of the Lord of Hosts! Powerful as our modern Hume, with his vast political resources, is, he could never achieve the victories which Sir R. Peel or B. Disraeli won by their "brilliant cavalry more on account of sweetness of voice than strength of intellect. All listen with pleasure to a delightful diction, and feel a deep interest in those who possess so powerful a means of fascination. It has long been my study to excel in this accomplishment; but I have hitherto failed; more, perhaps, from defective methods of instruction, than from insurmountable obstacles in my mental constitution. I shall feel deeply obliged if any of your intelligent correspondents will suggest some practical plan (as the reading of kept in mind while perusing B. S.'s reply and charge." But to the point. After perusing and re-perusing the negative part of B. S.'s reply, we have been gradually led to regard it as a piece of dogmatism, in which neither the true nature of the inquiry itself is brought to light, or the premises and relative features of our answer justly dealt with-in which the very premises of that reply are lost sight of, and the conclusions deduced therefrom made to appear as confused as our friend's logic itself. We will be explicit. B. S. says, with much assurance, "Above all, let me urge Timon' to pursue the very opposite course to that recommended by Kolla in his remarks on analysis and synthesis. How so able a correspondent as 'Rolla' can have fallen into so grave an error puzzles me (!) exceedingly," &c. Non omnes omnia possumus. This is one of that number. Why? "There are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamt of in your philosophy." Now, in order either to confirm or explode a given theory, according to inductive philosophy, it is required that we examine the premises on which it stands, and first prove that they are erroneous. This B. S. has not even attempted; but has actually given a conclusion as though he had. Induction has to do with facts, not mere dogmatic and arbitrary conclusions. Inductive philosophy teaches to explode a theory by testing the premises on which it rests. But B. S. takes suppositions for facts, and attempts to prove our theory false by a vice versa process, This will account for the "grave error" into which he has fallen, leading him to the supposition "that the printer had transposed the words ⚫ analytical and synthetical, and had thus made Rolla say the very opposite of what he meant.' This is about as good a compliment to our philosophic conjecturer as it is to the compositor. To the honour of the latter, and to the confusion of the former, we affirm that the compositor's accuracy is unjustly questioned. The words appear just as they were in our manuscript. Let us see how B. S. comes to this strange supposition. It is regardless of the very premises on which our theory was based, and from which our conclusions, and ultimately our advice, was given. Our readers will remember that we first traced the lack of ease and power in debate to a radical canse-“ a defective mental tuition;" secondly, we showed in what that defect consisted, viz., the cultivation of the synthetical faculty to the neglect of the analytical faculty; therefore we said, cultivate now the analytical faculty." These were the premises on which we founded our theory, and on these it still stands intact. Is it not the height of dogmatism to deny a conclusion without first exploding the principles on which it stands ? This B. S. has done, with the greatest assurance that he is right and "Rolla" wrong-dangerously | wrong. B. S. seems to have considered our advice to "Timon" as based on no facts at all; ergo, open to point-blank contradiction, unpremeditated it may be, but without doubt "baseless as the fabric of a vision." This, however, was a great error, as we have just shown by repeating the prefaculty on the other hand by framing a system of mises on which our theory stands. This will philosophy which should hand his name down show to any of our readers that our theory remains to remotest posterity as one of the profoundest inintact beneath the broad ægis of truth, our con- tellects, and in establishing a system bearing lis clusions just, and our advice worthy of attention name and reflecting his genius, "not for an age, and respect on the part of" Timon," or any other but for all time." We have spoken thus candidly inquirer on the subject. Let, then, our theory on B. S.'s reply to "Timon," and his animadverand its premises, our conclusions and advice, besions on our advice, because he betrays no small T Simpkin and Co., London:-1. Almanac, containing an Astronomical Aspectarian, Astrology Defended, &c., price 6d. ; 2. Astronomical Ephe. meris and Aspectarian, 1s.; 3. The Scientific and Literary Messenger, 3s. 6d. 4. The Catastrophe Mundi, 1s.; 5. The Arcana of Astronomy, consisting of the Doctrine of Nativities, &c., 15s. ; 6. Tables to be used in calculating Nativities, 5s. 7. from 1820 to 1840, in 2 vols., 10s. each; 8. The Miscellany of Astrology, containing Remarkable Nativities, &c., 7s. 6d. ; 9. Prognostic Astronomy, or Horary Astrology Simplified. 5s. Published by Bohn:-Zadkiel's Lilly's Horary Astrology, Grammar of Astrology, and Tables for Calculating Nativities, all in I vol., price 5s. 1 J. J. would be kind enough to forward his address, "Libra" will give him any information that may be required as far as he is able. "Libra” would be glad to correspond with J. J. on astral studies. 149. Works in Law for Law Students.-Perhaps I shall not be considered officious in tendering my advice to "A Law Student," though be expressly addresses himself to C. W., Jun. I think for the purposes of "A Law Student," the list to which he refers is chiefly deficient in History, a branch of knowledge of vital and paramount importance to the lawyer. I suggest the following list as supplementary to that furnished by L.-1. Sir Harris Nicolas Chronology of His tory; 2. Keightley's Outlines of History (these two works, published in the Cabinet Cyclopedia, are invaluable, and should be used as books of constant reference); 3. Hallam's Cons itutional History; 4. Hallam's Middle Ages; 5. Hallam's Literature of Europe, 4 vols.; 6. Guizot's History of Representative Government, and History of Civilization; 7. Hume's History of England; & McIntosh's History of England (Cabinet Cyclopædia); 9. Gibbon's Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire; 10. Alison's History of Europe; 11. Professor Smyth's Lectures on Modern His degree of dogmatism, in order, as he says, "to neutralize the mischief that might arise from 'Rollas' error." Here we may safely leave "Timon" and our readers to judge for themselves concerning "Rolla's error," and the consequent "mischief." A few words on B. S.'s remarks concerning analysis and Euclid, authors and criticism, and we have done. By what processsurely not induction; by what train of thought-Astronomical Ephemeris, from 1800 to 1820, and surely not close mathematical observation;-B. S. is led to affirm that" Euclid affords the purest specimen of synthetical reasoning extant) we leave him to explain. The great benefit which accrues to the mind from mathematical studies arises from the fact that while the process is, prima facie, synthetic, it is not less analytic. This is particularly true of algebra and differential calculus; while, in fact, no one branch of mathematics is an exception to the rule. We would ask any student well versed in Euclid whether be ever apprehended the beauty and harmony of any problem, without not only seeing through it from the beginning to the end, but back again from the end to the beginning? We think not. The blending of these two faculties arises from the constitution of the mind and the nature of all mathematical studies. This B. S. denies; but, quo warranto? Does B. S. mean by his statement, "the omniscience of Deity is synthetic," that it is less analytic? Perfection is the leading characteristic of all the attributes of Deity, considered in every true light. The omniscience of Deity is as purely analytic as synthetic. As it regards authors and criticisms, B. S.'s views are the reverse of ours. "Rolla" assures him that he has long examined many of the criticisms which have proceeded from the pens of England's and Scotland's profoundest minds, and to his delight has met with many beauteous portions of analytical criticism on works of poetry, science, art, literature, theology, politics, history, &c., all of which well repay their repeated perusal. We think B. S.'s remarks on criticism in general highly erroneous, too much so to do much harm in the present day, when the keenest intellects, profoundest minds, poets and philosophers, think it no dishonour to write reviews on works which embody error or illustrate truth. Unworthy productions in this branch of our literature there are; these we do not defend; but they are the exceptions to the rule B. S. attempts to lay down. Rules, we would remind him, stand on facts as well as theories, it they are true. Is B. S. aware of whose sentiments his are the echo? They are as common as street ballads among that despicable class of persons who write for no other purpose than to make books-those everlasting synthesizers, who constantly glut the market with their trash. While such a state of things exists, we can but regard criticism as the mighty bulwark of true, pure, and sublime literature; and our Jeffreys, our Fosters, our Macaulays, and many of the present contributors to our popular reviews, as far greater and nobler benefactors than any or all the Dickenses, Jameses, &c., the world has known; and all such insinuations as B. S. makes, the manifestations of a literary pride which has paid dearly for its folly. -ROLLA. 148. Works on Astrology.--Your correspondent J. J. will probably, find some of the following works on astrology to meet his wants: Works by W. J. Simmonite, A.M., published by tory; 12. Arnold's Lectures on History; 13 Hale's History of the Common Law; 14. Sulli van's Lectures; 15. Muy's History of Parlament; 16. Lord Clarendon's History 17. Lord Clarendon's Life; 18. State Trials; 19. Montesquieu's Esprit des Lois; 20. Austin's Province of Juris prudence Defined; 21. Benthan's Legislative Works generally, especially Dumont's Edition of the Principles of Legislation; 22. Brougham's Political Philosophy; 21. The preliminary dissertations in the Encyclopædia Britannica (the new edition now publishing); 24. Adam Smith's Wealth of Nations, M'Culloch's Edition; S M Culloch's Commercial Dictionary; 26 Sir Wil liam Hamilton's Edition of Reid's Essays; 27. Herschels Preliminary Discourse on Natural Philosophy; 28. Brown's Philosophy of the Human Mind; 29. Dr. Young's Lectures on Natural Philosophy; 30. Locke's Essay on the Understanding; 31. Milton's Prose Works; 32. Edmund Burke's Works. The above I consider to be works with which “A Law Student should be more or less acquainted. "General literature" is a province in which he should seldom wander: occasionally, as a relief from severer studies, he may spend an hour in its pleasant domains; and, recreation being his ob ject, it will perhaps be wisest that he should select for himself, for which reason. I have purposely |