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of the most striking phænomena of the disease. He explains it to be an incorrect association of familiar ideas, independent of the prejudices of education, accompanied with implicit belief, and generally with violent or depressing passions. Surely, when the madman mistakes a wreath of straw for a royal crown, or a stick for a golden sceptre, there is something more than incorrect association of ideas; there must be vitiated perception.

The collection of cases, and the account of dissections, which scem to be accurately drawn up, form the most valuable part of this work. On the method of cure, we meet with no satisfactory information. Mr. H. thinks that vomiting is useless, and that purgatives are the remedies best adapted to the cure of insanity. We believe that the experience of other practitioners has led them to differeat conclusions. We were, indeed, much surprised by an observation of Mr. Haslam (p. 13), that the treatment which he had observed as most successful, in Melancholy, was not different from that which is employed in Mania.' If tonic and stimulant remedies have not proved beneficial in melancholy, and medicines of an opposite nature have not been successful in mania, the public has been greatly deceived by very respectable writers; if otherwise, Mr. Haslam has made an unguarded assertion.

Art. 27. The Effect of the Nitrous Vapour, in preventing and destroying Contagion; ascertained, from a Variety of Trials, made chiefly by Surgeons of his Majesty's Navy, in Prisons, Hospitals, and on board of Ships: with an Introduction respecting the Nature of the Contagion, which gives Rise to the Jail or Hospital Fever; and the various Methods formerly employed to prevent or destroy this. By James Carmichael Smyth, M. D. F. R. S. pp. 234. 4s. Boards. Johnson. 1799.

8vo.

The researches into the nature of contagion, and into the means of preventing its effects, are highly honourable to the present age. They have been excited, indeed, by alarming and extraordinary occurrences, but they have been prosecuted with unexpected success. In the publication before us, we are presented with a collection of facts, demonstrative of the efficacy of a very simple process, in diminishing, at least, perhaps in destroying, the virulence of febrile contagion as it arises from the human body. The introductory part is a re-publication of Dr. Smyth's pamphlet which appeared in 1796*; and it is unnecessary here to repeat our commendation of it.

From the ample testimonials now produced, it appears that the extrication of the nitrous vapour not only overcomes the offensive smell arising from patients in fevers, but that it renders the air more respirable +, and greatly lessens the danger of infection. As a work of this nature does not admit abridgment, we must refer our readers to the original for farther information. The facts are certainly of great public importance, and they seem to be fully established by the evidence brought before us.

* See M. R. vol. xxi. p. 90.

+ Page 93.

Art. 28. An Essay on the Nature and Treatment of a Putrid Malignant Fever, which prevailed at Warwick, and in the neighbouring Villages, in the Year 1798. By George Lipscomb, Surgeon at Warwick. 8vo. 2s. 6d. Rivingtons. 1799.

Mr. Lipscomb's essay contains a very distinct account of this epidemic; the only uncommon circumstance attending which was the frequent occurrence of aphtha in the mouth and fauces. The author's practice appears to have becu judicious and successful: but it differs in no respect from the mode of treatment now generally adopted, by the best practitioners, in similar diseases.

Art. 29. Cautions to Women respecting the State of Pregnancy; the Progress of Labour and Delivery, &c. By Seguin Henry Jack

son, M. D. 12mo. pp. 276. 4s. 6d. Boards. Robinsons.

1799.

Dr. Jackson informs us, in his prefatory advertisement, that he was induced to publish these cautions by reading the Memoirs of Mrs. (Wollstonecraft) Godwin; as the illness which terminated her life appeared to him to have originated in the neglect of some of the attentions necessary during the puerperal state. What the fatal omissions were, Dr. Jackson has not specified in the course of the work but we think that his cautions may be perused with advantage by the sex. They are expressed with sufficient brevity and perspicuity to be read and remembered; which is the chief requisite of a performance of this nature.

Art. 30. Medical Admonitions addressed to Families, respecting the Practice, of Domestic Medicine, and the Preservation of Health. With Directions for the Treatment of the Sick, on the first Ap. pearance of Disease; by which its Progress may be stopped, and a fatal Termination prevented from taking place through Neglect or improper Interference. By James Parkinson. 12mo. 2 vols. 9s. Boards. Dilly, &c.

This is a well-meant performance, and is executed with tolerable success. The author confines himself to descriptions of those symptoms which indicate the presence or absence of danger, in diseases; and his directions relate entirely to regimen, and the duties of the nurse. Whether his account of symptoms will always be sufficiently clear and familiar, for the comprehension of those whom he means to instruct, must be ascertained by their voice; a decision much more interesting to the author than our opinion.

Since the first publication of these volumes, Mr. Parkinson has printed a considerable addition to them, which may be had by purchasers of the first impression. It consists of a Table of Symptoms, pointing out such as distinguish one disease from another; as well as those which shew the degree of danger in each disease :-followed by observations on the excessive indulgence of children, particularly intended to shew its injurious effects on their health, and the difficulties it occasions in their treatment during sickness."

RELIGIOUS, POLEMICAL, &c.

Is. 6d. Ca

Art. 31. Who'll change Old Lamps for New? or a Word or Two concerning the Clergy and their Provision. "8vo. dell, jun. and Davies. 1799.

The

The head title of this pamphlet alludes to the story of Aladdin's Lamp in the Arabian Nights; and the author introduces his subject by reprobating that inconsiderate eagerness which many discover to change old opinions, old principles, old habits, old manners, old rules of acting, old constitutions, old governments, old laws, for new ones.' A vindication of tythes, as a suitable provision for the clergy, and of the justice as well as policy of continuing to them their present provision, follows this exordium. Against the plan which the author mentions as having been suggested, for the future subsistence of the clergy in lieu of tythes, there may be substantial objections; viz. that the person who pays tythe is to be invited to advance to government a certain sum of money:-in return for this money advanced, he is never again to be charged with any tythe-the sum advanced is to be placed as a capital in the Stocks: and the interest of such capital is to be paid annually to the parson whose tythe is thus redeemed.'

Certain it is that it would be ungenerous to make the clergy depend on the voluntary contributions of their parishioners, and unjust to deprive the present incumbent of his revenue: but it does not follow that the payment of tythe in its present form must be perpetual, because it has continued 200 years.

Tythe is a species of property of a very singular kind. Men of the first reputation, and friends to the Establishment, have advised the Legislature to consider of some other provision for the clergy: but such objections are made to it, that there seems no prospect at present of any alteration.

The author has discussed the subject in a sprightly dialogue, and prefers, in case of an alteration, a corn-rent, to all other substitutions: but he would not have us be too hasty in exchanging the old for the new lamp.

Art. 32. A concise Selection of the divine Excellencies of Revelation : with a Word of Advice for the Reformation of the Reformer Thomas Paine. To which are added a Prescription for every Evil; and a Plan for the Reconciliation of all contending Powers. Svo. 6d. Longman.

This author conceives that Mr. Paine has unfortunately mistaken the method of reforming the world, of establishing peace, harmony, and good order in all nations and of putting an end to bribery, corruption, and all kinds of wickedness. This is not at all extraordinary, as it has been the case with many persons in all ages:but how the Countryman (for so he subscribes himself at the end of his pamphlet) came to know that circumstance is somewhat surprising, since he says, p. 13, I have not read your writings, either on politics or religion. Such being the state of the case, we shall beg leave to stop here, and proceed to another article. Art. 33. Sermons on various Subjects, by the Reverend Richard Marshail, A. B. Fellow of Dulwich College, Surry. 8vo. pp. 302. 6s. Boards, Richardson, 1798.

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Of these twelve sermons, two were delivered on fast-days, two at funerals, and one before a friendly society. We cannot rank them in the first class of pulpit compositions; yet we may allow them con

siderable

siderable merit. If they do not manifest great depth of learning or of genius, they discover good sense and candour, with a benevolent design in the author to render himself useful in that station allotted to him. When he has occasion to speak of our national enemies, he does not run into that rant of declamation, which may lead his readers to suspect his sincerity: but, after the example of his great Master, he directs his hearers to an inquiry concerning themselves. Political and party matters, however, are not his object. Some passages are well expressed, and with a degree of animation sufficient to convince us that Mr. Marshall might have improved his compositions by farther attention.-Were the performance severely tried by the standard of creeds and articles, it is doubtful whether it would come forth under the full stamp of what would be termed sound doctrine: but, if to lead men to repentance, to improvement in real and rational piety, charity, and rectitude, be allowed as orthodox, it might safely assert its claim to the character.-Deficiencies, wanderings, and imperfections will certainly offer themselves to the notice of the critical reader, but candour will make duc allowance, on observing the general aim and tendency of the dis

courses.

Art. 34. Additional Evidences of the Truth of Christianity, in Two Visitation Sermons. By George Law, M. A. Prebendary of Carlisle. 4to. pp. 40. 28. Faulder. 1798.

The first of these discourses exhibits a proof of the completion of our Saviour's prophecy concerning the destruction of Jerusalem,' from the reply which was made to Peter, JOHN, xxi. 20, 21, 22, 23. The words of Christ, 'till I come," are the principal foundation of the argument; which is pursued with ingenuity.-The second sermon presents the reader with Additional Evidences of the Truth of Christianity,' from Acts, xxvi. part of verse 27.-These evidences are also well worthy of attentive perusal.

In the course of these disquisitions, the author is led to some remarks on the conduct of the French people, who are supposed to have rejected the Christian doctrine. At the same time that he laments their errors and their folly, he candidly suggests some kind of alleviation, which others have seemed willing to forget; it is, the monstrous corruption with which this doctrine was, among them, over whelmed; and they, regarding the whole as Christianity, rashly and foolishly have endeavoured to demolish it.-The sermons are well written. One of them was preached at Baldock, at the Visitation of the Bishop of Lincoln, May 31, 1797; the second, at the same place, May 17, 1798, before the Archdeacon of Huntingdon. Art. 35. Morning and Evening Prayers for the Use of Individuals; to which are added, Prayers on particular Subjects. 12mo. Boards. Johnson. 1798.

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28.

These devotional forms are published at the expence of a society of Unitarian Christians, established in the West of England for promoting Christian knowlege, and the practice of virtue, by the distribution of books. Some of the prayers, we are informed, are taken from the Dissertations of the late Mr. West of Exeter, on

the

the Lord's prayer,' others from Bishop Hoadly's plain Account,' -some, from Sermons and Tracts by Dr. Adams, 8vo. 1777,others from Dr. Foster's Discourses on natural Religion and social Virtue, 4to. 1752,' and some are composed by dissenting ministers, who, as they had no object in view but the advancement of rational piety, have no desire to be known.' It should be added that the compositions of the late Dr. Leechman have also contributed to the collection.

To most, perhaps to all Christians, who wish for assistance of this kind, this selection may be acceptable. As far as we can judge, it breathes that spirit of humility, piety, gratitude, and benevolence, which are essential to real devotion.-If any expressions should prove objectionable, they may be easily omitted: or, should some parts appear rather defective, this deficiency may be supplied from the reader's own thoughts.-The language, while it is plain and suited to general apprehension, well accords with those serious and solemn exercises in which it is employed.

Art. 36. Rights of Discussion; or a Vindication of Dissenters, of every Denomination: With a Review of the Controversy, occasioned by a late Pastoral Charge of the Bishop of Salisbury. To which are added, Hints for Pastoral Charges. By a Friend to Civil and Religious Liberty. 8vo. 2s. 6d. Rickman. 1799. It has been thought, and said, that the aspect of the times has lately appeared rather unfavourable towards the rights of free discussion, &c. We hope that there is no real occasion for apprehensions of this kind: but, if there actually be any alarmists respecting these subjects, we trust that there will never be wanting honest and able men, who will stand forth in defence of our constitutional liberties, civil and religious.

The principal cause of the appearance of this publication appears to bave been the controversy occasioned by the Pastoral Charge mentioned in the above title-page: but various other topics, chiefly those relating to points of disputation between the established clergy and the sectaries, are introduced, such as-tythes, universities, depravity of manners, primitive Christianity, &c. making, on the whole, a polemical miscellany, which cannot fail of affording amusement to those who have a taste for ecclesiastical sword-play.

MILITARY AFFAIRS.

Art 37. Instructions for the Drill, and the Method of performing the Eighteen Manoeuvres, as ordered for his Majesty's Forces. By John Russell, Brevet Captain and Paymaster, and late Adjutant in the West London Militia. 8vo. PP. 207. 7s. 6d.

Boards. Egerton. 1799.

Many schoolmasters, not satisfied with the numerous elementary treatises already extant, have composed grammars and rules of arithmetic, with a laudable zeal for their particular seminaries. In a similar manner, different adjutants have written explanations of the "Rules and Regulations," &c. for their respective corps. The present addition to the number has sufficient merit to hope for attention, even beyond the parade of the respectable associa

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