farmer meets his small debts. The miller makes his flour, sends it to market, and sells it for something more than sufficient to meet his note at the bank. The sale he makes is probably to some shipper, who sends it out of the country, and brings back foreign goods or coin, according to the state of the exchanges. In all this movement, the only real capital employed, is that of the farmer invested in his farm, and the various outlays until his grain was harvested, and also that of the miller, invested in his mill and expenses. The exchanges were all conducted by the credit of the bank, without the employment of any capital. It is clear, however, that the extent to which this can be done safely, depends entirely upon the quantity of goods produced, and that quantity depends in its turn upon the capital employed in production. Hence, in withdrawing capital from production and investing it in banks, it ceases to augment the wealth of the country and contributes to impoverish it.

It was seemingly with the full view of this evil influence of too much banking, that induced those suggestions in the above extract from the message of the former chief magistrate, which are of a nature to conform the receipts and payments of the government, where no actual wealth is rendered for the money transferred, to actual settlement in specie. If the government owes $10,000,000, and instead of paying it, gives only a promise to do so, it adds to the mass of the currency in the same degree. If it gives the promise of a bank, it increases the quantity of those promises without substituting any real value to fulfil them, and therefore lays the foundation of difficulty. On the other hand, by exacting and paying specie, the precious metals flow through the Treasury without increasing or diminishing in value or quantity. The transactions in which they were employed are completed, and they flow freely forth to liquidate other balances. General Jackson's plan embraced the issue of no paper, with the exception of bills of exchange, which might be sold for cash at one point or another. The new proposition is to add to that the issue of paper, dollar for dollar, of the specie kept on hand in the Treasury. This system of issues has been found to work well in the case of the bank of France, where the amount of specie in the vaults is always equal to the paper outstanding. That institution has been, however, unlike some in our own country, honestly conducted, and has never faltered in its payments, or varied its rate of interest, 4 per cent., since its reorganization by Napoleon immediately after the battle of Austerlitz. That system offers all the advantages of paper, with all the security of specie, without any of the fluctuation and risk attending credit issues.

While the commerce and financial affairs of the country are slowly getting into a proper train, and the foundation of future prosperity is forming on a solid basis, the effects of former financial blunders seem to be ripening into a shape that threatens the greatest national calamity-we allude to our foreign relations. The threatening aspect assumed by some of the nations of Europe may, in a great degree, be ascribed to the defenceless state of the country, arising from the general disregard of that sage maxim, " in peace prepare for war." In 1836, the National Treasury was overflowing with surplus funds. This became the prey of the speculators, and instead of being applied to the much needed defences of the soil, was divided among the States, and became the basis of those internal improvement speculations, which ran to excess, causing those large and reckless loans under which most of the States have become bankrupt and disgraced. The failure of the States to pay their debts irritates at a critical moment their foreign creditors, the disposition of whose government to encroach is increased by the want of those defences which the money properly applied in the first instance would have supplied. The events now transpiring are likely to have a serious effect upon the movements of trade for the rest of the year.

LITERARY INTELLIGENCE.

Dorchester, for twelve measures of barley, and a pall richly embroidered in silver. Stowe informs us that in 1274, a Bible in nine volumes, finely written, "sold for fiftie markes," something like 341. of that time, when wheat averaged 3s. 4d. per quartern, and ordinary laboring wages were 1d. per diem. This Bible was afterwards bought by the Earl of Salisbury, after having been taken from the King of France at the battle of Poitiers. The Countess of Anjou is also said to have paid for a copy of the Homilies of Bishop Huiman, two hundred sheep and other articles of barter.

A new work, in Paris, is announced, to be called "The Gallery of Antiquities," and to consist of the principal Antiquities in the collection of the British Museum, from drawings by F. Arundale and J. Bonomi, with descriptions by S. Birch. The first Part will be illustrations from the Egyptian Antiquities, commencing with the best examples of the Deities of Egypt, their attributes and history. The most interesting of the sacred animals will be next selected, with descriptions of the numerous localities in which these objects are preserved.

WOOD ENGRAVING.-In the history of, the Fine Arts, no parallel can be found to the great and rapid improvements made m the art of Engraving on wood within the last ten years. From its first general use at the close of the fifteenth century, until the time of Bewick, the great English Engraver, (who died in 1828,) this art alternately approached to, and receded from, that point of beauty and perfection it has now attained; yet, even in his hands, it never reached the mark. To him, however, must be awarded the honor of elevating its character as an art, to a point before unknown, and of proving its perfect adaptation to almost every kind of graphic illustration; yet it was reserved for his pupils, Harvey, Jackson, Thompson, Nesbit, Williams, &c., and their immediate contemporaries in England and France, to bring it to such a state of perfection as to vie successfully with engraving on metals, in point of spirit and effect. So general has the use of wood engraving become in England, France, and Germany, that there are few books now imported, wanting the attractive feature of graphic illustrations; and the English and French artists seem to be engaged in a spirited contest for superiority, with the pencil and LITERARY PROPERTY.-The manuscript burin. Harvey, Meadows, Jarvis, Ser- of "Robinson Crusoe ran through the geant, and a few others in England, and whole trade, and no one would print it. Vernet, Gigoux, Seloir, &c., in France, The bookseller who at last bought it, are devoting their talents to drawing on cleared 1000 guineas by it. "Burns' wood, and find therem both profitable and Justice" was disposed of by its author for pleasing employment. In this country, the a mere trifle, as well as Buchan's Doart is rapidly progressing toward perfec-mestic Medicine ;" both of which produ tion. Chapman, who is equal, if not suced immense incomes. "The Vicar of perior to any of the foreign artists above named, has executed many beautiful drawings on wood; and Croome, Morton, and others, are laboring successfully in this field: while Adams, Lossing, and other engravers, are producing specimens of art, equal to any received from abroad. Indeed, the illustrations for an illuminated Bible, now in progress of engraving by Mr. Adams, from designs by Chapman, are, in our judgment, superior to any thing ever executed by European artists; and we confidently predict that the Illustrated Life of Washington, which is now in course of illustration by the latter, to be published by the Messrs. Langley, will also be well deserving of such an encomium.

It may not prove uninteresting to our readers to quote the following particulars touching the prices paid for ancient MSS. Plato paid 100 minæ, equal to about 375l., for three small treatises by Philolaus, the Pythagorean. In the 9th century, it is related of an English bishop, that he was compelled to make five journeys to Rome principally in order to purchase some books, for one of which, thus procured, King Alfred is said to have given him an "estate of eight hides of lande." About the period of the invention of cotton paper, (1174,) the Homilies of St. Bede, and 2. Augustine's Psalter, were bought by a rin Winchester, for the monks of

Wakefield" (the most delightful novel in our language) was sold for a few pounds. Dr. Johnson fixed the price of his "Lives of the Poets" at 200 gumeas, by which the bookseller, in the course of a few years, cleared upwards of 25,000l. Tonson and his family rode in their carriages with the profits of the 51. epic of Milton. The copyright of "Vyse's Spelling Book" sold for 2,000 guineas.

An ancient copy of a portion of the New Testament has been recently discovered at Rheims Cathedral, written in the Sclavonic language. It is said to be the identical copy, which in former years was used in administering the oath to the kings of France, at their anointment and coronation. It is supposed to have been written between the 11th and 13th centuries.

It has been ascertained that the whole number of books in the public libraries in the United States, is 750,000 volumes. The aggregate of all the volumes in all the public libraries of Europe, is 14,527,000!

Few, if any tracts, perhaps ever reached the extraordinary circulation of that called "The Sinner's Friend." It has been published in fifteen different languages, and recently completed the ninetyfirst edition, making a total circulation of six hundred thousand copies.

AMERICAN LITERARY ANNOUNCE- | &c. ; by Sir James Clarke, Bt., M.D.,

MENTS.

J. & H. G. LANGLEY have in course

with

notes and an appendix, adapting the work to this country; by an American Physician. 1 vol. 12mo.

A Practical Compendium of the Materia Medica, with numerous formulæ, adapted for the treatment of the diseases of Infancy and childhood; on the basis of Alexander Ure, M. D., M. R. C. S., London; by Charles A. Lee, M. D., A.M., late Professor of Materia Medica in the University of New York.

First American from the 13th London edition, containing the new French and American remedies; edited by an Ameri can Physician. 18mo.

of preparation, an important work already announced in a former number, to be entitled, "Washington Illustrated, or the Life of General Washington, Private, Military, and Political;" compiled from original and authentic documents, including much interesting and exclusive information not hitherto presented to the world. This truly national work is to be constructed upon an entirely new and ori A Conspectus of the Pharmacopoeias of ginal plan, and will be profusely adorned the London, Edinburgh, and Dublin Colthroughout by several hundred rich illus-leges of Physicians, being a practical comtrations executed in the finest style of art, pendium of the Materia Medica and Pharfrom drawings by Mr. Chapman and oth-macy; by Anthony Todd Thomson, M. D. er distinguished artists. In addition to this, we have the satisfaction of stating, that the esteemed author of " The Sketch Book" has consented to undertake the literary department of the work-it is therefore believed that no other book of modern times is likely to awaken so intense an interest among the whole American people, or that one could be better adapted as a national tribute to the memory of him whom the nation "delight to honor." The approaching embassy of Mr. Irving to the Spanish Court will not, we are happy to add, interfere with his ress in the biographical department of the work, most of the skeleton of which has been, we hear, already constructed, while a considerable number of the illustrations, including some highly finished battle scenes and domestic portraits, have been some time since completed. The work is to be issued in monthly parts, in imperial octavo, printed on the finest paper, and from a new and elegant type cast expressly for the work.

prog.

The same publishers have also in press, a new work by Dr. A. Walker, author of Intermarriage, &c., entitled "Pathology founded on the natural system of Anatomy and Physiology."

Also, by the same author, and uniform with his previous works, "Physiognomy founded on Physiology, and applied to various countries, professions, and individuals," illustrated with engravings, &c. 1 vol. 12mo. These two new volumes by Alexander Walker are likely to increase the already widely extended reputation of this popular author.

The Miscellaneous Writings of the late William Hazlitt, Esq., with a biographical sketch of the author, by Sir E. L. Bulwer, Bt., and Remarks by Sergeant Talfourd.

2 vols. 12mo.

The Philosophy of Mystery; by W. C. Dendy. 1 vol. 12mo.

The Democratic Principle of the American Union, and its applicability to other nations; by Major G. T. Poussin. Translated from the French. 1 vol. 8vo.

The Sick Room, or Inquiries concerning the Domestic Management of Sickness, in aid of Medical treatment; by Dr. A. T. Thompson, with notes and additions by an American Physician. 1 vol. 12mo.

The Sanative Influence of Climate, with an account of the best places of resort for Invalids in England, the South of Europe,

The Climate of the United States and its Endemic Influences; by Dr. Samuel Forry, 1 vol. 8vo, plates. This volume exhibits a connected view of the leading phenomena of our climate, both physical and medical, thus supplying a void both in our general and medical literature. It is embellished with two copperplate engravings, illustrative of the laws of temperature throughout the United States. As this work comprises a condensation of all the author's observations on the subject of climate, which have already stood the test of criticism both in this country and in Europe, any further commendation on our part would be supererogatory. Suffice it to say, that no man who aims at keeping pace with the progress of general science, can be withduction. (Now ready.) out this interesting and highly useful pro

The same firm have just completed a new work by Dr. Martyn Paine, author of "Medical and Physiological Commentaries," entitled, Physiological View of the Materia Medica: with an arrangement of the articles in their several groups, according to their relative value. By Martyn Paine, M. D., A. M., Professor of the Institutes of Medicine and Materia Medica in the Medical department of the New York University, 1 vol. 12mo.

Also, Observations on Apparent Death from Suffocation, by hanging or drowning, choke damp, produced by inhaling carbonic acid, or some other irrespirable exhalation; with directions for using the resuscitating apparatus, invented by the author, and general instructions for the recovery of persons from suspended animation. By Edward Welchman, of Cold Spring, Putnam county, New York, Member of the Royal College of Surgeons, London. This is a sensible and well writ ten Essay on the different forms of asphyxia, and admirably adapted for popular use. It is accompanied by a lithographic plate. (J. & H. G. Langley, publishers.)

WILEY & PUTNAM have recently published a fine edition in one volume, of "Chapters on Churchyards;" by Mrs. Southey, (formerly Caroline Bowles.) a work written some years ago, and one of great delicacy and beauty

some of the sketches evincing a pathos and power almost unsurpassed by any other writer.

and accurate critics, and the volume fur. ther combines in notes the peculiarities in the readings of Griesbach, Knapp, Lach

The same firm have in press, the sub-mann, &c. sequent writings of this agreeable authoress," Solitary Hours," and "Ellen Fitz Arthur," &c.

Also Mr. Borrow's work, "Zincali," or the Gipsies of Spain, &c.; and a

Dictionary of Science, Literature, and Art; comprising the History, Description, and Scientific Principles of every branch of human knowledge: with the Derivation and Definition of all the Terms in general use. Illustrated by Engravings on Wood. General Editor, W. T. Brande, F. R. S. L., &c.; assisted by Joseph Cauvin, Esq., and other eminent contributors.

William Tell, the Hero of Switzerland;
from the French of M. Florian.
The Young Naturalist's Rambles through
Many Lands.

Dawnings of Genius; by Anne Pratt, author of "Flowers and their Associa

tions," &c. Embellished with Engrav

ings.

The Philosophy of Health; by Southwood Smith, M. D. 2 vols. 12mo.

CHARLES K. MOORE, of this city, will publish immediately in one volume 18mo, a new work, entitled "The Protestant Exiles of Zillerthal," detailing the history of their persecutions, and expatriation from the Tyrol, on separating from the Roman Church, and embracing the Reformed faith. Translated from the German of Dr. Rheinwald of Berlin, by John B. Saunders. A work of singular interest, and one universally recommended by the religious press of Great

Britain.

Universalism identified with Deism, a pamphlet which comes before the public strongly recommended by the N. Y. Observer, Evangelist, Dr. Cox, and others.

D. S. KING, Boston, has in press a fourth volume of Poems, by Wm. B. Tappan.

A Commentary on the Book of Revelation, with notes, &c., by Professor Stewart, is said to be in preparation for the press: also,

A Commentary on the Book of Psalms, by Professor Stowe, of Cincinnati.

Bancroft and Sparks are each, it is said, occupied in preparing independent "Histories of the American Revolution."

An Abridgment of Dr. Robinson's "Researches in Palestine," is in contemplation by the author.

Mr. Prescott's work on "The History of Mexico, and the Spanish Colonization of that Country," is, we learn, progressing rapidly towards completion.

CROCKER & BREWSTER announce -The complete works of Dr. Nathaniel Emmons.

Dr. Woods is engaged in preparing a History of the Theological Seminary, in six large 8vo vols.

Dr. Allen, formerly president of Bowdoin College, is occupied in writing "An Ecclesiastical History of New England," &c.

A new work, designed as introductory to the Study of Mental Philosophy, entitled "The Youth's Book of the Mind," by C. Pearl, is also in progress.

CAREY & HART, Philadelphia announce the following new works:

Quain's Complete Series of Anatomical Plates of the Viscera, Muscles, Blood Vessels, Nerves, and Bones, comprising upwards of 200 4to Plates, with Descrip tions and References to each Plate, and a Treatise on Anatomy-the whole to be completed in 1 vol. royal 4to, with Notes and additions, by J. Pancoast, M. D.; one of the Surgeons of the Philadelphia Hospital.

A complete edition of the Works of the Rev. Sydney Smith, one of the originators, and for a long time the editor of the Edinburgh Review.

Travels in Turkey, Greece, and the Holy Land; by E. J. Morris. 2 vols. plates.

Miscellanies, by Leigh Hunt. 1 vol.
Professor Wilson's Noctes Ambrosiana.
Mr. Griswold's Poets and Poetry of
America. 1 vol. 8vo, plates.

Scott's Miscellanies. 2 vols.
Talfourd's Miscellanies. 2 vols.

S. COLMAN, of this city, has just published a new volume of Poems, by C. F. Hoffman, Esq., author of "Greyslaer," &c., under the title of "The Vigil of Faith and other Poems;"-one of the most choice specimens of book-making ever yet produced on this side of the Atlantic. It is really a daintie book. The principal poem is one of thrilling interest and exquisite beauty, and like the poems of Professor Longfellow, will command an extensive popularity, as well from its essentially intrinsic excellence as its ex-wood-cuts. ternal beauty.

The same firm are preparing a beauti ful edition of Cowper, in 2 vols. 12mo, a perfect fac-simile of the recent London illustrated edition, with 75 exquisite

Practical Geology and Mineralogy, with

LEA & BLANCHARD, Philadelphia, Dr. Robinson of this city has a copy of have in press, and will shortly publishthe new and exceedingly beautiful edition, recently published in Germany by Titt-instructions for the qualitative analysis of mann and Hahn, of The Greek Testament. This edition is pronounced to be the most perfect that ever has, or it is believed can be produced. The editors have the reputation of being accomplished

Minerals; by Joshua Trimmer, F.G.S., with near two hundred and fifty woodcuts, in 1 vol. 8vo.

A Manual of Medical Jurisprudence; by Dr. R. E. Griffith. 1 vol. 8vo.

A New Work on Chemistry, for the use of Students of Medicine; by Professor Bache, one of the authors of the United States Dispensatory, with numerous cuts. The Elements of Materia Medica, comprehending the natural history, preparations, properties, composition, effect, and uses of medicine; by Jonathan Periera, with modifications, notes, and additions, by an American Physician. 2 vols. 8vo.

Professor Chapman's New Work on the Fevers of the United States. 1 vol. 8vo. On the Maternal Management of Children, in health and disease; by George Bull, M. D.

A New Work on the Principles and Practice of Surgery, with numerous woodcuts, forming part of the Library of Medicine.

The Anatomist's Vade Mecum; by Wilson, with numerous wood-cuts.

The same publisher has just published, Gurney's Lectures on the Evidences of Christianity. 1 vol. 18mo.

Esop's Fables in French, with prelimi nary descriptions, including a French and English Dictionary.

Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia and Posology, &c. By E. H. G. Jahr.

Monography of the Family Unionidæ of North America, in parts.

Fossils of the Medical Tertiary of the United States, in parts, and the

North American Herpetology, or description of the Reptiles of the United States. By Dr. J. E. Holbrook.

We observe by the prospectus of Mr. Schoolcraft, that he is about to commence a new and original work on the History and Antiquities of the American Indians, to be entitled "Cyclopedia Indianensis," or a General View of the Aboriginal Tribes A New Work on the Diseases of the of North and South America. Mr. S. has Eye; compiled from the last editions of secured the aid of a number of literary Lawrence and Mackenzie. 1 vol. 8vo. and scientific gentlemen in this country Principles of Human Physiology, with and in Europe, where most of the embel their chief applications to Pathology, lishments, we understand, will be execu Therapeutics, Hygiene, and Forensic Me- ted. The work will be issued in eight dicine, with illustrations on wood; by Dr. numbers at $1 50, forming, when comWilliam B. Carpenter. 1 vol. 8vo. plete, two large Svo volumes. The repuAn Abridgment of Muller's Physiolo-tation of the editor as a writer, and the gy, with additions and alterations. 1 vol. 8vo.

An Atlas, illustrative of the Anatomy of the Human Body; by J. Cruveilhier, M. D., drawn from nature, by M. C. Bean, with Descriptions by C. Bonauy, M. D., to be published in 4to size, in parts-four plates in each part.

Bellingham's Materia Medica. Christison's Dispensatory, or Commentaries on the Pharmacopoeia of Great Britain. Billing's Principles of Medicine, from the fourth London edition. (Just ready.) The Student's Medical Library, embracing a series of Text Books, or Elementary Works, on the various branches of Medical Science-each branch to be complete in a single volume, and in a form and price calculated for extended circulation.

Cooper's New Sea Story-The Two Admirals.

extraordinary advantages he has enjoyed for becoming familiar with the character, history, and habits of numerous Indian tribes, are such as to afford the highest assurance of his ability to accomplish, in the most satisfactory manner, the important and interesting work which he has undertaken. (Publisher, GEORGE A. PETERS, of this city.)

Philosophy of Natural History, intended as a text book for academies, highschools, and colleges; by Alonzo Gray, author of " Elements of Chemistry," ""Elements of Scientific and Practical Agricul ture," illustrated with more than two hundred engravings.

Among the forthcoming works which startle and interest us, is one entitled

A new edition of Encyclopædia Ameri-"The long lost work of Mr. Byers, on the cana. 13 vols.

Moore's History of Ireland, complete in 1 vol. 8vo.

The admirers of Scottish Music and Song, will be gratified to learn, that J. DOBSON, of Philadelphia, is about to publish by subscription, at a very low price, an elegant edition of Thomson's Select Collection of Original Scottish Airs for the voice, with introductory and concluding symphonies and accompaniments for the Piano Forte; by Pleyel, Haydn, Beethoven, &c., with select and charac teristic verses, both Scottish and English, adapted to the airs. The entire work will be comprised in five folio volumes, each containing about fifty melodies, and the last will contain an index and glossary. The work will be engraved throughout, and the price three dollars a volume to subscribers.

Sepulchres of Tarquinia" The original prospectus of this work, we are informed, was issued in 1767, and the plates were drawn and engraved on the spot by Mr. Norton, under the superintendence and direction of Mr. Byers, while the paintings were fresh and comparatively uninjured. The deaths of Mr. Byers and Mr. Norton, together with the invasion of Italy by Napoleon, caused the work to be lost sight of, and the plates remained packed up at Leghorn from 1796 until 1840, when they were transmitted to England! There are, it appears, 57 plates in number, and the work is to appear forthwith. The first part will contain the Sepulchre described by Mrs. Hamilton Gray as the "Grotta del Tifone," and that supposed by her to be the "Grotta Intagliata," which she was not fortunate enough to see.

In a recent number we alluded to the