"Neither the Greeks or the Jews had any connection, except with the petty feudatory princes, who governed the provinces bordering upon Greece, and their knowledge even of the empire of Persia was always very limited and imperfect." -Vol. i. p. 376. Does the writer mean to say, that all the connection the Greeks and the Jews had with the Persian empire, was merely with the bordering Satraps? If so, the assertion is very erroneous; but whatever it may mean, it is most obscurely expressed. So These remarks are not the result of a methodical examination, or of a desire to find fault, but they have forced themselves upon us, in consulting the work, which we have frequently done, and that generally with profit. wide a range of subjects is embraced by the author's plan, that some errors were almost unavoidable. But it is fair to add, that the work contains a mass of geographical, physical, mythological, and historical information. The mythology of the Hindoos is well condensed. The article on Buddha is least satisfactory; indeed, it gives no particulars about him, but only discusses the question of his identity with Fo, Hermes, and Woden, which last hypothesis is encumbered with very great difficulties. The author has given himself unnecessary trouble in the mythological department, by making several repetitions under different heads. Origin of the Otto of Roses. "It is said to have been in Lahore, that chance led to the discovery of the essence of rose. The Begum, or favourite Sultana of the Emperor Shah-Jehaun, seeking to strengthen his passion by attaching him to herself by delightful sensations, conceived the idea of bathing in a pool of rose-water, and had the reservoir of her garden filled with it. The rays of the sun acting upon this water, the essence which it contained concentrated itself in little particles of oil, which floated on the surface in the basin. At first, it was thought that this matter was produced by fermentation, and that it was a sign of corruption or fetidity. As they tried to gather it in order to clean the basin, they perceived that it exhaled a delicious smell. This it was that gave the idea of extracting in future the essence of roses, by processes corresponding to that which nature had employed." -Vol. i. p. 247. The English reader who wishes to possess a shelf of oriental history, will not find this work answer his purpose alone for India. Mill's History of British India supplies what is wanting here, while, on the other hand, these volumes are more copious than his on all other parts of the subject. Most of the extracts from the Asiatic Researches, and other books on India, are given exactly, so that this work is a little library in itself. It contains two maps, the one of Ancient, the other of Modern India. Those who wish to know something of the author's "History of the dominion of the Arabs in Spain," will find Southey), in the first number of the a notice of it (attributed to the pen of is highly spoken of. An eminent AfriForeign Quarterly Review, where it can traveller once remarked to us, that it wanted advertising, in order to be better known. But it has had to struggle with neglect, as well as the production now before us, and the three thick volumes have been sold by the French hawkers for the deteriorat ing sum of six francs. Surely, this is but indifferent encouragement to the author's projected "History of Egypt." taught him to correct the press, and to We hope, however, that experience has be more accurate in his expressions. Memorials of Oxford. Nos. XIII. XIV. XV. XVI. and XVII. THIS elegant work keeps up its character: the numbers now under review comprise Merton, Oriel, and Queen's colleges, and the parishes of St. John the Baptist and St. Giles. In the establishment of Merton college, the foundation was laid of those admirable academical institutions which are the glory of Oxford. The superior mind of Walter de Merton saw the advantages arising from the formation of a system of academical unity and discipline, and this he effected by the statutes which he drew up for the college which he had founded; the excellence of which has been proved by the fact of their having been "more or less copied by all other founders in succession; and the whole constitution of both Universities, as we now behold them, may be, not without reason, ascribed to the liberality and munificence of this truly great man." It is probable that a very small part of the original buildings of the founder is in existence at the present time; indeed, the portion of the college alluded to in the following extract, may be taken as the entire remains of the original structure. "There is reason to believe, from the simplicity of some of the earlier portions of the architecture, which are yet sufficiently distinguishable from the latter additions, that a part of the small court on the south side of the Chapel, called Mob Quadrangle, with the plain groined ceilings of the passages which lead into it on either side, the treasury with its curious high-pitched roof of stone, &c. must have been constructed in the founder's time, or very soon afterwards." -p. 8. The architectural history of Oxford affords a pleasing source of study; the ancient buildings are among the best of their class, and the modern are magnificent; but unhappily its fair page is marred by the name of Wyatt; his ill-judged improvements have done more to injure the character of her buildings, than any other cause : at Merton the hall "was so altered by Mr. Wyatt about forty years since, that little more than the dimensions of the original structure can now be ascertained." The beautiful, though unfinished, collegiate and parochial Church belonging to this college, is one of the treasures of the University. Happily, it retains its pristime beauty undefaced by the hands of restorers and moderngothic architects. The parish of St. John the Baptist contained in its circuit no less than seventeen academic halls, of which the names and the sites are traced in the present description: : "There appear to be some remains of these halls, though none of much importance the public-house called the George and Dragon seems to have formed part of one of them. A large stone doorway and some lofty gables remind us of the descriptions of houses here, which we find in ancient charters; in which, 'domus lapidea cum gabulo lapideo,' frequently occurs."-p. 30. The engravings display the architectural beauties of this ancient college to perfection. A wood-cut shews an original plan of a groined roof, which is rendered curious by the circumstance of having "the twelve signs of the Zodiac carved at the intersections of the ribs, with the royal arms and supporters of Henry VII. in the centre." ORIEL COLLEGE as a modern structure, displays a bold style of architecture, which, however faulty in detail, preserves much of the character of antiquity. The name which this establishment bears has led to much controversy among etymologists. Mr. Hamper has written a learned essay on the subject,* in which he shews that the term "Oriel" has been applied to several buildings very different in their natures and uses. Dr. Ingram suggests "The latter part of the word Oratoriolum as the etymology. The word occurs three times at least in M. Paris, about the years 1251-3, without the least reference to a gateway or window. Hence Adelung, the German editor of Du Fresne, who had surrendered the etymology in despair, traces it to areola, the diminutive of area, and supposes it to be synonymous with atrium. Much scope still remains for ingenuity; and those who are not easily satisfied, will find an instructive essay on this subject in the Archæologia, &c."-p. 8. The engravings represent the west front of the college, and the hall and chapel; we think Mr. Mackenzie would have done better had he chosen views which had been less frequently engraved. The street view of the college, with the University Church in the distance, and the court which contains the hall and chapel, with Merton Tower rising above the buildings, are so familiar to any Oxford view collector, as to become common-place; we hope that a repetition of this fault will not occur. ST. GILES' CHURCH AND PARISH are not destitute of the interest which is attached to every spot of this classic soil. The Church, antient and wellpreserved, contains some of the earliest specimens of the Pointed style, constructed in that period when it was still blended with the features of the circular or Norman architecture. * Archæologia, xxiii. p. 105. One of the engravings is exceedingly common-place; in one corner of the back ground is the Church Tower, and on the opposite side the Radcliffe Infirmary, a building in the parish workhouse style; the foreground being occupied by some gownsmen and ladies, is intended, we presume, for a memorial of Oxford gallantry. The wood-cuts shew some of the remarkable features of the Church, the fine old architectural font, with its columns and flower-moulding in the early Pointed style, is deservedly stiled "an elegant and uncommon design." " A view of the Black Hall," one of the numerous ancient structures to which we have alluded under Merton college, forms the subject of a woodcut; it shews a good specimen of old English Domestic architecture of the 16th century. The new Church erected in a distant part of the parish, a modest unpretending structure of lancet architecture of a cruciform plan, also forms the subject of a vignette; it is situated at Summertown, and its history is thus briefly given : "A new population has lately arisen in this suburb, and a district Church was erected in 1833 at the expense of 1,6001., which was raised by public subscription, aided by the Church Building Society and St. John's College, who engaged to provide the officiating clergyman. The design was furnished by Mr. Underwood. It contains seats for 400 persons, of which 300 are free, and is dedicated in honour of St. John the Baptist."-p. 16. QUEEN'S COLLEGE displays in its architecture a style very different to the numerous other establishments in the University. If any thing could reconcile us to the introduction of Italian architecture in a place which, from its antiquity and early associations, seems above all others to call for the aid of our national architecture, it would be the exquisite genius of Sir Christopher Wren. The name of Hawksmoor appears as the architect of the modern pile, but it is supposed "that the design was suggested by our great architect." There can be little doubt of the correctness of this supposition; any one who is thoroughly acquainted with the difference of the styles of Wren and his pupil, will see at once that the architect of All Souls' towers did not build here from his own design. It would not be difficult on an inspection, to point out the variations which were introduced by Hawksmoorupon the first design; his pencil, perhaps, gave birth to the screen towards the street with its rusticated columns, whilst in the front of the hall and chapel, with its portico and turret, no one can fail to recognize the design of the architect of Chelsea Hospital. The elegant turret, so familiar to all views of the latter building, appears in fac simile at Queen's. We feel certain that Hawksmoor followed closely his master's design, and added or altered but little; he felt and appreciated the value of the works of one of the greatest architects the world ever produced, too highly to deviate materially from his plans. He has raised a monument memorable to the fame of the man from whom he derived his knowledge, and creditable to his own good taste. For the present we take our leave of the "Memorials." The ensuing numbers will comprize New College, and we shall with great pleasure return to the subject, with the munificent foundation of William of Wykeham. The Book of Penalties; or, Summary of the Pecuniary Penalties inflicted by the Laws of England on the Commercial, Manufacturing, Trading, and Professional Classes in their several Occupations and Businesses. With an Abstract of the Local Acts and Customs of London, relative to Commerce, Trade, and Residence. By the Author of the Cabinet Lawyer, &c. 8vo. THERE is amongst us a morbid feeling of discontent, which leads men to 'find or feign' a fault in every thing established by law. The union of this feeling with a desire to make a book, has produced the volume before us. Its spirit may be judged from its title page, in which we learn that the law 'inflicts' penalties on the commercial, manufacturing, trading, and professional classes in their several occupations and businesses.' It is clear that this is mere misrepresentation. Penalties do not attach upon the practices of any man in his lawful calling, but upon the abuse of his calling for dishonest purposes, or upon the evasion of regulations considered necessary, with a view to the public health or safety, or to the general welfare of the community. Every society has a clear right to impose restrictions upon its members, nor ought restrictions to be objected to, except they interfere with the freedom of the subject wantonly, unnecessarily, and without promoting any general beneficial end. In the school of this author we are taught otherwise. Penalties, which restrain only the dishonest tradesmen, are held up to view as if they were trammels upon the fair dealer; regulations which are checks only to those who would do wrong, are endeavoured to be rendered unpopular by being represented as penalties to which all men are obnoxious. Thus, for example, to take a few instances out of the Book of Penalties at random. If any person kills game out of season, or keeps in his house more than 50lbs. of gunpowder, or falsely personates a master or mistress, in order to give a servant a character or adulterates beer, or uses false or fraudulent weights or measures, the logic of our author would persuade us that in paying the penalties inflicted upon these and similar acts of impropriety or dishonesty, the suffering tradesman is merely groaning under the inflictions with which the law of England needlessly torments the commercial, manufacturing, trading, and professional classes in their several occupations and businesses.' The Quixotteism of our author rouses him against every thing in the shape of a penalty; fired with his subject, he sallies forth to combat the creations of his imagination; and, having probably persuaded himself, he endeavours to persuade his readers, that we cannot travel on the highway, swing a gate, read a newspaper, buy a pair of stockings, receive or pay money, take medicine, nor even engage in religious worship, without being obnoxious to some overt or latent enactment scattered through the wide waste of the statutes at large.' It may be questionable whether the effrontery or the untruth of this passage is the more to be wondered at. The author must have placed very great reliance upon the credulity and ignorance of the public, before he could have ventured to put in print a statement which is contradicted by the daily experience of every man. In no country in the world is there so much individual and personal liberty as in our own; in no other country does the hand of authority so seldom interfere with the ordinary actions of life. If in any case, even with us, such interference exists unnecessarily, the writer who points attention to the subject does the state some service;' but they who seek to disquiet the public mind, by representing all restraints as unnecessary, are not friends either to peace or good government. The execution of the work is scarcely less objectionable than its spirit. Antiquated enactments long fallen into desuetude, are called up from their deserved oblivion, and much matter which has no connection with penalties is pressed into service with a view of swelling the size of a Book of Penalties which, after all, is incomplete, as it comprehends only the Statuary Penalties, and not those to which offenders are liable by the common law. The publication of shreds and patches' of the law is, to say the least of it, of very little use. A treatise upon any one isolated legal subject, like every other complete work, is often highly valuable; but a compilation upon various parts of a vast variety of subjects, which have no other connecting link than a similarity of punishment, and each one of which is only so far treated as relates to that punishment, does not seem to us calculated to answer any very beneficial purpose. Upon this plan we may have a variety of works similar to the present one; and as it, if of use to any body, will be found principally useful to the informers, so we may have a book of hard labour' for the use of candidates for the tread-mill; a book of transportation' for the instruction of persons desiring to emigrate at the expense of the country; and 'a book of hanging' as a library companion for gentlemen who fire stacks, or break into dwelling houses in the night time. venerable and Apostolic Church. It is written with much feeling and taste, and with a piety that warms and animates the whole subject. We must confess too, that we were not a little gratified by finding that the poetic flame that has so long reflected its lustre on Mr. Bowles's productions, still finds shelter in the aged bosom of the venerable pastor. The imagination of the Poet, and his beautiful associations, and his picturesque imagery, are still to be found lighting up the small sequestered village, the moss-grown and grey tower, the humble and tranqui! domain of the Vicar, the infant school, and every thing that is united with the charms and happiness of rural life; with the domestic virtues, with our ancient and admirable institutions, and with all that supports and adorns the religion and constitution of the State. Will Mr. Bowles pardon us, if we venture to address him in the Poet's language, though we cannot bring to it the Poet's strength? At least, he will accept our song as the expression of gratitude for the many hours of delight which we have received, in common with others, from the harp that still hangs in the sacred groves of Bremhill. To the Rev. W. L. BOWLES, &c. The vernal smile of youth was in its pride, When first thy pensive warblings_met [near mine ear, severe Wafted from Donhead; and the echoes And mocking at the peaceful Poet's reed; Tales of Popular Fiction. By Thomas Keightley. WE have been much struck with the judicious reasoning, the extensive information, and the good taste with which this volume has been composed. GENT. MAG. VOL. II. Mr. Keightley is evidently master of his subject, and possesses a soberness of mind, which has served him as excellent ballast in his humorous flights and gyrations with the enchanted beings among whom he has dwelt so long. There is great difficulty in being able to trace the popular fictions and tales of any country or people to the source; to ascertain, if found in two different countries, which is to be considered as the original inventor; for, where the same fiction is found in countries very remote, and where any communication of the inhabitants cannot now be traced, to know whether they are not independent of each other, and only fortuitously similar, or whether channels did not exist by which they were conveyed, now choked up and hidden from view. These are highly interesting questions, but more easy to ask than to answer. On the one hand lies the acknowledged poverty of man's inventive faculties, when no longer accompanied and enriched by the assistance of nature; on the other, the impossibility of tracing, or sometimes supposing a connexion. And hence the difficulty of adjusting the rival claims. Mr. Keightley pursues the only sound and philosophical plan; instead of building up any hypothesis, and throwing out daring conjectures, which his successor would pull down, he takes as wide a survey as he can of the habits, languages, and history of all the nations whose narratives are before him; makes himself acquainted with every work of ancient fiction, marks carefully the differences that exist, discovers how far national circumstances occasion such changes, and carefully draws his conclusion; knowing, that when we possess as it were only the broken fragments of entire bodies of national literature that did exist; when it is difficult or impossible to mark the line that separates history from fable, and reality from fiction; when we are ignorant even of what intercourse did take place between nations now entirely and long separated; knowing this, he feels how premature it would be to trust too much to apparent similitudes of fact or language. The whole question lies between what is accidental resemblance and intended imitation. It is needless to say how wide this inquiry reaches, how extensive the field K |