of many narrow views and habits of thinking, which a close attention to one, or a few branches of knowledge, is apt to engender. The tendency is to render proficiency in these the standard by which to measure the relative abilities of others. The theologian, in many cases, distrusts the man of science, and he, in turn, looks sometimes with contempt upon the theologian: while both, in their several spheres, may be men of equal proficiency. And so with nearly every department of study. The only cure for this unhealthy state of mind is to bring the latter into contact with the various descriptions of truth; then it obtains a realizing, and not unfrequently a humiliating sense of the littleness of its own attainments, as contrasted with the great fields of unacquired knowledge which are yet spread out before it, and also an occasional glimpse of the fact that there are other spheres of truth as grand, or even grander than the one within which, at that particular time, its faculties are being exercised. Then, again, connection with a Mutual Improvement Association enables a young man to form, with greater accuracy than he might otherwise do, an estimate of his own character and abilities-a matter which goes far, we should think, to influence his prospects in the world. To attain this end, it is only needful that the members be truthful with each other; avoiding, on the one hand, all affectedness in criticism; and on the other, everything in essay-writing which approaches plagiarism. The latter practice, indeed, is as self-destructive as it is dishonest, cramping the energies, weakening the sense of honour and the feeling of self-respect, and fatally obstructing the development of individual originality. Then, once more, a Mutual Improvement Association often forms the stepping-stone to some association of a religious character, and introduces its members very frequently into some important sphere of Christian work. In fact, if it contains a fair amount of living Christianity within its membership, it is almost sure to evolve such a religious association out of itself. And then, lastly, these associations are usually the means of forming friendships among their members, of the highest, most profitable, and pleasing kind, and such as may exert an influence for good upon the whole current of their lives. Yes; the memory of friendships formed in such associations often lingers when memory itself is fading, the mind reverting to and dwelling long upon these glad and profitable times of mutual and refreshing intercourse; just as the sun-to employ a beautiful simile used by one of our great poets-which is sinking in the golden west, casts back his latest rays, not on the valleys, or the forests, or the streams, or even on the busy cities he has travelled over, but far away, to bathe with softened light the mountain tops, above which the morning saw him rise. Such, then, is our conception of the influence of a young man's Mutual Improvement Association; it can never usurp the place of systematic study, but rather should be looked upon as its accompaniment, affording a stimulus to engage in it, preventing some of its more injurious mental effects, enabling the student to use his knowledge with readiness and freedom, and carrying with it many incidental advantages which should not be rashly despised by any who are entering upon li'eJAMES ORR. THE PHILOSOPHICAL INSTITETION, EDINBURGH, was established in 1839. Its first president was Professor John Wilson (Christopher North); its second, Lord Macaulay; and its third is Lord Brougham. It owed its origin, indirectly, to a course of lectures delivered by George Combe, author of "The Constitution of Man;" and it is sometimes taunted even yet with being rather inclined to the encouragement of, not heterodoxy, but non-orthodoxy. This was lately alleged as an objection to it by Dr. McCosh, author of "The Method of Divine Government." This stigma it has been anxious of late to wipe off, and it has shown quite an ecclesiastical bearing recently. It provides its members with a news-room, to which above 120 sheets are supplied per diem, besides price lists, telegrams, market reports, &c.; a reading-room containing a valuable collection of books of reference, encyclopædias, dictionaries, atlases, &c., new books for a certain period before being added to the library, the chief periodicals of the time, and the reports of the learned societies. This room is fitted up commodiously and handsomely. A circulating library, containing upwards of 14,000 volumes, to which monthly additions are made; evening classes for the study of Latin, French, German, drawing, mathematics, and instructions in fencing, gymnastics, &c.; examinations in connection with the Society of Arts. There is provided also a ladies' reading-room, furnished attractively both as a lounge and a study. In addition to all these elements of usefulness and comfort there is a lecture department, and this department is usually filled up with great tact. We direct the attention of our readers to the programme of this institution for the present session, in the belief that it will be interesting to many associations to know the kind of topics which are brought before the cultured audience of the Scottish metropolis. It will be seen that the course of lectures present subjects of a very varied order, and that they are of much interest. The inaugural address of the session has been entrusted to the Reverend the Bishop of London-a gentleman born and educated in Edinburgh, and who by his abilities and worth occupies the distinguished position he now holds. Amongst the lecturers there are several gentlemen who visit the institution for the first time. The programme seems to be a very inviting one. The lectures for the session 1864-5, embracing the usual variety of historical, literary, and scientific instruction, are enumerated below, and naturally divide themselves into two sections, viz.: I.-Historical and Literary Section. "Reading; its Use and Abuse," by Robert Lee, D.D., Professor of Biblical Criticism in the University of Edinburgh. 2 lectures. [Professor Robert Lee, D.D., was born at Tweedmouth, Durham, in 1804, and educated at the Grammar School of Berwickupon-Tweed and St. Andrews University. He held the pastoral charge in Arbroath and Campsie, whence he was transferred to Greyfriars Church, Edinburgh. On the institution of the professorship of Biblical criticism, in 1846, in the University of Edinburgh, he was, in opposition to Dr. Candlishfor whom the chair was by its originators intended-appointed to that office. He is a prominent member of the General Assembly, is the author of several lectures, sermons, and controversial treatises, and editor of a reference Bible, of humble pretensions, but great utility.] "The Ballad and Romantic Poetry of the Border," by William Brown, M.D. 2 lectures. "The History of English Literature" (Second Course); "Fifteenth and Sixteenth Centuries; by John Nichol, B.A., Oxon., Professor of the English Language and Literature in the University of Glasgow. 4 lectures. "The Genius and Works of Sir David Wilkie and Sir Edward Landseer" (with Illustrations), by the Rev. Adam L. Simpson, F.S.A. Scot., Minister of Kirknewton, ordained in 1812, and Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, 1849 (?). 2 lectures. "The Story of Jaques Van Artevelde," by Willlan B. Hodgson, LL.D., London. 2 lectures. [A favourite lecturer in Edinburgh, where he was educated, famous as an expositor of Health, Economics, &c., for whom it is said that it has been suggested to found a chair of Economics.] "The Connection between English Art and Literature," by John Henry Chamberlain, Professor of Architecture in Queen's College, Birmingham. 2 lectures. "Thackeray and his Works; Old Books, &c.," by George Dawson, M.A., Birmingham. 4 lectures. II.-Miscellaneous Section. "Two Walks through Pompeii" (with Illustrations), by John H. Bennett, M.D., Professor of the Institutes of Medicine in the University of Edinburgh. 2 lectures. [Born in London, 1812, served an apprenticeship of four years to a surgeon, entered Edinburgh University as a student, 1833; was chosen President of the Royal Medical and the Royal Physical Societies, Edinburgh, in 1836; graduated in 1837, and obtained the University gold medal for the best reports of clinical cases; studied in Paris, 1837-9; at Heidelberg and Berlin, 1839-41; lectured on the practice of physic and clinical medicine, 1842-48; was appointed Pathologist of the Edinburgh Infirmary in 1843, and to his present chair in 1848. He is the author of professional treatises, and is held in high esteem personally, professionally, and professorially in the Scottish metropolis.] "Aspects of Nature in the High North" (with Illustrations), by George J. Allman, M.D., Regius Professor of Natural History in the University of Edinburgh. 2 lectures. [Appointed, 1855, successor to Edward Forbes; and a man of great industry in the performance of his professional duties.] "The Hebrides," by Robert Carruthers, Esq., editor of the Inverness Courier, biographer of Pope, superintendent of Chambers' "Cyclopædia of English Literature," and one of the contributors to the Encyclopædia Britannica," 2 lectures. "Mines and Miners" (with Illustrations), by Robert Hunt, F.R.S., F.G.S., 64 "Sketches from Martin Chuzzlewit," by George Grossmith, Esq., London. 'Reading," by Miss Murray: Sbakspere's "Midsummer Night's Dream," with the whole of Mendelssohn's muse, performed by a complete orchestra, chorus, and solo singers, under the direction of Mr. Adam Hamilton. The session 1864-65 will be opened on the evening of Friday, the 4th of November, 1864, and on this occasion the inaugural address, as we have before observed, will be delivered in the Musie Hall, by the Right Rev. Archibald Campbell Tait, DC.L., Lord Bishop of London, who is a native of Edinburgh, where he was born in 1811, educated at the High School and the Edinburgh Academy, the University of Glasgow, and Baliol College, Oxford, being sent from the former to the latter university as Snell exhibitioner. He was a prominent member of the Oxford Debating Society. He passed first class in classics, 1833, gained a fellowship in 1835, became examiner in 1841, took "D.C.L." degree in 1842, in which year he was chosen to succeed Dr. Arnold as head master of Rugby. This he resigned through illness, and was soon after appointed Dean of Carlisle. He was also placed on the commission to inquire into the state of Oxford University. In 1856 he was appointed successor to Bishop Bloomfield (retired), at the suggestion, it is believed, of her Majesty. He was offered the archiepiscopal dignity of York in 1862, but declined the honour and emolument. He has acquired little or no literary distinction, but he is admired for the clearness and force of his style, and for firm and discreet fulfilment of his episcopal functions. The Birmingham Central Literary Association are preparing their arrangements for the session 1864-65. They have chosen the following gentlemen as office bearers: - President, Mr. F. Schnadhorst; Vice-President, Mr. A. Freeth; Treasurer, Mr. J. Hinks; Honorary Secretary, Mr. E. M. Coleman; Committee, Messrs. H. Allbutt, S. Edwards, C. Lean, T. Griffiths, and S. Woodhouse, Jun. There are upwards of 120 members. The following subjects have been proposed for discussion, and arrangements are nearly completed for the production of papers affirmative and negative, to be followed by the critical remarks and controversial opinions of the members upon these topics, viz.:-1. That the proposed Federation of our North American Colonies deserves English sympathy and support. 2. That the Treaty concluded between the French and Italian Governments is calculated to advance the Freedom and Unity of Italy. 3. That the Universities are national Institutions, and that their honours and emoluments should be attainable without distinction of religious profession. 4. That the influence of Thomas Carlyle's writings upon the literature of the age has been beneficial. 5. That Dr. Newman has satisfactorily vindicated himself and bis church from the charges of Mr. Kingsley. 6. That the result of Christian Missions has been adequate to the means employed. 7. That the recent speech of the Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone embraced sound principles of Reform, which should form the basis of a Bill to be passed by Parliament. 8. That the Bank Charter Act of 1844 has been injurious to the commercial interests of this country. 9. That the science of Political Economy should be taught in our public schools. 10. That works of Fiction should be subject to a censorship. 11. That the facts of Geology have tended to confirm the Mosaic account of Creation. 12. That the present system of Church patronage is productive of disastrous effects, and is a stigma upon the Estab lishment. 13. That known and incorrigible thieves ought not to be suffered to be at large. Dalkeith Scientific Association.On Thursday, October 13th, the annual meeting of this association was held in the Scientific Hall; the vice-president, Dr. Lucas, in the chair. The treasurer read his annual statement of the income and expenditure of the society, which showed matters to be in a very favourable position. The office-bearers for the ensuing year were elected, and the usual routine business disposed of, after which Mr. J. S. Gibbs, rector of the academy, read a paper on "James Beattie, LL.D., Poet and Metaphysician," of which the following is a brief summary. After a few introductory remarks on the beneficial effects of biographical study, he proceeded to give a succinct narrative of Dr. Beattie's life, followed by a critical estimate of his works as a moralist and metaphysician, as well as a poet. In the narrative the lecturer pointed out the encouragement to young men striving to qualify themselves for future eminence, to be derived from the example of Beattie. "He was born in the then little village of Laurencekirk, in 1735. His father, an intelligent small farmer and shopkeeper, died while Beattie was but seven years of age. This loss was partly made up by the filial affection of his elder brother David, who sacrificed his own tastes for the advancement of his brother, who even at this early age had shown glimpses of his future character, in his love of books and solitude, being known amongst his fellows, even then, as the poet. He went to Marischall College in 1749, and showed his ability by gaining in public competition the highest bursary in his college. He took his degree of M.A. in April, 1753, and a few months after was chosen parish schoolmaster and session clerk of Fordoun, a hamlet some five miles distant from his native place, Laurencekirk. Here he remained till 1758, discharging his duties well and carefully, and enjoying to the full that close intercourse with the wild and beautiful in nature which enabled him to become the author of The Minstrel.' He left Fordoun to become one of the masters of the Grammar School, Aberdeen. Two years later, in 1760, Beattie became professor of logic and moral philosophy in Marischall College, Aberdeen, the duties of which office he continued assiduously and successfully to discharge up to almost the very close of his life. His career as a writer and as a professor was very successful, but bis domestic enjoyment was much lessened by the unhappy insanity of his wife, his own shattered health, and the deaths of his two sons when verging on a manhood of much promise. Beattie did not long survive the death of his last and youngest son. of palsy, August 18th, 1803. Beattie's moral and metaphysical works are-1. He died Essay on Truth,' 1770. This work, written to refute Hume, caused an extraordinary sensation, was the means of procuring the author many friends in England, two lengthened interviews with royalty, and a premium of £200 a year. 2. Essays on Poetry and Music, &c.,' 1776. 3. Dissertations on Memory and Imagination, &c.,' 1783. 4. Evidences of Christianity, 1786. 5. Elements of Moral Science,' 2 vols., 1790-3. In addition to these Beattie wrote, but published anonymously-6. Letter to Dr. H. Blair, on a New Translation of the Psalms,' 1779. 7. Scotticisms, 1787. His poetical works are 8. Original Poems and Translations,' 1760. 9. The Minstrel; or, Progress of Genius,' 1774." In estimating Beattie's character as a writer, Mr. Gibbs assigned him a high position as a metaphysical writer, though he allowed it was as a poet he would be longest and most pleasantly remembered. The lecture, which was warmly received, was rendered still more interesting by the exhibition of several relics of the poet:a small copy of Virgil, used by Beattie in teaching his two sons, with the lessons, in eight lines each, marked in the second and third books of the Eneid. The first page contains the autograph of the eldest son, James Hay Besttie. After his death the book bad come into the possession of his brother, Montague Beattie, whose autograph is on the second page. After both were gone, the anguish-stricken father, in trembling characters, traced his own name below his son's. Two rare engravings of Beattie were also exhibited, -one as a young man immediately after the publication of the "Essay on Trutà;" the other, a profile taken when about sixty years of age. There was also shown a thick quarto volume in MS., holograph by Dr. Beattie, and very beauti fully written, containing the lectures read by him as professor of moral phiJosophy. A cordial vote of thanks was awarded at the close to Mr. Gibbs for the lecture, and for the valuable and interesting relics he had exhibited. Edinburgh.-On Thursday evening the Rev. Andrew Crichton, of Free New North Church, delivered an introductory lecture to the members of the United Young Men's Literary Association, in the schoolroom under Dr Guthrie's church. The rev. lecturer chose for his subject, "What is truth?" -moral, scientific, intellectual, historical, and religious, which he treated in an able and lucid manner. He was listened to with great attention, and at the close received, on the motion of Mr. Wm. Todd, a hearty vote of thanks. A vote of thanks was given to the chairman (Mr. Dickson). Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.A course of lectures was delivered in Erskine Church, Carlton, Melbourne (Rev. J. Ballantyne's), during July and August, which has excited more than usual interest. On each occasion the church was crowded, and probably it is not too much to say that, in point of attendance and sustained interest, the course has, perhaps, been the most suc |