fectly free, and not one of these vermin will approach. Papyri of Herculaneum.-Sir H. Davy's experiments on the papyri have closed without producing any marked result. Iodine and chlorine separated the rolls without injuring the ink, which is of charcoal, on which these agents have no action; but the papyrus itself containing much undecompounded vegetable matter, baffled the investigation. Of the original 1696 MSS. 431 have been submitted to experiment, or given to foreign governments by the King of Naples; about 100 of those which remain appear to be in a state to encourage the expectation of their being restored even by the chemical means already known. In general, the writing is only on one side, and the MSS. are rolled round sticks, like the webs of our silk-mercers. The stick is invariably carbonized, and resembles a bit of charcoal. Sir H. D. suggests, from the nature of the ink on these MSS. and the silence of Pliny, that up to this period the Romans never used galls and iron as a writing ink, and probably that this invention was contemporary with the use of parchment, of which the earliest MSS. at present known are the Codices Rescripti, discovered at Rome and Milan, by M. Mai, including the books of Cicero de Republica, supposed to be of the second or third centuries. The Manufacture of Wine improved by Chalk -Count Alexander Czacki, after an experience of four years, recommends the addition of a little chalk to the must of grapes, when it is somewhat sour; for the acidity being due to citric and tartaric acids, there is thus formed a precipitate of citrate and tartrate of lime, while the must becomes sweeter, and yields a much finer wine. Too much chalk may render the wine insipid, since it is proper to leave a little excess of acid in the must. Even acid wine may be benefited by the addition of chalk. Oyster shells, we believe, have been frequently used with this view; and calcined oyster shells are a cleaner carbonate of lime than common chalk. Newly-invented Steam Carriage.-The structure is altogether in length twenty-seven feet, of which seven are occupied by the boiler and apparatus for motion. The steam is formed in heated tubes, one inch and a half to three inches in diameter, and no more water is introduced to them at a time, than what is immediately wanted. The apparatus for the steam from the safety valves, &c. is ingeniously suspended, so as to be unburt by the motion of the wheels. The whole is so conrtructed, that the horizontal position will be preserved, severe shocks avoided, and the outer wheels enabled to make, in turning the carriage, a larger segment than the inner. The carriage Sugar for Preserving Fish.-Dr. M'Culloch, may be made to stop or retrograde at the wish of Edinburgh, has ascertained that the anti- of the conductor, who sits in front, and, by septic quality of sugar is sufficient to preserve means of a bevel pinion, directs the vehicle. fish in the most excellent condition. He There are two rates of velocity, by means of states, that this substance is so active, that pinions of different diameters. The weight of fish may be preserved in a dry state, and per- the carriage, including apparatus, water, and fectly fresh, by means of sugar alone, and even fuel, will be only a ton and a half. It will with a very small quantity of it. He has thus carry three tons of merchandise and passenkept salmon, whitings, and cod, for an indefi-gers. With this load it is expected to go at nite length of time; and by this simple means fresh fish may be kept in that state some days, so as to be as good when boiled, as if but just caught. In the preparation, it is barely necessary to open the fish, and to apply the sugar to the muscular part, placing it in a horizontal position for two or three days, that this substance may penetrate. After this, it may be dried; and it is only farther necessary to wipe and ventilate it occasionally, to prevent mouldiness. A table-spoonful of brown sugar is sufficient in this manner for a salmon of five or six pounds' weight; and if salt is desired, a tea-spoonful or more may be added; saltpetre may be used instead, in the same proportion, if it is desired to make the fish hard. the rate of five miles an hour, or one hundred miles in twenty hours, on ordinary roads. Damascus Steel.-One of the most skilful cutlers at Paris has acquired the art of fabricating the steel called Damascus, very superior to that of Persia and Syria; and he now employs it in making instruments of surgery, which are far more valuable than those of English caststeel. The extreme hardness and great elasticity of the Damascus, render it particularly important in the fabrication of instruments that require a very fine edge, such as razors, lancets, &c. which so soon lose their edge, especially when used to pierce or cut very strongly resisting bodies. Several French journals have spoken highly of instruments made of this steel. to the supposed salt, and then to the tongueif oxalic acid, it tastes very sour; if Epsom salts, very bitter and saline. Machinery for preparing Dough without Yeast. -A machine has lately been introduced at Detection of Poisons.-Blue sugar-loaf paper Lausanne for the fermentation of dough for has been recommended as a test of discovery bread, consisting simply of a deal box, one between oxalic acid and Epsom salts; it is foot in breadth and height, and two in length. reddened by the former, but not affected by It has supports, on which it is turned by a the latter. A simpler test, however, consists bandle like the cylinder used for roasting cof-in wetting the tip of the finger, applying it first fee. One side of the box opens with a hinge to admit the dough. The time requisite to produce the fermentation depends on the temperature of the air, the quickness of the turning, and other circumstances. But when the operation is performed, it is known by the shrill hissing of the air making its escape, which generally happens in half an hour. The dough by these means is always well raised. The labour is slight, for such a machine as here described may be turned by a child. Employment of Iodine for the Relief of Cancer. Iodine, in the form of alcoholic solution, properly diluted with simple sirop, it has been asserted, has been used with success in one of the Paris hospitals, in allaying the pain and increase of a cancerous tumor in the breast. Signals for a great distance.-Schumacher, a captain of artillery, has invented a rocket, which may become of great use to astronomers and geographers. They are of a much greater force than the Congreve rockets, and ascend to a prodigious height. When at their greatest elevation, they explode, and produce in the air a volume of light, so strong and brilliant, as to be distinctly visible at a distance of thirty leagues. Of Dr. Chalmers's Christian and Civic Eto nomy of Large Towns, Nos. XIII. and XIV. will be published together on the 1st of Junary, 1823. The article, On the Facilities is the Extinction of Pauperism in England, will occupy both Numbers. No. XIV. will cotain Dr. Chalmers's First Essay on the Causes and Cure of Pauperism in England. These Numbers will be published quarterly. Treatises on the Life, Walk, and Triumph of Faith. By the Rev. W. Romaine, A.M. With an Introductory Essay, by Thoms Chalmers, D.D. 2 vols. 12mo. Genuine Religion the Best Friend of the People. By the Rev. Archibald Bonar. 18mo. Cure of Ring Worm.-Mr. T. J. Graham, of Cheltenham, recommends the lime-water which has been used for purifying gas, as a very efficacious remedy in the above troublesome disease. The head is to be well cleansed morning and evening with soap and water, and after wards washed with the lime-water from the gas works. This lime-water is a very heterogeneous compound, so that it is impossible to The Constitution of the Character of Jesus say which of its ingredients is effectual. It Christ. In Two Parts. Part 1. The Consticontains lime, ammonia, sulphuretted hydro-tution of the Character of Jesus Christ shewn gen, volatile oil, and probably several other compounds of a more complex nature. A New Velocipede-has lately been exhibited in the Metropolis, which promises to be of positive utility. The machine consists of three wheels; one behind, about three feet in diameter, over which the inventor sits; and two lower ones before. It is worked by the hands, with two short handles, (without, apparently, any great exertion,) which set two wheels in motion; these operate upon two levers, which set the machine going at the rate of six miles or more an hour, and the inventor has travelled sixty miles a day with it in fine weather. There are two iron stirrups, in which he places his feet, which keep him steady on his seat. The inventor is a shoe-maker, a native of Newark-on-Trent, in Nottinghamshire. Literary Notices. The Hopes of Matrimony, a Poem, by John Holland, Author of Sheffield Park, &c. Plurality of Worlds, or Letters, Notes, and Memoranda, Philosophical and Critical, occasioned by A Series of Discourses on the Christian Revelation, viewed in connection with the Modern Astronomy, by Thomas Chalmers, D.D. By Andrew Maxwell. The Ancient Principles of the True and Sacred Philosophy, as lately explained by John Hutchinson, Esq. translated with Additional Notes, and a Preliminary Dissertation on the Character and Writings of Moses. By Andrew Maxwell. Memoir of the most remarkable and interesting parts of the Life of the late William Cowper, Esq. of the Inner Temple, detailing particularly the exercises of his mind in regard to Religion; written by himself. To which is added, a Collection of Hymns, by the same Author. The Classical Collector's Vade Mecum, be- A few Plain Answers to the Question, "Why do you receive the Testimony of Baron Swedenborg?" A Scientific Demonstration that Matter is not Eternal, &c. in a Letter to R. Carlile, by James Humphrey. to differ from the Opinions of Socinians, Arians, Trinitarians, and Swedenborginas. Part II. On the Moral Character of Jesus, the Office of Christ, and the Holy Spirit. The argument of this Work rests chiefly upon 1 fact, hitherto overlooked; viz. that the Apos tles, for twenty-five years at least, laboured under the Jewish prejudice, that the Messiah was a mere man; but afterwards, having their attention excited more particularly to the subject, they discovered his Divinity. Sra. The 2d edition, folio, of the Holy Catholic Bible, enriched with many beautiful Engravings, is nearly ready for publication, under the sanetion of the Right Rev. Dr. Gibson. J. Wesley Clarke, Esq. has a second edition in the Press, of his Geographical Dictionary, which he has been enabled considerably to improve. Mr. Isaac Holmes, of Liverpool, announces, for the 1st of January, his Impartial Account of the United States, drawn from actual observation during a residence there of four years. The third part of Green's Universal Herbal, arranged on the Linnean System, and adapted to scientific, as well as the most useful practi cal purposes, elucidated by numerous plates, accurately coloured to nature, will shortly be presented to the public. 2d edition. A suitable companion to this work will be found in the Farmer's Directory, by Leonard Towne, which comprehends a complete sys tem of Agricultural Economy, including the best experimental information on all subjects connected with Farming, Grazing, and Planting, and illustrated with many appropriate Engravings. A seventh edition is printed of the Rer. James Wood's Dictionary of the Bible, newly revised by the author, and combining the most valuable information from Brown, Calmet, and other eminent writers. Just Published, a superior edition, octavo, of Watts' Psalms and Hymns, printed in a bold and elegant type, with copious Indexes, &c. and many additional Hymns. Among the various articles of this descrip tion, which we received for insertion in the 46th number of the Imperial Magazine, was the following, which, from a want of room, we were obliged to omit. We, however, noticed in col. 1064, the subject, which the publication here announced is intended to em brace. " Preparing for publication, Trath against Falsehood, or Facts opposed to Fiction, in a series of Letters to Douglas, the Author of No Fiction,' by Lefevre. The design of these letters is to expose to public view a real statement of facts, in the principal character of the above popular religious novel; to detect the artful sophistry, the gross falsehoods, and the shameful calumnies, in the discordant materials of which it is composed; to unfold the character and the different courtships, with the contemptible vanity of Douglas, in the portrait which he has drawn of himself; the real and not the fictitious correspondence; and to shew the absurdity of religious novels, and the nonsense imposed upon the public, for the gratification of passions under the baneful influence of avarice and vanity." The above notice having been inserted in several publications, seems to have reached the ears of Douglas, who has written to Lefevre on the occasion, threatening to expose him by exhibiting his real correspondence. This threat has been resented by Lefevre, who has printed the letter of Douglas, accompanying it with a spirited reply in the language of fearless defiance. On this pamphlet, as we expect it will soon be followed by the work here announced, we forbear at present to make any observations. A local difference between two individuals can never, as an isolated fact, prove interesting to the public; but when it becomes connected with a work that has obtained a considerable degree of celebrity in the world, as is the case with "No Fiction," the combatants leave the retreats of obscurity, and take their stand on more conspicuous ground. Independently of the individual characters which this controversy must involve, the readers of "No Fiction" will be amused on learning, in the issue, whether "FICTION" shall retain or lose its "No." Just published, a History of Preston-Guild, with a particular account of that in 1822; embellished with Plates and a striking Likeness of N. Grimshaw, Esq. from a Painting by Lonsdale. The extraordinary affliction and gracious relief of a little Boy, supposed to be the effects of spiritual agency; with observations on demoniacal possession, and animadversions on Superstition. By James Heaton. 8vo. Serious Musings, in verse. By Jos. Jones, M.A. 8vo. The Bible Catechism, arranged in forty divisions all the Answers being in the words of Scripture. By W. F. Lloyd. 12mo. The same abridged. Gleanings and Recollections, to assist the Memory of Youth. By a Parent. Intellectual Converse, or Juvenile Association Improved; a sketch of Friendly Conferences on the Existence of a supreme Being. The Best Choice, a Tale in verse, for Sabbath Schools. A single Sermon, Sin removed by Christ, the Lamb of God, and Sinners directed to an all-sufficient Saviour. By Rev. John Peacock. In the Press, the 3d and 4th volumes of the Preacher; or, Sketches of Original Sermons, chiefly selected from the Manuscripts of eminent Divines of the Last Century, for the Use of Lay Preachers and Young Ministers; to A Mother's Portrait, sketched soon after her decease, for the study of her Children, by their surviving Parent, with a beautiful Engraving, in 12mo. Scripture Fragments, in Prose and Verse, with numerous Cuts, for Sunday Schools. The Progress of Infidelity, by the Rev. G. C. Smith, of Penzance. Travels into the Arkansa Territory of North America during the year 1819, by Thomas Nuttall, F. L. S. are just published. Shortly will be published, Vallis Vale, and other Poems, by the Author of the Juvenile Poetical Moralist. The Cento, a selection of approved pieces from living Authors, post 8vo. Mrs. Hannah More, the Portrait of this distinguished Lady, painted by H. W. Pickersgill, A. R. A. and exbibited in the Royal Academy last season, is now in the hands of an eminent engraver, for publication. An entire new work, entitled "The Pleasures of Human Life," in twenty-four numbers, at sixpence each. Remarks on the first part of Paines Age of Reason, by Samuel Drew, a new edition. A new edition of the Panorama of Science and Arts, in 2 vols. 8vo. with numerous Engravings, by James Smith. COMMERCIAL REPORT, LIVERPOOL, 23d NOVEMBER, 1822. THE period which has elapsed since our last publication, has not been distinguished by any interesting movements in our commerce. At the present moment a general dulness prevails. Although we are at some distance from the busy scenes where the diversified foreign loan operations seem to absorb universal attention, yet their influence is indirectly felt in this place. The high rate of interest, and the excitement caused by the sudden fluctuations, have had peculiar attractions; to parties connected with the money market, and most probably have diverted many sums from being invested in mercantile speculations. It does not fall within our province to descant upon these subjects further than they interfere with our commerce, yet we cannot help hazarding the trite remark, that great prospects of gain are usually attended with much insecurity and risk. The demand for Cotton is very languid, and the sales during the last four weeks only amount to 22,140 packages, inclusive of 3882 bales, which form the business of the week, ending this day; and may be particularised as follows: 11 to 11 110 Bahamas, 6 to 6 With so moderate an extent of business, a reduction of prices might naturally have been looked for; however, the holders do not seem inclined to relax in their demands, and consequently do not press their stocks on the market. The week closes with a tolerable inquiry. Of the market, it may be said, that it now rules at about an advance of d. on the extreme lowest point of depression. There is much heaviness in the market for Colonial produce: the prices of British Plantation Sugar are barely supported. Coffee is rather drooping. Rums are heavy of sale; during the present week 65 puncheons of common Leewards sold at 1s. 3d. per gallon. Salt Hides.-The sales during the last fortnight have been considerable, but the market is tending downwards, now that the export is about to close: the market is generally lower for dry hides, except in superior qualities. The total sales, during the above period, are 15,769 dry Buenos Ayres Cow and Ox, from 103d. to 11.; 4000 salted, from 61d. to 6fd. per lb. ; 9400 dry Horse Hides, from 6s. 1d. to 6s. 7d. each; 700 dry West-India, at 8d. per lb.; and 3200 dry salted Brazil, from 8 d. to Std.; likewise 1100 good American, at 51, per lb. Ashes.-The active demand has subsided in some measure. Montreal Pots from 44s. to 45s. Pearls 48s. Dye-Woods are far from being brisk, and prices are a shade lower. The demand for Saltpetre is improving, from 29s. to 30s. per cwt. Turpentine is inquired for at 13s. 6d. per cwt, Tar firm. Oils without particular interest. Newfoundland Cod Oil £23 per ton. Pale Seal Oil £27. Palm Oil £26. The Tallow market is very flat; and there appears little confidence in the article. Timber and Deals.-In these articles there appears a tendency to advance; and the dealers evince a decided disposition to purchase stocks. American Pine from 20d. to 21d. per cubit foot. At our Corn market, a very ready sale continues to be experienced for Wheat, and appearances continue to favour a gradual aud solid improvement; the speculators are also watching the market attentively. Barley and Oats are steady in price, but their comparatively high rates throw the consumption more on wheat; so that the deficiency on the crops of the former is likely to be less felt. There is at present no demand for Wheat or Flour under lock. The season is yet too early for any sale to be made in the imports of new Flax and Clover Seed. LONDON: PRINTED AT THE CAXTON PRESS, BY H. FISHER. |