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grammatical education, nor time to stuny the rules of just composition, I acknowledge that I was afraid to put it to the press; and, for the same cause, I ought to have the same fears still. But having the pleasure to find that this my first work was not ill received, I was emboldened to go on, in publishing my Astronomy, Mechanical lectures, Tables and Tracts relative to several arts and sciences, the Young gentleman and lady's astronomy, a small Treatise on electricity, and my Select Mechanical exercises.

In the year 1748, I ventured to read lectures on the eclipse of the sun that fell on the 14th of July in that year. Afterwards I began to read astronomi. cal lectures on an orrery which I made, and of which the figures of all the

wheel-work are contained in the sixth and seventh plates of my Mechanical exercises. I next began to make an ap paratus for lectures on mechanics, and gradually increased the apparatus for other parts of experimental philosophy, buying from others what I could not make for myself, till I brought it to its present state. I then entirely left off drawing pictures, and employed myself in the much pleasanter business of reading lectures on mechanics, hydrostatics, hydraulics, pneumatics, electricity, and astronomy, in all which my encouragement has been greater than I could have expected. P. li.

He concludes, (P. liii.)

It is now thirty years since I came to London; and during all that time I have met with the highest instances of friendship from all ranks of people both in town and country, which I do here acknowledge with the utmost respect and gratitude; and particularly the goodness of our present gracious Sovereign, who, out of his privy purse, allows me fifty pounds a year, which is regularly paid, without any deduction.

By a short supplement which Mr Brewster has added to this memoir, it appears that the author lived only four years after writing this account of himself. His character is described as religious, mild, worthy, almost without a fault; and even the wonderful simplicity of his manners, which in a state of artificial society is

too apt to be regarded as a failing, tended only to heighten the respect in which he was constantly held.

In this history of Mr Ferguson's in some degree progress, we may trace that capacity of communication, which forms so peculiar and valuable a feature in his intellectual character. Having spent a long time in acquiring the elementary parts of these sciences, and having discovered many of them without any foreign aid, he had these parts strongly impressed on his mind. experience which he had of the difficulties that obstruct the first avenues of knowledge, he was both qualified and disposed to facilitate their en

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trance to others. More conversant with things than with words, he had not learned to employ pompous words without any determinate meaning. All his works therefore have had a wide circulation, and the present we believe beyond any other ; which may be easily accounted for, by the wide compass of information which the lectures contain. But tho they have passed through ten successive editions, they have hitherto been always presented to the public in their original state, without any attempt either to supply deficiencies; or to enable them to keep pace with the rapidly advancing progress of scientific discovery. This task was reserved for Mr Brewster, who has executed it with very great diligence and success. The addition which his notes have made to the original work is not merely confined to the bringing it down to the present time. Ferguson's information seems derived chiefly from experiment and observation, without any great knowledge of books. By an extensive acquaintance with the writings of others on the same subject, Mr Brewster has been enabled to supply what was wanting, as well as to correct some errors into which he had fallen. few perhaps might be pointed out as

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unnecessary; but these are rare instances, and by far the greater num ber are curious and valuable.

The appendix is of considerable length, and is in some respects more important, even than the work to which it is annexed. An absurd prejudice has long confined philosophy to subjects of mere curiosity, and which can be of no use for the purposes of common life. Even in these lectures a comparatively small por. tion is devoted to subjects of this kind. Indeed it must be owned that the French have here been more industrious than us; their greatest philosophers have sedulously employed themselves in rendering their knowledge subservient to useful purposes. From these and other sources, Mr Brewster has given a full description of the best mode of constructing the machinery used by the husbandman, the manufacturer, and the merchant. The best mode of giving an idea of the variety of information contained in this part of the work, will be by the following abstract of its contents.

Mechanics,

On the construction of undershot water wheels for turning machinery-On the construction of the mill course-O the water wheel and its float boardsOn the spur wheel and trundle-On the formation, size, and volocity, of the millstone-On the performance of undershot mills-On a new mill-wright's table-On horizontal mills-On double corn mills-On breast mills-Practical remarks on the performance and construction of overshot water wheels

On the method of computing the effective power of overshot wheels in turning machinery-On the performance of overshot and undershot mills-On the formation of the buckets, and the proper velocity of overshot wheels-Account of an improvementin flour mills-On the formation of the teeth of wheels and the leaves of pinions-On the formation of epicycloids, mechanically, and on the disposition of the teeth on the wheel's circumference

On the formation of cycloids, and

epicycloids, geometrically, and the method of drawing lines parallel to them-On bevelled wheels, and the method of giving an epicycioidal form to their teeth-On the formation of the teeth of rack work, the wipers of stampers, &c.-On the nature and construction of windmills-Description of a windmill-On the form and position of windmill sails-To find the momentum of friction-To find the velocity of the wind-On the effect of windmill sails-On horizontal windmills-On the nature of friction, and the method of cimin shing its effects in machinery -On the nature and operation of fly wheels-On wheel carriages-On the formation of carriage wheels--On the position of the wheels-On the line of traction, and the method by which horses exert their strength-On the position of the centre of gravity, and the manner of disposing the load-On the thrashing machine--On thrashing machines driven by water-On thrashing machines driven by horses-On the power of thrashing machines-On the construction and effect of machinesDescription of a simple and powerful capstane-A mechanical method of finding the centre of gravity.

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On achromatic telescopes-On achromatic object glasses-On achromatic eye pieces-On the construction of optical instruments, with tables of their apertures, &c. and the method of grinding the lenses and mirrors of which they are composed-On the method of grinding and polishing lensesOn the method of grinding and polishing the mirrors of reflecting telescopes -On the single microscope-On the double microscope-On the refracting telescope-On the Gregorian telescope On the Cassegrainian telescope-On the Newtonian telescope-Description of a new fluid microscope, invented by the editor.

Dialing.

Description of an analemmatic dial, which sets itself-Description of a new dial, invented by Lambert.

Astro

Astronomy.

On the cause of the tides.

The essay on the construction and effect of machines was furnished to the author by his friend Mr Leslie, now professor of Mathematics in the University of Edinburgh, a gentle man whose name must render any farther recommendation superfluous.

Biographia Scotica; or a Scottish Biographical dictionary. By J. Stark. 18mo. 55. Constable & Co.

THE title of this work will suf. ficiently explain the nature of its contents, which cannot fail to be highly interesting to the Scottish public. The idea of a Biographia

Scotica seems first to have been conceived by Lord Hailes, and he actually published a few biographical sketches as specimens. The present, however, is the first time that any complete attempt has been made to supply this important desideratum in Scottish literature. Considering the vast extent of this subject, and the great variety of sources from which its materials must be drawn, it would be uncandid to expect that it should be produced at once in a state of perfection. We can say, however, that it discovers marks of great industry, and is very creditable to its author, especially as we understand it was composed under such unfavourable circumstances, as re

Such being the case, we shall endeavour to contribute to its improve ment, by pointing out such deficiencies as have occurred to us in the present edition. Beginning with names which have been entirely d mitted, we find those of Darnley, husband to Q. Mary; the Earls of Mar (one of whom was for some time regent of the kingdom, and the other acted a conspicuous part in the union of the kingdoms;) De Foe, Moore of Glasgow; Dr Macknight, an author universally known; Dr author of Harmony, &c.; Dr Wilson St Andrews, author of Hebrew

Grammar, and Commentary on the Apocrypha. These omissions, tho' they may be pardoned in consideration of the merit of the work, and

of its difficulties, are yet sufficiently important, to call forth the author's vigilance in avoiding similar ones on a future occasion.

We would suggest the following names as deserving to be more fully treated of: Barbour, Melvil, Blacklock, Maclaurin, and Gerard. Smollet, on the other hand, seems extended to a disproportionate length.

In the lives of noblemen, the narrative is given under the name rather than the title. This we do not ob ject to; but as it is the latter by which they are chiefly known, there ought certainly to be a reference 'from the one to the other. not readily look for the lives of Murray, Morton, and Bothwell, un

We do

quired great assiduity and activity of der the heads of Stewart, Douglas,

mind to surmount. The author. intimates, that the present volume is merely thrown out with a view of feeling the pulse of the public, and encouragement, he intends to undertake a fu. ture edition, on a more extended scale. We are glad to understand that its reception has been sufficiently favourable to encourage the author to proceed in this inteution.

that should he meet with

and Hepburn.

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ficiency in English grammar, writing, and arithmetic. When he had attained the age of eleven or twelve years, he was put under the care of a relation, to learn the trade of a house carpenter. This occupation not suiting the genius of young Gall, he soon left it, and went to a respectable builder and architect, to acquire the practical part of his profession. Here, however, he did not long continue. Disliking this as much as the former occupation, he resolved to leave it; and in consequence of this determination left Haddington, where he then was, and waiked on foot to Edinburgh (a distance of sixteen miles), to which his father's family had some time before removed. In 1789 he was put apprentice to Mr. David Ramsay, a respectable printer in Edinburgh. This line of life being more congenial to the inclinations of Mr. Gall than any of the others he had formerly made trial of, he remained in that gentleman's service during the future period of his life. While in this situation, he made considerable progress in several branches of learning, under a private teacher, retained in his father's family, with whom he spent, in receiving instruction, those hours that were not necessarily employed in the duties of his avocation. For literary studies he early felt a propensity, which the occupation he had chosen could not fail to encourage. Scottish poetry, in particular, attracted his distinguished notice; and the "Gentle Shepherd" of Allan Ramsay, awakened the latent seeds of poetry in his own breast, and prompted him to sing his "wood notes wild with emulating ardour. Of the poetry of Burns he was an ardent admirer; and during the latter part of the life of that unfortunate poet, Mr. Gall enjoyed his friendship and correspondence. With Mr. Hector Macniel, the ingenious author of "Will and Jean," and other pieces of high literary character, the merit of Mr. Gall soon led

to a kindred friendship, and admiration of each others talents, which ended not but with the life of the latter. Of Mr. Gall's pieces a few detached songs only have been published; excepting an epistle to Mr. Hector Macneil, printed in the works of that author. These songs, however, bear evidence of his abilities as a poet; and at a time when those of Burns seemed to preclude any success

ful effort in this department of poetry, those published of Mr. Gali's songs, have obtained a share of popularity, scarcely inferior to the best songs of that admirable writer. One of Mr. Gall's songs, in particular, the original manuscript of which I have by me, has acquired a high degree of praise, from its having been printed amongst the works of Burns, and generally thought the production of that poet. The reverse, indeed, was only known to a few of Mr. Gall's friends, to whom he communicated the verses before they were pub lished. The fame of Burns' stands in no need of the aid of others to support it; and to render back the song in question to its true author, is but an act of distributive justice, due alike to both these departed poets, whose ears are now equally insensible to the incense of flattery, or the slanders of malevolence. At the time when the "Scots Poetical Museum" was published at Edinburgh by Mr. Johnston, several of Burns's songs made their appearance in that publication. Mr. Gall wrote the following song, intituled a "Fareweel to Ayrshire;" prefixed Burns's name to it, and sent it anonymously to the publisher of that work. From thence it has been copied into the latter editions of the works of Burns. In publishing the song in this manner, Mr Gall brobably thought that it might, under the sanction of a name, known to the world, acquire that notice, which, in other circumstances, might have made its fate to be "to waste its sweetness in the desert air."

FAREWEEL TO AYRSHIRE. Scenes of woe and scenes of pleasure!

Scenes that former thoughts renew; Scenes of woe and scenes of pleasure,

Now a sad and last adieu.

Bonny Doun, sae sweet at gloaming,

Fare thee well before I gang: Bonny Doun, whar early roaming,

First I weav'd the rustic sang.

Bowers, adieu! where love decoying,
First enthrall'd this heart o' mine;
There the saftest sweets enjoying,
Sweets that mem'ry ne'er shall tine.
Friends so near my bosom ever,

Ye ha'e render'd moments dear!
But, alas! when forc'd to sever,
Then the stroke, O how severe !

Friends,

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Another song of Mr Gall's, My only jo and deary Ŏ," has also attained a'considerable degree of celebrity. During the late war, when the circumstances of the country rendered a general armament necessary, Mr Gall joined himself to the Highland regiment of volunteers, and stimulated the ardour of their patriotism by many elegant productions. One of these was printed at the public expence, and copies distributed to every individual in the regiment. But while thus emerging into that notice which his merit entitled him to, and which his friends fondly looked upon as the prognostication of fu ture eminence, his life was fast hastening to a close. His poetical powers were just beginning to expand themselves, and he had formed the plan of, and partly executed, several larger poems, when all his youthful hopes were blasted, and the hopes of his country in him ruined for ever. About the beginning of the year 18or, an abscess broke out in his breast, which, in the space of a few months, notwithstanding all that the most skilful in medicine could devise, brought him to his grave. During his illness, his favourite pursuit still occupied his mind. "He felt his ruling passion strong in death;" and when unable from weakness to use a pen, committed his thoughts to writing with a blacklead pencil. Several of his pieces thus written are still preserved. Mr Gall died on the 10th of May 1801, in the 25th year of his age. His companions in arms, anxious to pay the last testimony of respect to his memory, followed him to the grave; and his remains were interred in the Calton burying ground with military honours. Of all the writ ings of Mr Gall the tendency is uniformly virtuous. But this is not their only merit. A rich vein of poetry pervades them; the sentiments are striking; and the language simple and unaffected. I have read his unpublished poems with a high degree of pleasure; and it is to Jan. 1806.

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be hoped the friends of the author will soon see the propriety of giving them to the public.

New Works published in Edinburgh.

MEMORABILIA of Perth. 8vo.

ICS.

Poems, chiefly in the Scottish dialect. By the Rev. James Nicol, 2 vols. small 8vo, tos.

Postscript to Mr Stewart's short state

ment of facts relative to the election of Professor Leslie; with an Appendix, consisting chiefly of Extracts from the Records of the University, and from those of the city of Edinburgh. 8vo. 18.

A third letter to Principal Hill on the case of Mr Leslie, Professor of Mathematics in the University of Edinburgh, 8vo 28 6d.

A short Criticism of the terms of the charge against Mr Leslie, in the protest of the ministers of Edinburgh, as explained by them in their last pamphlet. By Thomas Brown M. D. 8vo. Is.

A letter to the Society for propagating Christian Knowledge, respecting the late election of their Secretary. By the Rev. David Savile. 8vo. Is.

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The Farmer's Magazine for 1805. 8vo. 1os. 6d.

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Sermons by J. Halliday, M.D. 8vo. 6s. Observations on Mr Hume's doctrine on the relation of Cause and Effect. By Thomas Brown, M. D. Second edition enlarged. 8vo. 5s. Examination of Mr Stewart's pamphlet. By one of the Ministers of Edinburgh, second edition, with an Appendix. 8vo. 2s. 6d.

Scottish Literary Intelligence

MR Stark, author of "Biographia

Scotica," will publish, in a few days," The Picture of Edinburgh;"

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