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with a hundred other irrational prescriptions of the old stamp. We may venture to recommend the book for its excellent descriptions of diseases, and the valuable physiological information contained in it, A reader who will discreetly pass over the heads of treatment and the prescriptions, may read the book with considerable benefit.

The Water Cure in Chronic Diseases. By J. B. GULLEY, M.D. New York: Wiley & Putnam, 161 Broadway. 1846.

Medicine, like all the other sciences, is daily assuming more popular manifestations.

Every new theory its professors advance, is discussed by the press and in social circles. Amid all the evils conse

quent upon a superficial knowledge of subjects of vital importance-like the philosophy of health-we believe that the ultimate result is favorable, inasmuch as all controversy elicits, in its progress, more or less of truth-and truth gradually su persedes error-so that correct ideas of physical well-being obtain to far greater extent now than at any former period. This subject of water-cure is attracting at present a large share of attention. We believe that between the extremes of fanaticism and prejudice, there lies a region of important facts which books, like the one before us, will tend to disseminate. Bulwer's eloquence has been lavished upon this theme; but the most judicious and pleasant account of the matter we have seen is that of our own countryman, Mr. Calvert, in his "Scenes and Thoughts in Europe." We recommend Dr. Gully's book to the profession and all interested in the subject. He stands high as a physisician, and writes in a learned and philosophical strain.

The Modern Standard Drama. Vol. ume III. New York: William Taylor & Co., No. 2 Astor House. 1846. This is a collection of the most popular acting plays; and will prove a desirable addition to the library of every lover of dramatic literature. They are not arranged in chronological order. "The Poor Gentleman " precedes Hamlet, and "Lend me Five Shillings' " follows Othello. This very blending of the existent popular drama, is, however, an interesting illustration of the prevalent taste. It gives us what has survived the lapse of time and the changes of fashion, side by side with the successful novelty of the hour. The usefulness of the work for reference is enhanced by the intelligent criticisms and remarks of the editor, EPES SARGENT, and each of the volumes is prefaced by a memoir of some distinguished performer, accompanied by a portrait.

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So far as regards New England, the lives of the old governors furnish for the most The part the history of the colonies. the will of the people, whether expressed stern old Puritans, who there administered by the vote of the freeholders at large as in Plymouth, by that of the "Great and General Court," as in Massachusetts, or by the General Assembly of Representatives, as in the other colonies; those fierce compounds of priest, of soldier, and of statesman, were not only the rulers, but the fathers of their people. Bound up in spirit and in estate with the well-being of their with their very existence. Their duties communities, they identified themselves were as various as the exigencies of their

colonies. They by turns negotiated with the savage tribes around them, or carried fire and the sword into their territories; they palavered the court of the mother country hibited, in the procurement of some charwith most commendable assiduity, and extered privilege, the settlement of some disputed boundary, talents for diplomacy have applauded; they settled the foundawhich a Wesselrode or a Metternich might tions of the faith by dicta as infallible as a bull of Gregory, or of Pius; they adjudged the fate of criminals, and settled the doom of heretics. In times of danger they shared the common peril; in times of famine and distress, the common misery. Had they fortunes, they devoted them with a liberality worthy the first ages of the Christian world; had they spiritual gifts, they exercised them as freely for the glory of God and the building up of his Church. Parties there were, and factions from time to time, civil and religious; periods of popularity and distrust, but the old magistrates of Puritandom, trod on their course, fearless and unmoved, wrapped up in the fulfillment of their mission, the patriarchs of the tribes of our modern Israel.

The lives of many of them furnish materials of historical romance, which, in the hands of one worthy of the task, are destined yet to body forth in that due mixture of truth and fiction with which Scott invested the tales of his own land, treasures not less abundant or attractive.

To us

there is, even now, no reading more enticing than the simple narratives of trial and of triumph, with their quaint details, their earnest devotion, their stern bigotry, their self-denial, their patience in suffering, their trustful hope, in which the old chroniclers have recorded the infancy of New England, and the administrations of New England's chiefs.

The present volume does not add much to what already has been in some other form pursued, of mere historical matter, though the author has evidently searched well, and collated with judgment, all the existing authorities on the subject. But as regards the biographical sketches, the real object of the work, particularly of some individuals less generally known, it does give much that, to us at least, is new and interesting. The characters are drawn with fidelity and impartiality, and where facts are attainable, with detail enough to give all the individuality possible to men among whom there exists an almost family likeness. The next volume, we understand, will comprise the governors of the remaining New England Colonies until the termination of the Colonial Independence and their formation into provinces. The third will enter upon a field almost entirely new, the lives of the early governors of Virginia, and so on in succession through the rest.

Mr. Moore, the author of this work, is extensively and favorably known as, for many years, the editor of one of the best conducted papers in New England. He has since occupied a confidential place in the Post Office department at Washington. Possessing unwearied industry, a devoted attachment to historical investigation, with a style easy and natural, he is admirably qualified for the successful completion of the laborious, but interesting task he has now commenced. The volume is well printed, on good paper, and is embellished with a steel engraving of Governor Winslow, and excellent lithographs of Sir Henry Vane, John Endicott and the Elder Winthrop.

Letters on Astronomy, addressed to a Lady, in which the elements of the Science are familiarly explained, in connection with its literary history, with Engravings. By DENISON OLMSTEAD, LL. D. New York: Harper & Brothers.

These are a very clear and excellent series of observations on all the more popular topics of astronomical knowledge. The style, as was to be expected in letters to a lady, is more easy and familiar than is usual in this author's scientific writings. The book is full of apt illustrations, and presents, with suitable perspicuity, nearly overything that need be known by the

general reader. On the whole, the only fault we have to find is the eternal use of the word "hence." We remember it of old. In this book, among other instances, "Hence, from this cause," is a trifle tautological.

Sailor's Life and Sailor's Yarns. By CAPTAIN RINGBOLT.

This is a neat little book, published by Francis. It rests one's eyes and one's heart to read it, but not one's risibles. There is much humor and humanity, and some pathos in this little work. The first story is the best. It made our heart run over at our eyes. The practical observations, and the plea for the improvement of sailors, should recommend the book to all who would do good to a large and neglected class of men. Captain Ringbolt is a wit, (we have heard him tell a better story than any in his book,) but he is something better. He has a sailor's heart in a captain's bosom-a very desirable thing for sailors. If we ever go Capt. R's. way at sea, we shall certainly take passage with him.

The Italian Reader. Edited by Signor FORESTI. New York: Appleton & Co.

Instead of meaningless phrases and thrice-repeated extracts, appended to unintelligible rules, we have in this volume a beautiful selection from the choicest prose of the Italian language. The work is prepared by Signor Foresti, the Professor of Italian Literature in Columbia College-a well known exile, of character and attainments, who has been for many years resident in this country. He has chosen for the purpose the writings of standard modern authors many of which are inaccessible to the general reader. Difficult passages are elicited in notes, and a running commentary unites the extracts into an intelligible whole. The passages from Botta, Foscolo, Verri, Bini, &c., are selected with rare taste and judgment, and are not only beautiful examples of style, but possess intrinsic interest. Indeed, although intended as a reader to initiate students of the language, it is an attractive volume for the adepts in Italian to revive their most pleasant associations with that musical tongue. We wish, by the way, that more attention were paid among us to a language and literature, from which so much of the fine fancy and mellowness and richness of style, of our own early English writers was drawn. We say "our own," for we hold that the literature of England, previous to the reign of Charles II., belongs as much to us as to the modern inhabitants of Great Britain, who speak but the same inherited language, and are but the descendants of the same stern, imaginative generations.

BY THE NAUTILUS (MUTUAL) INSURANCE COMPANY.

Office No. 58 Wall Street.

THIS Company recently organized, upon the improved and deservedly popular principle of mu tual assurance, will confine its business exclusively to Insurance on Lives.

It commences with a capital of $50,000, which will be continually augmenting as its business increases. The rates of premium correspond with those of other American Companies.

One of the peculiar advantages attending insurance with this company is, that all the assured share annually in its profits, and are interested in its success; for its charter provides "that each and every member shall be annually credited with his proportional share of the amount of premiums earned, after deducting losses and expenses. But in no case shall his share of loss exceed the amount of such premium." These earned premiums or profits will be safely invested by the company, constituting a permanent fund, annually augmenting for the benefit and security of all parties interested.

The Rates of Insurance on One Hundred Dollars, on a Single Life, for One Year.

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Persons may effect insurance on their own lives or the lives of others.

A man may effect insurance on his own life in the name of his wife for her benefit, and paya ble to her-and in case of her death previous to the death of her husband, payable to her children for their use, and to their guardian if under age.

LEWIS BENTON, Secretary.

PLINT FREEMAN, Actuary.

ALEXANDER HAMILTON, Jun., Attorney.

J. D. P. OGDEN, President.

A. M. MERCHANT, Vice President.

Medical Examiners.-George Wilkes, M.D., 28 Laight street, Cornelius R. Bogert, M.D.,5 St. Mark's Place.

PROSPECTUS OF THE SECOND SERIES OF THE

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND ARTS,

TO BE CONDUCTED BY

PROFESSOR SILLIMAN, B. SILLIMAN, JUN., AND JAMES D. DANA,

AT NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT.

THIS Series commenced on the first of January, 1846, and will be published in six numbers annually, namely, in January, March, May, July, September and November, of each year. Each number will contain from 140 to 150 pages, making annually two volumes of 420 to 450 pages each, fully illustrated by engravings, as the subjects may require. The price will be Five Dollars a-year, in advance.

This Journal is intended to be a faithful record of American and Foreign Science. The "Scientific Intelligence" will contain a summary of the progress of Physical Science at home and abroad. The aid of the most able collaborators has been secured in carrying out the plan, and we trust the Journal" will commend itself to a large class of readers.

A greatly increased subscription (over that which the First Series of 50 volumes could number) is required to sustain the expense of a more frequent issue and the reduction of price. The most liberal discounts will be made to those who will act efficiently as agents in procuring new subscribers.

The New Series will afford a fresh starting point for those who have not been subscribers to the First Series, and the aid of all such is invited as a tribute to the cause of useful knowledge, and to the rising reputation of our country.

It is our design to make this Journal as popular and valuable as possible. The present system of reduced postage will take it to any part of the Continent for 10 cents per number.

Remittances and communications may be made by mail, addressed to the Editors of the American Journal of Science and Arts, New Haven, Conn.

Complete copies of the First Series of fifty volumes, with a General Index, may be had of B. Silliman, New Haven. The American Journal first appeared in July, 1818. Forty-nine volumes have been published, and the fiftieth volume, to consist of a General Index of the entire Series, is in the course of preparation, and will be printed as soon as possible. These fifty volumes, coeval with nearly a generation of men, cover a very important period in the history of science and the arts of this country and the world, and must ever remain an important work of reference. AGENTS.-New York: C. S. Francis and Wiley & Putnam. Boston: Little & Brown, Otis & Broaders and Jordan & Co. Philadelphia: Carey & Hart. Baltimore: N. Hickman. Washington: F. Taylor. Albany: W. C. Little.

A Whig Journal of Politics, Literature, Art and Science.

GEO. H. COLTON, EDITOR: WITH THE PERMANENT ASSISTANCE, IN THE POLITICAL DEPARTMENT, OF HON. D. D. BARNARD.

THE AMERICAN REVIEW is now entering upon its third year, and fifth volume. Begun in times of defeat and repression, it stands now before the country as a permanent work. In the spirit of its conduct, no changes will be made. It was established as a national organ, thoroughly discarding all sectional interests and prejudices; that character it will maintain. The following is from the original Prospectus, issued at Washington by the Whig Members of the Twenty-Seventh Congress:

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Earnestly approving of the plan of such a National organ, long needed and of manifest importance, the undersigned agree to contribute for its pages, from time to time, such communications as may be requisite to set forth and defend the doctrines held by the united Whig Party of the Union-Geo. P. Marsh, D. D. Barnard, J. McPherson Berrien, J. R. Ingersoll, E. Joy Morris, T. L. Clingnan, Daniel Webster, R. C. Winthrop, Thos. Butler King, Hamilton Fish, J. P. Kennedy, J. Collamer, Wm. S. Archer, Rufus Choate, Alexander H. Stephens. Hon. D. D. Barnard will be permanently connected with the Political Department-an addition which cannot fail to command the respect and confidence of all sections of the country. Besides this, arrangements have been entered into for articles of importance, from eminent public men in the South and the North; and other contributions, from the pens of J. T. Headley, Prof. Tayler Lewis, Rev. Orville Dewey, Prof. Henry, of N. Y. University, H. N. Hudson, J. D. Whelpley, E. P. Whipple, and the author of "Notes by the Road," with a series from Rev. H. W. Bellows, on Social and National questions, (together with many other accomplished writers, whose names we cannot mention)-will fill the Magazine with matter of unusual variety and interest.

The Department of the NATIONAL INDUSTRIAL and MANUFACTURING INTERESTS, will be particularly attended to, the list of M. Fisher's publication having been transferred to the Review. The Department of FOREIGN MISCELLANY will be enlarged, and a chapter of Domestic Miscellany added to it.

The ENGRAVINGS in the year will be six in number, embracing eminent public men; both deceased and living. Other embellishments may be added, illustrating particular subjects. Thus it is seen that no pains will be spared, or means left unemployed, to make this the first of American Periodicals.

May we hope, then, for this work a support commensurate with its importance. We ask its friends everywhere, to do something more than give their good wishes. If every one willing to subscribe himself would obtain one additional subscription from a friend, the highest hopes and desires of its conductors would soon be realized.

Agents for the Review.

Mr. HENRY M. LEWIS is our traveling agent for Alabama and Tennessee;

Mr. ISRAEL E. JAMES for the Southern and Southwestern States, assisted by James K. Whipple, William H. Weld, O. H. P. Stem, John B. Weld, B. B. Hussey, J. Hammit, J. S. James, T. S. Waterman and John Collins;

Mr. C. W. JAMES for the Western States, Iowa and Wisconsin, assisted by James R. Smith, J. T. Dent, G. H. Comstock, E. Y. Jennings, T. Gardiner Smith and F. J. Hawes ; and Geo. W. Beaver, Soliciting Agent.

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