2. Have you served the whole of your articles at the office where the attorney or attorneys to whom you were articled or assigned carried on his or their business? If not, state the reason.

3. Have you at any time during the term of your articles been absent without the permission of the attorney or attorneys to whom you were articled or assigned? and if so, state the length and occasion of such absence.

4. Have you during the period of your articles been engaged or concerned in any profession, business, or employment, other than your professional employment as clerk to the attorney or attorneys to whom you were articled or assigned?

5. Have you since the expiration of your articles been engaged or concerned, and f how long time, in any and what profession, trade, business, or employment, other than the profession of an attorney or solicitor?

The pupil's answers to these questions, together with those of his master to a corresponeing series of inquiries, will most probably determine the chance of a “call" at the period desired. Various notices precede and follow these inquiries as further preliminary steps, all of which must be in strict conformity with the orders of the Master of the Rolls for the regulation of the examinations as from time to time in force.

The act of parliament now in force for the regulation of these matters is (we believe) the 6 and 7 Victoria, cap. 73 (“An Act for Consolidating and Amending the Laws relating to Attorneys and Solicitors"), which all law students will do well to consult.

We may here state (in reply to the question referred to in the earlier part of this paper) that we do not know of any regulation or order in existence entitling an articled clerk to go up for examination before the term of his articles has fully expired; on the contrary. all the forms to be complied with, and the questions put, would seem to imply that it is essential that the term of clerkship should be completed before examination. It is necessary to give one term's notice of intention to go up for examination. This, we think, might fairly be given so as to enable the student to go up immediately on the completion of the period of clerkship; or, if the matter was really urgent, a special order might, perhaps, be obtained from the Master of the Rolls; but such a step would entail expense; and, as it is quite clear the admission could not take place until the term of clerkship was fully enpleted, we can see no object in hastening on the examination.

It may be remarked further, as to the period of clerkship, that of the three years' tera, one year may be served with a London agent, but no part with a barrister; while, of the five years' term, one year may be served with a London agent, and one year with a barrister, or special pleader.

The legal works really essential to be read by a law student are, Williams” “Principles of the Law of Real Property;" the second volume of Blackstone's (Stephens') “Commen taries;" and the careful perusal of Cruise's "Digest." He should also read a series d clever letters on "Conveyancing," now publishing in "The Law Student's Magazine." H acquaintance with the works named will prepare him for the reading of such further ene as "Platt on Leases," "Fearne on Contingent Remainders and Executory Devises," W liams's "Executors and Administrators," Sugden's "Vendors and Purchasers," and the elaborate treatise on "Powers" by the same author. We place these works in the order in which they should be consulted. It is one thing to read a book, and another to under

stand it; hence care must be taken that the books read lead, step by step, to the point desired to be attained. The peculiar branch of the profession intended to be followed must determine the subsequent or additional course of reading.

With respect to readings in "general literature," we think the list of works furnished by B. S., in the June number, on the whole so well selected, that we have only one or two to add; these are, "Sir James Mackintosh's Speeches," "Lord Brougham's Speeches," and "Sheil's Speeches." From these may be gathered the essence or philosophy of the law in several branches not usually treated of in "law books proper," and yet of great service to the student.

We fully concur in the remarks of B. S. on the importance of a knowledge of HISTORY to the law student. It is admitted on all hands that without this "the lawyer will frequently be at a loss even in the practical details of his own department, and can have no pretensions to be considered accomplished in his profession,”

We have already fully expressed our opinion on the advantages of properly constituted "debating societies" to law students. We are pleased to remark that one of the greatest of modern lawyers (Sir Samuel Romilly) says, "that some of the arguments on legal subjects which he composed for the debating society to which he was attached were afterwards of the greatest use to him at the bar, and were frequently referred to by him." We trust many of our readers may derive like benefit, and "shine as he shone."

C. W., JUN.

REPORTS OF MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT SOCIETIES.

Edinburgh Young Men's Literary Union.The lectures referred to in a recent number have been delivered. The first lecture was by Dr. George Wilson, on "The Power of the Eye to discern Colour." Amongst other matters, Dr. Wilson showed, by a number of instances adduced, that great ignorance prevails regarding the different kinds and shades of colour, and this even amongst those whose trades require a knowledge of them; whilst females, from the woollen and other kinds of work which engage their attention, know much more of colours than the opposite sex. The chair was occupied by Adam Black, Esq., late Lord Provost. The second lecture was delivered by Hugh Millar, Esq., on "The Relations of Geology to Theology," and was a very eloquent and impressive one. The chair was occupied by Professor Swinton, who with much eloquence enforced the lecture of Mr. Millar, who, from the humble occupation of a journeyman mason, had raised himself to the ranks of the most distinguished geologists and pleasing writers of his time. The third lecture was delivered by the Rev. Dr. Robert Lee, professor in the university and one of the city ministers. The subject of Dr. Lee's lecture was, "The Cultivation of the Mental and Physical Powers." The chair was occupied by F. Maitland Heriot, Esq., Advocate, who expressed his interest in the society, and the desire of the town council, of which he is a member, to promote the elevation of the young men of the city. The lectures have been highly successful, and have been favourably noticed by the newspapers; and it is contemplated to have a similar course in the winter.

The Edinburgh Albion Mutual Improvement Society held their first annual soiree, in Sinclair's Temperance Hotel, St. David's Street, on the evening of Wednesday, 29th June, 1853, when the members entertained their friends with a substantial repast; Mr. Paul in the chair. After tea the meeting was eloquently addressed by the chairman, and Messrs. Ingram, Macpherson, MacNaughton, Walker, Stodart, and Usher.

The Wigan Discussion Society.-This society was established in April, 1852, by the exertions of four members of the Wigan Mechanics' Institution, and consisted of only fourteen members, but has since that time increased to nearly thirty. Previously Wigan had not, for a considerable number of years, possessed a society of this description, nor an institution worthy of notice. The first meeting was held on the 27th of April, 1852, and a code of rules suitable to the object of the society was agreed to. Meetings for discussion have since been held on alternate Friday evenings, each question being introduced by an essay written by the proposer of the subject. On Thursday evening, May 27, the members celebrated their first anniversary soirée, at Mr. Grant's Temperance Hotel, where upwards of seventy members and friends partook of "the cup which cheers but not inebriates." After tea the cloths were withdrawn, and Mr. E. Clarke was called to the chair. The secretary's report showed the society to be in a very flourishing and hopeful condition. The meeting was addressed by several members, and the evening's entertainment was enlivened with various pleasing recitations. During the evening several select pieces of music

were performed on the pianoforte by Mr. W. Cooper. We may add, for the further information of the readers of this invaluable magazine, that, since the formation of this society, two others of a similar character have been established, in connexion with religious institutions in this town. We have, therefore, every reason to believe that the young men of this town are arousing themselves from their deep intellectual lethargy. It is the intention of several of our members, who are subscribers to the British Controversialist, to extend, as far as possible, its circulation in this neighbourhood, the advantages they have obtained from it being very great.-E. H., Hon. Sec.

.

about a mile from the building at present ocet.. pied; but in consequence of a debate on the Jews Disabilities' Bill the ordinary place of meeting was refused, and in several instances the atten dance of the members at any future meeting was prohibited. Three or four of the members of the cli society being determined that it should not become defunct, called a meeting of the young men of the neighbourhood, at which the society was reorganized, and officers were elected. An appeal and a list of lectures and debates were drawn up and widely circulated, and in February, 1836, the Rev. Brewin Grant, B.A., of Birmingham, de livered a lecture on "The Law of Human TroCheltenham Mutual Improvement Society.gress," to nearly two hundred persons. Thus The members and friends of this society recently was the new society inaugurated, and ever since held their third half-yearly tea meeting, at the numbers in attendance at the meetings have the society's rooms, Grosvenor-street. After tea steadily increased, and the interest has gradusly the chair was taken by James Scougall, Esq., deepened. There are now thirty-two members, F.E.I.S. H. W. Lusty, the honorary secretary, and the average weekly attendance of members was first called upon, and gave a very satisfactory and friends is forty-seven. We hope in the account of the progress and position of the society. suing winter to accomplish still greater things Some excellent speeches were then made by the our motto is "mutual co-operation for murus. chairman, Messrs. Moore, Willett, E. S. Winters, benefit;" and where all are equally interested, we the Rev. J. M. Howie, and the Rev. A. M. Brown, rely on each to do his part. Several of the mea LL.D. On Monday, July 6, the half-yearly busi-bers wish to add their testimony to the value of ness meeting was held. The secretary read the this journal, from which they have derived r report of the committee, which stated that seventy- small benefit and encouragement; and they h three members had been admitted during the past that the praiseworthy efforts of its conductors w six months, and the total number of members was meet with that success which they deserve.W. H. S. one hundred and twenty-three. Twelve lectures had been delivered to numerons audiences. The library had received an addition of forty volumes, and every department of the society was in a state of prosperity. The report having been received and adopted, and votes of thanks presented to the late officers and committee, the meeting proceeded to the election of officers for the ensuing half. year.-H. L., Hon. Sec.

Stockport Essay and Elocution Class, in connexion with the Primitive Methodist Sunday School, held its first annual tea party and soirée on Saturday evening, June 18. William Bradley, Esq., occupied the chair, and alluded in appropriate terms to the benefits to be derived from connexion with such classes. Numerous recita

tions and dialogues were given, and the proceed ings of the evening were enlivened by a splendid quartet band.-W. A.

Inverness Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association. The first half yearly supper of this society was recently held in Hamilton's Temperance Hotel, Mr. R. Stewart in the chair; Mr. A. Grant, croupier. After the removal of the cloth, the chairman called upon Mr. J. Noble, the secretary, to read the report, from which it appeared that the society was in a flourishing condition. During the half year twenty-two meetings have been held, at which discussions on important subjects have taken place. After the reading of the report, appropriate addresses were delivered by several of the members. The intervals between these were enlivened by several songs, which contributed in no small degree to the enjoyment of the evening.-J. N., Sec.

Sunderland Polemical Society.-The first quarterly meeting of this society was held in th Temperance Hotel, Villiers-street, on Monday, June 13th. After the members had taken te Mr. D. G. Greig was called upon to preside. T report of the quarterly session was read by the secretary, Mr. R. Frost. From this it appea that the society owed its existence to the zeal es and indefatigable labours of a few young

who had the cultivation of the intellects of the fellows seriously at heart. The report, after r stated that during the session fifteen essays Jān ferring to a few particulars of minor importsner been read by the members, most of them bet on controversial subjects. The society is in a flourishing state, and promises to be one e, the most prosperous in the district.

Dowlas Mutual Instruction Society-This society was formed in 1851, for the purpose « mutual instruction. It meets twice a week, c Monday evening for discussion, and on Fria evening for the study of grammar and con sition. The discussions are opened by two essays viewing the question in an opposite light. VE main drawback is our ignorance of English 1. being situated in the heart of the South Wa iron district, many members are frequently en ployed during the whole night. Upon the try Friday in every month we have a lecture e vered by one of the members. Your publicat is a universal favourite, and most of the membes subscribe to it. We are endeavouring to wie its circulation in the coal-holes of South Waks

W. M.

Dundee Literary Societies' Laion. — T Walthamstow and Woodford Mutual Improve-annual festival of this union was held in Th ment Society.-A brief sketch of this society may prove not uninteresting to the readers of the British Controversialist, and may serve as a stimulus to others. Until the month of November, 1852, the society met at St. Peter's schoolroom,

square Seminary, on Monday evening, July 2 The Rev. George Gilfillan, who consents to a as president of the union, and who takes, a may well be supposed, from his large-best character, a warm interest in such literary si

The Suquirer.

183. I find, in a work on dialing, that on fixing a dial it should be placed 5' 57" too slow by the clock on the 1st of August; but it does not state whether that is to be taken for any particular part of the day, or whether it will be too slow at noon as well as before and after noon; if so, of 188. Will any gentleman kindly inform me in course the sun cannot be plain south, and at its what the examination for B. D. consists, and if highest point at noon, which I have generally that degree can be obtained without previous conunderstood was the case. I should feel particu-nexion with the universi ies?-AN ASPIRANT.

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS.

ticularly careful about the kind of paper he procures, as for want of sufficient caution in this respect many experimentors fail. Monier's pure white paper is considered the best.

135,136. A Student's Library.-The variety and number of books recommended to" Edward" and "A Law Student," is enough to bewilder them; Having selected paper of a close and even to most, however, of the additions and substitu- texture, and marked on one side with a pencil, tions suggested by "J. B. M'C." to the list on wash this side over carefully with a solution, page 75, I have no objection; only I think it consisting of thirty grains of nitrate silver, dis would be well for " A Law Student" and general solved in one ounce of distilled water, which readers to onit from both lists all works relating apply plentifully with a brush, thoroughly wetto Greek and Latin composition, in prose and ting every part, but leaving no moisture unab verse, and likewise all those mathematical works sorbed; this should be done on a hard, smooth which range higher than Euclid and the elements board, and thoroughly dried in the dark. Then of algebra; the result of studying which is not take a solution of two hundred grains of iodide worth the time and labour necessary to master potassium in half a pint of water, to which fifty them. The list given at page 75 is, as a corres- grains of salt have been added; draw the paper pondent has suggested, deficient in works of over the surface of the liquid, letting it repose history. The following list, which may be con- upon it, when plastic, for a few seconds, never sidered as supplemental to the former, will more than one minute. After dipping, drain it, remedy this defect, and has besides the advan- and lay it flat until about half dry, then set it tage of containing nothing but books of the very afloat in clean water for about ten minutes, drawhighest character, each being probably, in its ing it now and then along the surface; hang it own particular department, second to none for in a dark room to dry, and, when dry, smooth it the accuracy, ability, and impartiality of its by pressure. It is of the utmost importance that author. I place them in, what appears to me, all the soluble salts should be removed from the their order of importance:-Lingard's "History paper, and this is readily effected by leaving it of England;" Stephen's "Commentary on the floating for a time in water: a rougher washing Laws of England" (incorporating great part of would loosen the inside of silver. This paper Blackstone's Commentaries"); Hallam's" Con- will keep some time if carefully laid by in a portstitutional History of England:" De Lolme on folio. If "J. H." wishes to know how to apply the "Constitution of England "(Bohn); Guizot's the paper, when prepared, also respecting placing "Histoire de la Civilisation en Europe" (Bogue it in the camera, I refer him to the book before has published a translation in 3 volumes); Mal-named. I may inform him also that the psper, let's "Northern Antiquities," with preface by Bishop Percy (Bolin); Hallam's "History of the Middle Ages; Michaud s "Histoire des Croisades;" G. C. Lewis "On the Methods of Observation and Reasoning in Politics;" J. S. Mill's "System of Logic;" Barrow's "Theological Works" (Oxford edition); Whewell's History and Philosophy of the Inductive Sciences; Bacon's "Chiet Works," edited by Markly (published by Parker). I would add, that a very splendid and elaborate edition of the Greck and Latin classics, under the title of "Bibliotheca Classica," is in course of publication, under the joint superintendence of two accomplished English scholars, Mr. Long and Mr. Macleane; two volumes only have, indeed, as yet appeared, viz., "The Verrine Orations of Cicero," and "The Works of Horace;" but if continued, the "Bibliothera Classica" bids fair to supplant every other edition of the classics at present in use in this country. L.

159. A Camera Obscura.-As no answer has yet been given to “J. D. B.," who inquires for a cheap mode of making a camera obscura, I would observe, that I think he would find it cheaper in the end to purchase one; he may get one with brass sliding front, and miniscus lens for ob taining pictures on paper, 4 inches by 3, for £1 1s.; but if he wishes to make one, he may obtain the required information from a little work by Willats.-E. S. P.

ready prepared, may be obtained at the said Willats's establishment, at the following prices:Photogenic paper, in packets, 1s. and 2s. 6d; energiotype paper, ditto, 1s, and 2s 6d.; Monier's pure white paper, Is. 6d. per quire, &c., &c. Superior paper may be had at higher prices.E. S. P.

165. The Laws of Heat.-In continuation đ the article by us in the July number of the British Controversialist, concerning the nature of the sun's body, we beg to call the attention of R. S. to the following on "the laws of heat,” by Professor F. C. Calvert, F.C S.L., in the Augest number of the "Literary and Scientific Lecturer:

"There are three distinct theoretical views on the nature of heat. The first is that of undula tion or vibration, which admits that heat is propagated, in space or in matter, by the vibrations of an imponderable fluid existing throughout the universe called ether, according to the rapidity and intensity of whose vibrations is the degre of heat produced. The second theory is due to Mr. J. P. Joule, who found that force was required to produce heat-by friction for soads, by compression for gases, and by agitation for fluids. For example: he found when he agitated water in a confined vessel by paddle wheels, moved by machinery put in motion by a weight falling through a known space, that each pound of water would increase in temperature che 160. Photogenetic Paper.-Your correspondent degree Fahrenheit for every foot ti at a weight 770 "J. H." would do well to purchase a book, entitled | lb. tell. Mr. Joule has therefore found the meWillats's Plain Directions for obtaining Photo-chanical power equivalent to one degree of heat; graphic Pictures,' &c., which would give him all necessary information concerning the preparing of the above paper; the price is is.; it may be had through any bookseller. I may, however, in the meantime, observe, that he should be par

or, in his own words, that heat and mechanicsi power are convertible one into the other, and that heat is either the ris vira of ponderable particles, or a state of attraction and repulsion, capable of generating vis viva. The third theory