Mr. Williams, the Barrister, and author of The whole Law relative to the Duty and and Office of a Justice of the Peace, has nearly ready for publication the first part of a new periodical work for the use of Justices of the Peace, and Parish Officers, intended to be continued annually under the title of the Magistrate's Annual Assistant, containing the Acts of Parliament and adjudged Cases, so far as they respectively relate to the Offices of Justices of the Peace, and the powers of Parish Officers. A new edition of Thornton's Present State of Turkey, in two octavo volumes, is nearly ready for publication. In imitation of the ancient Lectionaries, a Collection of Morning Lessons for Sundays and other principal holidays is shortly to be published, as a companion to the Common Prayer Book of the Church of England. In the course of next month will be published, a Tour in Scotland by Sir John Carr, in one handsome quarto volume, price in boards, two guineas, to be embellished with plates from drawings by the author. A Biographical Index to the House of Lords has been for some time in the press, and will be speedily published. It is compiled by the Editor of the "Biographical Index to the House of Commons:" it consists of a single volume, of a portable size, and, in addition to the descent of the Peers of England, given in an entirely new. form, it contains an account of the present and late ones, their habits, pursuits, and parliamentary conduct. The sixteen Scotch, and twenty-eight Irish Members, are introduced in alphabetical order, as well as the Bench of Bishops. Mrs. Grant, author of Letters from the Mountains, is preparing to publish the Memoirs of Mrs. Cuyler. Dr. Thomas Dancer will shortly publish a new edition, much enlarged and improved, of the Medical Assistant, or West India Practice of Physic; designed for the use of young practitioners, heads of families, and managers of plantations. Mr. Stace is proceeding with some original anecdotes of Cromwell, which will contain many curious and important incidents. In a few days will be published, Principles of Surgery, for the use of Chirurgical Students, a new edition with additions. By John Pearson, F. R. S. Senior Surgeon to the Lock Hospital. &c. 8vo. 8s. 6d. We are requested to announce the advanced state of a most useful and elegant anatomical work, in folio, to be published in October, intitled Anatomico-Chirurgical Views of the Nose, Mouth, Larynx, and Fauces, with appropriate explanations and references to the parts, by Mr. J. J. Watt, Surgeon; designed by the Author to illustrate the Anatomy of those organs as they appear in different sections of the head, and performed with the strictest attention to anatomical accuracy. The engravings will be four in number, containing six views of the parts, of their natural size, and accompanied with the same number of outline figures of reference f with an additional anatomical description* of these organs by Mr. W. Lawrence, Demonstrator of Anatomy, St. Bartholo mew's Hospital. The principal professional Gentlemen resident in London, have already become subscribers to this publcation. Mr. Brown of Whitburn is correcting and1 enlarging his Memoir of Mr. Hervey for a second edition; the first being sold in a few months. He has received various letters from Mr. Hervey's friends in England which cast much light on the character of that good man; of these he means to avail himself in the second edition. The author of the Age of Frivolity, has in the press a small volume of Poems, consisting of Sonnets, Tales, and Characteristic Pieces. ART. XXVI. LIST OF WORKS RECENTLY PUBLISHED. AGRICULTURE. Crosby's Farmer, Grazier, Steward, Bailiff, and Cattle-keeper's Annual PocketBook for 1809. Containing a Journal of every Day, a Calendar of Business to be done, List of Taxes, Bankers, Laws, and many useful things for Country Gentlemen. 3s. 6d. bound. BIOGRAPHY. Memoirs of the Rey, Samuel Bourn, for many years one of the Pastors of the United Congregation of the New Meeting in Birmingham, and of the Meeting in Coseley: With an Appendix, consisting of various Papers and Letters, and Biographical Notices of some of his Contemporaries, and a Supplement containing Specimens of his Historical and Catechetical Exercises. By Joshua Toulmin, D. D. 8vo. 7s. in A Biographical Peerage of Great Britain; which are Memoirs and Characters of the most celebrated persons of each family. Vol. I. and II. (containing the Peerage of England, with the Arms engraven on wood) 12mo. 16s.. Volumes III. and IV. containing the Peerage of Scotland and Ireland, are in the press, and in a state of considerable forwardness. BOTANY. Fuci; or, coloured Figures and Descriptions of the Plants referred by Botanists to the Genus Fucus, By Dawson Turner, A. M. F. R. A. and L. S. Vol. I. containing 71 coloured figures with descriptions in English and Latin, roya 4to. 41. 13s. The British Flora; or, a Systematic Arrangement of British Plants. By John Hall, M. D. of the Royal College of PhySeians of London, Physician to the Lyingin Hospital in Manchester, &c. Vol. I. sm. 8vo. second edition, much improved. 9s. The second volume is in forwardness. CHEMISTRY. An Epitome of Experimental Chemistry, three parts. Part I. Intended to facilitate the acquisition of Chemical Knowledge, by minute Instructions for the performance of Experiments. Part II. Directions for the Analysis of Mineral Waters, of Earths, and Stones. Part III. Instructions for applying Tests and Re-agents. By William Henry, M. D. 5th edition illustrated by plates, by Lowry, 8vo. 12s. EDUCATION. A new and complete Spelling Dictionary, and Sure Guide to the English Language; on the plan of the late Mr. Fenning: principally designed for the use of Schools, and Benefit of Foreigners. By Beckwell Dodwell Free, A. M. Classical Master at Mr. Till's, Pentonville, sm. 8vo. 5s. More short Stories in Words of two Syllables, 5s. 6d. Tales and Fables in verse, with moral Reflections. 1s. The Preceptor and his Pupils, Part. II. or the Syntax of all Languages compared together, with special Rules, Dialogues, Exercises, and Examinations on the English Language. By George Crabb, price 4s. 6d. with the Key. The Grammar of the English Language, including numerous Exercises in every Rule, and Queries in the manner of those in Goldsmith's Grammar of Geography; treating distinctly, completely, and prac tically, of Orthoepy, Orthography, the Accidence, Etymology, Syntax, Prosody, Composition, and Rhetoric. By the Rev. David Blair, A. M. Author of the Class Book, First Catechism, &c. 2s. GEOGRAPHY. A Familiar Introduction to the Study of Globes, Geography, and the Use of the By J. Bidlake, 2s. HISTORY. The Chronicles of Holinshed, comprising the Description and History of England, Scotland, and Ireland, with a general Index to the whole. 8 vols. royal quarto, 12. 12s. Annals of George the Third, from his Majesty's Ascension to the Throne, to the unparallelled Victory of Trafalgar. By W. Green, A. M. 2 Vols. 12mo. 14s. JURISPRUDENCE. The Law and Practice of Patents for Inventions, by William Hands, Gent, one of the Solicitors of the Court of Chancery, &c. 8vo. 5s. Reports of Cases argued and determined in the High Court of Admiralty, in the time of the Right Hon. SirWilliam Scott. By Chr. Robinson, LL. D. Advocate. 8vo. price 9s. 6d. Vol. VI. Part II. Containing Cases determined in 1805, 6, 7, and 8, with Indexes, completing the Sixth Volume. The eleven former Numbers of these Reports may be had, price 6s. each. Also, lately published, by the same Author, in 8vo. two Parts, price 2s. 6d. each, Notifications, Orders, and Instructions, relative to Prize Subjects, during the present Also My Pocket Book, Second Edition, with considerable Additions, illustrated with Caricature Plates, price 5s. 6d. boards. MEDICINE AND CHIRURGERY. The Medical Compendium, considerably enlarged and improved; being a complete and explicit Guide to Pharmacy, &c. as far as Instruction can be wanted, or may be obtained in families. A Glossary, of abstruse, but no indelicate Terms, is inserted; as also a Copious Index: together with a very interesting and useful Account of Mineral and other Waters. By D.Cox, Chemist to his Majesty, 12mo 8s.-The Appendix containing the different Formulæ of the new London, Edinburgh, and Dublin Phar- Thomas Brown, LL. D. Author of Virimacopoeias, may be had separate. A Treatise on the Operation of Lithotomy; in which are demonstrated the dangers of the present method of operating with the Knife and Staff. The Manner of performing the incisions is explained in short rules, and represented by Drawings the size of the living figures. By Robert Allan, Surgeon, folio, 11. 11s. 6d. J. Callow's Catalogue, for 1809, of a Modern Collection of Books in Anatomy, Medicine, Surgery, Chemistry, Botany, &c. 1s. Anatomical Plates of the Arteries of the Human Body, accurately coloured, and reduced from the Icones of Haller, with a concise explanation, 12mo. 15s. An Exposition of the Practice of affusing Cold Water on the Surface of the Body, as a remedy for the cure of Fever; to which are added, Remarks on the effects of Cold Drink and of Gestation in the Open Air, in certain conditions of that Disease. Robert Jackson, M. D. 8vo. 10s. 6d. MISCELLANEOUS. By The Complete Works of the late Rev. John Newton, Rector of St. Mary Woolnoth, London, 6 vols. 8vo. 21. 14s.-The sixth volume, containing Posthumous Pieces, a Portrait of the Author, a copious Index, and a list of Subscribers, will be ready in a few days. It may be procured separately, price 12s.-The following are the Titles and Prices of Mr. N.'s works, and which may be procured separately, 1. Cardiphonia, or the Utterance of the Heart, 2 vols. 6s.-2. Letters to a Wife, 2 vols. 6s.-Messiah, 2 vols. 6s.-Olney Hymns, 3s. 6d.Ecclesiastical History, 8vo. 6s.-Omicron's Letters, 3s.-Smaller Tracts, 3s.-Authentic Narrative of the Author. 1s. 6d, The British Cicero, or a Selection of the most admired Speeches in the English language; arranged under three distinct heads of Popular, Parliamentary, and Judicial Oratory; with Historical Illustrations: to which is prefixed, an Introduction to the Study and Practice of Eloquence. By darium Poeticum, the Union Dictionary, &c. 3 vols. 8vo. 11. 11s. 6d. An Historical Dissertation on Tea; exhibiting the Chinese Methods of preparing it for the European Markets, means of Adulteration, its Dietetic and Medicinal Qualities, &c. 6d. The Connection of Words with Objects; a Visit to the Deaf and Dumb; with Hints towards a classification of Metaphysical Terms. The History and Antiquities of Dissen-. ting Churches, Chapels, and MeetingHouses, in and about the City of London, from the Rise of Non-conformity to the present time. No. I. 2s. 6d. to be continued monthly. Defense du Clergé Français, resident à Londres et dans le reste de l'Angleterre, contre l'inculpation de Mgr. Jean Milner, evéque de Castabal, dans son Mandement du 1 Juin 1808; par l'Abbé Blanchard, 2s. POETRY. Tales of the Robin and other small birds. Selected from the British Poets. By J. Taylor, 2s. 6d. The Grave, a Poem. By Robert Blair illustrated by twelve etchings, executed by' Louis Schiavonetti, from the original inventions of William Blake. Royal 4to. 21. 12s. 6d. POLITICS. A concise View of the Constitution of England. By George Custance, dedicated by permission to W. Wilberforce, Esq. M. P. 6s. THEOLOGY. A Dissertation on the Logos of St. John, By R. Lawrence. LL. D. 3s. A Discourse on the Being, or Existence of God, as discoverable by natural, unprejudiced Reason; intended as a popular antidote against the pernicious influence of modern Infidelity. By the Rev. Christopher Hodgson, LL. B. Rector of Marholm, Northamptonshire,and formerly of Pembroke Hall, Cambridge. 8vo. Is. 6d. CORRESPONDENCE. We have received a sensible letter from Mr. Crabb, author of "the Preceptor and his Pupils," proposing the institution of a Society, on the plan of the Academies in several countries on the continent, for improving and settling the English language; a project, in the promotion of which we can no otherwise assist, at present, than by giving it publicity and sanction. EBRATUM. p. 807. 1 5. for fretful peevish read fitful, THE ECLECTIC REVIEW, For NOVEMBER, 1808. Art. I. History of the House of Austria, from the Foundation of the Monarchy by Rhodolph of Hapsburgh to the Death of Leopold the Second: 1218 to 1792. By William Coxe, F. R. S. F.A.Š. Arch deacon of Wilts, and Rector of Bemberton, 3 Vols. 4to. pp. 1300. price. 51. 5s. Cadell and Davies, 1807. DIONYSIUS of Halicarnassus, who has so ably criticized the ancient historians of Greece, instructs us, that the first thing to be considered in regard to a historian, is the judgement, and knowledge with which he has selected his subject. There are several rules regarding this point, which are evidently of great importance. For example, the subject which a historian chuses should undoubtedly be one conducive to utility. If any historian should adopt a subject, from the elucidation of which no instruction, or very little instruction, could be derived, in regard to the laws of human affairs, it is impossible that any art or skill, mis-spent on such a subject, could intitle him to the denomination of a good historian. Another rule, of great importance likewise, because it is conducive to this same primary end, utility, is, that the subject be one; that is to say, a subject which the mind may contemplate under one point of view. When this is the case, both the comprehension and the recollection of facts are greatly facilitated. But when the historian is perpetually starting backwards and forwards between subjects which have little or no connection, the attention of the reader is perplexed; the instruction which arises from tracing a chain of connected events, (the distinctive instruction of history,) is forfeited; and even the chronological order of things takes no hold of the memory, when it is unaided by a more intimate and powerful association. These observations are peculiarly worthy of notice in the present case, because there is something remarkable in the choice which Mr. Coxe has made of a subject for the exercise of his historical pen. It is neither the history of a reign, nor VOL. IV. 4 C the history of a kingdom, nor the history of any great event: it is the history merely of a family. It is somewhat difficult to find a class to which such a species of composition may be referred. It ought to partake largely of the nature of biography, and seems more naturally to belong to that description of narrative, than to the historical; as it refers to the actions and fortunes of individuals primarily, and to the actions and fortunes of communities only as they are connected with those of a line of individuals. But it is with communities, however, that history is particularly conversant. Now the biography of a family is a subject, which we do not think holds out many advantages of great magnitude. It is impossible that any family can present a line of individuals, every one of whom deserves to be delineated with the pencil of biography. The greater part of them will necessarily be those common-place mortals, whose characters and actions afford neither instruction nor amusement. As for the fortunes of a mere line of individuals, they evidently furnish a subject too circumscribed to interest mankind, or to afford them lessons of any peculiar importance. Of what consequence is it to the people of London, who were the sons and daughters of Rhodolph of Hapsburgh, or to what men and women they gave birth from his time to the present? had their fortunes not affected those of large bodies, or communities of mankind, we should have had no more curiosity respecting the family of Rhodolph, than the family of Rhodolph's groom. It is merely as they are connected with communities of their fellow creatures, that we care to know about the family of Austria; and at every part of the progress, it is the community, not the individuals, who form the important object, that commands our attention, and affords the motive which prompts our curiosity. From this circumstance, then, it will appear that there is great imperfection in Mr. Coxe's choice of a subject. When two objects are presented to a man, one primary, the other secondary and subordinate, why not place the primary, as it ought to be, in the foreground, and the secondary in that relative position which its nature and connection prescribe? If the secondary object occupy the first place, it is a very unskilful arrangement, and in point of history not likely to be very subservient to instruction. In one respect, the house of Austria are a most interesting object of contemplation. They have long had the direction of the force and resources of a community, or portion of mankind, which has had a powerful influence in the affairs of Europe, or of the world. But the community over which they ruled, whose resources it was by which every thing was performed, and of which they were |