John P. Stilwell.
Dorking.
Miscellaneous.
NOTES ON BOOKS, ETC.
When Dr. Ure tells us that from the year 1804, when he conducted the schools of chemistry and manufactures in the Andersonian Institution, up to the present day, he has been assiduously engaged in the study and improvement of most of the chemical, and many of the mechanical, arts; that during that period he has been habitually consulted professionally by proprietors of factories, workshops, and mines, to rectify what was amiss in their establishments, and to supply what was wanting, he shows clearly how great were his qualifications for the preparation of A Dictionary of Arts, Manufactures, and Mines, containing a clear exposition of their principles and practice: and it is therefore little wonder that a work undertaken with such advantages should have reached what is now before us, a "fourth edition, corrected and greatly enlarged." Dr. Ure has, in this edition, turned to good account the many novelties of an interesting and useful nature first displayed in the Great Exhibition, and his two portly volumes may be consulted with advantage not only by manufacturers and professional men, but by lawyers, legislators, and, in short, all who take an interest in those achievements of science to which this great country owes its pre-eminence.
Unnoticed by reviewers, and unaided by favour or influence, Mr. Keightley tells us that his Mythology of Ancient Greece and Italy has reached its third edition. So much the better, for it proves that the book has merits of its own, and those merits have won for it a place which will keep Mr. Keightley's name in memory as long as a love for classical literature and tasteful learning remains; and this, we suspect, will be longer than Mr. Keightley anticipates. As the success which has attended this valuable and original exposition of classical mythology renders it unnecessary to say one word as to its merits, we may content ourselves with stating that this edition has been carefully revised, has received numerous additions, and, although it is beautifully got up, is published at lower price than its predecessor.
The children of Lady Falmouth are blessed with a mother who possesses that invaluable gift, the art of making learning a pleasure; and we doubt not many a loving mother will be glad to find her labours lightened by the recently published Conversations on Geography, or the Child's first introduction to where He is, what He is, and what else there is, by Viscountess Falmouth, Baroness Le Despencer. These conversations strongly remind one of Mrs. Marcet's, and we can give them no higher praise.
Whatever difference of opinion may exist as to the partial or impartial character of M. de Custine's work upon Russia, it contains much matter which will be read at the present important crisis with considerable interest; and in reprinting it in their Traveller's Library, at a price which will place it within the reach of all classes of readers, Messrs. Longman have taken steps for securing to Russia by M. De Custine a wide-spread popularity.