I do not think that the damsel mentioned Acts, xvi. 16. was a ventriloquist. The use of the word [Greek: ekraze] in the next verse, would lead us to infer that she spoke in a loud voice with her mouth open; whereas the [Greek: eggastrimuthoi] are defined by Galen (Glossar. Hippocr.) as [Greek: oi kekleismenou tou stomatos phthengomenoi].
Consult Vitringa and Rosenmüller on Isa. viii. 19., Wolf and Kuinoel on Acts, xvi. 16., Biscoe on the Acts, ch. viii. §2; where references will be found to many works which will satisfy Mr. SANSOM better than this meagre note.
[Hebrew: B]
Ventriloquism (Vol. ii., p. 88.).—In reply to Query 1, I wish to call Mr. SANSOM'S attention to Plutarch de Oraculorum defectu (Lipsiæ, 1777, vol. vii. p. 632.), and to Webster's Displaying of supposed Witchcraft (chaps. vi. and viii.). Queries 2 and 3. Besides the extraordinary work of Webster, he may consult the elaborate dissertations of Allatius on these subjects, in the eighth volume of Critici Sacri. Query 4. On the use of the term [Greek: eggastrimuthos] by the sacred writers, Ravanelli Biblioth. S., and by classical authors, Foesii Oeconomia Hippocratis; and for synonymous "divinorum ministrorum nomina," Pollucis Onomasticon.
T.J.
REPLIES TO MINOR QUERIES.
Earl of Oxford's Patent (Vol. ii., p. 194.).—M.'s quotation from the Weekly Oracle relates to Harley's having been stabbed at the council-table by the Sieur de Guiscard, a French Papist, brought up for examination 8th March, 1711. The escape of the Chancellor of the Exchequer was the subject of an address from both Houses to the Queen; and upon his being sufficiently recovered to resume his seat, the Speaker delivered to him the unanimous congratulations of the House of Commons. Harley was shortly after created Earl of Oxford, by patent bearing date 24th May, 1711, which recites, inter alia,—
"Since, therefore, the two Houses of Parliament have declared that the fidelity and affection he has expressed in our service have exposed him to the hatred of wicked men, and the desperate rage of a villanous parricide, since they have congratulated his escape from such imminent dangers, and put us in mind that he might not be preserved in vain, we willingly comply with their desires, and grant him who comes so honourably recommended by the votes of our Parliament, a place among our peer," &c. &c.—Collin's Peerage, vol. iv. p. 260. edit. 1789.
Guiscard died in Newgate of the wounds which he received in the scuffle when he was secured.