M. Paris, a member of the Academy of Inscriptions, and conservateuradjoint in the manuscript department of the Bibliotheque Royale, has undertaken to prepare not only a Catalogue, but a history of all the MSS. in the French and other living languages of Europe, existing in that institution. This history will include the material description of each volume-the particulars known, or notions entertained, regarding it-relating, for example, to its copyist-the persons in whose possession it has been-the time and motives of its acquisition by the Royal Library— and a notice of the author, and the merit of his work. The conservators of the Bibliotheque Royale, recognizing the importance of such a work, have determined that half the price of printing it shall be borne by the establishment.

The leading foreign journals contain some very valuable articles. The presumption of some unlearned men who are endeavouring to overthrow the well established laws of nature, has brought forth into intense action some of the ablest minds of the age.

With regard to those subjects which have been used in these investigations against the history of man and of the world as contained in the Old Testament, it is a curious fact, that the ablest defenders of the Christian faith are found among the laity.

SCIENTIFIC OBLIGATIONS.

We are indebted to Arabia for arithmetic and algebra, and the Moors for astronomy and geography; we owe entirely to Greece every species of elegant literature, for in the Latin poetical writers we find scarcely one single original thought. To the ancients, too, how much are we indebted for the useful arts! Arachme invented the distaff; Pamphyla the art of using cotton; a Phrygian lady, needle-work; Praxeteles, looking-glases; the Syrians discovered scarlet and purple dyes; and the Ledonian ladies first practiced embroidery; Moschus invented weights and measures, to perpetuate the memory of which the Greeks dedicated the celestial sign Libra; Prometheus first taught the art of striking fire from flints and steel; an Egyptian made the first lamp, and King Alfred of England the first lantern; Anacharchis the first pair of bellows; Peseusippus the first cask; a Spaniard the first sieve; a Scythian the first anchor, and Eriethonicus the first chariots, and harness for horses. Homer speaks of gimlets and planes, axes with a double edge, a level, and a rule; but he never alludes to a saw, a compass, or a square. Archytas invented the screw and pulley; Perdix the saw; Dædalus the axe, the whimble, and the wedge, his grandson the lathe, and Anacharsis the pottery wheel. Ctesebus invented the pump, a water-clock and other hydraulic instruments; and Nicius discovered the art of fulling cloth. Rhœcus and Theodorus of Samos invented the forging of iron statues, and casting copper ones. Cybele the daughter of Mars King of Phrygia, invented the tabor, the cymbol and the flageolet; and Castor and Pollux reducing motion to a science, gave rise to the art of dancing; while Gargoris, King of the Cecretes, first taught the method of taking honey from bees. Aristous discovered the art of expressing oil, and making cheese, an art long unknown to the Germans though they used milk and whey curds and butter.

The list of our obligations might be considerably extended. But though we are indebted to the ancients for many important hints, we have been far more successful in the useful arts. They had no wind-mills, or water-mills, no spectacles, no types for printing. If we except the arts of painting, sculpture, poetry, and music, they were immeasurably behind us. What would Daedalus say could he be introduced into one of our machine shops?

The Life of Francis Marion; by W. Gilmore Simms, author of " Yemassee,” “ History of South Corolina," etc. New York: HENRY G. LANGLEY, 8 Astor House. 1845.

This life of one of the most enterprising and popular Generals of the Revolution, from the pen of a writer so favourably known to the public, cannot fail to meet with a general welcome.

Among the many gallant spirits who were aroused to deeds of the highest chivalry and renown in the ever memorable cause of the American Revolution, no name deservedly stands higher than that of General Marion; and his biographer appears to us to have caught the true spirit by which the General was actuated, in a short but highly expressive picture given of him at page 146 of this book, which we transcribe with pleasure, as best calculated to create a desire to know the exploits of a hero who richly merited the encomium here passed upon his noble and daring character. It is as follows: "He was the true model of a partisan, in a country like ours, of swamp and thicket; leading the persevering foe like Tuck through bog and through brier,' till he wearied out his patience, exhausted his resources, and finally laid him open for defeat. He seldom lingered long in any one spot, changing his ground frequently with Indian policy; his scouts well chosen, were always on the alert; and by constant activity and enterprise, he not only baffled pursuit, but deprived defeat of its usual mortifications." The work is well printed, and interspersed with spirited and appropriate engravings.

The Half Yearly Abstract of the Medical Sciences, being a Practical and Analytical Digest of the Contents of the Principal British and Continental Medical Works published in the preceding six months. Together with a Series of Critical Reports on the Progress of Medicine and Collateral Sciences during the same period. Edited by W. H. Ranking, M. D., Cantab. Physician to the Suffolk General Hospital. Vol. I, January to June, 1845. New York: J. & H. G. LANGLEY, 8 Astor House, Broadway. G. B. ZIEBER & Co., Philadelphia. JORDAN & WILEY, and REDDING & Co., Boston.

Of course, we can say nothing of the merits of this work. Its title gives it claims, which will, no doubt, be duly appreciated by the medical profession.

The Medici Library of Italian Prose. Vols. 2 and 3. The Florentine Histories; by Nicolo Machiavelli. Vol. 4. The Citizen of a Republic; by Ansaldo Ceba. Translated and edited by C. Edwards Lester. New York: PAINE & BURGESS, 62, John street. 1845.

The above works are translated from the Italian by C. Edwards Lester, Esq., our late Consul at Genoa, and will be cordially welcomed by the friends of literature in the United States. There are other English translations of Machiavelli's Histories, but this, we believe, is the first American edition of any of that great writer's works. There is no doubt that the character of Machiavelli has been much misunderstood, as his satire on tyranny, called "The Prince," was so artfully disguised, that it seemed composed as a manual for despotic and corrupt sovereigns; and his name in consequence of his design having been mistaken by the wise and good, has passed into a by-word of atrocious skill. In his own country, however, he has been better understood, and his memory is cherished as a great statesman, a devoted patriot and a political writer of almost unequalled excellence, "whose singular talents were given, (to use the language of a competent critic,) with the highest constancy, and through severe personal misfortunes to the service of his country and its liberties." One of the best of English scholars, Gray, the poet, who travelled in Italy, says, "I rejoice when I see Machiavelli defended or illustrated, who to me appears one of the wisest men that any nation, in any age, has produced."

Whatever difference of opinion may prevail respecting "The Prince," by Machiavelli, none can be entertained respecting the Florentine Histories, which will be found quite unexceptionable, and one of the most entertaining works ever written. Of Mr. Lester's translation, competent critics have spoken in terms of high praise, and, we believe he has faithfully given the spirit and manner as well as the facts narrated by his great original. "The Citizen of a Republic," by Ceba, a Republican of Genoa, is a work quite unique, delightful, and instructive. This writer, as well as Machiavelli, flourished in the 16th century, soon after his great fellow-citizen, Columbus, and this volume, which has formed a manual or text book for the republicans of Italy, was written when Ceba was in his old age. Of his political works which are all unknown to Americans, this, the translator informs us, is considered the best.

It sets forth in pure and lofty style which is at once attractive and surprising, considering the period when it was written under a republican government, and is peculiarly adapted to the study of American youth, while those of any age may peruse it with delight. To illustrate his noble sentiments the author brings to his aid all the wisdom of the ancients, and the testimony of history, he shows, confirms those wise maxims which are the foundations of civil concord and prosperity.

Wiley & Putnam's Library of Choice Reading. Bubbles from the Brunnen; by Sir Francis Head. New York: WILEY & PUTNAM, 161 Broadway. 1845.

Among the many good things with which the publishers of this library often treat the public, we venture to say with great confidence, few have more merit in their way than these "Bubbles from the Brunnen." They purport to be nothing more than hasty sketches of what passed under the notice of the writer, a valetudinarian, “sentenced in the cold evening of life to drink the mineral waters of one of the bubbling springs, or Brunnen of Nassau."

However, the writer of the interesting incidents narrated, in the twenty-one tales into which he has here divided them, may himself have felt as in "the cold evening of life" he has grouped together, scenes, which we venture to say will excite a lively and agreeable warmth, about the region of the heart in all who are destined to the happiness of reading them. We exceedingly regret the narrow limits to which we are confined, in these, our notices, else would it delight us to make some extracts from these "bubbles," of thrilling interest. As it is, we can only say we have seldom met with a greater treat than they offer to those who would have their best feelings called forth in the best manner.

Wiley & Putnam's Library of American Books. No. 4.

This volume of the Library contains under the title of "The Wigwam and the Cabin," seven tales by W. Gilmore Simms-"Grayling," or "Murder Will Out.” "The Two Camps," a legend of the old North State. "The Last Wager, or the Gamester of the Mississippi." "The Arm Chair, or Tuestenugge," a tradition of the Catawba. "The Snake of the Cabin." "Oakatibbe, or the Choctaw Sampson." "Iccasee," a Cherokee legend.

These tales are the accumulations of several years; were mostly written for the annuals, separately, and are now published in this cheap form that all may have an opportunity to purchase them. These being all of domestic origin, from a celebrated author, and pourtraying scenes connected with aboriginal history, should make them popular, as they are, no doubt, full of interest.

No. 5, of this Library, comes to us under the name of "Big Abel and the Little Manhattan; by Cornelius Mathews.

We have only had time to look hastily through this story, which appears to be entirely local, relating to scenes in this city. What we have read has excited our curiosity. It makes no pretensions; but is one of those narratives, which many will, like ourselves, feel a desire to read.

Democracy in America, in Relation to Political Institutions; by Alexis De Tocqueville, Member of the Institute of France and of the Chamber of Deputies, etc., etc. Translated by Henry Reeve, Esq. Adapted for the use of Schools and District Libraries, by John C. Spencer, Counsellor at Law. New York: J. & H. G. LANGLEY, 8 Astor House. 1845.

We We are much pleased to see De Tocqueville's work republished in this convenient form, with the valuable notes of Mr. Spencer. No foreigner who has visited this country and written upon our institutions has done so, in a more catholic spirit and with more honest views; and although we by no means agree with him in all his premises or conclusions, we are not the less alive to the many sensible and judicious observations contained in this work, and cheerfully recommend its perusal to all those who have not already had that pleasure.

Silliman's American Journal of Science. Published at New Haven, Conn. This periodical, which has always been held in high estimation in Europe and America, has now reached its fiftieth volume, having been continued through a period of nearly twenty-eight years. It has been heretofore issued in quarterly numbers, but after the first of January next, the editors inform us it is to be published every other month, or six numbers of 140 to 150 pages each, annually. The 50th volume, soon to be issued, is to comprise an Index to the 49 preceding ones. The eminent position which Professor Silliman occupies among scientific men is a sufficient guarantee of the character of the work, and in his editorial labours, he is assisted by his son, Mr. B. Silliman, Jr., and Mr. James D. Dana.

THE

NATIONAL MAGAZINE

AND

Industrial Record.

VOL. I. NEW YORK, NOVEMBER, 1845. No. VI.

HISTORICAL SKETCH OF FRENCH COMMERCE,

FROM ITS RISE TO THE PRESENT TIME.

Ir being our purpose to give an account of our trade with France, as shown in the public documents of our trade and commerce, up to the 30th June, 1844, we have thought it may not prove uninteresting to give some account of the rise and progress of French commerce, from its early commencement-since it will but add another proof to the grounds we have taken, that commerce only prospers while the industry of a country is fostered and protected. Nothing is said of France, as a separate country of Europe, until the reign of Clovis, A. D. 481, who possessed all the country lying between the Rhine and the Loire, the Burgundians, about this time, having in their possession all the tract of land from the forest of Vosges to the sea of Marseilles on one side, and the Alps on the other. Clovis died in 511, and his vast dominions were divided among his four sons, to whom a series of weak and wicked princes succeeded, under whom France was reduced to more than its ancient barbarism; from which it does not appear to have emerged till the reign of King Pepin, in 752. But it was not until the accession of Charlemagne, his son, in the year 768, that the kingdom became noted for any political power. We find no maritime expeditions from Pharamond to Pepin, excepting only one under Charles Martel, the father of the latter, who vanquished the Frisons at sea in 728, and laid waste the isles Amstrach and Austrach. Charlemagne made several new havens and built new ships, and vanquished the Saracens before Genoa. At or about the years 782 or 788, a league was made between France and Scotland. In 785, or, as others say, in 794, Charlemagne transplanted ten thousand of the principal families of Saxony into Brabant and Flanders, and others of them into Switzerland. Morisotus, in his "Orbis VOL. I.-NO. 6.

61

Such

Maritimus, Lib. 2, Cap. 7," says "the French fleet of King Louis II., styled the Stammerer, vanquished the Saracen fleet twice on the coast of Italy in 878. From this time till the year 1097, when France embarked in the Holy War, in the reign of Philip I., Morisotus finds no maritime wars or expeditions. Puffendorf, and many other authors, state that such was the weakness of the French monarchy, that Hugh Capet, who ascended the throne in 987, found himself under the necessity of conferring on the nobility what Charles the Simple had supinely permitted them to assume-viz: the titles of counts and dukes of the provinces they governed, with the bare reserve of their vassalage to the crown. were the dukes of Normandy, Burgundy, Brittany, Aquitaine, Gascony, Languedoc; the counts of Flanders, Champagne, and Toulouse; but the countries of Savoy, Dauphine, and Provence, were then part of the German Empire, as belonging to the Kingdom of Arles. Hugh Capet, however, found means to annex to the crown the County of Paris, the Dutchy of France, as it was then called, all the lands between the Seine and the Loire, and the County of Orleans. From this time till 1201, we hear of no maritime expeditions in France. The barons of France, under the reign of Philip Augustus, according to "Favine," in his theatre of honour, "undertook the conquest of Constantinople from the Greek Emperor, but they sailed from Venice; France at that time having nothing to do upon the seas.' 99 The first mention of the appointment of a French admiral is in the year 1286, according to " Morisotus."

In Volume III., page 482 of the Federa, it is stated that Louis X., King of France, complains to Edward II. of England, that “whereas the English wool merchants, who had before kept their staple at Antwerp, had been permitted by him to settle their staple at St. Omers, under his protection, hoping that thereby great benefit would accrue to his kingdom; nevertheless the said English merchants at St. Omers do omit going with their wool to the fairs at Lisle, to the great prejudice of his people-although they constantly frequented those fairs when they held their staple at Antwerp, and although St. Omers be nearer to Lisle than Antwerp is." From hence we learn the great antiquity and importance attached to these wool fairs.

Voltaire, in his General History of Europe, speaking of the state of France about this time, (1360,) says, "she was so exhausted that she could not make payment of the first instalment for the ransom of King John, which was to be six hundred thousand crowns--the whole ransom being three millions of crowns-so that they were obliged to recall the banished Jews, and sell them the privileges of living and trading in France. The King himself," says this writer, "was reduced to the alternative of paying for the necessaries of his household in leather money, in which there was a little nail of silver."

In 1429, the "Annales Flandres," and many other histories, give a melancholy account of the situation of France about that time. Much of its lands lay uncultivated and overgrown with briars and thorns, infested by wild beasts, and its people reduced to poverty and desolationwhilst, by way of contrast, Flanders and Brabant, from their internal inindustry and woollen manufactures, of which they exported largely, abounded in riches, plenty, and all kinds of merchandises, under their sovereign Philip, styled the Good Duke of Burgundy. Their cities were magnificent, their towns and villages wealthy, their houses well