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corting of a greyish-white, covers that art of it which the composition touched. M. Descostils having been led by curiosity, to examine this substance, found from various experiments that it is a combination of oxide of silver, ammonia, and a vegetalle substance, nearly similar to the fulminating mercury of Mr. How ard. This substance termed by M. Descostils detone ting silvɛr, in order to distinguish it from the fulminating silver of I. Bertholet, is obtained by dissolving silver in pure nitric acid, and pouring in while the salution is going on, a sufficient quantity of rectified alcohol, or by adding the alcohol to a nitric solution of silver with a considerable excess of acid. In the first case, the nitric acid into which the silver has been put, must be slightly heated till the solution begins to take place, when it must be removed from the fire, and a sufficient quantity of alcohol added to prevent the liberation of any nitrous va pours. There occurs a considerable dis engagement of heat during the mixture of the two liquors; the effervescence immediately re-commences, but without any nitrous gas being disengaged, and gradually continues to increase, while at the same time there is emitted a strong smell of nitrous ether. The liquor soon becomes tarbid, and deposites a white crystalline ind very dull powder, which must be separated and several times washed with small quantities of water. If a ready made and strongly acid solution of silver be employed, it must be slightly heated before pouring into it the alcohol; the heat produced by the mixture, which takes place very gradually, soon occasions a considerable ebullition, and the powder is suddenly deposited. It may be perhaps proper to hint to those who may wish to amuse themselves with preparing this substance; that the mixture of alcohol and warm nitric acid is liable to many accidents, consequently they ought to operate in very small quantities. From a great number of experiments it appears that a very minute portion of this powder is sufficient to kill the strongest animal; when given to some cats, all of them expired in the strongest convulsions. It is, we are informed, without exception one of the most violent poisons which the metallic combinations furnish.

In order to ascertain what relation existed between manna and sugar, Messrs. THENARD and DUPUYTREN have been in duced to enter into an examination of

the former of these substances. With this view they took some manna, and after adding a portion of ferment to it, kept it at a temperature of 18°. The fermentation was prompt and brisk; but it ceased at the end of two days. A vinous odour was emitted by the liquor, which far from being alcoholic was saccharine, and on being subjected to evaporation, it deposited under the form of crystals, nearly all the matter which had been employed, but wholly incapable of fermentation. Alcohol at the temperature of 60°, poured on the manna, dissolved such a great quantity of it, that the liquor, when cold, appeared as one mass composed of a vast number of crystals. The nitric acid boiled with the manna produced such a great deposition of mucous acid, that its weight was almost equal to the half of that of the manna employed. These different experiments evince that manna and sugar are materially different from each other.

M. ROLIQUET has lately discovered a new vegetable principle in asparagus; after a careful analysis of this vegetable, he found that it contained,

1st, A green fecula composed of three diffe rent principles; the first of which is insoluble in alcohol, and very nearly approaches in its The second, termnature to animal matter. ed vegetable wax, is soluble in alcohol at a certain temperature, but is again deposited on the solution becoming cool. The third and alcohol, is obtained by evaporation, and holds last of these principles is likewise soluble in a middle place between volatile oils and resins. 2dly, Albumen. 3dly, Phosphate of potash. 4thly, Phosphate of lime held in solution by a portion of free acetous acid. 5thly, Terra foliata, or acetate of potash. and phosphate of potash. 6thly, A vegeto-animal substance. 7thly, An extractive matter. 8thly, A triple slt of lime and ammonia, of which the acid is unknown. 9thly, A colouring principle, which becomes a rose colour, when treated with acids, and yellow by alkalies. This learned chemist, in conjunction with M. Vauquelin has since examined the triple salt above mentioned. It is obtained in the form rhomboidal crystals, which however are not acid, since they do not redden turnsole; but neither was it found to contain any of the alkalies. These indefatigable chemists were hence led to conclude that this substance is a principle peculiar to asparagus, the true nature of which remains yet to be discovered: and they propose to continue their investigation with this view as well as to discover, whether this singular matter exists in any other vegetable. The same chemists have also found in the juice of asparagus a matter extremely analogous to manna.

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The church of St. Genevieve the boast of Paris, and of Soufflot, its architect, has sustained a most serious accident. The pulars beneath the dome have given way, and the French architects have been at a loss by what means to restore them to their perpendicular state. M. ROU DELET proposes to convert the pillars into pilasters, by absorbing the greater part of them

into the mass of wall adjacent; but this measure infers the loss of twelve columns of the peristyle, and pilasters are utterly incapable of supplying their intention. Recourse must therefore be had to painting and gilding, and large pictures must be placed before the pillars, in order to conceal from a spectator the inclination of the columns.

MONTHLY RETROSPECT OF THE FINE ARTS. The Use of all New Prints, and Communications of Articles of Intelligence, are requested.

Semerus Franciscus. Salvator Roa, pinxt. C. Turner sculpt. Published January 1, 1808, at R. Akerman's, Strand.

THE

HERE is a grandeur and nobleness of design in this head, strongly indicative of the fervid and original cast of genins which characterizes Salvator. The

ole is broad and simple, there is nothing to disturb the idea of devotion and resignation which appears wholly to absorb the saint in his meditations, the hands are superlatively beautiful, and are in a strictly proper attitude, and with the broad simplicity of the drapery form that unity of style, that well ordered simplicity, which suffers nothing to break in upon the general design; nothing to weakER the impression with which he intended to impress the minds of the spectator. It was this unity of style for which Sir Joshua Reynolds so highly esteemed this great master, considering him as the head of a class. This print is very finely engraved in the mezzotinto, and well coloured. Sancta Cecilia. Carlo Dolci pinxt. C. Turner sculpt. Published Jan. 1, 1808, at R. Akerman's, 101, Strand.

This Print is a very fine and appropriate companion to the above. The exquisite calin unclouded serenity of this saint at her meditations, that absorption of thought and total exclusion of every idea unconnected with the divine subject ef her comtemplation, mark the power of the master, who disdained to catch at applause by any indirect crooked ways; the whole is characteristically chaste, pure, and simple. This is likewise engraved in the mezzotinto and finely coloured.

Conncisteurs examining a Collection of the Pictures of George Morland. Gillray, 1808. There is much whim and humour in this design, the characters exhibited are well known attendants on auctions, and, allowing something for caricature, are good resemblances.

Mr. Thomas Green, Assertor of the Constitutional Right of Election at Liverpool, May 7, 1807. Turmeau delin. Thomas Williamson sculpt. Published for Edward Smith, Store Street.

This is the portrait of a well-known character in the late political struggle at Liverpool, and wears at his breast a medal inscribed with the name of that enlightened patriot Roscoe. Samuel Parr, LL. D.

7. Opie, R. A. pinxt. G. S. and J. G. Facius sculpt. Published January 1808, by J. Richardson, Strand.

This is a fine and characteristic por trait of Dr. Parr, and was one of the latest productions of Mr. Opie's powerful pencil; it is engraved in the chalk manher, and would be a better representation of the picture if it had somewhat Lady Louisa Manners, in the Dress of a Peasant. Hopner pinxt. C. Turner sculpt. Published 1807, by Cribb, Holborn.

more force.

This is a most fascinating portrait of a very beautiful woman: it is designed with great taste and fancy, and very finely engraved in the mezzotinto.

Elizabeth, Marchioness of Stafford. Painted by T Phillips, AR.A. Engraved and published by C. Turner, Charlotte Street, Fitzroy Square.

This is the portrait of a very fine woman, habited in the Turkish dress. The picture is designed in a great style, and admirably engraved in the mezzotinto. To Sir Charles and Lady Rous Boughton. This

Portrait of their Daughter, Lady St. John,
is respectfully Dedicated, by their Devoted
Servant, W. W. Barney. Hopner pinxt.
Barney sculpt. Published by W. Barney,
Fitzroy Square, 1807.

A very sweet and elegant portrait, and very finely engraved in the mezzotinto. Black Game, and Red Game. Elmere pinxt. C. Turner sculpt. Published by W. D. Jones, High Street, Oxford, Oct. 1807.

The Birds are spirited and correct, and

the

the surrounding scenery picturesque and appropriate. They are well engraved in the mezzotinto, and coloured with great beauty and taste.

Marquis Wellesley, and Lord Melville, from Busts modelled by T. Nollekens, R. A. Engraved and published by John Young, Charlotte Street, Fitzroy Square, Jan. 1808.

has been peculiarly happy, they are highly characteristic and spirited; the archi tecture, by Pusin, is in a style which does great credit to the artist. The little descriptions of each subject, though professed to be generally taken from preceding publications, contain many original and whimsical anecdotes.

These two Prints are companions to On Monday the 18th of January, the the two mentioned last month, of Wil- Royal Academicians held their usual anliam Pitt and C. J. Fox. They are wellniversary dinner at the Crown and Anexecuted in the mezzotinto, and fully chor, in honour of her Majesty's Birth Day. equal to the former ones. Mr. B. West, P.R.. took the chair, when many loyal and appropriate The Witch sailing to Aleppo. "In a Sieve I'll toasts were drank, and the evening conthither sail, &c." Painted by J. Halls. En- cluded with harmony and hilarity. graved by C. Turner.

This picture was exhibited last year at the British gallery; it is an imitation of Fuseli, and a successful one. As it generally happens to imitators, the pupil exhibits the faults of his master: the subject is ugly and repulsive. If the axiom of Sir Joshua Reynolds be true, that the object and end of the Arts, is to delight the imagination, it must be acknowledged that both master and pupil sometimes travel in an uncouth path to attain it.

No. I. of Supplemental Prints to Smith's Antiquities of Westminster, price £1. 1s. is just published, and contains, Ten Prints of great interest and value to the antiquary; of these we shall give a particular description in a subsequent number; suffice it to say, they are admirably engraved It also contains a vindication of Mr. Smith's conduct in a disagreement with John Hawkins, esq.; but our Retrospect, is a Review of Prints only.

The Muse of Painting, also mourns the loss of her fairest daughter, Angelica Kauffman, who died lately at Rome. The elegance and delicacy of her genius was strongly felt in this country-in Italy it was idolized. Her corpse was attended to the place of interment by the principal nobility and gentry of Roine. Her pictures were borne in the funeral procession, and every testimony of their esteem and veneration for transcendant merit, shewn by all ranks of people.

In Ackermann's Microcosm of London, the second number of which will be pub lished on the first of February, Rowlandson, who designs and engraves the figures,

Death, the insatiate archer, has lately scattered his fatal arrows among the Sons of Art: within a short period, three have fallen his victims. Opie, Gilpin, and a few days since, that elegant and classical painter of Landscapes, Freebairn.

These me

Messrs. Boulton, Watt, and Company, of the Soho, Birmingham, have exccuted a very beautiful bronze medal, commemora tive of the glorious Victory off Trafalgar. It was done under the iminediate direction of Sir William Beechey and Lady Hamilton: of this medal, they have struck off between 18,000 and 19,000, the precise number of the British seanien engaged in that great and decisive battle, and which are now distributing to them, their wi dows or heirs, at the office of Boulton, Watt, and Company, London-street, Fenchurch-street, London. dals have been executed by the Messrs. Boulton, upon a truly patriotic principle, at the expence of 30001. and are delivered gratuitously at their office to the persons for whom they were designed, and so strictly have they confined it to its origi nal destination, that the moment the precise number of medals were struck off, Mr. Boulton ordered the die to be destroyed in his presence. An application from the lords of the admiralty, and from several persons of distinction, for impressions of this medal were rejected; it was only for the British seamen; even the officers of the navy, are not intituled to them; and the grateful feelings of the gallant tars who have at present received them, prove that this noble instance of patriotic gene rosity has not been misapplied.

REVIEW

REVIEW OF NEW MUSICAL PUBLICATIONS.

Number One, of Le Delizie delle Dame Filarmoniche, a Periodical Publication of Vocal, Piano-forte, and Harp Music, by the most eminent Composers. Each Number Es.

ESSRS. Cianchettini and Sperati,

the organ and piano-forte, by Mr. William Sexton, and Mr. John Page, the publisher; at whose house, in Warwicksquare, subscribers names are received. The selection, as far as we can judge by

Mhe projectors and publishers of the present numbers, is made with juday

this publication, acquaint us in their title page, that they are in possession of many new compositions, and several MSS. purchased by Madame Cianchettini during her late tour on the Continent, which chiefly are to form, the contents of the present work; one number of which is to appear monthly. Each number is to be divided into three parts (vocal, piano-forte, and bass); and each part is to fill from fifteen to twenty pages, and to be printed on the finest thick-wove paper. The Italian and French airs will be accompanied with an English translation; and any part of each number may be had separately at three shillings. The present number consists of an air by Meyer, a duett by Haydn, the Consolation, a new audante, by Dussek, a divertimento for two performances on one piano-forte, by Winebergu, of Hamburgh, and three airs, with variations for the harp, by Naderman of Paris. Of the respective merits of these pieces, we are enabled to speak in terms of distinguished praise; and have only to wish in favour of the editors that the succeeding numbers of their publication may be equally attractive and valuable as the present.

Two Glees➡ The Sun had brightened Cheviot grey," and "Sweet Teviot on thy Silver

Com

Tide," for two Trebles and a Bass.
posed and dedicated to Viscount Clive, by Doc-
ter Joba Clarke, of Cambridge. 5s.

In these glees, the words of which are selected from the "Lay of the last Minstrel," we find much to admire, both in the melodies and combinations. The parts every where lie commodiously for the voices, and the general effect is such as only a real master could produce. So pleased, indeed, are we with the composition, that we think we venture little in predicting their favourable reception and rapid sale.

Numbers One and Two, of a grand Selection of Sucred Music, from the Anthems, &c. of G. F. Handel, Esq. as performed at the Chapel Royal, Windsor, and at bis Majesty's Concerts. Dedicated to the Princess of Wales. Each Number, 35.

This work, which is to be comprized in twelve numbers, is arranged for voices, MONTHLY MAG., No. 167.

ment, and the arrangements are ably ma-
naged. The engraving is elegant and
correct, the paper excellent; and the
whole promises to form a very handsome
folio volume of useful and valuable Sun-
day music.

A New Sonata for Two Performers on One Pi-
ano-forte. Composed in Berlin expressly for
Pio Cianchettini, of London, by bis Uncis
I. L. Dussek, Esq. 45.

In the first movement of this sonata we find much clearness and brilliancy of conception, while the second is remarkably tender and expressive, and the concluding rondo lively and animating. The Mr. Dussek's talents with as much eclat piece, taken in the aggregate, represents has come under our notice; and we do as any composition of that master that not doubt its favourable reception with the public.

Ella Rosenburgh; a Grand Melo-drama, as performed with unbounded Applause at the Theatre-royal, Drury-lane. Composed and arranged for the Piano-forte by Mr. P. King. 55.

We find in the music of Ella Rosenburgh much taste and variety. But its principal merit lies where in music of this description it ought to lie-in its appropriateness to the several scenes and passions to which it is applied. The overture is bold, spirited, and novel; and the effect of the whole highly creditable to Mr. King's taste and judgment. La Fete Champêtre, a Collection of Eight Di vertimentos for the Piano-forte, entirely new Composed by J. Hook, Esq. 4s.

These divertimentos are written with all that ease and facility so conspicuous in the minor productions of this favou rite composer, and will be found as improving as pleasing by all juvenile practitioners on the instrument for which they are intended.

"Down by a River Side," a favourite Balled, with an Accompaniment for the Piano-forte. Composed by Sir J. Stevenson. 1s. 6d.

This is an elegant little ballad; and is distinguished by the simplicity of its melody, and the truth of its expression. We may add, that the passages are every

K

where

where consistent and connected, and that they form a whole, the effect of which cannot fail to please every hearer of

taste.

Numbers One and Two of the "Cabinet ;" consisting of Rondos, Airs with Variations, and Military Pieces for the Piano-forte. Com posed and arranged by J. Woelf, Esq. Each Number, 1s. 6d.

The present numbers of this work are conceived with fancy, and arranged with judgment. The variations are playful and pleasing, and young practitioners will find much improvement from their practice.

"Ben Reef," a favourite Song, composed by
John Birch. The Words by T. Conway. 15.
"Ben Reef" is a pleasant, familiar nau-
tical ballad, and well calculated to please
a convivial party, looking rather for a ge-
nuine picture of broad nature than for
the refinement of finished song.
An Interrogation for the Piano-forte, composed
and dedicated to the Misses M. and E. Morcott,
by Augustus Voigti. 1s.

Of this piece we can only speak in terms appropriate to a pleasing trifle. By young performers on the piano-forte, it will be found both agreeable and improving.

"Thine I am my faithful Fair," a Cannonet written by the Author of the Thorn, Composed by John Whitaker. 1s. 6d.

This song, which is accompanied with a well-arranged part for the piano-forte, is composed with considerable taste. The melody is regular and expressive, and the bass is chosen with judgment.

Mr. Preston is about to publish a new treatise on the art of teaching and prac tising the piano-forte, written by Mr. D. G. Turk. The publication is to be comprized in ten folio sheets of letter press, accompanied with twenty-two plates, exemplary and explanatory, partly composed by Mrs. Turk, and partly selected from distinguished authors. Mr. Turk, in his Prospectus, which lies before us, professes to point out the art of fingering

in the exactest manner," according to the practice of the late Philip Emanuel Bach, and other masters of eminence. If Mr. Turk, in the prosecution of this undertaking, keeps pace with the utility her professes, we shall deem his work highly valuable to piano-forte practitioners; and though he pretends to little more than the merit of translating, we shall think he deserves much of our commendation, and of public encouragement.

STATE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS IN JANUARY.
Containing official and authentic Documents.

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of laws:

At the palace of the Thuilleries, Jan. 11, 1808. Napoleon, &c. upon the report of our minister of finances seeing our decrees of the 23d November and 17th December, with the concurrence of our council of state, we have decreed, and do decree as follows:

Art. I. When a vessel shall enter into a French port, or into that of a country occupied by our armies, any man of the crew, or a passenger, who shall declare to the principal of the custom-house that the said ship comes from England or her colonies, or countries occupied by English troops, or that it has been visited by any English vessel, shall receive a third-part of the produce of the net sale of the ship and cargo, if it be known that his declaration is exact.

Art. II. The principal of the custom-house who shall receive the declaration mentioned

in the preceding article, shall, in conjunction with the commissary of police, who shall be called on for that purpose, and the two prins cipal of the custom-house officers of the port, shall cause each of the crew and passengers to undergo separately the interrogatory pre scribed by the second article of our decree of the 23d November, 1807.

Art. III. Any functionary or agent of go vernment, who shall be convicted of having favoured the contravention of our decrees of the 23d November and 17th December, 1807, shall be prosecuted in the criminal court of the department of the Seine, which shall be formed into a special tribunal for this pur pose, and punished, if convicted, as if guilty of high treason.

Art. IV. Our ministers are charged, each

in his respective department, with the execu tion of the present decree.

(Signed) NAPOLEON.

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