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• Toi, dont le monde encore ignore le vrai nom,
Esprit mystérieux, mortel, ange, ou démon.'

In spite of the cavillings of his enemies, then, and (which is far more serious) of his own faults, we consider M. DE LAMARTINE in the light of a true poet; and, while we would direct his attention to the correction of some errors of style and manner, which might be amended, we at the same time encourage him to proceed.

After this long notice of the Méditations, we cannot enter into the merits of La Mort de Socrate: a poem which, in fact, is chiefly an exposé and developement of the reflections of Plato, in the Phædo; in many places, indeed, consisting only of a paraphrase. In this composition, too, the writer confesses his obligations to M. Cousine, who has presented the Parisian public with a version of the Greek moralist; conferring only on the Socrates of the poem the mantle of Elijah, with the voice of a Hebrew prophet.

ART. XII. Prodromus Systematis Naturalis Regni Vegetabilis, &c.; i. e. A Prodromus of the Natural System of the Vegetable Kingdom; or, an Abridged Enumeration of the Orders, Genera, and Species of Plants hitherto discovered; arranged according to the Rules of a Natural Method. By A. P. de Candolle. Part First; including the Fifty-four Orders of Thalamiflora. 8vo. pp. 747. Paris. 1824. Imported by Treuttel and Co. Price 1. 5s.

WE formerly communicated to our readers the very high character which we were led to give of the Systema Naturale of M. DE CANDOLLE: (see M. R. vols. lxxxvi. and xcv., Appendix :) but we could not, in expressing our opinion of the first volume, refrain from intimating our fears that a work so singularly minute and accurate, and at the same time so extensive in its subject, would never be brought to a conclusion unless by some follower or pupil of its distinguished author. M. DE CANDOLLE has himself felt so strongly the very arduous nature of his undertaking, that he has wisely interrupted the publication of his System, and has commenced that of a Synopsis of Botany in the Prodromus now before us. In order to secure more effectually the successful termination of these abridged labors, he has availed himself of the valuable aids of MM. Seringe, Dunal, Choisy, De Gingins, and Otth, who have furnished several monographs in the present volume; while the correction of the press has been kindly superintended by MM. Richard and Guillemin. LI

APP. REV. VOL. CIII.

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It appears that M. Richard was engaged in a work similar in character to that which is now offered to us: but, on hearing of M. DE CANDOLLE's intentions, he instantly abandoned the prosecution of his design: thus testifying, in the strongest manner, his feelings of friendship, and the high estimation in which he held the talents of this celebrated botanist.-M. DE C. expects, in the prosecution of his labors, to receive also the assistance of MM. Coulter, Guillemin, and Duby; the last of whom has already arranged for him all the latest discoveries in the botany of northern America. Few scientific men appear to have lived on terms of more kindly intercourse with their fellow-laborers in the cause of knowlege, than the author of this Prodromus: we remarked, on a former occasion, this amenity of disposition; and additional proofs of it are exhibited in this volume.

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I have every where,' says M. DE C., strenuously endeavoured to give the merited praise to the labors of each of my predecessors and contemporaries; and wherever I have in any degree deviated from this rule, I have done so unintentionally, and shall willingly acknowlege and repair the error. As the present work is only the forerunner of one of much greater length and importance, I shall most gratefully receive all additions, corrections, and even censures, both printed and in manuscript; more especially if the writers shall condescend to state the reasons of their opinions.' (Preface, p. vi.)

These sentiments are truly characteristic of the man of science; and we trust that they will insure to M. DE C. the cordial support of the botanists of all countries, in the execution of a task which is altogether beyond the reach of the unaided talents of any one individual, and the success of which is most important to the interests of botany. We are the more anxious for the completion of this Prodromus, because we indulge the hope that it may be the means of erecting a barrier against the progress of that minuteness of division in the arrangement of plants, which threatens to overthrow the science by causing it to expand beyond the limits of the human understanding. The number of known vegetable species already exceeds 50,000, and others are from day to day added to the list: so that, even now, individuals are constrained to confine their attention to some one department only, if they aim at attaining any degree of eminence as profound botanists. We have marked, with regret, the earnest manner in which the learned president of the Linnéan Society has repeatedly encouraged those who cultivate that science to undertake the study of individual genera: for, although in this way many admirable monographs have already been produced,

it is to be feared that mere varieties have thus occasionally been elevated to the rank of species, and trivial diversities of appearance been made the pretence for establishing new varieties. In the present state of botanical knowlege, it is the duty of those who wish success to that pursuit to resist the institution of all new genera and species, unless they can be established on the most unobjectionable grounds; and perhaps it is not too much to suggest, that important benefit might be derived from a wholesome revision of the existing systems of botany, and the junction of all such genera and species as are susceptible, without absolute confusion, of being united.

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The present portion of the Prodromus of M. DE C. embraces a large division of phænogamous plants; and the condensation of its materials is such, that one third part of it includes the whole abridged contents of the first two volumes of his Natural System. The only work to which it bears any resemblance is the Synopsis of Persoon: but its excellence is such, that no comparison can be instituted between the two publications; and it may suffice to mention, that a cursory glance at several genera enables us to state that M. DE C. appears to have enumerated at least double the number of species, which are to be found under the corresponding genera in the volumes of Persoon. The fulness and accuracy of the descriptions in this Prodromus are such as, we think, will leave but little anxiety in the minds of botanists for the completion of M. DE C.'s Natural System; which we have always feared to be of a nature too extensive and minute to be ever brought to a successful conclusion, at least by himself. This first division of the work exactly resembles that of the system which it proposes to abridge, the particulars of which have been formerly explained to our readers. (See M. R. vol. lxxxvi.) The species are divided into sections and sub-sections; and, after the name of each, a reference is made to the author by whom it has been best described:- then follow its specific character, its mark, whether shrub or tree, its duration,

its habitat, -any additional remarks of importance, not essential to its specific description, and, lastly, a note to indicate whether it has been seen by M. DE C., and in what state. The varieties, if any, are enumerated, and described with brief accuracy and distinctness.

Our readers will readily discover, from this statement of the plan on which the Prodromus has been constructed, the vast extent of the botanical information which it is calculated to convey, and the very great value which it will possess when completed. Of that event we entertain no doubt, when we consider the distinguished abilities of the

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author, as well as the able assistance which he has already received, and that to which he looks forwards in the progress' of his future volumes; and when we call to mind, moreover, the cheering assurance given by him in his preface, that he has been for some time in possession of all the materials necessary for the accomplishment of this important undertaking. We need scarcely add that, interested as we feel in the advancement of a favorite science, this eminent and indefatigable botanist has our earnest wishes for the early completion of his laborious task.

ART. XIII. Oeuvres de Don Barthélémi de Las Casas, &c. ; i. e. The Works of Don Bartholomew de Las Casas, Bishop of Chiapa, Defender of the Liberties of the Natives of America; preceded by his Life, and accompanied by Historical Notes, &c. By J. A. LLORENTE, Author of the Critical History of the Inquisition of Spain, &c. 2 Vols. 8vo. Paris. 1822. Imported by Treuttel and Co. Price 17.

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HE memory of the benevolent and venerable Las Casas will be recalled with pleasure, by this publication of his works, to the minds of those who are acquainted with his meritorious and eventful life. These volumes comprehend a complete translation into French of all his literary productions: but his "Relation of the Cruelties committed by the Spaniards who conquered America" is more generally known in this country than any others of his writings; and it consists of plain facts, told in such a manner as cannot fail to interest the attention of the reader. His memorial "On the Liberty of the Indians, who have been reduced to Slavery," has also been universally admired for the earnest fervor with which it is composed, and for the great freedom and liberality of the sen timents which it contains. By these two works, indeed, Las Casas will always be recognized as a man of the finest sensibility, and as a writer whose virtues and noble feelings were equalled by his eloquent and impassioned language. His other productions, which are of a more controversial cast, are chiefly treasured up in the libraries of the curious, and are mentioned only by those who value literary treasures for their rarity or singularity. They display more learning than reasoning, and the reasoning is of so unequal a cast that it affords nearly as much disappointment as satisfaction. His discussions “On the Rights of the King of Spain to the Conquest of America," and "On the Rights of Sovereigns to alienate their Dominions," are such a miscellany of singular arguments and more singular quotations as completely to overwhelm the attention. Endless

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refinements and distinctions are drawn, to ascertain the boundaries of temporal and of spiritual dominion; and an extract from the civil or the canon law is mixed in with a checquered pavement of Aristotle, Thomas Acquinas, Baldus, Bartolus, and Panormitan. We doubt very much whether the animated style of M. LLORENTE, or even the great liberties which he has taken in abridging and compressing the original in different parts, and in throwing the tirades of quotations out of the text into notes, will avail in bringing these more recondite labors of the Bishop of Chiapa into general notice at the present day. The general aim of the author for the protection of the natives of America, and his bold and undaunted spirit, cannot be sufficiently admired: but the means which he pursues are merely suited to the circumstances of his own time. His artillery and his tactics all bear reference to the state of intellectual warfare then existing: but the schoolmen no longer give law through Europe; and a quotation from Aristotle, which might silence Sapulveda, will have but little weight with the members of the Holy Alliance." The atmosphere of opinions in which Las Casas lived, which in à manner oppressed his faculties, and against which he had to contend with all his "might and main," has been long since purified; and though he was fighting with realities, serious and sturdy, yet to a modern reader he appears as if he was perfectly wasting his time in combating shadows.

This circumstance, however, is not peculiar to the good Las Casas, but is the common fate of all who have materially advanced the cause which they served, and who have by their labors enlightened the public mind. By the effulgence which they have diffused, their own specks have become visible; and their very success in rooting out errors has destroyed the permanent interest of their productions. The invaluable works of Sydney and Locke on Government are impaired in interest, and in popular utility, by their laborious -refutation of Filmer's theory; the parts of Locke's Essay in which he overthrows the doctrine of innate ideas is, in the present age, deemed as useless as his diligent advice how to prevent the minds of children from being haunted with ghosts; and Addison, by his Essays on Taste, has enabled many, who would otherwise have been little qualified, to criticize their teacher. A writer, however, who is really devoted to the cause which he undertakes, will not be sorry to make this sacrifice of himself in the promotion of it; and he must rejoice that the source, whence the light was originally obtained, only ceases to be a particular subject of remark

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