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branch of science, accompanied with actual observations.

Optics.

Considered not only with regard to its philosophical principles, but also as a practical art, illustrated by philosophical, chemical, and mechanical experiments.

Chemistry.

A general course, for the use of those who only seek to obtain a general scientific knowledge. In this course, the principles of chemistry, as applicable to arts in general, fhould be explained, but only generally.

Chemical arts.

A particular course. Intended for those who wish to attain a thorough knowledge of those branches of cherical philosophy that can be applied in perfecting the arts; such as metallurgy,-the art of making glafs, enamels, &c; the art of dying, staining linen, tanning, and many others.

Perhaps Britain is not at present so far behind some other nations in any respect; or at least, is not farther from having reached perfection in any par ticular department, than in the knowledge of the principles of chemistry, as applied to practical arts. The consequence is, that much waste of labour, time, and money, which might be well saved, is daily incurred by the persons who practise these arts, which in a very unnecefsary manner, enhances the price of their manufactures. And so much uncertainty prevails with respect to the result of their operations, as damages many goods, and thus diminishes

Fuly 17: their value. Those who have not adverted to this particular can scarcely form an idea of the amount of the lofs that is thus daily incurred; but they may form some idea of it when they are told, that scarcely a single material which is employed in cleansing or in separating chemical bodies from each other, but retains properties after these operations, frequently as valuable as before they were employed; and might, by skillful management, be either recovered in their original form, or applied in other manufactures with equal effect as new materials, though these in general are at present suffered to run entirely to waste.

"What's female beauty, but an air divine,
Thro' which the mind's all gentle graces fhine?
They, like the sun, irradiate all between;
The body charms hecause the soul is seen.
Hence men are often captives of a face,
They know not why, of no peculiar grace.
Some forms tho' bright no mortal man can bear,
Some none resist, tho' not exceeding fair.

YOUNG.

THE Soul and body are so closely connected toge ther, that whatever highly affects the one, always produces some effect upon the other also. Whatever is hurtful to the body, and tends to dissolve its fram, excites the sensation of pain in the mind, as whatever promotes the health and vigour of the

$5 body produces pleasure in the soul. In like manner the various affections and pafsions of the mind have all an influence on the body: and when strongly exerted, make very sensible imprefsions on the external form. How vastly different is the air, the figure, and appearance of a man when fired with rage, from what it is when he is transported with joy, or sunk in melancholy? In the countenance, the various affections and passions of the soul principally discover themselves there they make their imprefsions. Each of them has its proper characters by which it is there expressed, which will always accompany it where this natural agreement of heart and face is not interrupted by artifice and difsimulation.

Even in that case, nature is sometimes too powerful to be counteracted, and the inward workings of the heart, will discover themselves in characters too deep to be effaced by all the force or kill of dif simulation. Magnanimity and nobleness of spirit is often easily discerned in the face and manner. Where misanthropy prevails in the temper, it cannot be concealed; but the malignity of the heart will betray itself in the sourness of the countenance. Peevishness and bad humour are always accompani ed with fretful discontented looks. A mind often disturbed with angry pafsions, will imprint on the external form, a fierce and furious aspect : whereas a calm unruffled temper diffuses a mild serenity on the face, and a gentle softnefs on all the actions. In general, where any pafsion or disposition prevails in the temper, and is often exerted, it will

July 17. stamp its signature on the external form, and render natural to the body those features, that air and man, ner, by which it is exprefsed.

These observations, which are confirmed by daily experience, evidently fhow the powerful influence which the operations and affections of the mind have upon the body. So sensible are all men of this, that they cannot help determining concerning the temper and disposition from the external appearance, and forming some judgement of the character of every person, the very first time they see them. Nay the impressions made upon us on these occasions, are often so strong, that it is a difficult matter afterwards to efface them. If we go into a company where all the persons are equally unknown to us, we cannot be long indifferent, but will soon find a partiality to some of them, a secret charm that allures and draws us to seek the conversation of one preferably to that of another. If they are engaged in play, we cannot help wifhing succefs to one, or grudging at the good luck of another; and we will be as much interested in the event of the game, as if we ourselves were concerned in its succefs.

A late French writer *, after having made this observation, puts the question, "From what does this prejudice proceed, and upon what is it founded?" And then he replies: I don't think it is a thing which can be defined. Will it be said, that it is the agreement of taste? The persons are strangers to one another. Is it the union of sentiment? Have

*Author of L'Ecole de l'homme.

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they had time to discover this? Is it the sympathy of inclinations and humours? They have not had time to fhew they had any. What is this charm then which tends and draws whether we will or not? It is sympathy. A definition not very satisfying and of which we know only the consequences.

It will readily be granted to this writer that his definition is not very satisfying, but perhaps he is a little too hasty in the last part of his inference, that it is a thing which cannot be explained, and of which we know only the consequences. The greater part of people indeed know only the consequences, because they attend only to these; they content themselves with observing the effects without taking the trouble to inquire into the causes which produce them but any one who attends to what passes within him on these occasions, who carefully considers the progrefs of his mind, and traces its various steps, will find that what chiefly forms the secret, the sudden prejudice in favour of any person at first sight, is the appearance of the social, kind, benevolent affections exprefsed in his looks and behavi

our.

Nothing gives the mind greater delight than a strong and lively picture of a worthy and amiable character. Nothing affects us more strongly than the representation of generosity, benevolence, compafsion, a strong love and earnest zeal for the happiness of mankind. These dispositions are always beheld with pleasure; and wherever they ap pear command respect and esteem. Strong indica. tions of these amiable qualities exprefsed in the VOL. XVI.

H