letter-writer; and, in the instance before us, where the same
facts and reflections are, for the second time, introduced, it
is with such new touches, both of thought and expression, as
render them, even a second time, interesting; what is wanting
in the novelty of the matter being made up by the new aspect
given to it.

* * * * *


DISCOURSE ON THE STUDY OF NATURAL PHILOSOPHY.

(_Cabinet Cyclopaedia_. Vol. xiv.)

The arrangement of Dr. Lardner's Cyclopaedia, as it becomes more and
more developed, will be proportionally appreciated. Its _system_ is
a marked contrast with the heterogeneous lists of the Family and
National Libraries, which, as books of reference and authority, are
little worth.

The _Cyclopaedia_ plan is to form a series of _Cabinets_ of the
principal departments of human knowledge. Those already commenced are
History, Biography, Natural Philosophy, Geography, and the Useful Arts.
Each of these divisions is to be preceded by a prefatory discourse on
"the objects and advantages" of the branch of knowledge which is treated
of in the series or cabinet. Thus, the work before us is such a volume
for the Cabinet of _Natural Philosophy_; that for History is
promised by Sir James Mackintosh; and that for the Useful Arts, by the
Baron Charles Dupin. The present _Discourse_ is by J.F.W. Herschel,
Esq., A.M. It is divided into three parts:--1. On the general nature and