I have therefore been induced to devote myself to the investigation
of a matter not hitherto the subject of my studies; and I now beg to
submit to the world the result of my learned researches.

"'Concerning Shadows.--A dark body can only be partially illuminated
by a bright one. The dark space which lies in the direction of the
unilluminated part is what we call a SHADOW. Properly speaking,
shadow signifies a bodily space, the form of which depends upon the
form of the illuminating body, and upon their opposite position with
regard to each other. The shadow thrown on a surface, situated
before the shadow-projecting body, is, therefore, nothing else than
the intersection of this surface by the bodily space (in French, le
solide, on which word SOLID the whole force of the humour turns),
which we before designated by the word shadow.'

"The question in this wonderful history of Peter Schlemihl relates
entirely to the last-mentioned quality, SOLIDITY. The science of
finance instructs us sufficiently as to the value of money: the
value of a shadow is less generally acknowledged. My thoughtless
friend was covetous of money, of which he knew the value, and forgot
to think on solid substance. It was his wish that the lesson which
he had paid for so dearly should be turned to our profit; and his
bitter experience calls to us with a loud voice, Think on the solid-
-the substantial!" So far Chamisso.

"Peter Schlemihl" has been translated into almost all the languages
of Europe. Of the Dutch, Spanish, and Russian translations we do
not possess any copies. The French and Italian are as follows:-

Pierre Schlemihl. Paris, chez Ladvocat, 1822.--This was revised by