notice of our readers, viz. that in the common explanation of this phenomenon, only one of the circumstances connected with it, that is, the disappearance of the oxygen, had in reality been accounted for, while the exhibition of light and heat, which really constitute what is essential to the phenomenon, are altogether unexplained.
Conceiving that this view of the matter must now be very generally admitted, it is with much satisfaction that we perceive Sir Humphry Davy to be actively engaged in the investigation of what has justly been denominated the most important problem in chemistry. His attention seems to have been naturally directed to this investigation, by his recent invaluable discovery of the safety-lamp for coal mines, and by the very curious properties of flame which were suggested by that discovery; and he has accordingly read several papers, at different meetings of the Royal Society, detailing the experiments he has made, with the view of elucidating the properties of flame. His opinion, as recently expressed, seems to be, that flame consists of gaseous bodies heated above whiteness. Many other curious properties, however, of ignited bodies have been discovered by him in the course of his recent researches and we have little doubt, that before he relinquishes the investigation, he will either be able to go farther towards a solution of the difficulty than former experimentalists have been able to advance, or will at least succeed, by exhibiting an accurate statement of the case, in giving currency to a more scientific mode of considering this subject, than that which has so long been implicitly adopted by the multitude of more superficial and careless inquirers. It is at all times a treat of the highest kind, to follow the progress of scientific discovery but the gratification derived from this source is necessarily enhanced to an incalculable amount, when there seems reason to apprehend, as in the present instance, that the perseverance of the philosopher is on the point of being rewarded, by the developement of some views of prominent importance. The curiosity of a liberal mind admits, in fact, of no higher gratification (the delight of the discoverer himself excepted) than that of being permitted to watch the event.
on the original of milton's satan, with extracts from crashaw's "suspicion of herod."
mr editor,
In the learned and elegant dissertation, in your last number, on the Prometheus of Æschylus, an old opinion has been revived, that Milton took the character of his Satan from the Prometheus of the Athenian poet. Both personages are stern and unbending, and so far, certainly, the resemblance holds good ; but such a Satan as Milton had to delineate was already sketched with a masterly hand by the Italian poet, Marino, in his poem on "The Slaughter of the Innocents," one book of which, "The Suspicion of Herod," was translated into English by Crashaw, and given to the public long before Paradise Lost was written. The poem of Marino I have never been able to procure even a sight of; but I have sent you some extracts from the translation, which, owing to the general bad taste of Crashaw, it is probable few of your readers are acquainted with; and those who are, will readily pardon you for reprinting some of the finest lines our poetry can boast of. The suggestion, that Milton has borrowed from them, is not new, but has been little attended to.
From "The Suspicion of Herod," translated by Crashaw, from Marino, beginning at stanza 5.
Below the bottom of the great abyss,
There, where one centre reconciles all things.
The world's profound heart pants; there
placed is Mischief's old Master; close about him clings
A curl'd knot of embracing snakes, &c.
The Judge of Torments, and the King of Tears,
He fills a burnish'd throne of quenchless fire;
And for his old fair robes of light, he wears
A gloomy mantle of dark flames; the tire
That crowns his hated head on high appears.
Where seven tall horns (his empire's pride) aspire;
And, to make up Hell's majesty, each horn
Seven crested Hydras horribly adorn.
His eyes, the sullen dens of Death and Night,
Startle the dull air with a dismal red:
Such his fell glances as the fatal light
Of staring comets, that look kingdomes dead.—
