his opinion, he adduces one experiment, in which brine and fresh water were made to repose on each other for some days, without manifesting any tendency to mix together: but, on a subsequent application of a little heat, an intimate mixture took place in a few hours. That heat aids solution, and aids it in the manner for which Count R. contends, we have no doubt: but we are disposed to think that enthusiasm for his newly-discovered theory has led him, without sufficient reason, to exalt this powerful auxiliary into an independent principal; for we are at a loss to conceive how, without admitting the existence of an attraction between the particles of matter, the theory itself of our author can be supported; since, how can heat be communicated to a particle of the fluid, unless we suppose some species of attraction between the two? The decision of this difficult question, however, must be left to future investigation.

In the course of the work, the Count extends the application of his theory by conjectures concerning the vital principle in living animals, the nature of physical stimulation, and the proximate causes of winds. With much ingenuity and plausibility, he infers, from the non-conducting power of fluids, the probable existence of intense heat in the midst of cold liquids.

ART. VIII. The Works of Horatio Walpole Earl of Orford.
[Article continued from p. 66.]

THE HE third volume of this collection is wholly occupied by Anecdotes of Painting; which having been reviewed in the first editions *, we shall only now compare this with the preceding impressions of the work, and point out what changes or additions it may have received during the author's last re

visal.

We-find the dedication and preface, written in 1762, exactly the same in the small edition of 1782, and in that before us. The text seems to have received little alteration or addition since the year 1782. The plates are the same, retouched, as those of the 4th edition of 1762. In the list of Holbein's works, indeed, we expected some addition to have been made, in speaking of " an invaluable treasure of the works of that great master, preserved in the Palace at Kensington, consisting of a noble collection of Holbein's original drawings for the portraits of some of the chief personages of the court of Henry VIII. +"-" It is great pity (says the author) they have

* See our literary records, 1762, &c. vols. xxvi. xxx. xxxvii. andlxiv. + P. 71.

not been engraved, not only that such frail performances of so great a genius might be preserved, but that the resemblances of so many illustrious persons, no where else existing, might be saved from destruction *." We were the more surprised at the continuance of his Lordship's lamentation on this subject, as the task was undertaken under his patronage, and greatly advanced in a most exquisite manner before his decease, by Mr. Chamberlaine (See Rev. N. S. vol. xxv. p. 232.)

We observe few additions in this volume which had not appeared before, except in the catalogue of Hogarth's prints. In the edition of 1782 of the Anecdotes of Painting, the first class of Hogarth's prints amounted to only 68: but in the present impression it is extended to 75. In class 3. comie and serious prints, we find to additional articles, and 22 additions since the former edition. At the end of this volume, we have six pages of addenda, not very interesting; being little more than a list of names of obscure artists, formerly subjoined to the Essay on Gardening.

VOL. IV.

The first article of this volume, which occupied the Vth volume of the Anecdotes of Painting, is the Catalogue of Engravers t. On a recent perusal of this tract, and of our account of it on its first appearance, it seems as if we then appreciated its worth rather too hastily. Had this work been strictly what it professes to be, a mere catalogue, few besides general collectors of prints would have had patience to read it: but with the assistance of Vertue's memorandums, and Mr. Walpole's peculiar manner of relating anecdotes, it is rendered entertaining. We stumbled a little, however, at the threshold of this building, on reading the inscription over the door: 'When the monarch of Egypt erected those stupendous masses, the pyramids, for no other use but to record their names, &c.-Had the author been living, we should have wished to ask him how he acquired the certain knowlege of the purpose for which the pyramids were erected? Two thousand years ago, it was a matter of doubt by whom or for what use they were built; and since that time, subsequent travellers, antient and modern, have thrown little light on the subject. M. Bailly, the great French astronomer, imagined them to be antediluvian.

In p. 4. speaking of engraving on wood, vulgarly called "wooden cuts," the great improvement lately made in this art should have been mentioned by the editor, if omitted in the author's last revisal. Our noble author has taken great pains to display the merit of that worthy artist, Vertue: but engraving has

made such strides towards perfection in this country since his time, that the long list of his works, which occupies 25 pages, will interest few modern collectors, except such as have an indiscriminate rage for accumulation.

At the end of the Catalogue of Engravers, we find a POSTSCRIPT to the 2d edition published in 1786.' As we do not remember to have seen this paper before, we shall here insert it:

• This volume, the Editor was sensible at its compilation, was the most imperfect part of Vertue's and his own accounts of The History and Progress of the Arts in England. It would not be difficult at present to give a much more complete deduction of the Graphic art in its different branches. But not only the indolence that attends age, and frequent illnesses, have indisposed the Author from enlarging his plan; more pardonable reasons determined him to make very few additions to this new edition; nor should he have thought of republishing the work, unless solicited by Mr. Dodsley. The indulgence of the public ought to imprint respect, not presumption; and instead of trespassing anew on that lenity, the Author has long feared he should be reproached, that

Detinuit nostras numerosus Horatius aures;

a quotation he should not dare to apply to himself, if adjectives in osus, as famosus, &c. were not most commonly used by Latian authors in a culpatory sense; and thus numerosus only means too volu minous. Another reason for not having enlarged the preceding work was, that it would interfere with the plan laid down of terminating the history of the arts at the couclusion of the last reign. In fact, a brighter æra has dawned on the manufacture of prints. They are become almost the favourite objects of collectors, and in some degree deserve that favour, and are certainly paid as if they did. Engraved landscapes have in point of delicacy reached unexampled beauty. A new species has also been created; I mean aqua-tinta-besides prints in various colours.

• Perhaps it would be worth while to melt down this volume, and new-cast.it, dividing the work into the several branches of wood-cuts, engravings, etchings, mezzotints, and aqua-tints. A compiler might be assisted by some new publications, as the Essays on Prints, Strutt's Dictionary of Engravers, and a recent History of the Art of Engraving in Mezzotinto, printed at Winchester, wherein are mentioned foreign notices on the arts.

• Were I of authority sufficient to name my successor, or could prevail on him to condescend to accept an office which he could execute with more taste and ability; from whose hands could the public receive so much information and pleasure as from the author of The Essay on Prints, and from the Tours, &c.? And when was the public ever instructed by the pen and pencil at once, with equal excellence in the style of both, but by Mr. Gilpin??

The indentures, articles of agreement, grants, &c. to royal architects and artists, cited as vouchers in treating of royal and noble

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noble authors, and the early state of painting, are thrown into an appendix consisting of 48 pages.

Mr. Walpole seems entitled to an honourable acquittal at the tribunal of the public, from the charge of harsh treatment of Chatterton'; except in the instance of not returning his MSS. when demanded, previously to Mr. W.'s departure for France. His credulity in believing the forgeries of the young impostor to be genuine, when first communicated to him, was not more than that of the learned Mr. Tyrrwhit and others, previously to mature reflection and investigation. Mr. Walpole's first letter to the ingenious imitator of the imaginary Rowley is not only free from annoyance, but replete with humility and obsequious respect. It is dated from Arlington Street, 1769, and is as follows:

SIR,

• I cannot but think myself singularly obliged by a gentleman with whom I have not the pleasure of being acquainted, when I read your very curious and kind letter, which I have this minute received. I give you a thousand thanks for it, and for the very obliging offer you make me, of communicating your MSS. to me. What you have already sent me is very valuable, and full of information; but instead of correcting you, sir, you are far more able to correct me. I have not the happiness of understanding the Saxon language, and without your learned notes should not have been able to comprehend Rowley's

text.

• As a second edition of my Anecdotes was published but last year, I must not flatter myself that a third will be wanted soon; but I shall be happy to lay up any notices you will be so good as to ex. tract for me, and send me at your leisure; for, as it is uncertain when I may use them, I would by no means borrow and detain your MSS.

• Give me leave to ask you where Rowley's poems are to be found? I should not be sorry to print them; or, at least, a specimen of them, if they have never been printed.

• The abbot John's verses, that you have given m.c, are wonderful for their harmony and spirit, though there are some words I do not understand,

• You do not point out exactly the time when he lived, which I wish to know, as I suppose it was long before John Ab Eyck's discovery of oil-painting. If so, it confirms what I had guessed, and have hinted in my Anecdotes, that oil-painting was known here much earlier than that discovery or revival.

I will not trouble you with more questions now, sir; but flatter myself, from the humanity and politeness you have already shewn me, that you will sometimes give me leave to consult you. I hope too you will forgive the simplicity of my direction, as you have favoured me with no other. I am, sir,

Your much obliged and obedient humble servant,

HOR. WALPOLE,

P. S.

P. S. Be so good as to direct to Mr. Walpole in Arlington

street.'

Mr. W. continued anxiously to parry every new attack or allusion to the subject, till the year 1792; leaving for publication his whole correspondence with Chatterton and his friends, which fills nearly 40 pages of this volume; more than perhaps will be thought necessary on a subject concerning which there can now be but one opinion.

Our noble author does not so well defend the inhospitality of his treatment of the too feeling and capricious Rousseau. It was generally thought, when this singular character arrived in England, that he came to avoid persecution. Mr. Walpole's bitterness and ingenious spite against a man so admired and pitied, as he was among us before half his singularities were known, even by Mr. W. himself, (who was then at Paris with the enemies of the citizen of Geneva,) seemed somewhat cruel; and his contempt of authors and philosophers, himself ambitious of fame in both characters, and imbued with what are called philosophic principles, did not at the time nor does it now impress the public with an idea of a great or good mind:- nor will his admiration of Voltaire, Helvetius, the Baron d'Holbach, and Hume himself, in contradiction to this affected contempt for authors, reflect any bright or beautiful colours on his fame. His cultivation of literature seems sometimes to have had the 'same effect on himself, as on the Scaligers and such bookwights (wrights) as have mistaken the drudgery of their eyes for parts, for abilities-nay, have supposed it bestowed wit, while it only swelled their arrogance, and unchained their illnature.' (See vol. iv. p. 119.) -Mr. W. says, in writing to Hume, p. 261.- My letter hinted my contempt of learned men and their miserable conduct. Since I was to appear in print, I should not have been sorry that that opinion should have appeared at the same time. In truth, there is nothing I hold so cheap as the generality of learned men; and I have often thought, that young men ought to be made scholars, lest they should grow to reverence learned blockheads, and think there is any merit in having read more foolish books than other. folks, which, as there are a thousand nonsensical books for one good one, must be the case of any man who has read much more than other people.'-He adds-Nor can I think but that if Rousseau may attack all governments and all religions, I might attack him. It may be asked, what government, or what religion, escapes the sarcastic severity of Horace Walpole ?

You know in England (says he, speaking of authors) we read their works, but seldom or never take any notice of authors.

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