I should wish to obtain a list of works which might contain a record of their studies and discoveries. I subjoin the few in my own library, which I imagine to belong to this class.
Albertus Magnus de Animalibus, libr. xxvi. fol. Venet. 1495.
Albertus Magnus de Secretis Mulierum, de Virtutibus Herbarum, Lapidum at Animalium.
Albertus Magnus de Miribilibus Mundi, item.
Michael Scotus de Secretis Naturæ, 12mo., Lugd. 1584.
Henr. Corn. Agrippa on the Vanitie of Sciences, 4to., London, 1575.
Joann. Baptist. Van Helmont, Opera Omnina, 4to., Francofurti, 1682.
Dr. Charleton, Ternary of Paradoxes, London, 1650.
Perhaps some of your correspondents will kindly furnish me with notices of other works by these writers, and by others who have written on similar subjects, as Paracelsus, &c.
_Passage in Schiller._--In the _Memoirs of a Stomach_, lately published, the editor asks a question of you: "Is it Schiller who says, 'The metaphysical part of love commences with the first sigh, and terminates with the first kiss'?" I pray you look to the merry and witty and learned little book, and respond to his Query.
_Sir John Vanbrugh._--This eminent architect and poet of the last century is stated by his biographers to have been "born in Cheshire." Can anybody furnish me with the place and date of his birth?
_Historical Engraving._--I have an ancient engraving, size 14¾ in. wide and 11¾ in. high, without title or engraver's name, which I should be { 620} glad to authenticate. It appears to represent Charles II. at the Hague in 1660.
The foreground is occupied by groups of figures in the costume of the period. In the distance is seen a street in perspective, down which the royal carriage is proceeding, drawn by six horses. On one side is a row of horses, on the other an avenue of trees. To the right of this is a canal, on the bank of which a battery of seven guns is firing a salute. The opposite bank is occupied by public buildings.
In the air a figure of Fame holds a shield charged with the royal arms of England, surrounded by a garter, without the motto. Five cherubs in various positions are dispersed around, holding respectively a globe, a laurel crown, palm branches, &c., and a crowned shield bearing a lion rampant, and a second with a stork, whose beak holds a serpent.