the unknown is scarcely less wide than it was before. limited to the most simple and clementary view of the subject, these discoveries and While speaking of organic chemistry, we others closely associated with them (such as must briefly advert to the doctrine of Com- Dumas's Law of Substitution, Gerhardt's Syspound Radicals, as indicating another proba- tem of Homologues, and the recent researches ble mode of atomic action in bodies. It may in Allotropy) would require much more copibe readily conceived, and is fully attested by ous illustration and detail. Even in our slight observation, that some combinations of atoms notice of them, it will be seen that they are are much more stable and tenacious than not merely confirmations of the atomic docothers; and we have, in what is called a com- trine; but deep inroads, by secure and cerpound radical, the union of different atoms tain paths, into regions of physical science, possessing sufficient stability to fulfil the part which have scarcely been reached before by of a single atom, or combining equivalent; and the boldest imagination or conjecture. We thus entering as a base into various combina- first contemplated these atomic elements as tions without losing its identity. Cyanogen, concerned in the various acts of chemical composed of one atom of nitrogen and two of affinity--in determining the union or separation carbon, may be taken as the simplest example of all bodies in fixed numerical proportions of of such compounds. We cannot, indeed, class measure or weight. We now regard them in this doctrine with the more certain conclusions what can scarcely be called higher relations, heretofore recorded, for the conditions of ex-because intimately connected with, and not periment are such that it is difficult to obtain more wonderful than the former; but still absolute proof. But even were its assumptions such as are less familiar to our knowledge. not strictly verified, the research still throws. We have here before us the mutual actions new light on the atomic system, and makes of the molecules of matter, whether simple or the circle of evidence more complete. compound, expressed not in common chemical The same may be said of those remarkable relations, but under geometric forms, indicatfacts which have been classed under the names ing probable differences in the primitive forms of Isomorphism and Isomerism-the discovery of the atoms themselves, and holding out respectively of Mitscherlich and Berzelius-through such researches some hope that the and which direct us to the atomic constitution questions of magnitude and figure are not beof matter, as the sole means of explaining the yond our reach. Crystallization may almost phenomena. The term Isomorphism express- be defined as the conversion of atomic numes virtually the fact, that identity of crystal- bers into a material form and configuration. line form depends greatly on similarity of In all that vast variety and beauty of crystals, atomic composition. Certain chemical ele- giving splendor to our mineral cabinets, and ments admit of being grouped together, under which have been so admirably illustrated by such relations, that various combinations may the labors of Hauy, Mohr and Weiss, Wollasbe formed from among them, which crystallize ton, Brewster, Beudant, etc., we find proof of in the same geometric forms; and with this the primitive tendency of atoms to group further notable fact, that such isomorphous themselves in certain definite figures groups are closely and curiously analogous in build up, as it were, the crystalline fabric in other physical properties. While the law of mathematical lines and proportions. And to Isomorphism thus expounds to us the depen- this general law Mitscherlich has added the dence of like forms on corresponding numbers curious fact, that many crystals undergo, from of component atoms, the law of Isomerism simple exposure to heat, an entire change in discovers to us the many cases where the their interior structure, while the outward same elements, combined in the same pro- form and solidity remain unaltered; thus provportions, do nevertheless produce compounds ing that intestine motions of atoms may occur, having very different chemical properties.-making the most important structural changes The several modifications of this phenomenon, in the crystal, and affecting even its optical prointeresting though they are, we have not room perties, without the slightest external manifestato notice; but the facts regarded generally tion. The same fact, of definite motions of parinvolve this remarkable result, that a differ- ticles within a solid, has now been observed ence may, and frequently does exist, in the manner and results of the combination of atoms, absolutely identical in nature, number, and relative proportion. What might at first seem a contradiction between these laws, is in fact an exposition of those many modes of molecular composition and change, to which, under modification by other agents, are due all the endless varieties of natural objects around us. Were we not DLXV. LIVING AGE. VOL. VIII. 46 to under so many modifications, that it may be received as one of the most striking proofs of the atomic constitution of bodies; and of the tendency of all matter, through its atoms, to assume those definite forms, of which crystals form the most perfect type and illustration. A few words we must still add regarding Allotropy. There has been some ambiguity in the use of this word, in relation to Isomerism, Dimorphism, and other terms recently adopted, to meet the various cases of atomic combination. But we refer to it here, as the the connection between the conditions and exponent of certain changes which may be ef- changes of atoms, whether in fected in the physical and chemical properties combinations, and the influene those great of various simple bodies, without the slightest imponderable agents, electricity, heat, and alteration of their substance by addition or light and probably gravitation which we subtraction, and independently of crystalliza- know to be concerned, in one mode or another, tion, yet doubtless under some new arrange-in all these wonderful phenomena. In this rement-and probably in each case a determi- search we lose that aid of numbers and propornate one of their component atoms. Phos- tions which gives validity to other parts of the phorus and sulphur both furnish examples of atomic doctrine, and are cast upon a of these allotropic conditions; but a much more speculation, where no line has ever yet touched striking one, admitting it to be fully attested, the ground. Nevertheless, the certainty that is the conversion of oxygen into Ozone through such a connection exists; that it is operative the medium of electricity. Seeing the propor- in every part of the material world; and that tion of oxygen we continually breathe its the discovery of its nature would throw light relation to organic life in every form-and upon the darkest questions of physical science, the electrical actions and changes ever pervad- has led some of the most eminent philosophers ing the atmosphere around us, it is easy to un- of our time to frame hypotheses as to this rederstand the importance of this fact in its fu- lation between matter in its atomic conditions, ture relation to physiology as to every other and the elementary powers or forces denoted part of natural science. We would fain invite above. Our ignorance of the true nature of attention to this allotropic inquiry in general, the latter (even whether strictly material, or as a branch of physics less explored than it influences which we cannot define as such) ought to be. The mutual action and affinities perplexes the inquiry in the very outset of different atoms form the subject and science while it is further obscured by the doubt of Chemistry those of like atoms have been whether heat, light, and electricity are really little examined, and are chiefly known to us distinct elements, or modified forms of some under the simple form of cohesion of parts. common principle of power. Electricity, on This cohesion itself is liable to incessant several accounts, has been generally taken as change from heat, electricity, and other exter- the foundation of the problem; and the genius nal agents. Every atom in the iron tube of the of Davy, Berzelius, Ampère, De la Britannia bridge undergoes some alteration of applied to its solution up this Dorna Rivo, etc., Such efplace, when this vast fabric expands from heat forts, though failing of present success, require or contracts from cold. Every message of bat- to be recorded, as illustrative of the methods tle or diplomacy, of truth or of falsehood, which by which modern science seeks to attain its trembles over Europe along the electric chord, ends, even when proceeding upon hypothesis puts into motion and change each successive only. particle of the wire through which it travels It is strange and mortifying yet with such inconceivable velocity. What the theless in accordance with the light and shade nature of these changes may be, not even the of all human things that while true science boldest speculator can affirm. The principle is thus embracing in its progress every part of of Polarity, now so largely proved and applied the material world-establishing facts, disin every part of physics, may reasonably be brought in to aid our conceptions, especially where electricity is assumed as the active power. And to this great principle, guided there should exist simultaneously a series and governed as it is by mathematical laws, we of delusions, in which error, credulity, and immay rightly look for the solution of many of the posture are closely interwoven; yet usurping problems which still lie before us in the mate- the form and phraseology of real science, and rial world.* thus misleading many whose intellect in other The foregoing remarks bring us to a subject matters is acute and discriminative. We which, were we writing a treatise upon the would fain indulge the hope, recently exAtomic Theory, we could not forbear to notice pressed by one of our most eminent philosoin detail. This subject, one of the most ab-phers, that education may in the end provide struse and difficult in all physical science, is a remedy against these aberrations; but we *The late Dr. Prout made some advances to- still fear that as long as credulity remains a wards this inquiry as to the mutual relations of part of human character and temperament, like atoms. It has been taken up more recently by there will never be wanting the agents and Mr. Brodie; who will continue, we trust, to apply materials to work upon it. Our best guarantee his eminent ability as an experimentalist to its further prosecution. It is one of the researches lies in the knowledge that follies and imposwhich gives fairest promise of reducing the list of tures are in their nature ephemeral; while no simple substances, by proving that some are only fact of genuine science can ever disappear, allotropic conditions of others-a manner of trans- except by merging in some higher and more mutation which may reasonably be expected from the science of our day. general truth. WASHINGTON IRVING'S CHRONICLES OF WOLFERT'S ROOST. 723 From The Spectator. WASHINGTON IRVING'S CHRONICLES OF WOLFERT'S ROOST* moon mist. The "prosperity" is American; but it has features common to all countries owning a well developed system of credit and discounts. The sensible advice is for all place and time. story of Count Horn, who was broken on the wheel for murder, under the Regent Orleans, and a sketch of Law and the Mississippi bubble, are very skilfully done; but the facts are ACCORDING to indications t the greater por- well known, and they have no peculiarity betion of these papers should be new; but there yond excellent workmanship." A Time of is just now so much deception going on with Unexampled Prosperity," which introduces respect to American books, that it is only by the sketch of Law, shows Geoffrey Crayon in accident that one is able to tell whether they a new light-that of the sound political econoare reprints or a first publication. It is possible that Wolfert's Roost is a collection of fugitive pieces; or it may be a revised selection from the author's papers while he has yet spirit to make them a child, as it were, of his old age. The following adventure is from "Ralph Be this as it may, it is a pleasant book. There Ringwood," and was a means of leading the is indeed nothing new in it, either as respects hero to quit home and seek his fortune: - A subject, substance, or style; but neither is gentleman of Virginia with a turn for improvethere any falling off. There is as much ele- ment took it into his head that it would be a gance of diction, as graceful a description of public advantage to introduce a breed of mules, natural scenery, as grotesque an earnestness and accordingly he imported three jacks to in diablerie, and as quiet but as telling a satiric stock the neighborhood. But that part of the humor, as when Geoffrey Crayon first came country cared for nothing but "blood horses." before the English world, nearly forty years They looked on the proposed mesalliance as ago. In some points perhaps there is an im- the haughtiest of the old noblesse might have provement. In addition to greater mellow-regarded a marriage with a roturier. The ness, the writer's power of imparting interest patriotic improver had to repudiate his proto the dryness of antiquarian or traditional posed amalgamation, and, disavowing his donmatter, by seizing its essential points and pre-keys, turned them out on the common to shift senting them with a droll slyness, is more dis- as they could. Being considered in the light tinctly marked than heretofore. There is also of feræ naturæ, they were hunted by all the the pleasant feeling of meeting with an old schoolboys for a ride. friend, who surprisingly retains the spirit and vivacity of his youth, as well as of contrasting the genuine manner with that of a host of imi tators. They soon became so knowing, that they took to their heels at sight of a schoolboy; and we were generally much longer in chasing than we were in riding them. There is plenty of variety in the volume. In "Wolfert's Roost," and "Guests from GibSunday approached, on which I projected an bet Island," the reader meets Geoffrey Crayon equestrian excursion on one of these long-cared on perhaps his strongest ground-American steeds. As I knew the jacks would be in great scenery on the banks of the Hudson, enlivened demand on Sunday morning, I secured one overby the humors, manners, and superstitions of night, and conducted him home, to be ready for an the old Dutch settlers. In the autobiography early outset. But where was I to quarter him for of Governor Duval of Florida, under the title the night? I could not put him in the stable; our of "The Early Experiences of Ralph Ring- domain as Barbara was within doors, and would old black groom George was as absolute in that wood," there are some pictures of Virginian have thought his stable, his horses, and himself domestic life, shortly after Independence, and disgraced by the introduction of a jackass. I reof the old hunters' and settlers' ways and no- collected the smoke house,an out building appendtions in Ohio and Kentucky at the same pe-ed to all Virginian establishments for the smokriod. "The Knight of Malta" and its sequel ing of hams and other kinds of meat. So I got (with both of which we seem to be familiar), the key, put master Jack in, locked the door, reas well as several others, introduce the reader turned the key to its place, and went to bed, into European ghost stories, told with the writ- tending to release my prisoner at an early hour, er's wonted cleverness. "A Contented Man," tired, however, by the exertions I had made in before any of the family were awake. I was so and some sketches in Paris, written if not pub-catching the donkey, that I fell into a sound lished many years ago, exhibit Washington Ir- sleep, and the morning broke without my wakving's just but good natured appreciation of ingotor Qigo the characters and manners of Europe. The *Chronicles of Wolfert's Roost, and other Papers By Washington Irving. Author's edition. Constable's Miscellany of Foreign Literature. Volume IV.) Published by Constable and Co. Published in New York by G. P. Putnam and Co. Not so with dame Barbara, the housekeeper. As usual, to use her own phrase, "she was up before the crow put his shoes on," and bustled about to get things in order for breakfast. Her first resort was to the smoke house. Scarce had she opened the door, when master Jack, tired of his confinement, and glad to be released from 724 KU THE ITALIAN BEGGAR BOY. TO AN ITALIAN BEGGAR BOY.band) faces eda no darkness, gave a loud bray, and rushed forth.zebub himself. The kitchen was soon in a hubDown dropped old Barbara; the animal trampled bub; the servants hurried to the spot. There over her, and made off for the common. Poor Bar- lay old Barbara in fits; as fast as she got out bara! she had never before seen a donkey; and of one, the thoughts of the Devil came over her having the Bible for it, that the Devil went about and she fell into another, for the good soul y like a roaring lion, seeking whom he might de- devoutly superstitious. ont gard vour, she took it for granted that this was Beel-anonwo to asymedo vram,beaqalo sonia and storenelle fustroqmi yum bns beroo0 97ed hday gods of somit mot ni bopen wood oved brunout zounos 31-4121 to yavine lenigio nonsmotni to run did on mi quirodine to en be 2soning to nolide siz ban,moinigo oldug From Blackwood's Magazine. Thy mother Famine gaunt to aidgin sdb Contosod to griwoThou hadst no home,po ausbri The naked dome gnol on 8050729 Was all the roof earth thee could grant. da boviness or of viitass ton bib sonarono i Jud See! here a happy troop ucisen doidw dw sus Of real children come, ont bont of using to Their lips the fond names groups die in Borgo Of Father, Mother, Home!lsson & 10 They go not far mobenia on lo org aus olgou Love is the stars to gofenlomo That draws them back whene'er they roam. gnall to mobson sa to mor grin, consili A Dost thou pursue these nowow 9001 Hath childhood any kin 17 1979 Or kith with such as thou? Jastolor m One hand did form THOU miniature of woo! en Thy half-clad, meagre form Along the streets doth go- Unheeded strike That head which ne'er did covering know. Thy ravenous cyes do glare 2500 Like a young wolf's dread boy mopoll wherefore, with mock lodevs Fearful is childhood's stare, It makes me wild To see a child Thine is the famished cryfinoman got note si ang not this alow in an teilt porazing Wert thou of woman born-ant by Did human mother's breast maglegmwoll And have these children all L Nourish thee, thing forlorn no to equals of an Ah! why indeed? Be hushed, no Short-sighted soul! and wait, Hosh Why pools infect, While lakes reflect The pure sky, and bear Fortune's freight. FLORENCE, Dec., 1854. lage bas, vis Ir is now close upon forty years since the last complete edition of the Boundary Map of Europe was issued from the imperial and royal press of Vienna. During the eventful period which has since clapsed, many changes of ownership have occurred, and many important alterations have been traced in from time to time; yet the original survey of 1814-15 continues to be held as of authority in the high court of international public opinion, and the ambition of princes and the rights of nationalities are still brought to judgment on a reference to its showing of facts, perhaps no longer in existence. | Paris, concluded on the 23rd of April, 1814, numbered upwards of ninety thousand men, and were armed with twelve thousand pieces of cannon.The territories immediately or mediately connected with his empire, and then severed from it, contained populations amounting to more than thirty millions of souls. It was truly a great spoil that fell to the disposal of the conquerors, and that was divided by them at the Congress of Vienna. In the distribution, nearly the entire of continental Europe was, directly or indirectly interested. Everywhere the ancient landmarks had been removed; in many instances their place was remembered no more. Simple restoration was found to be impracticable or thought to be inThe memory of mankind is, indeed, short;-expedient. The work in hand necessarily inbut if all experience did not testify to the case volved, at the same time, provisions for remunewith which nations forget, it would be truly sur-rating and gratifying friends, for punishing and prising to find the settlement made at Vienna, restraining enemies or traitors, and for preventin 1815, appealed to and relied upon at the close ing future disruptions of the public peace. of a generation that has witnessed the creation Considering, then, the vast magnitude of inof the kingdoms of Belgium and Greece, the terests to be dealt with, and the extreme little conclusion of the treaty of Adrianople, the abo-ness of many of the dealers, it can be no matter lition of the Duchy of Warsaw, and the extinc-of wonder that this momentous conference was tion of the freedom of Hungary. protracted during nine months; or that it was Nevertheless, that opus magnum of the Holy upon the point of referring the many knotty Alliance fixes landmarks in the annals of Eu-questions before it to the arbitrament of the rope, which the student of philosophic history sword, when, on the 7th of March, 1815, the can never disregard, and whose whereabouts may interest casual readers, at a moment like the present, when it seems so likely that a new edition of the boundary map of this quarter of the world is on the eve of publication. We are therefore induced to hope, that a rapid sketch of the operations of the Congress of Vienna in political geodosy, and of the changes that have since been made in this work, may not be unacceptable to the public. tol astell On the 30th of March, 1814, the united armies of Russia, Austria and Prussia, stormed the heights that command Paris, and, after a battle, in which the loss of the allies amounted to nine thousand and ninety-three men, that celebrated capitulation was agreed to, which resulted in the abdication of Napoleon, and the obliteration of the territorial landmarks of his career from the face of Europe. Upou that very day twelvemonth, (the 30th of March, 1813) that extraordinary man, exasperated but not humbled by the disasters of Moscow, had addressed his senate in these remarkable words-" If the allies were encamped on the heights of Montmartre, I would not surrender one village in the thirty-second military division." We fell now as if we recalled the creation of a dream rather than an historical fact, when we state, that the 32nd military division of Franco then embraced the free city of Hamburg. Such nevertheless, was in reality, the vastness of the empire into which France had grown in the few years that had elapsed from the abolition of monarchy, in 1792, news of the evasion of Bonaparte from Elba quickened the process of deliberation, and the Congress was finally brought to an end upon the 9th of June, just nine days before the battle of Waterloo. In those three months the new boundary lines of Europe were really settled; and under the sanction of the crowning event of the renewed struggle, the map was finally adopted in the second treaty of Paris, concluded in the ensuing November. Babyf The prominent feature in the settlement was the reduction of France to its original limits, as they stood generally on the first of January, 1792; but in the accomplishment of this primary object were involved many novel arrangements of constitutions and States throughout the entire continent, from the North Cape to the Gulf of Tarentum. A no The agents who undertook the performance of this task were a motley host of emperors, kings, and princes, such as, perhaps, never be fore assembled together, and their meeting, a sort of saturnalia of regained kingly liberty, was marked by peculiarities that, no doubt, were not without influence upon passing events. tion of this grotesque jubilee may be helpful toward an understanding of the various and complicated machinery of vanities, interests and passions that was at work, and it cannot be conveyed in a more lively manner than in the following description of one of the convivial meetings of Congress from the pen of an eye witness: Never was an assembly less ceremonious; eveFrom the Elbe to the Pyrenees; from the ry one wore his hat; many, till the room became straits of Dover to Rome, the modern Charle-heated, their great coats; and no one pretended to magne laid claim to dominion, and asserted it appear in an evening dress, except a few Englishmen, who from the habits of our country and some by arms, even to the hour of his abdication. little vanity, generally attempt to distinguish themHis garrisons in Germany, the low countries, It-selves by an attention to outward appearance. aly, and Spain, surrendered by the convention of Around the whole circumference of the room |