iCS CRITICAL IfOTICkS OF NEW PDfiLICATlOIfS. 



have chased away the impressions and the love of literature. In no lar^a 

 commercial town is the desire of lettered distinction more ardently 

 cherished, or brought into play with more distinguished success. There 

 are Libraries, and Philosophical and Literary Societies of the best 

 description — a School of Medicine, an annual Exhibition of Paintings, 

 and other intellectual establishments — and there are few places in 

 England wherein are congregated so many men of lofty genius and first- 

 rate talent. Writers of the most distinguished eminence reside in 

 Birmingham, and the whole range of arts and sciences are cultivated 

 with an assiduity and perfection most honourable to its talented residents. 

 Under the head " Manufactures" is an excellent description of the 

 steam-engine, with an account of the various improvements made in them 

 by Newcomen, Watt, and others, into which we regret want of space 

 will not allow us to enter. That the introduction of this powerful engine 

 has been productive of the most beneficial eflfects, the following brief 

 extract will demonstrate : — 



*' The various manufactures of this town are carried on, in numerous instances, 

 by persons of small capital, who, yet, may require a mechanical moving force ; and 

 their necessities have produced a trade, in the article of Steam Power. The person 

 who erects a large steam engine for a considerable work, finds it his interest to 

 make its power much greater than his own concern actually demands. He is thus 

 enabled to secure to himself a profitable return, by the sale of his superfluous 

 power, to persons who may occupy part of his building, or to whose machinery it 

 may be communicated, by means of long shafts or spindles, extending to the adjoin- 

 ing premises. The manufactory in any line which happens to be situated in a spot 

 contiguous to a large engine, is thus, at an easy rate, supplied with the quantity of 

 power required. Nay, the mere working man, who has saved a trifling sura, is 

 enabled, by renting a share of room and power, in some extensive rolling mill or 

 other considerable establishment, to pursue on a small scale, an occupation, which 

 would otherwise be out of his reacli. The proprietor himself, also, has at his command 

 a magazine of power sufficient to meet the emergency, should an extension of his 

 own concern render the force he has hitherto employed insufficient for his purposes." 



The historical portion of this work, as well as that part relating to 

 manufactures and machinery, teems with interesting and valuable 

 information, on which, had it been practicable, we would have gladly 

 commented. We hope to refer again to this publication, however, as it 

 farther advances, for it is well worthy of a more enlarged notice. 



Before we dismiss this concise analysis of a most useful and enter- 

 taining work, it is, in strict justice, absolutely necessary that we draw 

 attention to its execution. The author (Mr. Hawkes Smith) must have 

 used most indefatigable industry in his researches for materials for hia 

 work, which appears to us to be very complete, and is, most assuredly, 

 very ably penned. We must also direct due notice to the typographical 

 part of the numbers, not only for its general correctness, but for its ex- 

 treme neatness. In a most especial manner, however, are we bound to 

 Bpeak most favourably of the numerous illustrations engraved on steel, 

 with which it abounds, all of which, for their style and subject, are as 

 excellent specimens of the graver's burine as can be well imagined. Part 

 of these, it must be noted, are address plates of manufacturing and com- 

 mercial establishments. These form a distinct feature in the work. 

 They present cleverly combined groupings of ornamental articles, or 

 characteristic street-views and interiors ; — and although not connected 

 with the literary portion of the work, are deserving of notice as good 

 specimens of tasteful design and execution, and an indication of spirit 

 and enterprize in those who take such means, — attended with unavoidable 

 expenditure, — of advertising their residence and occupation. 



