Reviews, 153 



land seas between the years 1821 and 1823, interspersed with 

 brief annotations by the author. The object of the book is to 

 place concisely before the reader the history of one who was re" 

 markable for singular activity of mind and acute observation, 

 who in early life enlarged the sphere of his scientific researches 

 by repeated voyages, was the first to make an accurate survey of 

 the east coast of Greenland, who penetrated further into the arctic 

 seas than any of his contemporaries ; a philosopher whose acute 

 intellect embraced some of the subtlest subjects of physical science. 

 Dr. Scoresby was the first to draw renewed national attention to 

 arctic exploration. His volumes published in tiie early part of 

 the century on the arctic regions were esteemed at the time of 

 the highest value both in the departments of Geography and Na- 

 tural History, That, however, for which the subject of this me- 

 moir is so justly celebrated is his researches and discoveries in mag- 

 netism. To the last he continued to be a zealous investfgator into 

 the phenomena of this subtle and curious force. To his labours 

 we are indebted for most valuable improvements in the Mariner's 

 Compass. The Admiralty Compass was the fruit of his unrequited 

 genius, and but for an act of meanness on the part of the Admi- 

 ralty board, should have been called the " Scoresby Compass." 

 To the position and arrangement of the Compass in iron ships, he 

 devoted the latter days of his life, and by a series of beautiful ex- 

 periments demonstrated the magnetic character of such ships 

 leaving little more to be desired for the practical purposes of navi- 

 gation. After spending several years in the Greenland whale 

 fishery, Dr. Scoresby took orders in the Church of England, 

 and was successively Chaplain of the Mariner's Church, Liver- 

 pool, Vicar of Bradford and lecturer in Upton. His piety was 

 deep and sincere. A zealous philanthropist, he devoted his time 

 and attainments for the public good. His life is one of singular 

 and pleasing interest, and its history is told with simplicity, truth- 

 fulness and affection. 



Manual of Modern Geography^ Mathematical, Physical and Po- 

 litical^ on a new plan, embracing a complete development of 

 the rivej- systems of the globe. — By the Rev. Alex. Mackay, 

 A.M., F.R.G.S. Wm. Blackwood & Sons, Edinburgh. 

 B. Dawson & Sons, Montreal. 

 " The Manual is marked by the prominence it gives to the phy- 

 sical geography of our globe. The second part is wholly devoted 



