130 



we may safely pronounce, that they have no bettei' chance of finally 

 disappearing than those lunar shadows. 



To compare, in conclusion, the two greatest English poets, I would 

 say, that Shakspeare represents the romantic, Milton the classical 

 school of poetry. The one is essentially national, native, popular, — 

 the other foreign, antique and learned. The one is like a Gothic 

 structure, varied in plan and adorned with a thousand briUiant colours, 

 and an endless variety of carvings of animated and inanimate beings — 

 the other, like a Greek temple, simple and grand in outline, but 

 scientifically correct in proportions and ornaments. Milton studied 

 and reproduced the ancients, Shakspeare studied and painted nature. 

 To miderstand and enjoy Milton, it is necessary to have a knowledge 

 of classical antiquity, but Shakspeare will live and flourish as long as 

 man has an open eye and a warm heart for all that is beautiful and 

 good or great in the spiritual and physical world. 



NINTH MEETING. 



Royal Institution. — Februaiy 20, 1854. 



JOSEPH DICKINSON, M.D., F.L.S., etc.. President, in the Chair. 



The Secretary read a "Report of the Delegates from the foiu- 

 Learned Societies of Livei-pool, which publish Transactions, on the 

 subject of Union," when the President appointed Satiu-day, the 4th 

 March next, at half-past Seven p.m., to take the subject into con- 

 sideration. 



The Rev. William Banister, and Mr. George Melly, were 

 baUotted for, and duly elected Ordinary Members. 



Mr. F. P. Marrat exhibited specimens of Minerals, viz. : Ai'senical 

 Sulphuret of Cobalt, from Tunaberg, Sweden, and Sulphate of Lead, 

 from Seven Churches, Wicklow. 



The Rev. Dr. Hume made some observations respecting the history 

 and probable use of a number of flint hammer heads and axes, which 

 were exhibited to the Society. He also mentioned the fact that Mr. 



