Literary Joimmh. 49 



abroad, in the best form that I possibly can ; which is all that 

 I can do at present." 



XI. 1694. " Memoirs tor the Ingenious ; or, the 

 Universal Mercury *. By several hands." This work com- 

 menced in January 1694, and was published monthly by Ran- 

 dal Taylor, near Stationers'-hall. In the preface the editors 

 say, " We have put the word Universal in our title, because we 

 have chosen the universe for our subject, with all that it con- 

 tains. We don't intend to trouble the world with our own par- 

 ticular notions, but fairly to exhibit the sentiments of the 

 learned, upon whatever is curious in all sorts of learning, if it 

 be not contrary to religion, good manners, or the government. 

 For arts and sciences, we desire to inquire into their rise and 

 progress, decay or improvement, and the history of their in- 

 ventors. To conclude, the reader may have in this monthly 

 essay a compendious view of universal learning, and at a very 

 small expense either of money, time, or pains, reap the fruits of 

 the studies of the most learned in all faculties ; so that he may 

 be able to discourse rationally upon any subject, by reading a 

 little once a month, in a book so small that it will be no bur- 

 then, and so very cheap, that the expense is next to nothing." 



XII. 1694. " Miscellaneous Letters, giving an 

 account of the Works of the Learned both at home and 

 abroad." To be published weekly, price 2d. each, quarto, for 

 William Lindsey, at the Angel, in Chancery-lane. The first 

 number of this work appeared on the 17th October, 1694. 

 When the editors had printed ten weekly numbers, which 



* To prevent mistake, it may be proper to remark, that a work, with 

 a title somewhat similar, appeared in 1708, viz., "The British ApoUo ; 

 or, Curious Amusements for the Ingenious. By a Society of Gentlemen." 

 This book was published, two leaves at a time, every Friday. The first 

 number appeared on the 13th February, 1T08, and the last, March 2Gth, 

 1712. The whole makes three volumes iu folio. It was not a review of 

 books, but was dcsii^ued for answering curious (picition? in science and 

 literature. 



Vol. Xilf. E 



