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CHAPTER XIilIl. 
PHILOLOGY AND CRITICISM. 
de THE most important article in this chapter is Mr. Astle’s splendid volume on 
the “ Origin and Progress of Writing,” which contains much curious informa- 
tien, yet scarcely adequate-to the extent of its title. In Dr. Aikin’s « Letters 
~on English Poetry, addressed to a young Lady,’ will be found many valuable ob- 
servations'on this species of writing in general, and on the characteristic faults 
and excellencies of our native poets, illustrated by references to such of their pro- 
ductions as-will inform and refine the taste, without running any risque of sullying 
the purity or impairing the delicacy of the moral sense. "The posthumeus work of 
Mr. Pegge, entitled, “ Anecdotes of the English Language,” is rather amusing 
than useful and accurate; and the Baroness de Stael’s “ Observations on ancient 
and modern Literature,’’ exhibit almost equal ignorance in the author and her 
translator. 
“Ant. L., The Ori igin and Progress of Writing, as well hieroglyphic as elementary ; illustrated 
» by Engravings laaken from Martles, Manuscripts and Charters, ancient and modern. Ss 
tind Edition with, Additions. By Taomas Ast1x, Fags FR. S. Budd. S» and 
ee hg of the Records inthe Tower of London. 4to. pp. 240, 32 Plates. 
grit 
THIS book treats better of the pro- 
gress than of the origin of writing ; and 
AS, ; rather to be classed among the efforts 
of the antiquary than of the philosopher. 
Ttis a work of preat information, curi- 
ously compiled and curiously illustrat 
ed; yet the erndition is often of that 
ernde and antiquated sort, which the 
epider researches of modern sagacity have 
2, great degree exploded. Mr. Astle 
5 rite on the compilers of the Uni- 
versal History: they have stated well the 
rN 
_ opinions of their time; but a great mist 
“a 
introduction contains very inte- 
ng 2 anecdotes of the fortunes of lite- 
plan of the ensuiig work, * 
~The first and second chapters are fonuind- 
-edon principles of philosophy, supported by 
i, facts, deduped from the histories of different 
mer 
In the third chapter, which treats of 
€ antiquity of writing, it was neoassary to: 
has since been dispersed from the historic 
have recourse to. the most antient historians, 
both sacred and prophane ; 7 thedatter of which 
are-so. involved in fable, that/it was extremely 
difficult to separate the ore from the dross. 
However, the most respectable authors have 
_been consulted, frem whom has been se- 
lected such evidenee, as appeared ta’ be most 
rational, and to deserve the most credit... Se- 
veral particulars concerning the civilization 
of antient nations, dceur in the/course of this 
chapter, which may appear interesting, not 
enjy to the historian and mapa but alse 
to the philosopher. 
~ €© Tn the fourth chapter it appears, that 
all. alphabets are not derived from one, but 
that most of those now used, are derived from 
the Phenician. | This chapter: contains) a 
general account of: such:as: are supposed to 
have arisen front that source, which farwishes 
many important facts relativesto the history, 
population, and the sprozress of arts and 
sciences, in te most celebrated nations. 
«< The fifth cl hapter, contains the History 
of W riting in different ages and countries, 
proved fron: amtient iuscriptions, manu- 
‘scripts, and otier authentic documents, of 
which engraved specimens are given, and 
several ruleszre laid down, which may ena- 
