Statue of Isis in the British Museum. 225 
the day-time, no madness is to be apprehended ;, but, as soon as 
they show themselves, they should be opened with a lancet, and 
then cauterised, and the patient should gargle assiduously with 
the above-mentioned ‘‘decoct.”’ 
We hasten to convey to our readers this important discovery, 
(which we borrow from the Petersburgh Miscellaneous Treatises 
in the Realm of Medical Science for 1821), which certainly de- 
serves the full attention of all medical practitioners; and which, 
if confirmed by experience, may have the most beneficial results, 
STATUE OF ISIS IN THE BRITISH MUSEUM™. 
Among the beautiful specimens of Egyptian sculpture, which 
at once annihilates every argument of Winkelman’s, and other 
learned antiquaries, who would condemn its principles as meagre, 
hard, and unfaithful to nature, may be cited the most exquisite, 
fragment of a female statue, probably of Isis, now lying in the 
vestibule of the Britis Museum. This figure is perfect from the 
waist, and measures about five feet. It is formed of one block 
of white marble, and is executed with a softness and symmetrical 
beauty that vie with any statues of antiquity. 
The face appears to be the goddess Isis, and while it presents 
the Nubian cast of features, it is so delicately formed, that it 
breathes a most peculiar and winning softness of expression. The 
cheeks are high and prominent, but finely rounded and full; the 
eyes so sharply sculptured, that they seem finished but yester- 
day. The mouth is all but breathing; the lips having the marked 
breadth of expression, so perfectly the Egyptian style, with the 
small but highly important edge that marks their curve in speak- 
ing, which might appear on the eve of taking place, from the 
masterly delineation of the mouth. This fine head was crowned 
by an asp diadem, with the usual folds or lappets falling down 
on the chest, as appears in all the figures of Isis, with the Nubian 
features represented on the sycamore sarcophagi which inclose 
the mummies. She has also the collar (the Rabid of the initia- 
tion), which is most delicately sculptured. Indeed, the impres- 
sions which the contemplation of this figure excite, are those of 
wonder and astonishment, that a form of such beauty could have 
been the workmanship of an Egyptian artist. It has excellencies 
that will not fade by a comparison with any Grecian or Roman 
form that adorns the Museum, and the Egyptian goddess possesses 
the charm of attracting and riveting the imagination, and filling 
up a beau idéal of character equally with any of the chef-d’ auvres 
of the collection, and which arises from the extraordinary indi- 
viduality which its expressive contour, and inviting smile, pecu- 
* Gentleman's Magazine, Jan, 1822. 
Vol. 59. No. 287. March 1822. Ff liarly 
