Shakespeare's coriolanus. 
257 
were only touched upon to observe, that whilst there was always 
scope for the exercise of intelligence, energy, industry, and economy, 
no science could be framed by which future fluctuations could be 
foreseen and forestalled. The various monetary systems of the 
world were then cursorily reviewed, for the purpose of urging that 
the present monetary babel should be superseded by a universal 
circulating medium. It was next pointed out in what countries 
respectively the gold valuation prevailed — the double valuation, 
gold and silver, prevailed — and the silver valuation prevailed ; 
and the advantages and disadvantages of the single and double 
standards were discussed. It was admitted that the gold valuation 
had worked well in England ; but it was believed by many high 
authorities that the double standard would have worked better, 
and it was contended with some energy that the demonetization of 
silver, and the removal of it as a money standard, would be fraught 
with danger and injury to the best interests of mankind, in fact it 
would be the destruction of a large portion of the capital of the 
world. The measures to be adopted in order to assimilate the 
various monetary systems, with a view to the gradual introduction 
and adoption of a universal coinage, were then stated, and the 
alleged difficulties were mentioned as few, and not insurmountable. 
The paper concluded with an urgent appeal in favour of a universal 
measure of coins and weights, &c, which, next to a universal lan- 
guage, would be the greatest blessing to all nations. 
SHAKES PEA EE'S CORIOLANUS. 
SYLLABUS OF PAPER BY MR. W. ADAMS. 
(Read February 26th, 1880.) 
Legend from which the principal incidents of the play are taken. 
Lecture on the play, not on the legend. Criticisms by Ulrici, 
Gervinus, and Vichoff. Sketch of play, with special reference to 
the development of the principal characters, and the way in which 
its display is affected by the minor characters. Eemarks on the 
leading thoughts of the poet. 
VOL. VII. R 
