442 
rate it at the zsigoth part only, but this 
is the least quantity that can be assumed, 
the mercury being supposed to give of 
one-half its volume of ammonia; and he 
is now inclined to think it may contain 
the 5th of new matter on the anti- 
phlogistic theory, and about y$gth on 
the phlogistic theory. The professor 
concludes this part of his subject by ob- 
serving, that though the researches on 
the decomposition and composition of . 
nitrogen, have produced only negative 
Monthly Retrospect © 1 the Fine Avis. 
[Dec. 1, 
results, yet he conceives that they may 
not be devoid of useful applications. Ir 
does not seem improbable that the pas. 
sage of steam over hot manganese, may 
be applied to the manufacture of nitrous 
acid: and there is reason to believe that 
the ignition of charcoal.and potash, and 
their exposure to water, nay be advan- 
tageously applied to the production of 
volatile alkali, in countries where fuel is 
cheap. 
(To be concluded in our next.) 
MONTHLY RETROSPECT or tur FINE ARTS. 
The Use of all New Prints, Communications of Articles of Intelligence, Sc. are 
requested under covER to the Care of the Publisher. 
SE 
Dr. Landsecr’s Observations on the Plan of ibe 
Chalcograpbic Society. 
FEW months ago, the writer of 
the monthly Retrospect in this Ma- 
gazine, thought it necessary to speak in 
praise of a plan submitted to the public 
for improving the art of engraving in 
England by the Chalcographic Society ; 
and neither the ill-natured remarks of 
Mr. Landseer thereon, a re-consideration 
of both pamphiets, his own commen- 
datory article, nor the patronage the 
scheme has received, induces him to 
alter his opinion. The circumstances 
that led to Mr. Landseev’s ill- tempered 
Jetter on this praise-worthy society, and 
his illiberal, ungentlemanly, abuse ofsome 
of its mherabicrs, are briefly as follows, and 
which are here inserted in support of the 
former observations offered on the pub- 
lished plan of the Chalcographic Society. 
Mr. Landseer was proposed, at his own 
request, to be a member of the society, 
and rejected at the ballot. In the spleen 
of his disappointment, he publish ed the 
pamphlet now under consideration. Its 
one appears, from the title-page, to be 
fair observations on-the plan; but its real 
objects are the excitement of mistrust 
and disunion between the members of 
“ the Society ‘for the Encouragement of 
sep Art of Engraving,” and those of the 
« Chaicographic Society ;” to thwart the 
views of the latter by misrepresentation 
and calumny ; ; and to distract the former 
an the exercise of their patronage, by a 
confusion of doubts and scruples. 
The ietter (for so it is called, although . 
no name is given to whom itis addressed) 
35 a curious specimen of absurdity, spleen, 
malignity, and, we might say, falsehood ; 
for we in vain look for - the “‘ view of i im 
proving their scheme cf patronage,” 
as 
which the title-page promises; and wearé 
deluded (after purchasing this plan to 
improve our stock of knowledge in plan- 
ning,) with an intimation, that he has 
reserved it for the private inspection of 
such gentlemen as may chuse to consult 
him. We marvel he did not add, ac- 
companied with the fee of a Bank of 
England note. If we believe the very 
modest Mr. Landseer, it would seem 
that all talent, and all wisdom, is centred 
in himself, and that no share whatever 
belongs to the respectable men who form 
the society he opposes; and because they 
love quiet and attention to their art,-bet- 
* ter than those disputes and bickerings. 
that must be the consequence of admit- 
ting into their society a man, who was 
justly defined, a short time since, by an 
artist of high rank and talents, as a ‘ lite 
tle man who is always vexed.” It.is | 
truly astonishing and lamentable, that. . 
aman of Mr. Landseer’s talents as an * 
engraver, should desert. his burin for 
the pen, and enter into unproveked hos- 
tility against his contemporaries... Iti is 
a misfortune even for the public, but a 
greater to himself; for its consequences 
must recoii upon him, He would do well 
to consider that, befure he’so broadly at- 
tacks the éharacters of others, that his own 
is not of that unsullied nature that will 
put him out of the reach of retaliation : 
let him remember the old Spanish pro-. 
verb: “That he who has a house of glass, 
should not begin to throw s stones at his 
neighbour's.’ 
Essays of the London Architectural Rites 
Published by order of the Society. Taylor, 
Hoiborn, 
This is the second volume of essays by 
a Society of gentlemen, who have incor- 
rated themselves for the mutual study. 
ane 
