The Northern Daily Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1853-11-09 00:00:00

litbitiu.

The Human Hair, Popularly and Physiologically
Considered. By Alexander Rowland. London : •
Piper Brothers.
It was said of Swift, that so fecund was his genius
that he could write a tome upon a broom-stick !
but here we have got a volume of some hundred
pages upon the subject of the human hair !
This book is, without exception, the best we
have ever seen upon such a subject, and must
have cost the author infinite pains, and no small
modicum of patience, in the preparation. The
physiological structure of the hair—the distin-
guishing characteristics of that of various races—the
fashions adopted by various countries with regard
to it—the diseases to which it is subject, &c., &c.,
are all duly and admirably dilated upon, and a
host of authorities are quoted, which certainly
give to the work a claim to erudition. A num-
ber of engravings and coloured plates, illus-
trating the anatomy of this human tegument, not
only beautify the work, but make it far more inter-
esting and instructive. We do not look for literary
perfection in a book treating of such a topic, and
therefore feel disposed to pass over silently any
trifling blemishes that attract our attention. We
are happy to say, however, that the defects are
" few and far between," and are considerably more
than compensated for, by the excess of excellencies
which pervades it. The author thus introduces
his subject:—
"The hair of the head among all nations, civilized and
savage, ancient and modern, has ever been considered an
ornament to the person, and its healthy preservation and
orderly arrangement have usually occupied a considerable
share of attention. Luxuriant and tastefully arranged hair
certainly ands a peculiar degree of style, elegance, and finish
to the features of the female face, and excites admiration in
the most casual observer, and a due regard to the trim and
appearance of this appendage to the human fate, is not out
of place even in the opposite sex : for all should cultivate
and preserve the gifts with which Heaven in its good provi-
dence has seen fit to adorn the person.
"The hair has met with little consideration from the
scientific world, and few works have been written on the
subject, whilst the most trivial things have furnished
matenats tor elaborate treatises and learned discussions ' • it
cannot, therefore, be deemed out of place, that one of the
most prominent characteristics of the human countenance
should be investigated and popularized, so as to render its
properties and purposes better understood by the many
thousands to whom a fine head of hair is justly an object of
solicitude. Having for more than half a century devoted
myself specially to the consideration of the various peculiari-
ties of the hair, and the best means of improving it; I trust
I shall be able to offer much useful information and advice to
the notice of the reader, and present at the same time, a
popular, interesting, and readable book."
There can be no doubt but that the human hair is
a very fit subject for investigation—and that a
" popular, interesting, and readable book," there-
upon, which the author here assuredly gives to
the public, is greatly to be desired. It is a subject
upon which the generality of people know little,
but require to know much. However, all essential
information is here succintly conveyed, and in a
telling manner, which instructs whilst it amuses.
Our author devotes one chapter in vindication of
the beard and hirsute adornment, or what is
vulgarly called " the moustache movement," admi-
rably characterised by Madame Pultzky as a
" manly appendage." We own, like other literary
aspirants, to having a penchant for such an adorn-
ment—pray excuse us, reader, if your better judg-
ment leads you to think otherwise. However,
hear what Mr. Rowland says on the matter :
"It may be safely argued, as a general physiological prin-
ciple, that whatever evinces a free and natural development
of any part of the body is by necessity beautiful. Deprive
the lion of his mane, the cock of its comb, the peacock of
the emerald plumage of its tail, the ram and deer of their
horns, and they not only become displeasing to the eye, but
lose much of their power and vigour. And it is easy to apply
this reasoning to the hairy ornaments of a man's face. The
caprice of fashion alone forces the Englishman to shave off
those appendages which give to the male countenance that
true masculine character indicative of energy, bold daring,
and decision.
" The presence or absence of the beard as an addition to
the face, is the most marked and distinctive peculiarity
between the countenance of the two sexes. Who can hesitate
to admire the noble countenance of the Osmanli Turk of
Constantinople, with his un-Mongolian length of beard ?
Ask any of the fair sex whether they will not approve and
admire the noble countenance of Mehemet Ali, Major Herbert
Edwards, the hero of the Punjaub, Sir Charles Napier, and
others, as set off by the beard ?—We may ask with Beatrice
'What manner of man is he ?
Is his head worth a hat, or his chin worth a beard ? '
--1 -r to,
most eminent physicians and merchants encroaching upon
their former narrow boundaries, while it is well known that
not a few of our divines have been long convinced of the
folly of disobeying one of nature's fixed laws ; but hitherto,
their unwillingness to shock the prejudice of their congre-
gations, have prevented them from giving effect to their
convictions."

Then, as to the beneficial effects of wearing the
same, he observes :
g, But the beard is not merely for ornament, it is for use.
Nature never does anything in vain, she is economical and
wastes nothing. She would never erect a bulwark were her
domain unworthy of protection, or were there no enemy to
invade it. I shall proceed to show that the beard is intended
as a bulwark, and designed as a protection for the health.
The beard has a tendency to prevent diseases of the lungs by
guarding their portals. The moustache particularly. as we
have already seen, prevents the admission of particles of dust
into the lungs, which are the fruitful cause of disease. It
also forms a respirator more efficient than the cunning hand
of man can fabricate. Man fashions his respirator of wire,
curiously wrought ; nature makes hers of hair placed where
it belongs, and not requiring to be put on like a muzzle.
Diseases of the head and throat are also prevented by wearing
the beard."
Let us not forget, in conclusion, to state, that
the ladies are not forgotten, and that a considerable
portion of the work is exclusively devoted to them
and their interests, with ample directions as to the
management of hair, ringlets, bands, and even
false curls !! ! But as we are venturing upon for-
bidden ground, we shall desist directly, as with
such arcana we have no business to be acquainted.

BANKRUPTCY COURT.-YESTERDAY,
(BEFORE MR. COMMISSIONER PERRY.) _

In re Parerelle.—The bankrupt in this case was a hardware
dealer in Paradise-street, whose premises were some time ago
burned down. He came before the court on his adjourned
last examination. Mr. Charles Pemberton, solicitor to the
bankrupt, was examined at considerable length relative to a
claim for £4Ol made by Mr. Louis Pererelle of Birmingham,
who is uncle to the bankrupt against the estate. Mr. Pem-
berton's evidence went to show that Mr. Louis Pererelle was
not included in the original list of creditors supplied to him
by the bankrupt, and that it was represented at the meeting of
the bankrupt's creditors that his liabilities were only about
£l,BOO, whereas they subsequently turned out to be £2,400.
The bankrupt was also examined at great length, relative to
his books and papers, and at the conclusion of his examination
Mr. Yates, on the part of the assignees, applied to have the
bankrupt's examination adjourned sine die. Mr. Pemberton
opposed this course being adopted, and after some conversation
it was agreed that the examination should be adjourned for a
fortnight.

A Servant's Home has been opened in Birken-
head, under the direction of the Rev. A. Knox, and other
clergymen os the Established Church.
BIRKENHEAD EMIGRATION DEPOT—Duringthe past
week two vessels have been dispatched from this depot with gov-
ernment emigrants, namely, the Utopia, on Thursday last,
with 340 passengers for Portland Bay, South Austrahn, and
the Boomarang, on Saturday last, with about 400 for Mel-
bourne. They had been selected chiefly from the agricul-
tural districts of England.
NEW PATENTS.—The following patents, amongst others,
sealed during the week ending November sth, 1853, are
from Messrs. Hughes and Bloodworth's List :—Henry Con-
stantine Jennings, of 8, Great Tower-street, London, for
improvements in the manufacture of soap. Dated 2nd
May, 1853.—Edward Walmsley, of Heaton Norris, in the
county of Lancaster, spinner, for improved modes of pre-
venting accidents arising from an insufficient supply of water
to steam boilers. Dated 4th May, 1853.—George England,
of Hatcham Ironworks, New Cross, in the county of Surrey,
engineer, for improvements in screw-jacks. Dated 9th May,
1853.—Richard Edmondson, of Blackburn, in the county
of Lancaster, manufacturer, for certain improvements in the
manufacture of covered corded textile fabrics, and in ma-
chinery for that purpose, being applicable either to hand or
power. Dated 11th May, 1853.—Charles Pooley, of Man-
chester, in the county of Lancaster, cottonspinner, for an
improved mode of feeding machines for opening, cleaning,
blowing and scutching cotton and other fibrous substances.
Dated 13th May, 1853.—Thomas Stephen Holt, of Man-
chester, in the county of Lancaster, engineer, for improve-
ments in steam engines, which improvements are applicable
to the machinery or apparatus connected to steam boilers.
Dated 14th May, 1853.—Samuel Wright, of 24, Church-
street, Shoreditch, in the county of Midlesex, for making a
gas, steam, air or liquid safety tap. Dated 19th May, 1853.
_Charles Cooper, of Kensington, in the county of Middle-
sex, engineer, for improvements in steam boilers. Dated
20th May, 1853.—William Weatherly and William Jordan,
of Chatham, in the county of Kent, engineer, for improve-
ments in the stuffing-boxes of piston Rods. Dated 26th
May, 1853. George Heys, of Bolton, in the county of
Lancaster, manufacturer, for improvements in looms. Dated
19th August, 1853.