The Sun.
London, England, 1846-04-14 00:00:00

many from which no return has yet been obtained ; and additions even to that higher literature from which I
many a serieus loss has been incurred with full know- materials were to be drawn. The Ives of Gelileo anti
ledge that such would be the event. Kepler by Mr. Drinkwater (Betbune) arc well-known
One of these cases of loss, the largest and most im- and very prominent instances. •
portant, is that of the " Biographical Dictionary," pub- In various se erks of the reathenaatical series, the Society
lisbed in half voluntes, of which seven, wimpl-eines the has had the satisfaction of doing for non-academical
letter A, here appeared. To speak of the necessity for readers througeout the empire what the University el
tel in Cauebridge hes eerie :
such a work is needless ; arid to say that, come within the last thirty bears tor its
the manner in which it has been begun, it would be an e'en students, namely, of placing before them, in our own
honour to the literatur& of the country, and woted sun), ledge age, the methods of the inetherueticiaes of foreign
a manifest and m hem
est , ratable hiatus, wools(ne rely ceurrtriss. In this department the Society acknowledges
to re peat.ttie opinion of the judges whose ver,:ict is much its 01 ligations to Peolesser De Morgan. both for the
less likely to he biassed by partiality than that of the work.which he has coetrihuted to the series,' and for
Committee. This work, nevertheless, meta with so his general advice and assistance. Of these obligation,
little of the public patronage, that tee Society finds it is troy the least, that he suegestee the employment of
itself abseeutely unable to continue it. Many per- the late Mr. Murphy, one of the ablest analysts
sons, who Fully approve of the plan and execution, de- that this country has produced of late years, to write
eerie to take the work until it is complete, forgetting the tr satiseun the" Theory of Eye:aeons." In such pro.
that in all undertakings of such magnitude. from the ductions as the large Astronomical Maps anal the
" Biegrsphi Britenniea" downwards, it is not in the "Ste-testiest Accouie of the British Empire," &e., the
power of any publisher, public oeprivate, to expend the Committee have endeavenred help those who were
whole capital required during the years of preparation engaged in profeund.researches of different kinds ; while
whir-h are essential. In the eresent instance, the sale of in the tracer on "Capital and Labour," the e Results of
the first half volume has been 1.161 ;of the last, 789 ; the Machinery," the " Manual for Mechanics' Institutes,"
average sale, 957. &c., they have tried to bring sound materials fir thought
The Committee may safely aver, that no publisher had to the door and the hand of the working man. In the
was se en in those which were betel& t
ever produced works in parts with more regularity than wide reeige that lies between these two, their effete s can
superintendence. The treatises of 1.110 Library eif Useful of knowledge ; and it is with no small pride they reflect
out under their only be summed up by the enumeration of all branches
Knowledge - appeared, with very' few exceptions, at upon the fact that their publications are used in every
the times appointed. The series of maps, a work of part of the empire, from the cottage to the mansion. As
much more difficulty to prepare with regularity than many individuals us there are in the country who can
even a publisher (of books only)res ...illy appreciate, read, so uettety are there who have seen and used some of
was always in hand, and was never yed except by the the works which the SecietY has put forth. In all this
conviction that the loss of time Would 'be well repaid by it will clearly be understood that the Committee claims
the value of the information waited fiir. 'rho e Penny not an Huth. A'S part, bu: a puelisher's. Yet, at the same.
Cyclopwdia" was never twelve hours behind its time is time their duty as publishers Las been combined with
all the monthly appearances of as manly years ; a thing that of supeeindenee, revision, suggestion, and, occasion-
which never happened in the case or .any alphabetical ally, assistance in the obtaining of infertnation. Except
work which depended upon the regularity of an editor in cases where ia eork•was in the hands of an editor or
and contributors. And the " Biographical Dictionary" author known to the Society by former experience, or
was in the han 'a of the same editor, whose untirit g warranted by well established reputation, superintendence
zal had produced this unprecedented-result. Ni, better has been inure than nominal. In some cases, the extent
guarantee fer its regular progress could have been of a work hue beets usefully leen aced at the express
offered: and if but one in four of those to whose libra- desire of the Society ; in others, as usefully diminished.
vies the complete work would have been judged by In the labour of supesentendence the Society has much
themselves essential would have accepted this guarantee, obligation, over and above what has been alr, ady stated, .
it would have been now in full progress. to acknowledge to many present and eirmer members e f
Though the Committee always counted upon se loss, the Committee ; particularly to Captain Beaufort for his
or at the best upon a deficiency which could net he skilful care of the series of maps, and to Sir John
made good untl long after the completion of the work, Lubbock for his active ceetition to all that relates
neither they, nor others more conversant with the to the sciences in which he has gained his well
chances of the boekselling trade, were at all prepared to established reputation. Arid while mentiening a former
expect so large a deficiency as appeared by the time member of the Committee. whose name is so honourably
the letter A was completed. On these seven hal.- ' associated with the higher braneoee of astronomy, the
volumes the excess of expenditure above receipts Committee have the satisfactics of remembering that
half, the researches on the tides were partly suggested by
amounts to nearly 5.000/. Of this loss, more than
it appears, has been sustained by the Society, and the the necessities of the Society's Almanac, and that the
remainder by the subscriptions and donations which. expenses were partly defrayed freen the Society's funds.
have been announced from time to time. Though the While alluding to those who are, and have been mein-
giving some hers of the Committee, whose services have been of
refi rass tosnalteo obf
pt -aotrikt wwaosulednschoourrtalygi encouraging as
e e
to such a point more than common extent and usefulness. it is impos-
as might enable the Committee to proceed steadily to the sible for the Committee to forget the late Earl Spencer.
end, yet it was found that the average rate of sale of the To this nobleman the Society was under the deepest
seven half-volumes produced the& faleatienabovealluded bligations, as well for his attention to its publications,
to. And careful estimates showed, that underexistieg eir- particularly to these relating to history and agriculture,
cumslunces, an additional sum of at least 15,000 e must as for his constant and active participation in its
be sunk. A stork commenced in parts ought to be con.- general' management. The goieety has never ex-
tinned to the full extent which the capital of the under- perieneed a grouter loss than it sustain, din the unex-
taker will allow. The Society has obeyed this reason- pected death of this tried and trusty friend of every im-
eble rule, and has xhausted its resources. As soon as prove-went. The " Biographical Dictionary " was a
it appeared that, with the losses incurred by the e Bios stork in which he took the deepest interest: he was, in-
grape ical Dictionary," the assets of the Society, never deed, its first suggester, and he gave liberal aid towards
very considerable for the reason already assigned, the publication.
scarcely exceeded its liabilities, there was no other al- The Committee have alluded to their determination
ternative except the discontinuance of further puelica. not to interfere in theology or politics. They have also
tion for the time being. The present announcement is mentioned the opposition excited by their presumed in-
the consequence. diffeeence to religion and public order. But the enemies
With regard to the " Biographical Dictionary" the of their cause were not their only assailants. At the
Committee feel no doubt that a great many persons, cemniencement of their career, nothing was mote cem
most friendly to the undertaking and to the progress of mon ;than remonstrances trout friends of the diffusion of
literature, have withheld their support and assistance knowledge, blaming the in in strong terms fir supplying
under the usual feeling of hope that the end might be to the public nothing but literature and science, and
compassed without them. Many may not have been neglecting, from feat- of misconstruction, matters of the
aware that the undertaking was placed in peril by their highest importance to social happiness. Six years ago,
standing aloof ; .and should the feeling of regret with when the circumstances of the dine seemed favourable,
which the Committee abandon the present prosecution the Committee so far departed from the usual practice
of the work be shared by any who shall feel disposed as to publish a series of political treatises, drawn up by
to exert themselves for its renew al, the door is still their chstrinate nerning the only accessible work in
open. An arrangement has burn made by which the which the existing constitutions of the principal coun-
' plates and cope right of the part already published may tries in the world are described both in principle and de-
be repurchased by the Committee at a nominal rate at tail. But the event showed strong reasons to conclude
any time within three years. So that, in point of fact, that the part. of the public which called out for politics
ithe work may yet be continued. And the Committee wanted, not knowledge of facts nor lessons of experi-
e ell use their best endeavours; should they see good ence, but only stimulus for party feeling, and materials
p rospect of success, to promote the renewal of a pro- for party discussions. The Society accordingly gave up
je ct of the utility of which they are so well assured, the intention of completing the above-named series, and
an of which nothing but the absolute impossibility of abandened a work on Political Economy which had been
col itinuing it has produced the suspension. prepared.
`With respect to the Society, however, the failure of In conclusion,. the Committee congratulate all who
the "Biographical Dictionary,' though one of the cireums feel as they do upon the spirit of imerovement now so
stem cea which gave led to its present situetion, is only to actively displayed, and trust that it will not tire until
is
be considered in that light in connexion with another Isla has achieved the universal education of the people. As
mere material, and much more gratifying, character. employed in effecting their object by printed publica-
TI to Society's work is done, for its greatest object is dons, which are principally addressed to those who
se beeved—fully, fairly, and permanently. The public have received some mental culture, they have always
is supplied with cheap mid good literature to an extent felt that the door cf communication between them and
wt tich the most saeguine friend of human improvement large masses of the community was but avi ry little way
coiald not, in 1826, have hoped to base witnessed in op. te But they have the satisfaction of seeing and
twenty years. the powerful contributors to ties great knotting that at least there is now no further obstacle to
object, who have been taught by the Society how to those who have made the first step, and of feeling
that
ork without the
Society, may almost be reckoned by they have been instrumental in removing the subse-
tlee hundred, end there is hardly a country in Europe, (silent hindrance. The time is coming, thet trust, when
frotteßussinte Spain, which has not seen the Society's all will act upon what most now see—namely, that
-publications in its own language, and felt their influence knots ledge, though it adds pevver to evil, adds tenfold
on its own system of production. Had it been other- power to good; when there shall be no part of the com-
wise, had the desire for information which the Society munity on which this maxim shall not have been veri-
Showed to exist in 1826, still remained iinsupplied from fled; and .Then the Society for the Diffusion of Useful
any other source, the multitude of pence would have far Knowledge shall be- co-ext, naive with society hsele
more than have supplied the pounds necessary for the 42, Beelfordesqiiare, March 11, 1846.
" Biographical Dictionary," evert though no single pure
dieser had been found.
• Among the sources of income which have never
failed, the series of maps is prominent. The re-issue of
this series, which has new become the property of
Messrs. 'Knight and Co., is still unfinishe d. The Com-
mittee have the satisfaction of knowing that Mr. Knight

NAVAL INTELLIGENCE.

PORTSMOUTH, SATORDAY.—The Rodney, 92, Capt,.in
Collier, is ready for sea, and will go out of harbour on
Monday. It is reported that she is to go as flag ship to
the East Indies.

The St. Vincent, 120 flag ship, will be ready to pro-
ceed to Spit.head towards the latter end of next week.
She his been removed to her usual moorings, and is now
vskung in her guns. The enntctuplated improvemerts in
this ship have been abandoned tor the present, as it
would require so lo:tgli timvo complete them, that all
hope of her joining in the summer cruise in the channel
must, in that case, he given up. An addition of about
*ix inches to her false ke. 1 is all that has been done.
The Pticeaix, steam sloop, Commander Dennis, sailed
this afternoon for Gibraltar.

has secured such superintendence of the remaining por.
Lion of this re-issue as cannot fail to provide for the ful
and due execution of all required improvements.
In naming Mr. Knight, it is 8 pleasure to the Com
mittee to remember the various ways in which his gee
vices as a cultivator of literature have been rendered to
the Society : on him,
in fact, and Professor Long, more
of the editorial character has devolved than on any other
two individuals. To both these gentlemen the Society
is under the deepest obligations : to the former as Edi-
tor of " The Penny Magazine," the " Library of Enter-
-mining Knowledge, ' and of the" British Almanac" and
its " Companion ;" to the latter as Editor of " The
"Penny Cycloeiedia," "The Journal of Education", and
" The Biographical Dictionary."
The Committee will not enter into much detail upon
the character and extent of the services which the pub-
lic appreciation of their intentions and their efforts has
enabled them to render in the diffusion of knowledge.
But a brief summary may be permitted ; and in making
it, they gratify their own feelings by the rtcollection of
the obvious truth, that they could not have withstood
the opposition which was excited by their first united
appearance, if they had not creat. d a hundred sup.
porters for one opponent. In the " Library of Useful
Knowledge," they showed the possibiay of producing
sound treatises on the principles of all branches of
human inquiry, at prices heretofore unexampled in
lowness. In the " Library of Entertaining Knowledge,"
they proved that equal soundness of detail, but with
highsr range of subjects than was usual in books of that
class. might be introduced into works as cheap, intended
for lighter reading. In the " Farmer's Series, they have
brought within the reach of a very large proportion of
jseC't: in'particular,
nln:Pa thert ic
‘u•
those employed in agriculture more and better inferma-
lion than subsequent compwtition has ever attempted to
tim produce:
principal
the
iwnaonrlt
u ,i .l.non.hteh:
ant Horse," lAarl'lta ilstr
and its "Companion," they successfully attacked prevalent
absurdities, and made this valuable class of works, which
yields only to the newspaper in its power of introduc-
tion, a new vehicle of useful information. There is rea.on
to believe that they had a considerable share. in induc-
ing the Government to abandon the stamp-duty on al-
manacs, a measure which has multiplied the number s and
increased the sale of these works to en enormous extent. In
the series of maps they have effected a complete change
by making
' the most recent geographical coati rills ac-
cessible at a cheep rate. In the " Journal of Educe.
thin,' they called the attention of many, whose means 4
information on the existing state of education, at home
and abroad, were very limited, to those defects of methods
and ho iks which were but too
well known to all who
had examined the subject. In
the " Gallery of Por-
traits," they showed that their principle of cheapness
WR9 folly applicable to the faithful re
presentation of
works of art.
In the" Penny Magazine," they were the
only of curtailing the circulation of a class f means not
lication• offensive to murals, and even to common cheap
P 613-
ceney, but, introducing, and stimulatie,, o common de-
cency, by oth, rs, into qiiarters se b, the introduc.
- r,ere
penetrate d, of both literature and art. oohs had heti:lly
Cyclopedia." they brought before h In the " em)
sands, articles as good as those wich undreds of „thou-
works of reference had confined no t. ( the usual plan of
have nu deubt they materially daroho. itiedsands ; and they
constructing di( tionaries of literature imaged
the old plan of
a manner as to be of little avail exet, t science in such
used the longer and more important articles?to those who
as excellent as the minor ones were bad)
)(frequently
separate treatises. This work has been the as so Illtilly,
calling forth such articles, not
only forWrittenmeans of
suggested by it, as that of the Astronomer it but
the s •
Oravitation, in which Peens of er Royal on
_ his popular ree
I. snation which Newton gave of own
P . heen not only rendered accessib' system
has
les, but greedy increased in .e to mul-
titue the extent to .
it is tilled. In the works on " "Friendly . which'
cy So -cies " and
.. 4 apt.uities," the very actuary Whose ,i, r 7 .
on
ley are has he n furnished with ta„L, /e'esslotiel
boeks t. .
tables tl ‘nn previously existed ; while the pricel i ' '
Delia, rh. IT are published
_ has. prevented them from at
and merely professional.
being only
In histor a and biography, the " Library of Useful
Knewledee" bits suppliedimany treatises of value. Aid
intent
although not . expressly to promote erigieal
reseuch, tut only ftc'pi,ace before 1 rrge masses .of
readers the rest sits on existing investigation*, yet it has
happened, lucid, 'tits y,
_that the Committee has been
the suggesting cvse .of works which are valuable

The Endymion, 44, Captain Lambert, arrived at Ber-
muda on the 24th ult. On the preceding. Sunday, in the
afternoon, while runnin,, with a fair wind, she was over-
taken by a tremendously heavy squall. The men were
aloft on the yards reducing sail, when the force of the
wind struck the ship; in an instant the eye-bolt on the
mainmast head, to which the toreyard brace-block is
attached, gave way, the foreyard broke in the slings,
and the weight of it carried away the fore-topsail parrill,
and before the men on the yard could secure themselves,
seven of them dropped into the water, and were lust; the
ship then running ten knots through the water.
The Sampson st,am-friga.e, Capt. Henderson.—The
following is an extract of a letter from an officer be-
longing to this vessel, which we give in order to show
the injustice of those parties who decry our steam men
of-war. The letter is dated Madeira, March 4th, 1846 .

—" The engines work so smoothly that th, re is not
the least jerking with them, and they have done their
duty well in this last gale—such a gale as I hope we
shall never have to encounter again. The Tweed, one
of the crack West India mail boats, sailed from
Southampt.m on the 17th Februars, an.l the S.lmp‘on
sailed from Plymouth on the 20,11 following. The
Twe. d got to Madeira twenty hours before us, so that
we beat her three days. The first five days she had
fine weather, whilst we hail scarcely any, and this should
be reckoned relative to our comparative speed. Our
name is up as being a f,st ve,.5..1 We went twelve
knots an hour under steam coming into this port
—when we got smooth water the engines making
eighteen and a half revolutions. I never was• in a vessel
betore where we had to ease her going head to sea.
We have been glad to give all we could on purpose to
make them steer, but the Sampson goes too fast, so that
we have been forced to aid the engines. The Tweed
oould not stand the gale, but it well tested our sea quali•
ties ; and we all like the Sampson, as being a perfect
steamer, and a good sea boat, and the Captain is highly
ple ised with Ler."

The Contest man-of-war brig, constructed by Mr.
White, was launched from the projector's building slip
at Cowes, this morning, and was directly taken in tow
by the Comet steam vessel, and brought into the harbour
to be fitted for commission. She is 450 tons burden.
The Apollo, troop ship, Command, r Radcliffe, is in
the harbour, under orders to refit. At the time of her
departure frt.m Monte Video, Rear Admiral Inglefield'.l
flag was flying in the Vernon, 50. Captain Fitzgerald.
The Dock-yard artirins crovloyed on the Ap 110, are
orderud to work from six iu the morning to sev. n at
night, to expel ite her. It is understood she is to take
trout a to the East
Ihe Excellent ha, b again at pra,tice this week in
testing and IQ ir,g the range of new Fun-, among which
are a number of liaLt-sliort eons. deigned for the use of
the brigs hitherto denominated 16 gun brigs, which are
in future to be armed vk only twelve of these guns of
32-pound bore, in-tead •)f. the 32-pound csrronades
which they have preaiinsly carried. The trials have
been very satilfactory. These guns weigh only 45 cwt.
each.

AQUATICS.-F. Lett, of Lambeth. and T. Cook, of
Westminster (two first-rate rowers), are matched to row
from Battersea to Hammersmith, on the 28th of April,
for 50/.

FAIL OF A RAILWAY Iltimcf:.—We are sorry to
announce thrt the triadic on that portion of the Newcastle
and Carlisle Railway leading from the station on the
London
road to the canal, has suffered a temporary suspension, in
consyquence of the bridge having given way. The bridge
origmally;Was erected upon piles. and the recent heavy
points have deepened the river at one of the piers to such en
extent that the piles have given way, and two of the arches
hiVe sunk on the lower side of the bridge fully two feet, and
thus rendered thp,•line impa.sable i.r.the trains. A tern
corary wooden .11;tge wilt he tinmeiba!elyerected to keep
up the 'connexion with the C31,:ll navigation, and. in the
meantime, wooden planks have been laid across the bridge
to admit of the waggons being drawn across by horses to the