The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1841-09-24 00:00:00

THE POLYTECHNIC SOCIETY

The first meeting of this interesting society since the
summer vacation was held on Tuesday, at the Royal Insti-
tution, J. Grantham, Esq., president, in the chair.
After the private business of the society was concluded,
the PRESIDENT addressed the numerous body of members
present, and congratulated them on the prospect which he
saw of the society rising to a position of great interest and
usefulness. He, however, wished to warn members against
remaining satisfied with what had been accomplished, and
urged them rather to consider the society still in its infancy,
requiring their individual and united exertions, which, he felt
confident, would be amply repaid. He then called on Mr.
Brett to read the communication which had been announced
for this evening :
ON ATMOSPHERIC ELECTRICITY, WITH REMARKS ON

LIGHTNING CONDUCTORS

Dr. BRETT fir;t4,li7;iQ the attention of the society to the
more remarkable mechanical effects of electricity, its power
of causing the disruption of the particles of the most dense
substances when imperfect or non-conductors, of raising the
temperature of metallic conductors so as to cause in some
instances their fusion or even volatalization, and its power of
inflaming many combustibles.
The electricity of the atmosphere during calm weather was
stated to be of the positive kind, as determined by the best
experiments; but the intensity of the atmospheric electric
force was found' to vary in calm weather during different
periods of the day, and at different seasons of the year.
Experiments made in the summer season went to shew that
the electric tension was greatest at or about noon, diminish-
ing until the commencement of dew deposit in the evening.
at which time and during the deposition it again increased,
and was at its minimum when the said deposition had en-
tirely or nearly ceased : the supposed causes of this varied
electric tension were stated. The following experiment
made by M. M. Becqueret and Breschet on the heights of
St. Bernard, was detailed :—The experimenters placed a
piece of varnished silk upon the ground so as to insulate the
spot—a coil of silken cord covered with gold leaf was laid upon
the insulated surface--one end of the cord, which was of se-
veral feet in length, was slightly attached to an instrument
'for noting the presence of free electricity—the other end of
the cord was firmly attached to the iron head of an arrow=
the latter was then projected high up into the atmosphere by
means of a bow, and it was noticed that as the, arrow
ascended, the divergence of the strains of the electroscope
increased; when the arrow had attained its greatest altitude,
the divergence was at its maximum—the electricity thus
communicated to the electroscope was found to be of the
positive kind. The attention of the society was directed to
the electric condition of the clouds in stormy weather, and
the remarkable experiment of Romas by means of a large
kite and conducting iron wire was detailed as illustraitve of
the enormous quantities of electricity present in, and capable
of being drawn from, a highly-charged storm cloud. The
opposite electric states of clouds, in order to admit of dis-
charge, were insisted upon, and the power of one highly-
charged cloud to induce an opposite electric state in an
adjoining cloud previously in a state of neutrality was alluded
to, and illustrated by, diagram. The phenomenon of the
return shock was referred to, by which objectS on the earth's
surface might be severely injured, independently of the direct
action of electric discharge from the atmosphere.
Allusion was then made to those objects which, from their
isolated position, considerable elevation and the circumstance
of their presenting points to the higher atmosphere, were
most likely to be struck, as it is called, by lightning. The
modes recommended for adapting lightning rods to the pro-
tection of buildings were mentioned, and the necessary pre-
cautions to be adopted for the purpose of ensuring efficiency
pointed out.
-- •

EXHIBITION OF WORKS BY MODERN ARTISTS,

POSTOFFICE-PLACE ROOMS

As the exhibition of paintings by modern artists must ne-
cessarily attract just at present the attention of the connois-
seur, the amateur, the artist, and all who have any preten-
sionto taste, we shall occasionally devote a space in the
columns of the STANDARD to draw public remark to
such works as. we consider worthy. We have for many years
taken much interest in fine art, and we cannot but admit that
there is a taste springing up in Liverpool, which the painter,
and the artist of.every denomination, ought to welcome with
a joyous feeling. Let it be remembered how many persons
are now visiting the admirable works of Mr. Martin, at the
Union-rooms ; let it be borne in mind what numbers in-
spected the Three Caracci, " Adam and Eve," and Danby's
glorious painting of the Opening of the Sixth Seal. If our
townsmen were not fond .of art, they would not give en-
couragement to the dealers in pictures who frequently favour
us with their presence, and who generally effect good sales,
and leave excellent specimens of the various masters behind
them. And then again, look at the establishment of a
permanent Gallery of Art, does not that also show a taste for
painting and sculpture? We say, when these matters and
many others which exist are looked at, they show that a deci-
ded encouragement is given to the fine arts in this town. A
word respecting the Permanent Gallery of Arts. The public
is greatly indebted to the Committee of the Royal Institution
for this establishment, and we believe that we shall not be
verf far wrong in ascribing to Mr. Winstanley credit for
great perseverance and exertion in bringing this matter to
maturity. Mr. Winstanley is totally free from the petty
jealousy and self-conceit that we regret to say is so predomi-
nant in the artist. Mr. Winstanley is a connoisseur, and
looks upon fine arts with a liberal and a generous mind, and
appears glad to impart that knowledge which he undoubtedly
possesses—to all those who need it, and while he treads the
path in search of knowledge, and gathers Rowers on the way,
be does not scruple to scatter around him the results of his
experience. We hope that those who can will come forward
and assist the Permanent Gallery. Let our merchant princes
—for princes they are in acts of benevolence—show them-
selves regal in support of the tine arts.
But to return to the exhibition. We find this year that
there are a great many pictures which possess talent : a few
display genius, and au undoubted shadowing forth of future
greatness. Of the bad ones we shall have little to say, no-
ticing only such as adorn, instead of disgracing, the walls.
To begin at the beginning, the first picture we observe is the
first in the catalogue, representing
" A Scene before the Battle of the Lapitbre and Centaurs."
R. JEFFRAY, London.—The scene is laid in some wild place
where the Lapithm are celebrating the marriage of Pirithous
and Hippodainia. The bride (we suppose) is seen struggling
in the arms of the drunken centaur, while Pirithous (The-
seus or Nestor) stands in a commanding and threatening
attitude, to rescue liippodamia from the rude hands into
which she has fallen. The attitude of the man is extremely
good, as is the figure of the centaur; but the female is clum-
sily drawn. The idea is excellent : if this is by a young
artist, let him study Virgil and Ovid still. It is hardly fair
to criticise the colouring, from the distance the picture is
from the ground ; but we object to the fleshings—they want
life and warmth.
2. " Tartare to patulm recubans sub tegmine fagi."
ANSDELL, Liverpool.—Under this attempt at a classical
title. our attention is drawn to a Landseerish-looking dog
painting, beneath " a wide-spreading beech." Tartar is
cleverly drawn, has life and vigour in him, and does the
painter credit.
6. " The First Sketch." R. FARRIER, Chelsea.—Sotne-
thing in Wilkie's style : the colouring not equal to the idea
in merit. The subject, a lad sketching on a wall Buonaparte
seated on a chair. Around the young artist are anxious and
delighted groups crowding to gaze upon the first effort of
genius.
12. " Silvia comparing Herself to the Flowers." J. Ssi-
vEßN.—Raw in colour, and out of drawing.
13. " View of Stirling from the west Gate of the Castle."
W. COLLINGWOOD, Liverpool.—A clever painting. The
town in the foreground, and the broad champaign country at
the back. is drawn very spiritedly.
16. " Portrait of Mr. Ward." J. C. WILSON, Liverpool.
—Whoever has seen Mr. Ward will recognise this picture.
It is a capital likeness, and well painted.
19. "The Last Days of a Condemned." J. VON HOLST,
London.—This work represents a haggard-looking malefactor
on his way to execution. Around him are " staring eyes"
and faces exhibiting different emotions of sorrow, fear, and
horror. The principal figure is painted in a free, bold, style,
and may be termed a clever effort of art.
20. " The promenade of the Schravone, Venice, Evening."
INSKIPP, London.—A belladonna taking her evening
promenade, followed at a respectful distanceby two Cavalieri,
who appear watching her progress. The dress and figure of
the lady are charmingly painted, and in this artist's best
manner. _

22. " Bonnington Falls." Miss NASMYTH, Manchester
A charming landscape, with wood, water, sock, and road
the lights cleverly distributed.
35. " Subject from Midsummer Night's Dream." J. G
MIDDLETON, London. The face of " Amorous Phillida" ii
very fair. that of Corin is too womanish. A great deal of bad
drawing evident. Who ever saw, except in a vulgar market
wench, such an arm as that of Phillidas ?
36. " Venice." R. WINNEs, London. An extremely
clever picture, representing carnival time at Venice. Here a
mother with her babe—a sweet figure—there a pair of lovers ;
there a gondolier ;an old man—a clever study—a servant
girl : and other objects. The table is loaded with wine flasks
and fruit. The arrangement of the figures, the drapery, and
costume are all excellent—the faces of the females most
lovely. This picture has a sunnyness about it which renders
it most pleasing, while the composition is highly interesting
and clever.
42. " Sunset on the River Stour." T. S. COOPER, Lon-
don. One of Cooper's sweet landscapes, with an exquisitely
drawn and painted group of cattle. The atmosphere clear—
the river smiling and placid. This gem we perceive is sold.
We envy the purchaser
50. " Convent of Cosimato Roma." HAVELL, London.
Havell's works may be be known everywhere and any-
where. There is a warmth and richness in his lights, and a
depth in his shadows, that give great effect to his charming
pictures. There is another of his pictures, No. 85, a brilliant
specimen of colouring. The sky is most glowing and rich,
and the light beautifully distributed.
52. " Britain's Glory." W. KIDD, London.—Two pen-
sioners celebrating perhaps the anniversary of a naval victory.
A good picture, displaying much humour.
57. " The Unrelenting Lord." J. R. HERBERT, Lon-
don.—The subject is a warrior in a stern attitude waving
aloft his cap, while a girl droops at his feet apparently struck ,
with horror. Why his lordship should be unrelenting;"
the deponent sayeth not. It is cleverly painted, has great
expression, and the drapery is well thrown.
65. Warriors Aroused by the Sound of the Trumpet." W.
ETTY. R.A., London. This is Mr. Etty's only picture in
the gallery. The artist has lavished great skill on the prin-
cipal female figure ; the fleshing is most delicate. The war-
rior is muscular and firm. There is much vigour in drawing,
and brilliancy in the tone of colouring in this picture.
71. " Mynheer Vandunck." CHARLES STEEDMAN, Lon-
don. Painted with much humour : it has a good deal of the
Dutch masters about it. Mynheer is seen in bis glory en-
joying his draught, "as deep as the Zuyder Zee."
75. " The Stolen Interview of Charles 1., when Prince of
Wales, with the Infanta of Spain." F. STONE, London.—
A well painted historical picture, for explanation of which
see catalogue. The costume appears to have been attended
to with great care. The figure of Charles is very capitally
drawn. The group of affrighted females are gracefully placed,
while the dark dress of the old marquis on his knees con-
trasts well with the light dresses in his vicinity.
83. " Portrait of James Aspinall." J. H. ILLIDGE, Li-
verpocl.—A most excellent likeness—there is "no mis-
take" about this picture. It is admirably painted.
81. " A Loek on the Thames near Windsor." VICKER S,
London. A pleasant landscape well drawn, but raw in
colour—age will greatly improve this artist's pictures.
86. " Aston, Warwickshire." T. H. HENSHAW, Lon-
don.—Mr. Henshaw is a clever artist. His works have all
great merit. There is a warmth in his landscapes that render
them pleasant things to look at.
. 88. "Gleaning in Kent." WITHERINGTON, R.A., Lon-
don. —A broadly painted, bright picture, with clear atmos-
phere.
90. " Fisherman's Family looking out after a Storm." H.
P. PARKER, Sheffield. A good picture possessing much in-
terest. The fishermen's families are anxiously gazing sea-
ward, sweeping the horizon with their straining eyes, and
watching the fragments of wreck hurried by the pier whereon
they stand, with fearful gaze. The group is well arranged,
the sea and distance well painted.
91. " Portrait of William Fawcett". G. PATTEN, A.RA.,
London.—An admirable likeness. This painting has been
engraved, and privately circulated. This excellent work of
art is intended to adorn the walls of the Mechanics' Institu-
tion.
93. " The Crater of Vesuvius at the Summit". HAVELL
—An interesting subject, cleverly painted.
94. "The Boy andmany Friends'. G. WEBSTER, A.R. A..
Kensington.—One of the most humourous pictures in the
room, and well painted. It represents a lad at school, hav-
ing received a basket from home, has emptied it of its con-
tents, while his companions cluster round him, apparently
proffering their friendship in `! this time of prosperity". He
is loaded with cakes, pots of preserves, and oranges, while
his schoolfellows are still diving into the basket, one of whom
fishes up a bottle, and the other a book. " A big boy" is
bullying another, who appears too pressing in his attentions ;
another looks on with eager and longing eyes ; a noisy crowd
are bursting into the room, while the poor usher leans against
his desk as if wishful to forget that he has no home—no
friends to bear him in their most sweet memories. This is a
most capital picture, drawn with great ability and truth, and
cleverly painted.
" 96. Port Stewart". W. G. HEADMAN, Liverpool.—
Mr. Herdman has great talent : many of his works adorn the
exhibition this year. The present, without being one of his
best, is clever, and has good effects.
98. " Belem Castle, with Lisbon in the distance". C. H.

Siaforth, Merton.—A Vanderveldish-looking view of this
interesting seaport and fortress. Atmosphere pure and
sunny. The shipping well painted.
99. " River, by Moonlight". J. B. CROME, Great Yar-
mouth.—Mr. Crome's style is original and peculiar—deep
shadows and mellow lights give a pleasing but sombre effect
to his pictures. There is much talent shownin this and the
other works by the artist.
We must must now break off, and continue our notice in
our next publication.

Walnuts are very plentiful this season : they are selling in
and near Hereford, at from ,Id. to 6d. per 100.
SUDDEN DEATII.—On Wednesday night, about ten
o'clock, a respectably dressed elderly gentleman, about 60
years of age, called at the private box entrance of Drury-lane
Theatre, and begged to be allowi3d to sit down for a few mi-
nutes, as he felt very HI. He had scarcely entered the door
and taken a seat, before he fell back and expired.

A. WOMAN KILLED BY A BULL.—On Wednesday, at
noon, Mrs. Hunter, in Laigh Thornyflat, near Whitletts, a
widow of advanced age, having gone out to assist the herd-
boy in driving the cattle from a field of wheat into which
they had broken, was attacked by the bull, and so dreadfully
gored and bruised that she died in an hour and a half after-
wards.— Caledonian Mercury.
HORRIBLE 14,1vaDER.—On Tuesday night, at about ten
minutes past ten o'clock, a horrible murder was committed
at the King's Head public house, Eastcheap, London, on the
person of Mr. Bourden, the landlord of the above house,
as well as an attempt made on the lives of two other persons,
the sister of Mr. Bourden and his wife. The particulars of
the case are as follow :—At about three o'clock on Tuesday
morning, a person of the name of Blakeley accosted Serjeant
Bradley, 503 of the city police, and inquired of him how he
could obtain possession of his wife, whom he stated was
staying at the above house, but, after being advised to call in
the afternoon, he went away. At about ten o'clock the same
night, he (Blakesley) went to the King's Head, with every
appearance of extreme agitation, and going behind the bar,
where the deceased was sitting on a chair, dosing, and his
(Blakesley's) wife attending to the customers, he drew from
his pocket a butcher's knife, and made a desperate thrust at
his wife, wounding her in a dreadful manner. Her screams
awoke Mr. Bourden, who, while in the act of rising from
his seat, was stabbed in the stomach by Blakesley, the knife
penetrating to the handle. lie fell at the bar door, and
Blakesley, after making an attempt to strike Mrs. Bourden,
escaped. Mr. Smith, of Gracechurch-street, was sent for,
and lost no time in attending, but ere he arrived, Mr. Bour-
den had expired. His attention was then directed to the un-
fortunate woman, who, it is stated, is mortally wounded.
Blakesley is stated to be rather a fine looking man, about
five feet ten inches in height, round face, dark hair, large
whiskers, and about thirty-five years of age. At the time
of committing the murder he wore a brown frock coat, dark
spotted waistcoat, and dark trousers.—Morning Herald.