New-York daily tribune., 1842-09-03
LITERARY NOTICES.

a, Dr.cRtpT1yE AND HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OF HYDRAULIC
AND OTHER MACHINES FOR RAISING WAIsR, ancient ancient
q and Modern: with observations on Various Subjects
y connected with the Mechanic Arts. Illustrated with
nearly three hundred engrayng1s 81 by Thomas EwBANK.
s New York, D. Appleton Co., 200 Broadway.
I. The above is the title of splendid and valuable
yrk in the press of the Appletons, of which we
. AVE been favored with copy, in advance of its
Indication. From hasty examination, which is
1--we have as yet been able to give it, we are In
ain.d to believe that it will be one Of the most
,urous and interesting works that have issued
ron the American press for many years. The in
,res,ing attention which is paid to works of sci
enc., to new inventions and improvements in the
mechanic arts, is one of the most marked features
Of the present day; and though Philosophic OBJ
serer-one disposed to look to primary motives
and 10 develope the secret of all social phe-
noena, and to trace operation to their ulti-
mate results, might see in this reason 10 nppre-
hsnd consequent degradation of higher spiritual
science and q neglect of mere vitality important
tuths-stl the philanthropist must sincerely re-
oico at the diversion of the human powers from
,bs maths of blood and ruin in which so many OF
ii. mighty men of the earth have delighted to
( walk and upon which have been lavished so large
s,here of the energies and gifts of humanity, to
i tie more peaceful and bene6cent channels which
lad to the happiness and well-beiag Of the human
ace.
Thi. work of Mr. EwBANk seems to be some-
{ thing new in its design, which is effected with
wonderful ability and success. 1t could only have
\ been written by one large portion Of whose life
had been spent in searching the dusty volumes OF
q ntiquty and who possessed besides an ardent en-
,husiasm in the cause of science and mechanic inn
(, poyement. We have not time to give any thing
Ikea general summary of its contents. 1t traces
the history of machinery Of all sorts from the very
sarlies, dawn of its MISUNDERSTANDING with
the most ceaseess assiduity the records OF anti
# quiy, and cross-examining their traditions, Gus
TOMS &C., with consummate skill, intermingling
the whole with the most entertaining sketches OF
life and character and the most just and lnstruc-
tive reflections upon the features of society and or
dinnry life, which are indicated by the habits thus
brought to light The work is divided into hve
bOsks, of which the general subjects are as follows
i.Prmitive and Ancient Devices for Raising Wa
te-s. Machines for Raising Water by the Pres
& Rrs Of the Atmosphere. Machines for Raising
Water by Comrressure independently of Atmos-
herc influence Machines for Raising Water,
hieay of modern origin, including early modern
+ applications Of steam for that purpose-5. Novel
Devices for Raising Water, with an account of
& gphons, locks, valves, clepsydrn, &c. &c. 1t is
Illustrated by nearly 800 hne sngrav'ngs' and Is
6 published In the finest style OF the tSPosrapmc
MI.
4 lhe following cut represents Peruvian femaie
aSss tea witha Sucking tnoe' "f'ch Is treated
By the author as "an atmospheric pump IN en-
iyo:n
81 -