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BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, AND DEATHS.

BIRTHS.

March 15. At Lisbon, the Lady of Colonel A. Ross, a daughter.-17. At Rossie, the lady of Colonel Oliphant of Rossie, a daughter.-18. At Cambdenhill, Kensington, the lady of Sir James M'Gregor, a son. -20. At Deal, the lady of Captain William M'Culloch, R. N. a son.-21. At Mavisbank-house, the lady of Major Charles M'Gregor, 70th regiment, a daughter.22. At Milton, Lady Hunter Blair, a son and heir.-23. At Logie-Elphinstone, Mrs Horn Elphinston, a son.-24. At Edinburgh, the lady of H. St George Tucker, Esq. a son.-25. At Edinburgh, the lady of James Wedderburn, Esq. his Majesty's solicitor-general for Scotland, a son.-28. At Brighton, the lady of the Hon. D. M. Erskine, a son.-30. At Balloan, Mrs Fraser, Culduthil, a son.-Lately, at Castle Bona, Isle of Man, the Right Hon. Lady Sarah Murray, a daughter. Lately, at the seat of her father, Sir E. Harvey, K. C. B. the lady of John Drummond, jun. Esq. of twin sons.

April 14. At the palace of the Bishop of Norwich, the lady of the Rev. Archdeacon Bathurst, a daughter.-At Lisson Grove, North, the Countess of Rothes, a daughter. -17. At Edinburgh, the lady of Captain Barclay, R. N. a daughter.-18. At Cloncaird Castle, the lady of Robert Cuningham, Esq. a daughter.-19. At Dunse Castle, the lady of William Hay, Esq. of Drummelzier, a daughter.-At Arbuthnot-house, the Viscountess of Arbuthnot, a daughter. —22. At Clumber Park, the Duchess of Newcastle, a son.-26. At Houndwoodhouse, the lady of Captain Coulson, R.N. a daughter. At Glen-Stewart, the Marchioness of Queensberry, a daughter.

MARRIAGES.

March 15. At Guernsey, John Peddie, Esq. major of brigade to the forces of that island, to Louisa, daughter of the late William Peter Price, Esq.-18. At Perth, James Stewart Robertson, Esq. of Edradynate, to Dorothea, youngest daughter of the late Adam Stewart, Esq. of Cluny.-At the English ambassador's hotel, Paris, Thomas Clifton, Esq. of Lytham-hall, Lancashire, to Mrs Campbell, widow of the late David Campbell, Esq. of Killdaloig, Argyleshire. -19. At Edinburgh, Robert Hunter, Esq. late of the island of Jamaica, to Helen, youngest daughter of the late Patrick Warner, Esq. of Ardeer.-20. At St George's church, Hanover-square, London, Major. General Sir Thomas Sidney Beckwith, to Mary, eldest daughter of the late Sir William Douglas, Bart. of Kelhead, Dum

friesshire. At the British ambassador's hotel, Paris, Lieut. Thomas Lillie, of the 23d royal Welsh fusileers, youngest son of J. Lillie, Esq. of Drimdoe, Ireland, to Elizabeth, eldest daughter of Robert Hunter, Esq. of Kew, Surrey.-At Foyers, Inverness-shire, Captain Thomas Fraser, 83d regiment, to Miss Fraser, only daughter of Simon Fraser, Esq. of Foyers.-24. At Rose Terrace, Perth, George Ballingall, Esq. surgeon of the 33d regiment, to Jessie, daughter of the late James Ballingall, Esq. of Perth.-27. At Ghent, Major Henry Balneavis, 27th regiment, to Georgina, second daughter of Colonel Graham, Lieut.governor of St Mawes.-29. At Edinburgh, Frederick Mackenzie Fraser, Esq. captain, 78th regiment, to Miss Emmeline Sophia M'Leod, daughter of the late Alex. Hume, Esq. of Harris.

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April 8. Lieut.-Colonel A. Anderson, C.B.K.T.S. colonel of the 12th Portuguese infantry, to Elizabeth, eldest daughter of the late Thomas Bigge, Esq. of BromptonMiddlesex.-10. At St James's church, London, Charles, Earl of March, eldest son of the Duke of Richmond, to Lady Caroline Paget, eldest daughter of the Marquis of Anglesea.-17. Sir William Hoste, Bart. R. N. to the Right Hon. Lady Harriett Walpole, daughter of the Earl of Orford.24. At Edinburgh, Farquhard Campbell, Esq. of Huntington, to Miss Penuel Jane Baillie, daughter of the late Hon. William Baillie of Polkemmet.-At the house of his Grace the Duke of Wellington, Colonel Hervey, aid-de-camp to the Prince Regent, and military secretary of the Duke of Wellington, to Louisa Catharine, daughter of Richard Caton, Esq. of Maryland, U. S.— 25. At Drumsheugh-house, Colonel Charles Fraser of Inveralochy and Castle Fraser, M. P. to Jane, fourth daughter of Sir John Hay of Smithfield and Haystoun, Bart.29. At Northumberland-house, London, Earl Percy, to Lady Charlotte Clive, eldest daughter of Earl Powis.-Lately, Colonel Cunyngham of Malshanger, to Miss Gertrude H. Kimpton, Brompton. Lately, Colonel James Campbell, of the 94th regt. to Lady Dorothea L. Cuffe.

DEATHS.

Jan. 27. At Kingston, Jamaica, at the great age of upwards of 130 years, Lucretia Stewart, a free black woman. She was brought to that island a few days after the dreadful earthquake which destroyed Port Royal in 1692, and had seen her fourth generation.

March 15. At Edinburgh, Lieut.-Col. J. Ainslie, of the Hon. East India Com

pany's service.. -15. At Rudding Park, Yorkshire, the Right Hon. Kathrine, Dowager-Countess of Aberdeen, aged 83.-18. At Wick, Mrs Ann Innes, relict of Captain John Sutherland of Wester.-22. At Collampton, Devon, William Chisholm of Chisholm, Esq.-23. At London, in Upper Seymour Street, George Paterson, Esq. of the Hon. East India Company's service. At Woolwich, Lieut.-Colonel Foy of the royal artillery.-24. In Tonbridge Place, John Dunbar, Esq. late of Penang.-28. At Edinburgh, William Wight, Esq. formerly of the island of Jamaica.-31. In Cumberland Place, London, the Right Hon. Lady Frances Douglas, wife of the Hon. John Douglas, and eldest daughter of the Earl of Harewood.-In October last, at Sierra Leone, Robert Hogan, Esq. LL.D. his Majesty's chief justice and admiralty judge in that settlement. As a gentleman and a scholar, a sincere friend and a social companion, Dr Hogan had not a superior. But to describe him solely by these qualities would fall far short of his merits. Dr Hogan had not been many months in the possession of a situation from which he looked forward to honour and emolument, when he was seized with a fever (the effect of the climate), which in a few days put a period to his life. He was a native of the county of Limerick, in Ireland. Lately, in Vernon Place, London, Charles Combe, M.D. F.R.S. aged 73. -Lately, at Kensington, the Rev. William Beloe, rector of Allhallows, and prebendary of St Paul's Cathedral. Mr B. was a native of Norwich, where his father followed the business of a china-man; and was educated at the university of Cambridge. He obtained the vicarage of Earlsham, with Bowthorpe annexed; and in 1796 the rectory of Allhallows. He was for many years assistant librarian of the British Museum, and highly respectable as a scholar. As an author, he was chiefly known as a compiler; and in association with the Rev. Robert Nares, the Rev. William Tooke, and the late Mr Morrison, he prepared for the press an edition of the " Biographical Dictionary," in 15 vols 8vo, and was, with the Rev. Robert Nares, a principal conductor of the "British Critic." Amongst his separate publications are, "The History of Herodotus, from the Greek, with Notes," 4 vols 8vo; "The Attic Nights of Aulus Gellius, translated,' 3 vols 8vo; " Anecdotes of Literature and Scarce books," 6 vols 8vo.-Lately, at Cambridge, the Rev. Robert Tyrwhitt, M.A. formerly fellow of Jesus College, aged 82. -Lately, at Bath, the Right Hon. Alex. Thomson, Lord Chief Baron of the Court of Exchequer, aged 72.

April 2. At Cullen Wood, near Dublin, James Ross, Esq. of Pitcailnie.-4. At Dunbar Lodge, Mrs Hay relict of the Hon. William Hay of Lawfield.-5. At Ewes Manse, the Rev. John Laurie, mini

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ster of that Parish.-7. At his apartments, Macclesfield Street, Mr Thomas Hearne, well known for his British antiquities, his drawings, and particularly his accurate and unrivalled delineations of Gothic architecture.-10. At Tiverton, Charles Maxwell, Esq. late of Dalswinton, aged 82.-11. At Catcomb House, near Portsmouth, Lady Curtis, relict of Sir Roger Curtis, Bart.At Mauldslie Castle, the Right Honourable the Earl of Hyndford. His private character was highly estimable. Few noblemen have been so much beloved. The greater part of his time was devoted to agricultural pursuits at Westraw, and to the embellishment of his princely seat at Mauldslie. was one of the most skilful farmers in a district particularly distinguished for the excellence of its farming. Mauldslie, his patrimonial inheritance, is now separated from the Hyndford estate. It has fallen to his Lordship's sister, Mrs Nisbet of Carphin. Sir John Anstruther, Bart. succeeds to the entailed estate. The title is extinct.-14. At Maybole, Samuel Wheatley, aged 97, who at that advanced age retained all his faculties to the last. Mr Owen O'Toole of Pepperland, county of Wicklow, at the advanced age of 105 years. He was the lineal descendent of the famous O'Toole, whose resistance to Cromwell has been so celebrated. A short time before his death, he walked twenty miles in one day.-15. In George's Square, Edinburgh, Mary Erskine, eldest daughter of the late Rev. Dr John Erskine of Carnock, one of the ministers of Edinburgh, and spouse of Dr Charles Stewart of Dunearn.-16. At Edinburgh, Mr Henry Moncrief, clerk to the signet-17. At Dundee, Dr Thomas Constable, late minister of the united parishes of Liff and Bervie.-19. At Abercromby Place, Edinburgh, Miss Jane Ross, youngest daughter of the late Lord Ankerville.20. At London, in the 45th year of his age, Colonel Mitchell of the 51st regiment. This gallant officer served several campaigns in the Peninsula, under the Duke of Welling ton, with great credit and distinction; and lastly, at the memorable battle of Waterloo, where he commanded a brigade of infantry, -23. At Jedburgh, Joseph Pringle, Esq. of Ferney-green, late consul-general at Madeira.-24. At Edinburgh, Mary, Lady Rollo, widow of James, Lord Rollo.-29. On the Steyne, Brighton, Mrs Brisbane, relict of Admiral Brisbane.-Lately, the Hon. Thomas Clifford, youngest son of the late, and brother of the present, Lord Clifford.-Lately, at Dent, Yorkshire, Mrs King, at the age of 111 years. On the 14th September last, at Meerat, Bengal, Major James Lumsdaine, in the Hon. East India Company's service, eldest son of the late William Lumsdaine, Esq. W.S. Edinburgh.

Oliver & Boyd, Printers, Edinburgh.

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SOME ACCOUNT OF THE WERNERIAN NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY or

EDINBURGH.

To determine the utility of Natural History, it is scarcely necessary to do more than to enumerate its various branches, by which it will be seen in its most convincing form. In truth, the correctness of this opinion requires no proof, since the general attention which has, within a few years, been excited to the study of every department of natural knowledge, must have rendered every illustration that can be offered perfectly familiar to our readers. This being the admitted fact, the importance of all attempts to facilitate such studies, to excite ardour, and to stimulate exertion, will be fully appreciated. Under the influence of this conviction, we make no apology for submitting to the public the following sketch of the rise, progress, and present state of the Wernerian Natural History Society of Edinburgh, as well as a few general observations on that branch of natural history to which some of its most distinguished members have hitherto devoted their talents. The history of this society is, in fact, so intimately blended with the progress of mineralogical science in Great Britain, as to make it impossible to notice the one and neglect the other. To this society, we, without hesitation, refer not only a large share of the enthusiasm that has been kindled, but some of the most interesting observations on the internal structure of Great Britain that have yet been presented to the world. In addition

to this view, it will be well to illustrate its truth, and to trace the insensible though progressive influence that has been exercised on the minds of many, by one enlightened, zealous, and persevering individual.

The state of mineralogical knowledge, within the last forty years, was confessedly low in every part of the world, as it consisted of little more than an acquaintance with the more valuable substances, and of a catalogue of localities. On the Continent of Europe, the first steps towards improvement were made; while, in our country, though so rich in its mineral treasures, scarcely a work appeared, with the exception of Williams Mineral Kingdom, and Price's Cornwall, that con tained accurate observations. Yet, in the midst of this most deplorable ignorance of the works of nature, her most secret mysteries were resolved with a boldness and temerity scarcely to be surpassed by the flights of Paracelsus, or of Arnoldus de Ville Nova. It would be a fruitless and unprofitable task to give even a sketch of these whimsical, though often ingenious, fancies.

The individual to whom mineralogy is most deeply indebted, is the well-known Werner of Freyberg. He has taught the vast importance of accurate observation, and patient investigation. He has shown, that in this science, as in every other, facts should not be made to bend to hypothesis; but that every man who wishes to obtain accurate views, should begin his career unfettered by theory-and that the result must be a more accurate

and extensive acquaintance with the materials of this globe. He has further shown, that certain relations exist among these various materials and although his own particular theories, and even his views respecting ⚫ individual relations, may be occasionally erroneous, yet still he is entitled to the high praise of having pointed out the true mode of inquiry, and of having given that direction to the study of nature which experience has shown to be decidedly good.

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While this illustrious man was silently pursuing his useful career in Germany, other philosophers in this country, of high talent, boldly struck out general views, which, though not remarkable for accuracy, entitled their hors to the character of genius and of fancy. Dr Hutton of Edinburgh took a decided lead in this matter. 3. He communicated his hypothetical opinions to the world, first through the medium of the Edinburgh Transactions; and subsequently, in 1795, they were republished in a separate form. It would be foreign to our purpose here to criticize this ingenious theory, abounding in splendid views, which, unfortunately, are too often unsupported by facts. Had Dr Hutton studied nature, and then theorized, his genius would, in all probability, have illustrated many difficult points; but it is obvious, from his own works, that he has frequently reversed this order of proceeding.

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While these dazzling speculations allured the votaries of Hutton, the present Professor of natural history in the university of Edinburgh first became known to the world as a scientific man, by his Mineralogy of Arran and Shetland, published in 1799; and afterwards, in 1801, by his Mineralogy of the Scottish Isles. In these works he gave a flattering earnest of his accurate views in the study of science, and of his indefatigable zeal in the attainment of it. His labours are before mankind; and his success is best attested by the admiration of those who owe their scientific acquirements and habits to his instruction and unwearied enthusiasm.

About 1804, Mr Playfair's beautiful and eloquent Illustrations of the Huttonian Theory were first published. In this work, all that eloquence, fine taste, and infinite ingenuity could do, were united to vindicate and establish

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the doctrines of which the author may be considered the most illustrious champion. Public attention having been strongly excited on these topics, by the impugning of Dr Hutton's creed by Professor Jameson, the contest became keen; and the result has been, to establish, very universally, the important fact, that the science of mineralogy is only to be acquired by patient labour, and that theory is as useless as contemptible, unless sup ported by a "cloud of facts."

In this state of general scientific excitement, those who felt anxious to render it beneficial, naturally sought for channels through which its influence might be judiciously directed. The most obvious was the establishment of societies, which, while protecting and encouraging every branch of natural history, would afford due support to mineralogical science in all its parts, whether regarded as furnishing materials for the philosophic inquirer, or as directing the operations of the practical mineralogist. Several societies, for promoting the knowledge of nature, have been long established; yet they have been so confined (not indeed by their regulations, but by the habits and peculiar associations of their leading members) that few have ever been bold enough to introduce topics which, if not considered innovations, would excite little or no general interest. Perhaps this might arise from the scope of the older societies being too extensive. But whatever may have been the cause, the ef fects are certain. To supply this defect, and to rouse a certain interest in the neglected though highly interesting walks of science, was an object of importance to every one who had perceived and felt the inconveniences resulting from the old system. Professor Jameson (who may be considered the founder of mineralogical science in Great Britain) had contemplated the object of this sketch soon after his return from Germany; and as the public attention had been strongly solicited by his valuable works, to one department of natural history, it was considered a favourable opportunity to bring together, in an organized form, such individuals as were desirous of extending the bounds of our natural knowledge in general, without limiting the tendencies of its original founders. Accordingly, on the 12th

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January 1808, Professor Jameson, Doctors Wright, Macknight, Barclay, and Thomson, Colonel Fullerton, Messrs Anderson, Neill, and Walker (now Sir Patrick Walker), held their first meeting, and "resolved to associate themselves into a society for the purpose of promoting the study of natural history; and in honour of the illustrious Werner of Freyberg, to assume the name of the Wernerian Natural History Society." Professor Jameson was elected the first president; Doctors Wright, Macknight, Barclay, and Thomson, the vice-presidents; Mr Walker, the treasurer; and Mr Neill, the secretary. Honorary and other members were elected; and among the first of the former, the society has the honour of enumerating the illustrious names of Werner, Sir Joseph Banks, and Kirwan. At the same time, it was resolved that a charter should be applied for; and accordingly, this being done, the Lord Provost and Magistrates of Edinburgh, by virtue of authority vested in them, granted the charter on the 10th February 1808; thus solemnly incorporating the society.

The objects of the Wernerian Natural History Society are sufficiently defined by the resolution which we have extracted. They are simply the general promotion of every branch of natural science; at the same time, it is to be understood, that its fostering care has, from obvious causes, hitherto been chiefly bestowed on mineralogical science. Some, who are more disposed to cavil than to reflect, have objected to the distinctive title assumed by the founders of this society, as narrowing its scope. Werner, it is true, is chiefly, if not exclusively, known in Britain as a distinguished mineralogist. His knowledge, however, extends to every branch of natural science, and is regarded, by those who have possessed the singular advantage of his instruction, as equally remarkable for its accuracy as for its extent.

The honourable compliment paid to his merits, as a man of science, ought to be considered, what it really is, as analogous to similar distinctions bestowed on Linnæus in this country, and on other eminent men on the continent. The name implies no determination blindly to support Werner's peculiar views-as may be shown from the published memoirs, which

contain undeniable proofs of freedom of discussion.

The society has now existed upwards of nine years, during which period its records have been graced with the names of all the most distinguished philosophers of Europe and America; and although unaided by the advantages of wealth, it has silently pursued its useful career, and has, both directly and indirectly, contributed most essentially to the well-doing of science. Most of the active members of this society are professional men, whose daily engagements circumscribe the sphere of their scientific utility; yet, notwithstanding this and other disadvantages, they have explored a large portion of country-have contributed several valuable papers, which have been published, besides others of equal importance, which will, in due season, appear at the bar of the public. While the individual members are thus co-operating in their ef forts, the society, as a body, has not been negligent of its more immediate duties. One complete volume of memoirs, containing several very valuable papers, and one half volume, have been already published. The second half of the second volume is also ready for publication. The merits of these volumes are sufficiently known to the scientific world; and as analyses of their contents have been formerly given elsewhere, it is unnecessary for us to enter into such details. We trust, that the part on the eve of appearing will justify the expectations excited by its predecessors,

The course hitherto adopted by the Wernerian Society has been unquestionably good-though not so brilliant as it might have been, had it possessed some advantages not wholly unknown to others. Upon the whole, however, we are disposed to think, that a quiet unobtrusive career, in which solid foundations for future distinction and lasting reputation are laid, is to be preferred to that rapid course which dazzles for a while, but leaves no fixed and permanent impression. When, indeed, we recall the circumstances under which it was first establishedwhen we recollect the odium which was attached to the very name, we cheerfully offer the tribute so merited by him, to whose intelligence, liberality, and unwearied diligence, we owe all that true spirit of mineralogical

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