FAC-SIMILE of part of one of the Wood-Cuts in the Allegory of the
COMPLAINT OF DEATH, printed by Pfister

expense in this impression; and, among that of other learned men, has availed himself of the assistance of Oecolampadius. He anticipates a reprint of this book by other printers; but he shall not be disposed to consider this in a harsh point of view, provided any one exceed or equal his own fidelity.' Next follows the address of Erasmus to Pope Leo X. occupying three pages; the first of which is encircled by a magnificent wood-cut border, having some ornaments not remarkable for their delicacy.*

We have, in the third place, Erasmi Roterodami Paracelsis ad Lectorem pium,' occupying seven pages and a half; then his 'Methodvs,' filling the next eight pages and a half; and afterwards, his 'Apologia,' with some short lives of the four Evangelists, written in four Greek sentences, which occupy the remaining six pages and a half. On p. 1, the sacred text commences, within a splendid wood-cut border, having Froben's name upon a blank shield, beneath. At p. 322 the Acts of the Apostles conclude; then the Hypothesis of St. Paul's Epistle to the Romans on p. 324-5. The first Epistle commences on a page separately numbered, having some rectangular ornaments, printed in red ink, in the style of Aldus's books; but it is a very unequal imitation. On p. 224 the Revelation of St. John concludes.

The Annotations, in Latin, commencing at p. 225, generally form the second volume. At p. 672 there is an interesting address from the corrector, Oecolampadius, concerning the impression and the learned editor; the latter being termed literarum omnium decus ac delitiæ.' Then follow two pages of Errata; and on the recto of the ensuing leaf

* It is not a little extraordinary that Dr. Knight, in his Life of Erasmus, 1726, 8vo. p. 187-203, should have omitted to notice (at least, in chronological order,) this very important work which issued from the press of Froben, under the immediate superinten. dence of the distinguished character whom he celebrates. Gibbon, in one of the notes of the later volumes of his History, calls Knight's performance a very curious' one. This may be doubtful praise. The biography of Knight is immethodical and dry; but it is embellished with cuts, some of which have considerable mechanical merit, as well as antiquarian interest to recommend them. All facts are worthy of publication which relate to Erasmus; but they might, in the work here referred to, have been stated with more liveliness and perspicuity. The labors of Le Clerc and Jortin will receive the thanks of posterity. Yet a Life of Erasmus, less concise than Knight and less ponderous than Jortin, is at this day a great desideratum. It must however be admitted that, in his Life of Dean Colet, Dr. Knight has published an interesting epistle upon the subject of this impression of the sacred text. The reader may consult my Bibliomania; p. 288, 293.

• Canon-Ternionvm,' having the following colophon and device beneath:

Basileæ in ædibus Joannis Frobenij Hammelburgensis

Mense Februario. Anno. M.D.XVI.

REGNANTE IMP. CAES.

MAXIMILIANO P.

As the reader will find a tolerably copious account of the various editions of the New Testament, by Erasmus, in the first volume of my Introduction to the Classics, it only remains here to observe, that the present is the FIRST IMPRESSION of them extant; and, however erroneous it may be, in comparison with the succeeding impressions, it has always been covetted by the curious, on account of its rarity, and beauty of execution. This copy was formerly in the collection of Dr. Farmer: see Bibl. Farmer, n°. 1634.