ADVERTISEMENT.

In starting a proposal for the commencement of a periodical it is usual to enter into an elaborate statement of its intended utility and pre-eminence: profession is put forth upon the most liberal scale, whilst correspondent contemporary efforts are, not infrequently, subjected to invidious remark. Deprecating the tendency of this practice, the Editor of "The Analyst❞ adopts the less questionable measure of submitting a mere outline of contents, leaving the work in contemplation to make its own impression upon the public.

That the Editor should project an addition to the existing number of periodicals, may create some surprise; but when the rapid and universal advance of human enquiry is dispassionately considered, and when it is recollected that almost every city of consequence in the kingdom possesses its Literary, Philosophic, and Scientific Institutions-its Natural History, and Antiquarian Societies, sustained by a spirit of laudable research, perpetually on the wing, a desire to promote the admirable ends of these establishments can scarcely be decried. With but few exceptions, the metropolis has been, hitherto, the only source from which valuable works of a scientific character, appearing at stated intervals, have emanated. Attended with particular local inconvenience, this circumstance has long been a cause of general complaint, -and so far may justify the seeming temerity of the present undertaking. Although the Editor has ventured to enter the lists with his metropolitan brethren, who necessarily enjoy

many advantages denied to the occupiers of less favourable positions, he derives sufficient confidence from the fact that genius and learning, unmonopolized by the capital of any country, are in this era to be found scattered abundantly over every part of the empire: and if he contribute to develope and bring forward those high intellectual endowments which might otherwise be lost in obscurity, he feels that he shall have performed an acceptable service to the republic of letters. That such is his ambition, he, unhesitatingly, declares.

Opposition to any similar publication, either in possession or expectancy of public favour, the Editor most unequivocally disclaims having one end in view, the diffusion of knowledge and of polite literature, he aims at establishing in this quarter of the kingdom, a vehicle of information, the want of which is an admitted matter of regret.

On the talent engaged in "The Analyst" the Editor refrains from expatiating; but aware that the success of his experiment must, in a great measure, depend on the mental calibre employed, due care has been taken to secure the most efficient assistance.

In conclusion it may be only requisite to state that political and polemical discussions are wholly excluded, the contemplated publication being entirely devoted to the interests of Literature, Science, and the Arts-and from the patronage already conceded, the Editor calculates on its extensive. circulation.

All communications are requested to be addressed to the Editor, (post-paid), 72, High-street, Worcester; or at Messrs. Simpkin and Marshall's, Stationers' Hall Court, London.

WORCESTER, JULY 26th, 1834.

ADDRESS.

A PREFACE to a new work is always expected, and to a Magazine it becomes as necessary a fixture as the title-page. In accordance, therefore, with the taste and fashion of the times, the Editor of "The Analyst" ventures a few observations in the shape of an introduction to the present

number.

If it be asked why another periodical should be added to the accumulated stock now in existence, the Editor's reply is-"There is no monthly publication in the shape of Magazine or Review in either of the Midland Counties-a part of the empire which is inferior to none in science, in arts, in literature, and in general knowledge—and the want of which has for a very considerable period been a source of regret to the numerous intellectual residents within its enlightened circle."

Had the Editor not been repeatedly urged by many of the most erudite and leading individuals in this and the neighbouring counties, to undertake the superintendency of a publication similar to the one now launched, it is more than probable that "The Analyst" had never seen the light. The want of such a medium of communicative knowledge having been too long felt and regretted, he obeyed the summons without the slightest hesitation, even in the face of obstacles which might have appalled more experienced men— and the commencement of his labours is submitted to critical investigation in the annexed pages. Whether the experiment

be such as will fulfil the general desire-whether the ends proposed have been successfully accomplished-time will soon disclose to the attainment of such object, the Editor's unceasing exertions have been devoted, and he trusts that his solicitous endeavours to be useful will not terminate in the vexatiousness of disappointment. Allowances will doubtless be made for a first attempt—if it be received favourably, the Editor pledges himself that no relaxation of energy shall at any future time be manifested-and the succeeding numbers, with the important aid of experience to guide them, will, he hopes, continue to advance rather than to recede in literary attractiveness.

It were easy to swell out this address with ostentatious promises-but perfectly aware that the success of all literary works depends on their intrinsic merits, the Editor abstains from commenting on a theme which is so often liable to misconstruction and doubt. The world is the arbiter of literary honour, and to the world's opinion the Editor must bow..

For whatever of capability and interest may be observable in most of the subjects which occupy this number, the Editor unhesitatingly avows he is chiefly indebted to his able and talented coadjutors-and in expressing his fervent thanks generally, he should be wanting in common liberality and courtesy, if he did not, in a peculiar manner, return his best acknowledgments to those highly-gifted female contributors, whose intellectual acumen, warm fancy, and deep feeling, have been called forth to give interest, and grace, and attraction to its pages. This is a coadjuvancy and an honour of which the Editor may well be proud.

In compliance with some strong recommendations, the Editor has included in his table of contents the lives of eminent and illustrious men, clerical preferments, University intelligence, the improvements in the arts of life for which patents have been granted, and a regular monthly account of the marriages, births, and deaths.

WORCESTER, JULY 26th, 1834.

SOCIA

ON THE MORAL POWER OF THE PRESS.

BY WM. CAREY, H. C. M. A. R. B. A., H. M. A. N. Y. &c.

THE prodigious advance of Europe in all the arts of war and peace since the discovery of typography in 1441, is a proof of the vast importance of that art to mankind; it, also, inculcates the wisdom, wherever an opportunity occurs, of actively employing the press to promote local advantages and the general welfare. The wonderful influence of this mighty engine extends to the interests of every class, from the King to the peasant. The sound and free exercise of its function is as necessary for the security of the throne and the prosperity of the community, as the free circulation of the blood and breath of the lungs, are to the health of the body. The various diurnal, weekly, monthly, and quarterly publications have greatly multiplied and diffused its benefits. The information, which they so rapidly convey from county to county, and kingdom to kingdom, of every new improvement and invention, extends the action and sphere of our agriculture, manufactures, trade, commerce, navigation, and every department in which human genius, ingenuity, enterprise, and industry can find room for exertion. The members of all professions however learned, have it in their power to increase their funds of knowledge from these epitomes of science and amusement; and the humble cottager or mechanic in his lodgingroom, finds hints in them to render his daily labours more speedy and profitable; and lessons to instruct him in his rights and duties.

The history of the last four centuries furnishes a succession of memorable proofs that the press possesses a power, when honestly and ably exerted, to exalt, and, when abused, to degrade and subvert, whatever it steadily advocates or denounces. Almost all the gradual changes, in that period, which have produced an improvement of manners and customs in England, and on the continent of Europe, have been either wholly wrought, or mainly assisted by its influence. Those countries, where it was earliest introduced, and most freely used, have received the greatest advantages, of which England, though late in receiving it, is a signal instance. No extreme of bad taste, error, or ignorance, can long withstand its well-directed energies.

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