and useful. Mr. Babbage's " Economy of Machinery and Manufactures" will be found a delightful and most instructive little work; comprising in a small compass a vast deal of important and authentic information not to be found elsewhere. The style, too, is eminently chaste and philosophical. Works of this kind the student may advantageously have by him, for the purpose of reading or reference, as inclination and opportunity may allow.

It would seem a hopeless task to enter upon works on physical science generally: but one may be named, "The Elements of Physics" by Dr. Arnott, as one of the most extraordinary and valuable books of the age; one calculated to entice the student into the very recesses of natural philosophy, and well worthy of a very frequent perusal. It will supply the place of all other works on physical science, at least to the lawyer; it does not pre-suppose any acquaintance with the mathematics in its readers; nor does it deal in what may be called the jargon of scientific phraseology. He that runs may read. Such felicity of illustration-such graceful simplicity of style and method, perhaps never were before united with profound and accurate scientific knowledge. An acquaintance with the general principles of physics-of mechanical science, such as this work will so easily and elegantly supply, will be of incalculable service to the young counsel; as an ignorance of them is likely to be attended with the most mortifying consequences. Dr. Arnott, in the work just

mentioned, gives an amusing anecdote, which is worth quoting. "A young and not yet skilful Jehu, having run his phaeton against a heavy carriage on the road, foolishly and dishonestly excused his awkwardness, in a way which led to his father's prosecuting the old coachman for furious driving. The youth and his servant both deposed, that the shock of the carriage was so great as to throw them over their horses' heads; and thus they lost the cause, by unwittingly proving that the faulty velocity was their own*!" A still more ridiculous instance occurred not long ago, on the part of an eminent counsel.

The author cannot conclude this section, without conjuring his young reader to study the immortal works of Edmund Burke. Panegyric has exhausted itself upon them. Enchanting-dazzling in their eloquence, profound in their political sagacity, sublime in their philosophy

66

we ne'er may look upon their like again."

If the present writer were, in the prospect of banishment to a desert country, put to his election of some one English author's works, as his companions in exile, he has often thought that he should choose those of Burke. "Among the characteristics of Lord Erskine's eloquence," observes one of his recent biographers, "the perpetual illustrations derived from

*Elem. of Phys. vol. i. p. 48, 3rd ed.

H

the writings of Burke, is very remarkable. In every one of the great state trials in which he was engaged, he referred to the productions of that extraordinary person as to a text-book of political wisdom-expounding, enforcing, and justifying all the great and noble principles of freedom and of justice "When I look," says Lord Erskine himself, "into my own mind, and find its best lights and principles fed from that immense magazine of moral and political wisdom, which he has left as an inheritance to mankind for their instruction, I feel myself repelled, by an awful and grateful sensibility, from petulantly approaching him.”

Such is the course which the author ventures to point out for the guidance of his younger readers; one which he hopes will be found at once comprehensive, appropriate, and practicable, with reference to the time and objects of the law student. He is aware that some may feel disappointed at the nonselection of their favourite authors; but they must remember that a choice must be made; and, in doing so, no one can please all. Many extensive branches of knowledge are above altogether passed over, such as ethical and intellectual philosophy; because the author must otherwise have fallen into the very error reprehended in the commencement of

* Lives of English Lawyers, by H. Roscoe, p. 384.

this section *. These are left to the student's own care, as inclination, capacity, and opportunities may hereafter prompt, and enable him to extend the sphere of his general acquirements. He must, however, take care not to attempt too much-not to have "too many irons in the fire," or he will but distract and exhaust himself to no purpose. Let him especially attend to this, in the arduous period of his first year's pupilage.

In conclusion, the author respectfully whispers into the ears of the conceited and self-sufficient, if any such shall cast their eyes over these passages, a friendly caution :-.

Multi ad sapientiam pervenissent, nisi se jam pervenisse putassent!

If the author were, however, desired by the student to point out for his perusal any one work on mental philosophy, he would certainly name "The Elements of the Philosophy of the Human Mind," by Dugald Stewart, as one full of practical, interesting, and valuable observations on the culture of the understanding.

CHAPTER V.

ON THE FORMATION OF A LEGAL CHARACTER.

PART III.—MENTAL DISCIPLINE.

"LEGAL studies," observes an able writer, "eminently invigorate and fortify the mind's noblest faculty-the power of attention: they discipline the understanding, excite discrimination, give activity and acuteness to the apprehension, and correct and mature the judgment." Never, perhaps, did they receive a juster panegyric: but how long is it before these effects make their appearance in the great body of legal students? What a capacity for energetic and persevering application is presupposed; and how few possess it! The threshold of the law is, besides, as before intimated, thronged with numerous and peculiar obstacles; and the inexperienced, undisciplined, eager tyro, however great his natural parts, is apt to get quickly discou

* Ritso's Introd. p. 7.