nearly in a natural state, and the large vessels of the thorax exhibited that condition in which they are usually found after death from other poisons. But the brain and the dura mater shewed marks of a most violent and excessive affection. In some instances, the inflammation and redness of the dura mater was so strong, that on first inspection, I supposed it to be the consequence of a blow previously received, until I was taught by repeated examinations, that this is a universal appearance after death from Tshettik.

I am not at present at leisure, nor am I properly prepared, to investigate fully the operation of the two poisons described, on the animal system, or to elucidate their effects by a comparison with other poisons. The series of experiments I have proposed to myself, and which are necessary for the purpose, is by no means finished, nor does my situation at present afford me those opportunities of scientific consultation, which such an investigation requires: it remains for a future period, also, to determine, relatively, the force of these poisons with that of the most venomous serpents; the Tshettik exceeds, perhaps, in violence, any poison hitherto known. It shews its effects peculiarly and almost exclusively on the brain and nervous system.

The

The action of the Antshar is directed chiefly to the vascu lar system. The volume of the blood is accumulated in a preternatural degree in the large vessels of the thorax. The circulation appears to be abstracted from the extremities, and thrown upon the viscera near its sourse. lungs in particular are stimulated to excessive exertions. The balance of circulation is destroyed. The vital viscera are oppressed by an intolerable load, which produces the symptoms above described, while in the extremities a proportionate degree of torpor takes place, accompanied by tremors, shivering, and convulsions.

I have but little to add concerning the operation of the Antshar on the human system; the only credible information on this subject is contained in the work of Rumphius, who had an opportunity of personally observing the effect of the poisoned darts or arrows, as they were used by the natives of Macassar in their attack on Amboyna about the year 1650. They were also employed by the inhabitants of Celebes in their former wars with the Dutch. Speaking of their operation, he says, The poison touching the warm blood, is instantly carried through the whole body, so that it may he felt in all the veins, and causes an excessive

burning, and violent turning in the head, which is followed by fainting and death.

The poison (according to the same author) possesses different degrees of violence, according to its age and state of preservation. The most powerful is called Oopas Radja, and its effects are considered as incurable; the other kinds are distributed among the soldiers on going to war. After having proved mortal to many of the Dutch soldiers in Amboyna and Macassar, they finally discovered an almost infallible remedy in the root of the Crinum Asiaticum (called by Rumphius, Radix Toxicaria) which, if timely applied, counteracted, by its violent emetic effect, the force of the Oopas. An intelligent Javanese at Banjoowangee informed me, that, a number of years ago, an inhabitant of that district was wounded in a clandestine manner by an arrow thrown from a blow-pipe, in the fore-arm, near the articulation of the elbow. In about 15 minutes he became drowsy, after which he was seized with vomiting, became delirious, and in less than half an hour he died. From the experiments above related, on different quadrupeds, we may form an analogous estimate of its probable effects on man.

REVIEW.

A History of the Island of Madagascar; comprising a Political Account of the Island, the Religion, Manners, and Customs of its Inhabitants, and its Natural Productions: with an Appendix, containing a History of the several Attempts to introduce Christianity into the Island. By Samuel Copland. 8vo. pp. 385. London, 1822. Burton and Smith.

SITUATION, extent, and fertility are obviously among the principal physical circumstances which give importance to any particular region of the globe, whether we consider its intercourse with other countries, or the wants and productions that render this intercourse either necessary or extensive. On all these points, we are persuaded that the island of Madagascar is worthy of attention. But in estimating its claim to notice, we by no means consider them as all, or even the principal topics upon which these claims rest; for, besides its extent and diversified nature, it is peopled by about four millions of human beings, long buried, it is true,

in the regions of barbarism and the shades of obscurity; but ready to rise from the tomb of oblivion, and act their part on the theatre of the world. In this obscurity they have probably been involved for more than three thousand years, during which they have been almost wholly excluded from the advantages of civilized life, and the blessings of revealed religion, which has conferred so many temporal as well as spiritual benefits, wherever its spirit has been imbibed. Most of our readers are doubtless already acquainted with the leading circumstances in the history of genuine benevolence, which have recently brought these peculiar people into a more intimate connection with Britain, and induced them to place themselves under the tuition of the British. These occurrences were brought distinctly to the notice of the public at the Missionary Meeting in May 1821; and "the design of the author (of - the present work) is to render permanent the impression that was then felt, by presenting a faithful picture of the nation who have placed themselves under the protection (or rather the tuition) of Great Britain; and also by an impartial account of the transactions of the London Missionary Society, in reference to Madagascar, to represent the claims of that institution upon the support of the Christian world."

To accomplish this object, Mr. Copland undertook to present a geographical and historical account of the island, with its inhabitants and productions. This resolution, however, could scarcely have been formed, before he must have become acquainted with the difficulty of the task he had imposed upon himself, as nothing in the shape of a connected chain of historical events had previously been published since the Abbé Rochon's Voyage. By means of some of the public institutions, and the assistance of several private friends, however, he has been able to collect a considerable mass of correct and valuable information on the subject, which he has presented in a clear and perspicuous manner. In this account, the first three chapters are appropriated to a geographical description of the island. The four following ones are dedicated to a description of the natives in regard to their foreign relations and domestic character, their different classes, their religion, and general characteristics. These are followed by accounts of their wars, their civil customs, and their ancient form of government, which occupy each a chapter. Several chapters then follow, in which the history of the French colony is given at considerable length, and the present connection with

Great Britain is also perspicuously traced to 1821. A sketch of its natural history and botany succeeds, and the whole is terminated by an account of the various attempts to introduce Christianity into the island. The size of the work, which brings it within the reach of all who are desirous of information on the subject, as well as our restricted limits, preclude us from offering any extended remarks upon each of these subjects. We can therefore only touch upon a few of the topics, and that very briefly. The origin of the Madegasses has given rise to much learned speculation, and many ingenious conjectures have been offered on the subject; but the great length of time, during which the island appears to have been inhabited, and the state of society which has subsisted in this protracted period, render the most plausible of these opinions little more than conjectural. Some circumstances point to the Jews as their ancestors, but others militate so strongly against this conclusion, as to direct the patient inquirer to a much earlier period for their origin. The best supported opinion seems to be that which assigns them either to one of the immediate descendants of Ham, the son of Noah, or to some part of Abraham's family. This last is best supported by the habits and manners of the Madegasses. Their religion," observes our author, "is evidently the most ancient in the world, and its simplicity bears some analogy to that of the ancient patriarchs, though debased by much superstition. Like Ham, every man is a priest and judge in his own house, where he prepares the sacrifices, and offers up his prayers to Unghorray,' or the Most High God;' a name which corresponds with that given to the Divine Being in Genesis xiv. 18. The pastoral mode of life also, is similar to that of the Patriarchs, for, like them, their riches chiefly consist in flocks and herds, there being no circulating medium in the island." Many other instances of correspondence between the manners and usages of the Madegasses and the people of the early ages after the flood, are also perceptible. Among these are the following their recourse to an oath, as a solemn appeal to the Deity, on all extraordinary occasions, similar to that which took place between Jacob and Laban, as recorded in the 31st chapter of Genesis. Their not making use of any animal to assist them in the labours of husbandry, or in carrying burdens, is a proof that they must have separated from the parent stock at a very early period; for if these things had ever been known, their utility would have per

petuated their practice through succeeding generations: nor have they any kind of vehicle with wheels. The Oli, with which they invoke the spirits of the dead, bear a great analogy to the Teraphim of the early ages. Another of the most peculiar and interesting of these analogies, is their belief in only one true God, the Creator of heaven and earth, and the supreme Ruler of the universe. This circumstance we believe is unparalleled in the heathen world; and it not only forms the most luminous beacon in tracing the source wherein they sprung, but seems, like "the star of Bethlehem," raised to guide British philanthropy in uniting the religion of the gospel with the primitive faith of the patriarchal times. This circumstance alone is calculated to excite a peculiar train of feelings in the mind of a Christian, on which our author justly observes,

"We are here introduced to a race of men, who, for nearly four thousand years, have been separated from the rest of the world, and shut up in a state of mental darkness and ignorance; whose progenitors, though contemporary with the founders of true religion, and originally uniting with them in its sacred observances, have not, in their descendants, shared the benefits of its influence; but having simply received the knowledge of one God, and adopted the seal of the covenant after the example of the 'Father of the faithful,' were from thenceforth cut off from all further intercourse with his collateral descendants, and consigned to the gloomy regions of heathen superstition. On them the glorious revelation under the Mosaic, and still more glorious under the Christian dispensation, have never shed their light. To them did not 'pertain the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;' nor have they been partakers of the blessings of that gospel, which is 'the power of God unto salvation.' The thunders of Sinai have never awed their minds into obedience; nor has the persuasive voice of the Redeemer of mankind ever melted their hearts with divine love; yet, in the midst of an accumulating mass of error and superstition, we find them adhering, with inflexible constancy, to the grand principle on which all true religion is founded the acknowledgment of one God, to the exclusion of idols: their moral state calls aloud for the sympathy of the Christian world; and we trust no exertions will be spared, to convey to them the knowledge of that religion, which alone can dispel their errors, regulate their conduct, and reform their hearts." [pp. 61, 62.]

The Madegasses, however, are not a pure and unmixed race, for, according to the best accounts which our author has been able to collect, they consist of three distinct