January 3, 1818.] States. Progress of Knowledge in the United States. 197 Progress of Knowledge in the United | from others. When we owe so much to and the discoveries which necessity or the bee, the silkworm, the Spanish fly, chance have brought to light in one and some others, who can say that there country are communicated to another; (Concluded from page 178.) may not be many valuable properties their mutual wants are relieved; and a Natural History-All that has been among the innumerable tribes of insects, salutary stimulus is given to exertion by urged in favour of botany applies to the which industry, assisted by genius, may means of a gainful commerce. While study of animated nature. We are in- in time discover? If, moreover, an in- astronomy has, by its assistance to navidebted to animals for a large proportion timate knowledge of their history and gation, done so much for trade, manuof our food, and for our warmest and economy should render no other benefit, factures, and the diffusion of knowledge, most beautiful clothing; for their assist- it may serve to prevent their mischief,- it has in turn been indebted to the meance in our most laborious operations; often very extensive, and beyond our chanical arts for the perfection of the and for furnishing us with an easy and present means of avoiding. It might be telescope, the quadrant, and its other rapid mode of conveyance. No one can very practicable for us, were we better various instruments. It has also aided doubt that the art of managing them, instructed in their history, to counteract us in a more accurate knowledge of the and of improving their breeds, cannot the ravages of the borer in the West relative position of the different parts of but be advanced by an accurate know- Indies, of the Hessian fly and the weevil the habitable globe. But for our astroledge of their history, qualities, and in the United States, by which the reve- nomical observations of Jupiter's satelmanners. And that inquiries cannot be nue of whole countries is so greatly di- lites, the longitude of most places would, safely trusted merely to that class of men minished; to say nothing of the various even at the present day, be a matter of which has an interest in making them, insects which annoy our cattle, horses, uncertainty. By the assistance of lois evident from the improvement which and even our own species. Thus, a garithms and fluxions, calculations otherthe treatment of the horse has experi- thorough knowledge of every part of wise the most operose or impracticable, enced, since the institution of veterinary animated nature is important with re- are made easy and certain; and by the societies in Europe; though this ani-gard to comparative anatomy and phy-aid of these not only do geometry and mal, above all others, had previously siology; to manufactures; and to pri- algebra lend their aid to their sister been the object of ordinary care and at-vate and public economy. sciences, but the labours of even the tention. But although it may not be Mineralogy. An accurate acquaint- financier and political economist are unworthy of men of genius and science ance with the various mineral substan- abridged and facilitated. Indeed if we to acquire an accurate knowledge of the ces, whether metals, earths, acids, or consider the assistance which the mathehorse, the dog, the cow, the sheep, the salts, cannot but multiply and improve matical sciences have given to navigahog, and in short of all other animals the riches we draw from the bowels of tion, we must admit that there is no which may be subservient to the pur- the earth. There is perhaps not a spe- branch of human knowledge which they poses of man, what benefit, it may be cies of soil or stone upon this globe, or have not directly or indirectly benefited. asked, can be derived from enumerating within it, that may not be made sub- Foreign Languages.-The defence of the different species of spiders or bugs, servient to the comfort of man, in pro- the study of the classics will hereafter or exploring the manners of snails? Ioviding him either habitations, utensils, be the subject of a separate considerathis objection it may be answered, that tools, ornaments, fuel, or medicine. tion. It may, however, be here briefly the laws of animal life form a subject so And though much has been done by observed, that the acquisition of the copious and so elusive of our grasp, by scientific inquiry, how much more is dead languages may serve to sharpen a means of the senses, and are with all so there yet to do! The mineral wealth boy's faculties when he is not able to important to be known, that we should of this vast continent still remains al- learn any thing else, and, therefore, may avail ourselves of every possible source most unexplored. Nor has science any be considered as subsidiary to the ac of information. In this point of view where as yet ascertained upon what quisition of every other species of knowno part of the works of nature deserve principles the fruitfulness of soil de- ledge. This study has, moreover, a dito be disdained. Besides finding in all pends. We should surely be more like-rect tendency to improve us in writing of them, from the highest to the lowest, ly to learn the means of increasing and and speaking our own language, both much to be admired, we often unex-preserving the pabulum of plants, if our pectedly light upon instructive analo- experimental farmers were more of bogies. It is by the congregation of re- tanists, chemists, and mineralogists. mote and insulated facts that we are led Mathematics. The sciences of meato the discovery of general laws. The surement and calculation are so auxilifunctions of nature, one would think, ary to every profession and occupation cannot but be better understood by a in life, that their elements compose a near and a comprehensive view of her part of every system of instruction, howoperations, than by one that is partial ever circumscribed. But the more abor superficial: and in the course of our struse branches of geometry and algebra researches, even into the minutest of are also not without their use. By the her creatures, we are often rewarded by aid of astronomy and arithmetic we are some discovery which may contribute able to traverse with safety and certainto our comfort or enjoyment. The most beautiful of dyes is furnished by an insect. Peculiar acids have been extracted ty those wide and trackless oceans which by the excellent examples of composition which they afford; by the exercise they give us in making translations; and by teaching us the etymology of particular words, and the principles of language in general-an improvement of incalculable benefit, whether we consider it as affording a direct pleasure to ourselves, as facilitating the communication of knowledge to others. It is by a study of words, and of things through words, that our orators, and fine writers both of poetry and prose, are principally formed. And it is by the arts of style and method that these can combine de light with instruction, lectorum delectan 198 Progress of Knowledge in the United States. [January 3, 1818. do paciterque monendo, and thus do so benefit to the rest, they are all individual- | the mathematical sciences the last. But much to impart and diffuse to the many ly useful by the exercise they afford to though not all equal in dignity, they are what has been discovered by the few. the intellects of those who pursue them. all entitled to respect, and are all indisAntiquities. As a branch of history, The mental discipline is nearly the same pensable to civilized man. this study is entitled to encouragement in every subject which may be denomi- Nor will it be denied that much of and respect. The situation and con-nated scientific. They all accustom the the time and talents which have been duct of nations, at different times, though mind to comparing and discriminating devoted to some less imporant branch often alike, has never been the same; -to generalization-and abstraction. of science might have bee nadvantageand whatever may help us to remove They teach it to perceive analogies, and ously transferred to others of more digthe rubbish which time has heaped upon to invent illustrations. At one time to nity and value. He who, like Leuwenpast occurrences is valuable, by giving resolve what is compound into its con- hoek, has had the patience to count the us a new chapter in the history of man. stituent elements, and at another, to de- eggs in the roe of a herring, might have Thus the exploring of monumental in- duce remote and complex truths from passed his time, at least as agreeably, in scriptions, buildings, fortifications, me- simple and undeniable principles-a-acquiring more useful information. But dals, and coins, are all useful in this bove all, they form habits of patient and every human pursuit is susceptible of arespect; and often enable us the better diligent inquiry, of method and arrange- buse, and man ever has been prone to to understand the laws, arts, and man-ment. Though different sciences fur- extremes. It must also be recollected ners of those who flourished on the nish different materials, the intellectual that by giving an undivided attention theatre of the world centuries ago. Ac-instruments and operations are, with to a single subject, more extensive and curate information of every thing ap- little variation, the same. accurate knowledge will be obtained pertaining to the ancient nations of But admitting that any particular concerning it; and though the indiviGreece, to the Romans, and the Cartha- study was not attended with the ad- dual inquirer may be a loser, the world ginians, especially the latter, if it could vantages of public utility or individual is likely to be a gainer by this minute be obtained by modern industry, would improvement, and its sole direct benefit subdivision of this field of inquiry; since be of inestimable value to us in the ad- consisted in the pleasure it imparted to the result of a year's labour may often ministration of our republic, by teaching its votaries, it certainly is no small praise be imparted in a single hour. us what it would be safe to imitate, and that by furnishing a harmless and inwhat it would be prudent to avoid. teresting employment, it would cheer the dreary hour of sickness and solitude; it would afford a security against the seductions of vice and the temptations to crime; and would enable unhappy mortals to elude those vain hopes of the future and bitter regrets of the past, and the thousand black chagrins which idleness never fails to engender to beset the path of even the most virtuous in their journey through life. In this point of view the study of entomology, or conchology, or ichthyology, afford as venial an occupation as hunting, or fishing, or any other unprofitable pursuit. It may perhaps be objected that, as as life does not allow us leisure to cultiThese remarks upon the utility of vate every branch of learning, and to some particular branches of learning and acquire every species of knowledge, it science, which many among us affect to behoves us to make a selection of the underrate, might be extended to an inmost worthy, and devote ourselves exdefinite length. They are, however, clusively to that. But there are many sufficient to show us that we ought not who by patient industry may make suc hastily to impute insignificance to any cessful researches in natural history, or subject of diligent and ardent speculaexperimental philosophy, who would tion. The fact is, that the same close never attain proficiency as statesmen or affinity which the ancients supposed to legislators, as writers or orators. How exist among the Muses may be extended many are now delving in the learned to the whole circle of arts and sciences, professions who not only add nothing to and every benefit rendered to any one the general stock of human knowledge, member has a tendency to advance the but who cannot comprehend what is interest of the whole family. Let us already known, and who have with consider, for example, the mechanical It is readily admitted that all human difficulty acquired that portion of inapplication of steam, from the first hint studies are not equally deserving of the formation which is necessary to ensure of the marquis of Worcester, in his Cen- encouragement they receive, and that a livelihood? That the number of this tury of inventions, through all its gra- some of them are carried far beyond the class should be lessened would certaindual improvements, to those floating bat- limits which a regard to public or pri- ly occasion no loss to the world, and as teries which the genius of the late Mr vate utility would prescribe. If we certainly none to themselves in point of Fulton has contrived for the defence of would graduate them according to their pleasure or intellectual profit, if their ocour maritime cities, or to the steam- intrinsic importance, certainly we should cupations were exchanged for others boats which now ply on the river Mis- place those highest which most concern more suited to their capacity. In fine, sissippi. We here find that the dis- the happiness of man; and of these, we as it respects the public, much of the covery of a simple fact in pneumatics would give precedence to that branch time bestowed in forming crude politihas given rise to improvements in me- which appertains to communities rather cal theories-in acrimonious invectives chanics, in the military art, and in na- than to individuals. "The proper-in frivolous dissertations-might be vigation, and to commercial and politi-study of mankind, is man." Accord- more beneficially laid out in investigatcal consequences that are important, ing to this standard ethics, including ing the operations of nature, however beyond all calculation. politics, jurisprudence, and moral phi- minute. And as it respects the indivilosophy, would occupy the first place. dual himself, it is a mere matter of taste Physics, including agriculture, chemis- whether he catches butterflies or squirtry, and natural history, the next: and rels-hunts deer or frogs and traces Independent of the general utility which every branch of science may possess, by its natural affinity and probable January 3, 1818.] Progress of Knowledge in the United States.Lelter of David Hume. 199 the pedigree of a horse or the history of never effectually wipe off the illiberal must suffer a violent shock; especially if he minnows. In either pursuit he may reproaches with which our intellectual is to return to company less suited to him, find equal interest and amusement. character has been assailed, so long as ference given to foreigners. But I was willing and who are perhaps disgusted with the preEvery species of occupation or re- there is any branch of letters in which to shut my eyes to this inconvenience which search which may be properly termed we shall manifest a decided inferiority; was distant and depended on accident. I coud scientific, has been vindicated upon the and until we are disenthralled from more easily bear this prospect, than the immegeneral grounds that there is the closest every species of dependence, literary as diate and final separation from friends whom affinity among the different branches of well as commercial, we shall not attain I loved; and I shall not name to you the perhuman knowledge-that though they our proper portion of national respect. determination. But here another office has son who had the chief hand in my taking this are not all equal in importance, some Besides, excellence in the sports and been conferred upon me, which tho' I did not minds may pursue one with success, pastimes of the mind, as well as in its desire it, I coud not avoid; and I shoud rewhen they would fail in another-that more serious contests, are to be valued, turn to settle in France, after being twice emwhere no public benefit can be derived, not for their intrinsic worth, but because trust and confidence: Coud I hope that in case ployed by the English ministry in places of they are entitled to indulgence as sources superiority in the one would afford a of a war, I should be allowed to remain unof innocent amusement-that where just promise of superiority in the other. molested; when even considered in the light they are pursued with more ardour than As the case now stands, a scientific of a man of letters, I coud scarcely flatter mycan be justified upon any of the preceding treatise is quite a rarity, and a diction- that, when I shall get rid of this office. (which self with enjoying that privilege. Add to this, grounds, the instances are rare, and that ary of arts and sciences, composed and hope will be soon) I am almost universally we must be content to put up with this not merely copied in the United States, exhorted to continue my history; and all imaliability to excess to which every good is a literary phenomenon which we can ginable assistance has been promised me. The thing is incident and lastly, that this never expect to behold, while there are king himself has been pleased to order that all excessive devotion is nowhere more per-so many among us who, however limit- the records and public offices shall be open to ceived than in those studies which are ed their capacity or theatre of action, Hanover which he thought would be useful. me: and has even sent for some papers from most useful and dignified, and which set up for statesmen and philosophers, You see then, my dear friend, what reason I are pursued by thousands, without ad- and disdain to be any thing else. have to remain in suspense. For even tho' a vantage to others or themselves from permission shoud be given me to remain at the influence of vanity or habit or exParis, in case of a rupture, the most unexcepample. tionable conduct coud not free me entirely from The annexed letter acquires an addi- of jealousy or ill will from every clerk in of suspicion; and I must tremble at every mark tional interest from the contrast it af- fice. However I cannot yet renounce the idea, fords to recent practices in the treatment which was long so agreeable to me, of ending of British subjects in France at the my days in a society which I love, and which breaking out of war, and also in the disposition. I can only delay the taking any I found peculiarly fitted to my humour and treatment of aliens among ourselves. determination till the event shall require it of There is, however, one consideration which is peculiarly applicable to the our David Hume. London, 27th November 1767. I I saw here with Lord Holdernesse an architect recommended to him by you and the names were not indifferent to me I immediately gave him a letter to my friend Mr. Adam, a man of genius, and allowed to be the best architect in this country, or perhaps in Europe. him suddenly from this country, so that Adam He delivered the letter; but some affairs called had not an opportunity to be so serviceable to him as he intended. United States. From the nature of government, we are, as has been observed, more invited to the study of politics and legislation, and those branches of learning which qualify the possessor for Times are certainly altered. The scan-me. the discharge of public offices. The dalous chronicle, and other subjects with honour and emoluments by which these which it concludes, would be amusing Prince of Conti. You may believe that these are rewarded, operating as a bounty, a bounty, from any pen. give them extraordinary encouragement, and degrade all others below their ap- I was always sensible, dear Madam, that propriate rank. In these, therefore, we one's settlement in a foreign country. there were several inconveniencies attending are conspicuously deficient ; and foreign- was never much alarmed with any of them, But I ers, taking a partial view of our learn- except that of wars breaking out between ing and science, are apt to judge erro France and England; an event, which, from neously of the whole from the unfavour- the opposite interests, and still more the conable opinion they justly form of a part. trary bumours of the two nations, is always to They find us but little acquainted with ed, that France has not usually adopted such be dreaded. In this respect, it must be ownchemistry and mineralogy-not adepts a liberal practice as that of England. No in the higher branches of the mathema- Frenchman is ever expelled this country even tics-indifferent prosodists-careless awhen the sovereigns are at war; but this is bout the minutiae of classical literature almost always the case in France; and on the and they regard us as a people inferior Englishmen, who had great protection, and commencement of the last hostilities, some in intellect and native genius. Nor are who earnestly desired to remain, were yet | There is an affair broke out which makes a we altogether free from a similar sense obliged to leave the country. I suppose the great noise, between Lady Bolingbroke and of inferiority. On this account, then, from the difference of our governments: for ed from her husband sometime ago, but tis reason of this difference in conduct proceeds your friend Beauclerc. This lady was separatit would be desirable to see every branch of science and learning prosecuted and who is acquainted with our measures, which and it is certain her husband has begun a proas we cannot pretend to secrecy, we care not pretended bore a child lately to Mr. Beauclerc, encouraged. I would have a question is not precisely the case with you. cess for a divorce, in which nobody doubts of concerning the Greek accents discussed his success. It is a great pity: she is handwith all the laborious research and crisome, and agreeable and ingenious far beyond tical acumen which could be displayed was of your acquaintance. the ordinary rate. I know not whether she at Oxford or Cambridge. For we shall This prospect, I own, always gave me uneasiness. A man in the decline of life, to be the place of his residence, and where he had expelled a country, which he had chosen for formed a number of agreeable connexions, 1 Horace Walpole told me he was so happy as to see you several times at Paris. I was much state of health and spirits and way of life. I pleased with the account he gave me of your hope he was not deceived. Next to this I shoud be happy to hear good accounts, or rather the continuance of good accounts, of the Count de Boufflers. I foresee that the satismuch on his conduct. faction of your future life is likely to depend Pray remember me in the kindest and most 200 Letter of David Hume.-On Ghosts. [January 3, 1818. presented her with half a crown from | further learn by Relation 16th, that the respectful manner to Mde. de Barbantane. Let I hope you remember that the new year is approaching, and that you think of your pro mise at this time. On Ghosts. Glanvil tells us of the ghost of a person who had lived but a disorderly kind of life, for which it was condemned to wander up and down the earth, in the company of evil spirits, till the day of judgment. strike, This we Hamlet. According to the best received accounts, the usual time at which ghosts make their appearance, is midnight; though some audacious spirits have been said to appear even by daylight; but (From the American Port Folio.) of this there are few instances, and they A ghost is supposed to be the spirit In most of the relations of ghosts, are mostly ghosts who have been laid in of some person deceased, who is either they are supposed to be mere aerial be- the Red sea, or elsewhere, and whose commissioned to return for some espe-ings, without substance, and that they times of confinement have expired: cial errand, such as the discovery of a can pass through walls and other solid these are said to return more troublemurder, the restitution of money un- bodies at pleasure. A particular in- some and daring than ever. It is an justly withheld from an orphan or wi-stance of this is given in Relation the established law, however, that none can dow-or in consequence of having com- 27th, in Glanvil's Collection, where one appear on Christmas eve. mitted some injustice while living, which David Hunter, a sad dog, no doubt, in learn from Shakespeare: act deprives it of rest until justice has those days, was, for a long time, haunt-It faded on the crowing of the cock. been done. Sometimes the occasion of ed by the apparition of an old woman, Some say that ever 'gainst that season comes spirits revisiting this world, is to inform whom he was, by a secret impulse, o- Wherein our Saviour's birth is celebrated, an heir of some secret place, in an old bliged to follow whenever she appear- This bird of dawning singeth all night long: trunk for instance, or in a field corner, ed. This, he affirmed, he did for a The nights are wholesome, then no planets And then, they say, no spirit dares stir abroad: as was once known to have actually considerable time, even if he was in bed happened on the eastern shore of Ma- with his wife; and because his wife No fairy takes, nor witch hath power to charm, ryland, in which case the title-deeds of could not hold him in bed, she would So hallowed and so gracious is the time.— an estate, or a will had been hidden: go too, and walk after him till day, or where, in troublesome times, the va- though, he continues, she saw nothing. Ghosts appear in the same dress which luable metals of the family had been This latter part of the story is a little they usually wore whilst living; though concealed. Some very conscientious incredible, because, I suspect the sight they are sometimes clothed all in white; ghosts, like the mistress of " the captain of the woman, though she might assume but these are chiefly the church-yard bold of Halifax," cannot be at ease un- the appearance of age, for reasons best ghosts who have no particular business, der the impression of having defrauded known to herself, was the very circum- but seem to appear, pro bono publico, or the sexton of his dues, and they insist stance which induced the rib to follow to scare idle apprentices from playing upon their uncanonized bones being her husband. David positively declares, pranks over their tombs. taken up, and deposited in consecrated that if a tree stood in her way, he obI cannot learn that ghosts carry tapers ground, with all the rites of Christian served her always go through it. This in their hands, as they are sometimes burial. This idea is the remains of a I do not doubt: because women will go depicted, though the room in which very old piece of heathen superstition; through any thing, even if it be fire and they appear, if without fire or candle, is the ancients believed that Charon was water, much less a sturdy oak, to com- sometimes said to be as light as day. not permitted to ferry over the ghosts pass their end. Neither do male ghosts Dragging chains is not the fashion of of unburied persons, but that they wan-stick at trifles; as we find the king of English ghosts; chains and black vestdered up and down the river Styx for Denmark shifting his place, hic et ubi-ments being chiefly the accoutrements an hundred years, until they were ad- que, though under ground, whenever of foreign spectres, seen in arbitrary gomitted to a passage. This is mentioned Hamlet changed the spot upon which vernments. One instance, however, of by Virgil: he stood; following him as the shadow an English ghost, dressed in black, is pursues the substance. We sometimes found in the celebrated ballad of Wilread of ghosts striking violent blows, liam and Margaret: and that if they have not " ample room and verge enough," they overturn all Glanvil mentions an instance of this, in poetical license, used in all likelihood impediments, like a furious whirlwind. This, however, may be considered as a Relation 17th, of a Dutch lieutenant for the sake of the opposition of lilly to who had the faculty of seeing ghosts; sable; or, perhaps, because black was and who, being prevented from making thought to become the complexion of way for one which he mentioned to the lady; and every one will admit some friends as approaching them, was, that ghosts should be dressed to the together with his friends, violently best advantage to make them look even thrown down and sorely bruised. We decent. Hæc omnis, quam cernis, inops inhumataque turba est: Portitor ille, Charon; hi, quos vehit unda, se- Nec ripas datur horrendas et rauca fluenta êrunt. Centum errant annos, volitantque hæc littora circum: Tum demum admissi stagna exoptata revisunt. The reader will recollect, that in the instance cited from Halifax, that the deceived damsel withdrew in the most polite manner, as soon as the captain had And clay-cold was her lily hand, January 3, 1818.] On Ghosts. 201 If, during the time of the apparition, | both being equally restrained by their guilty of the injustice, and haunt him there is a lighted candle in the room, it law. continually until he be terrified into will burn extremely blue: this is so The most approved mode of address- restitution. Or they might communiuniversally acknowledged, that many ing á ghost is by commanding it in the cate with one of the worshipful judges ancient philosophers have busied them- name of the three Persons of the Tri- of the orphan's court. Nor is the indiselves in accounting for it, without once nity to tell you who it is, and what is cation of lost writings managed in a doubting the truth of the fact. Dogs, its business. This it may be necessary more summary way; the ghost comtoo, have the faculty of seeing spirits, to repeat three times; after which it monly applying to a third person, igas we find in Hunter's case, before will, in a low and hollow voice, declare norant of the whole affair, and a stran quoted; but they show signs of terror, its satisfaction at being spoken to, and ger to all concerned. But it is preby whining and creeping to their mas- desire the party addressing it not to be sumptuous to scrutinize too far into ter for protection. It is generally sup- afraid, for it will do him no harm. these matters; ghosts have, undoubtedposed that they see things when their This being premised, it commonly en- ly, forms and customs peculiar to themowner cannot there being some per- ters into the narrative, which being com-selves. sons, particularly those born on Christ- pleted, and its requests or commands If, after the first appearance, the permas eve, who cannot see spirits. given, with injunctions that they be im- sons employed, neglect or are preventThe coming of a spirit is announced mediately executed, it vanishes away, ed from performing the message or busome time before its appearance, by a frequently in a flash of light. In this siness committed to their management, variety of loud and dreadful noises; case some ghosts have been so consider- the ghost appears continually to them; sometimes rattling in an old hall, like a ate as to desire the party to whom they at first with a discontented, next an coach-and-six, and rumbling up and appeared to shut their eyes; sometimes angry, and at length with a furious down the stair-case like the trundling the departure is attended with delight- countenance, threatening to tear them of bowls or cannon balls. The majesty ful music. During the narration of its to pieces, if the matter is not forthof Denmark is made to "jump" at the business, a ghost must by no means be with executed; sometimes terrifying dead hour of midnight; no doubt be- interrupted by questions of any kind. them, as in Glanvil's Relation 26th, by cause he was hopping mad at the little Such incivility is attended with danger; appearing in many formidable shapes, stir which his tame animal of a son if any doubts arise, they must be stated and sometimes even striking them viomade about his suspicious death, and after the spirit has ended its tale. Ques-lent blows. Of blows given by ghosts the sudden nuptials of his mother. I tions respecting its state, or the state of there are many instances, and some understand the passage in this sense, any of their former acquaintance, are of- which have been followed by incurable because immediately after, when Mar-fensive and not often answered; spirits, lameness. cellus endeavours to strike at the ghost perhaps, being restrained from divulg- It should have been observed, that with his partisan, we find the old gen- ing the secrets of the prison-house. ghosts, in delivering their commissions, tleman skipping about with the nimble- Shakspeare says expressly that they are in order to insure belief, communicate ness of a mountebank: Ber. Tis here! Hor. Tis here !! Mar. Tis here !!! forbidden. Occasionally spirits will to the persons employed, some secret, even condescend to talk of common oc- known only to the parties concerned currences, as is instanced by Glanvil, and themselves, the relation of which in the apparition of Major Sydenham to always produces the intended effect. But in general the door flies open, Captain Dyke, Relation 10th, wherein The business being completed, ghosts and the ghost stalks slowly up to the the major reproved his friend for suf- appear with a cheerful countenance, sayfoot of the bed, and, opening the cur-fering a sword which he had given ing they shall now be at rest, and will tains, looks stedfastly at the person by him to grow rusty, saying, "captain, never more disturb any one. They rewhom it is seen; a ghost being very captain, this sword did not use to be kept turn their thanks to the agent, and somerarely visible to more than one person, after this manner when it was mine." times reward him by communicating although there are several in company. This attention to the state of arms was some secret relative to himself, which It is here necessary to observe, that it a remnant of the major's professional nothing will ever induce him to reveal. has been found universally by expe- duty when living. rience, as well as affirmed by divers paritions themselves, that a ghost has not the power of speaking until it has been addressed. Thus Bernardo tells his friend Hamlet, "It would be spoke to." ap Thus, notwithstanding the urgency of the business on which it may come, every thing must stand still, until the person can find courage to speak to it; an event that sometimes does not take place for many years. It has not been found that female ghosts are more loquacious than those of the male sex, 3 a When any eminent person is about to enter their regions they make a great noise, like women in Philadelphia, at a fire in the night-time. In the most high and palmy state of Rome, dead Did squeak and jabber in the Roman streets. It is somewhat remarkable that ghosts do not go about their business like persons of this world. In cases of murder, ghost, instead of going to the next justice of the peace, or to the nearest relation of the deceased, appears to some poor labourer who knows none of the parties, draws the curtains of some decrepid nurse or alms-woman, or hovers about the place where the body is de-a house, without deigning to give any posited. The same circuitous mode is pursued with regard to the redressing of widows and orphans; in which cases it seems that the shortest and most certain way would be, to go to the person Sometimes ghosts appear, and disturb reason for their trespass. It is never known that an action of ejectment has been sustained, though the main points, the entry and ouster are matters of notoriety to the whole neighbourhood: |