Knowledge_. American republication from the English plates. Volume 1.
Semi-monthly Parts, 1, 2, and 3. In this age, one is to be surprised
only by something that is really surprising. We confess we were not a
little astonished by receiving, from what was lately the backwoods,
these finely printed numbers of a new edition of an old favorite. May
success attend the efforts of the enterprising publisher!
* * * * *
CHILDREN'S BOOKS FOR THE HOLIDAYS. Go to Henderson & Co., Corner
of Fifth and Arch Streets, and there you will find the handsomest
assortment in the city. They have sent us "Happy Days of Childhood,"
by Amy Meadows. It contains twenty-four splendid full-page
engravings--pictures, really handsome embellishments, showing artistic
skill and beauty, very different from those of any other house that
we have yet seen. We have also received from Messrs. H. & Co. two
large quarto Children's Books, each entitled "The Picture Pleasure
Book for 1854," containing in each number five hundred engravings,
and all executed in the most masterly manner. These are books that
one feels gratified in presenting to children; they are complimentary
to the donor's taste. Call at Henderson & Co.'s and see their superb
assortment.
* * * * *
NOVELS, SERIALS, PAMPHLETS, &c.
From D. Appleton & Co., New York, through C. G. Henderson &
Co., Philadelphia: "All's not Gold that Glitters: or, the Young
Californian." By Cousin Alice, author of "No such word as Fail,"
"Contentment better than Wealth," etc. etc. If we did not recollect a
happy event which took place some months since, we might, indeed, feel
surprised at the accuracy with which Cousin Alice describes a voyage
around Cape Horn, as well as the condition and habits of the miners and
other worthy citizens of the gold regions. But, after all, our personal
recollections have nothing to do with the real merits of the book,
which are, indeed, of the first order, morally, intellectually, and in
its vivid and truthful powers of description.--"Parley's Present for
all Seasons." By S. C. Goodrich, author of "Parley's Tales," etc. This
is a handsomely illustrated volume, containing twenty-five of Peter's
pleasant tales for children.--"Busy Moments of an Idle Woman." This
volume comprises several excellent tales.
From Dewitt & Davenport, New York: "Helen Malgrave; or, the Jesuit
Executorship: being a Passage in the Life of a Seceder from Romanism."
An Autobiography.--"The Monk's Revenge: or, the Secret Enemy." A tale
of the later Crusades. By Samuel Spring, Esq.
From J. S. Redfield, Clinton Hall, New York, through W. B. Zieber,
Philadelphia: "The Blackwater Chronicle. A Narrative of an Expedition
into the Land of Canaan, in Randolph County, Va.--a country flowing
with wild animals, such as Panthers, Bears, Wolves, Elk, Deer, Otter,
Badger, &c. &c., with innumerable Trout--by Five Adventurous Gentlemen,
without any aid of government, and solely upon their own resources,
in the Summer of 1851." By "the Clerk of Oxenforde." This book is
mainly descriptive of a romantic and beautiful section of country, the
advantages of which are imperfectly understood.
From Charles Scribner, New York, through A. Hart, Philadelphia:
"Gustavus Lindorm; or, 'Lead us not into Temptation.'" By Emilie F.
Carlen, author of "One Year of Wedlock," "The Bride of Ombery," etc.
With a preface to her American readers by the author. From the original
Swedish, by Elbert Perce. This is a very interesting domestic tale by
a favorite author. The preface pays a handsome tribute to some of the
best American writers, while the work itself sustains throughout a high
moral and religious feeling.--"Tip-Top; or, a Noble Aim." A book for
boys and girls. By Mrs. S. C. Tuthill, author of "I'll be a Gentleman,"
"I'll be a Lady," etc. etc. This is a most attractive little volume.
The wholesome lessons it contains cannot fail to make a deep and
salutary lesson upon the minds of youthful readers.--"Sparing to Spend;
or the Loftons and Pinkertons." By T. S. Arthur. It has been truly said
of Mr. Arthur, that he never writes without an aim, and that always a
good one. The high moral aim of the present volume is "to exhibit the
evils that flow from the too common lack of prudence, self-denial, and
economy in young people at the beginning of life; and also to show, by
contrast, the beneficial results of a wise restriction of the wants to
the means." No one will rise from the perusal of this naturally written
story without feeling himself strengthened in all good and honorable
resolutions.--"The Little Drummer; or, Filial Affection." A story of
the Russian campaign. By Gustav Nieritz. Translated from the German, by
Mrs. H. E. Conant. This little work, which will greatly interest the
youthful reader, is from the pen of a favorite German author.
From T. B. Peterson, Philadelphia: "The Countess de Charny." We have
received the second and last volume of this charming work by Dumas.
We would willingly have three or four more volumes.--"Ten Thousand
a Year." By the author of the "Diary of a London Physician." In one
volume complete. Price 50 cents.
From Bunce & Brother, New York, through T. B. Peterson, Philadelphia:
"The Star Chamber: an Historical Romance." By Wm. Harrison Ainsworth,
author of "Old St. Paul's," etc. etc.--"Jack Adams, the Mutineer." By
Capt. Frederick Chamier, R. N., author of "The Spitfire," etc.
From Hermann J. Meyer, 164 William Street, New York: Nos. 3, 4, and 5
of "Meyer's Monats Hefte," a beautifully printed and illustrated German
magazine.--Parts 6 and 7, Vol. 2, of "Meyer's Universum."--Parts 4 and
5 (East and West) of "The United States Illustrated; or, Views of the
City and Country." With descriptions and historical articles. Edited by
Charles A. Dana. This is a valuable publication, presenting some of the
finest views on the American continent, elegantly engraved by the first
artists.
"Ladies' Winter Book of Crochet Patterns." Miss Annie T. Wilbur has
issued a pamphlet containing a large number of receipts for working
crochet patterns. It is published by Moses H. Sargent, of Newburyport,
Mass. The explanations are very minute, and Miss W. has herself worked
every pattern that she has given in the book.
Chemistry for Youth.
SCINTILLATIONS IN THE ATMOSPHERE.--When a globule of sodium is thrown
into _hot_ water, the decomposition is so violent that small particles
of the metal are thrown out of the water, and actually burn with
scintillation and flame in passing through the atmosphere.
* * * * *
A LAMP WITHOUT A FLAME.--Procure six or eight inches of platinum wire,
about the hundredth part of an inch in thickness, coil it round a
small cylinder ten or twelve times, then drop it on the flame of a
spirit-lamp, so that part may touch the wick and part remain above it.
Light the lamp, and when it has burned a minute or two, put it out; the
wire will then be ignited, and continue so long as any spirit remains
in the lamp. Lamps manufactured on this principle are sold sometimes by
the chemists.
* * * * *
LUMINOUS CHARACTERS.--Take a piece of phosphorus and fix it firmly into
a quill; with this write any sentence or fanciful figure or character
on a whitewashed wall, and in the dark the characters will appear
beautifully luminous. Care must be taken while using the quill to dip
it in a basin of cold water frequently, or the repeated friction will
cause it to inflame, to the manifest detriment of the operator.
* * * * *
LIGHT PRODUCED FROM SUGAR.--If two large pieces of sugar (loaf) are
rubbed together in the dark, a light blue flame, like lightning, will
be emitted. The same effect is produced when a piece of loaf sugar is
struck with a hammer.
* * * * *
GREEN FIRE.--Take of flowers of sulphur thirteen drachms, of nitrate
of barytes seventy-seven drachms, of oxymuriate of potash five, of
metallic arsenic two, of charcoal three. The nitrate of barytes should
be well dried and powdered; it should then be mixed with the other
ingredients, all finely pulverized, and the whole triturated until
perfectly blended together. A little calamine may be occasionally
added, to make the mixture burn slower.
* * * * *
THE PROTEAN LIGHT.--Soak a cotton wick in a strong solution of salt and
water, dry it, place it in a spirit lamp, and, when lighted, it will
give a bright yellow light for a long time. If you look through a piece
of blue glass at the flame, it will lose all its yellow light, and you
will only perceive feeble violet rays. If before the blue glass, you
place a yellow glass, the lamp will be absolutely invisible, though a
candle may be distinctly seen through the same glasses.
* * * * *
LIGHT FROM A FLOWER.--Hold a lighted candle to the flower of the
_fraxinella_, and it will dart forth little flashes of light. This
beautiful appearance is caused by the essential and inflammable oil
contained in small vessels at the extremities of the flower, which
vessels burn at the approach of any inflamed body, setting at liberty
the essential oil, as that contained in orange-peel is discharged by
pressure.
* * * * *
BRILLIANT LIGHT FROM STEEL.--Pour into a watch glass a little sulphuret
of carbon, and light it; hold in the flame a brush of steel wire, and
it will burn beautifully. A watch-spring may also be burnt in it.
* * * * *
LIGHT FROM FLANNEL.--Shake flannel in the dark, and it will emit a
light similar to that produced from rubbing the back of a cat.
Godey's Arm-Chair.
OUR JANUARY NUMBER.--We have no hesitation in saying that this is, so
far, the handsomest number we have ever published, in all respects:
reading matter, pictorial illustrations, paper, and typography. We
again are obliged to give new type, and in our choice of that we think
we have been very successful. It is large and clear, and will not be so
trying to the eyes as our former small type. It was manufactured for
us by Messrs. Collins & M'Leester, and is in every way worthy their
established reputation. We have said that this is our best number so
far; but we do not mean to say that it is the best number we intend to
publish, we make no such promise. Time will show; but if any magazine
intends to come in competition with us, they must work harder than we
do to please a public that has ever been generous to us.
* * * * *
Our January number is a type of the year, with the exception of the
engraved title-page, which we always give in the first number. We
do not commence with a large number of pages and plates to catch
subscribers, and then dwindle down to a shadow. This thing is beginning
to be understood by the public and the press. Hear what the "Auburn
Gazette" says on the subject:--
"GODEY'S LADY'S BOOK.--The last number is, of course, better than
the ladies bargained for, for the veteran Godey not only does not do
things miserly, but always gives more than he promises. This is perhaps
the great reason of his success and popularity. We have seen January
numbers of magazines that were really magnificent, but by December
their attractions have 'grown small by degrees and beautifully less.'
Godey's practice is the reverse of this. Excelsior! is his motto, and
nobly does he _work_ up to it. Without saying more, we simply suggest
that now is the time to form clubs for the next year."
If we fall off in any respect from what we have stated above, we beg to
be reminded of it.
* * * * *
OUR TITLE-PAGE FOR 1854.--This is really one of the most beautiful
engravings we have ever published: "Time in search of Cupid." Here
we have history, painting, sculpture, music, love, flowers, a little
buncomb in the shape of the American Flag, and the portrait of a very
worthy person, who has been the ladies' humble servant for twenty-four
years. Designed for the "Book" by Gilbert, of London.
* * * * *
THE PLEIADES.--This engraving was designed expressly for the "Lady's
Book" by Wm. Croome, Esq.: it recommends itself. May we say a word
here about original designs? We believe that we are the only publisher
that has ever gone to the expense of having original designs made for
engraving. We have had more than one hundred original designs made for
our own use by such artists as Gilbert, of London, Darley, Rothermel,
Croome, Schussele, Waitt, and others.
* * * * *
OUR FASHION PLATE.--We challenge any one to produce anything that can
be compared to it this side of Louis Napoleon's dominions.
* * * * *
TO THE LADIES.--As the season has now arrived, will our lady
subscribers please bear in mind the appeal we made to them in our
November number, 1853?
We must again remind our subscribers that they need not wait for
collecting agents to call, but please remit us at once for last year,
and, at the same time, include the subscription for 1854.
* * * * *
GENERAL AGENCY FOR PERIODICALS.--Many persons wishing to subscribe
for different publications do not like the trouble of writing several
letters. This may be obviated by sending the money to the subscriber,
who will attend to all orders punctually, whether for publications
monthly or weekly in this city or elsewhere.
Any information asked for by any of our subscribers we will cheerfully
give, if it is in our power.
We will attend to purchasing any goods that may be desired, and will
forward them at the lowest market price.
* * * * *
Brodie, of 51 Canal St., New York, again shines in this number. His
store is besieged with customers, and he deserves his success.
* * * * *
OUR NEW DEPARTMENT.--DRAWING LESSONS.--We recommend the simple method
here practised to parents. It is the simplest method of teaching
drawing we have ever seen.
* * * * *
A lady writes us: "I find your patterns with diagrams how to cut
dresses invaluable to me. I have used every one, and have not failed in
any one instance in getting a most becoming garment."
* * * * *
It is well suggested by a lady subscriber that the interest of the
"Lady's Book" does not cease with the receipt of the numbers. She says
that it is worth more to her when bound as a book of reference for
receipts and other matters than any Cyclopædia.
* * * * *
We wish it to be distinctly understood that our fashions are always in
advance, so that ladies in distant places can have their dresses made
by our descriptions, and wear them at the same time that they are worn
in Philadelphia and New York.
* * * * *
"THAT'S ENOUGH."--So say we. If every one would only do as the editor
of the "Raleigh Age" has done, hand the "Lady's Book" to his wife--ah,
bother! there it is again, we are always forgetting that some of our
friends are not so blessed;--well, if they will only hand the "Book" to
some female friend, they will all most likely say, as the good wife of
"The Age" says, "It is capital," and then the gentleman can add what
the editor, in this case, has done, "That's enough."
* * * * *
A young Miss, at a party, was observed once, when it was growing late
in the evening, to be getting quite uneasy; they had gone through a
great many plays of different kinds, but none of them seemed to suit
her: at last, finding it impossible to conceal her uneasiness any
longer, she stepped up to the mistress of the house with "Please,
ma'am, when does the kissing commence?" We find from our exchanges
that, in our own case, it is about to commence with us now. Well, after
waiting twenty-four years, rather longer than the young lady had to
wait, we can only say "Barcus is willing." Henry Clay kissed his way
from North to South, and from East to West; Godey can't refuse--come
on, come one, come all. The "Georgia Standard" says: "Mr. Godey, we
have a notion of getting up a $10 club, and see how many kisses we can
collect for you in the bargain. If we meet with any success (and, for
your sake, we are quite confident), we will send the money and retain
the kisses, or retain them and send the money, as you please."
Now it strikes us that this editor, in question, never says kisses for
us, but is for keeping them all to himself, something like the saying
of the boys, "Heads I win, tails you lose." We are content anyhow.
* * * * *
"AH, SHE THINKS THAT I FORGET HER."--The ballad published in our
December number was presented to us by Messrs. Andrews & Co., the
popular music sellers of Spring Garden St., and is copyrighted, which
we neglected to insert under the title.
* * * * *
MUSIC FROM ANDREWS'S CELEBRATED DEPOT, 66 SPRING GARDEN ST.--"Gems of
the Ball-room," as taught by Mr. and Mrs. Durang, among which will
be found "Pop goes the Weasel," the rage now in London, La Willicka;
the gems consist of six pieces. We have also received T. C. Andrews's
collection of new and fashionable Polkas, Waltzes, Schottisches, &c.
"The Return to Philadelphia," a waltz, composed and dedicated to
Mr. Andrews by Louis S. D. Rees; "Morning and Evening," two new and
beautiful Polkas, composed by Mrs. Burtis.
We shall be happy to furnish our subscribers with any music from this
establishment.
* * * * *
PETER RICHINGS, ESQ., AND HIS DAUGHTER.--We have been presented with
an engraving of the above, perfectly lifelike, reflecting great credit
on the artists, Messrs. Wagner & McGuigan. We understand that the
success of Mr. R. and daughter has been very great, and we beg leave to
recommend them to our friends of the press wherever they may go. They
will find in Mr. Richings the perfect gentleman, a man whom we have
known for the last twenty years, and never heard a word uttered to his
disparagement.
* * * * *
LITHOGRAPHY.--We fancy now that no improvement can be made in printing
in colors upon the beautiful specimen lately presented to us by Wm.
D. Chillas, Bulletin Buildings, South Third St. In the centre is the
best head of Washington we have ever seen, not a mass of yellow and
red, but beautifully colored. On his right is a full-length portrait
of Liberty, and on his left, Fortitude. A beautiful representation of
the Crystal Palace is at the bottom of the picture, a city is seen at
the top, in front of which is a splendid full figure of the Genius of
Liberty. We give but a faint description of the plate; it must be seen
to be appreciated. The colors are beautifully contrasted, and the whole
affair we pronounce decidedly the most splendid specimen of printing in
colors we have ever seen.
* * * * *
We see an article going the rounds of the papers that an old lady has
had her third new set of teeth. We see nothing remarkable in this
except the expense. Our dentists here charge some $200 for a new set of
teeth.
* * * * *
DOCTOR, HE HAS DONE IT.--A physician in this city tells the following
story--not without some regret on his part for the advice given:--
"A hard-working woman had a drunken husband, who, when partly sober,
would get the blues and endeavor to destroy himself by taking
laudanum. Twice did the wife ascertain that he had swallowed the
destructive drug, and twice did the doctor restore him. Upon the
second restoration, the doctor addressed him as follows: "'You
good-for-nothing scoundrel, you don't want to kill yourself, you merely
want to annoy your wife and me. If you want to kill yourself, why don't
you cut your throat and put an end to the matter?' Well, away went the
doctor, and thought no more of his patient until, some two weeks after,
he was awakened from a sound nap by the tinkling of his night-bell.
He put his head out of the window and inquired 'What's the matter?'
'Doctor, he has done it,' was the reply. 'Done what?' 'John has taken
your advice.' 'What advice?' 'Why you told him to cut his throat,
and he has done it, and he is uncommon dead this time.'" Imagine the
doctor's feelings. He has since ceased giving such _cutting_ advice.
* * * * *
We presume most of our readers have seen or heard of the beautiful song
of "The Mistletoe Bough." The following parody we consider one of the
best we ever saw:--
THE VORK-'OUSE BOY.
The great coats hung in the vork-'ouse hall,
The vite 'ats shone on the vite-vashed vall;
And the paupers all were blithe and gay,
A-keepin' their Christmas 'oliday;
Ven the master he cried, vith a savage leer,
"You'll get soup for your Christmas cheer!"
Oh! the vork-'ouse boy!
Oh! the vork-'ouse boy!
At length all ov us to bed vas sent,
But a boy was missing--in search ve vent!
Ve sought him above, and ve sought him below,
And ve sought him vith faces of grief and vo!
Ve sought in each corner, each kettle, each pot--
In the vater-butt looked--but found him not!
And veeks rolled on, and ve all vere told
That the vork-'ouse boy had been burked and sold!
Oh! the vork-'ouse boy!
Oh! the vork-'ouse boy!
But ven the soup-coppers repair did need,
The copper-smith come, and there he seed
A dollop of bones lie grizzling there,
In a leg of the trowsers the boy did vear!
To gain his fill the lad did stoop,
And dreadful to tell, he vas b'iled into soup
And ve all ov us said, and ve said it vith sneers,
That he was pushed in by the hoverseers!
Oh! the vork-'ouse boy!
Oh! the vork-'ouse boy!
* * * * *
A cockney poet writes as follows:--
'Twas ever thus from childhood's hour,
That chilling fate has on me fell;
There always comes a soaking shower
When I hain't got no umberell!
* * * * *
We have given elsewhere in this number the Philosophy of Shopping. We
now give an article of an entirely different nature:--
DIRECTIONS TO LADIES FOR SHOPPING.--Shopping is the amusement of
spending money at shops. It is to a lady what sporting is to a
gentleman; somewhat productive, and very chargeable. Sport, however,
involves the payment of one's own shot; shopping may be managed
by getting it paid for. Ride all the way till you come to the
shopping-ground in a coach if you can, in an omnibus if you must,
lest you should be tired when you get there. If you are a lady of
fashion, do not get out of your carriage; and when you stop before
your milliner's, particularly if it is a cold, wet day, make one
of the young women come out to you, and, without a bonnet, in her
thin shoes, stand on the curbstone in the damp and mud. The best
places for shopping are fashionable streets, bazaars, and the like.
Street-shopping principally relates to hosiery, drapery, and jewellery
of the richer sort. Bazaar and arcade shopping, to fancy articles,
nicknacks, and perfumery. In street-shopping, walk leisurely along,
keeping a sharp lookout on the windows. In bazaar-shopping, beat each
stall separately. Many patterns, colors, novelties, conveniences, and
other articles will thus strike your eye, which you would otherwise
have never wanted or dreamed of. When you have marked down some dress
or riband, for instance, that you would like, go and inquire the price
of it; haggle, demur, examine, and, lastly, buy. You will then be asked
"whether there is any other article to-day?" Whether there is or not,
let the shopman show you what wares he pleases; you will very likely
desire one or more of them. Whatever you think very cheap, that buy,
without reference to your need of it; it is a bargain. You will find,
too, as you go on, that one thing suggests another; as bonnets, ribands
for trimming, or flowers--and handkerchiefs, perfumery. In considering
what more you want, try and recollect what your acquaintances have got
that you have not; or what you have seen worn by strangers in going
along. See if there is anything before you superior in any respect
to a similar thing which you have already; if so, get it instantly,
not reflecting whether your own will be well enough. You had better
finish your streets before you take your bazaars and arcades; for
there the shopping, which one might otherwise call cover-shopping,
though excellent sport, refers mostly to articles of no manner of use;
and it may be as well to reserve toys and superfluities to the last.
Married ladies, when they have laid in all they want for themselves,
are recommended to show their thoughtfulness by purchasing some little
trifle for their husbands, who, of course, will have to pay for it in
the end.
[Illustration]
* * * * *
ONE OF THEM GONE.--No doubt spurred on by our articles on the subject.
We wish the happy couple much joy.
In Middleton, Logan Co., Ky., on Thursday evening, October 6th, by the
Rev. James B. Evans, Oscar C. Rhea, editor of the "Russelville Herald,"
to Miss Judith Grubbs, daughter of Col. Thos. Grubbs.
* * * * *
COVERS FOR BINDING.--We have a beautiful cover suitable for binding
twelve numbers of the "Lady's Book." Price twenty-five cents.
* * * * *