CLIMATE AND LOCALITIES OF GREAT BRITAIN.

299

winds and waves, and visit the smiling shores of the Emerald Isle. In what other country can the traveller or the invalid find such variety of aquatic excursions? Not on the Rhonethe Po-the Tiber, or any of the Mediterranean shores. The Rhine, even, cannot compete with the scenery and the invigorating breezes on the lakes of Scotland.

If health or pleasure be the object, and TERRA FIRMA be preferred to steam, the British traveller, whether valetudinary or not, can command the greatest variety of air, soil, and scenery, with the best roads, the best horses, the best carriages, and the best inns in the world.

The mountains of Scotland, it is true, are not so lofty as those of Switzerland; but they are more accessible, and the air equally salubrious. The Highland glens and valleys are not quite on a par with Grindenwalde, Lauterbrunen, and Meyrengen; but they are not blotted and deformed by goitre and cretinism. Moreover, they have that which the Helvetian vales and cliffs are remarkably destitute of—a romantic tale—an historical event -or a legendary tradition, connected with every step we take, and capable of keeping the memory and the imagination in a constant state of excitement, similar to that which we experience on the classic soil of Italy or Greece.

If Windermere, Killarney, and Loch Lomond are not so beautiful as Lakes Leman, Como, and Bolsena, they are very little inferior in that respect--and their banks are the seats of health and hilarity-not the scenes of loathsome pellagra, nor the sources of deadly malaria. If Caledonia is less majestic in scenery than Switzerland or the Tyrol, it is equally impressive on the eye of the spectator-and equally salubrious for the traveller.* The mountains and vales of CAMBRIA must be al

It is a certain fact, that mountains of the second-rate altitude, say ten thousand feet, are more impressive than those of the first rate, as, for instance, MONT BLANC-and that mountains of the third rate, or five thousand feet, are very often more striking than either of their superiors. The reason is better understood in philosophy than in poetry. Distance may "lend enchantment to the view" of the poet; but proximity to the cliff, the cataract, or the steep mountain, magnifies their effects on the eye and the imagination. The mag

lowed to surpass the Apennines, both in beauty and sublimity, unscorched by the enervating SIROCCO, unchilled by the icy TRAMONTANE. On the contrary, they are kept in perpetual verdure, as well as purity, by the mild and salubrious breezes of the Atlantic, carrying health and fertility on their wings.†

Viewing, then the infinite variety of climate, soil, and locality, which the British Isles exhibit-their hills and vales, mountains and lakes, rivers and seas-with the rapid and easy conveyances, by land and by water; I would say to the British invalid who seeks restoration of health-and to all those who are subjected to the WEAR and TEAR of avocation and pursuit, especially in large towns and cities-to these I would say, dedicate a few weeks annually, if you can, to TRAVELLING EXERCISE. If I am asked where? I would reply, direct your steps to any point of the compass you please; but I advise you to select that route where you are least likely to be harassed by the DOUANE, the PASSPORT, and the POLICE-where you are not liable to be cheated by vetturini, poisoned with filth, infected with malaria, worried by beggars-or murdered by BANDITS! If, to these evils, you prefer comfort and security, with an equal prospect of health and recreation—and that within reach of friends, in case of accident or illness-You WILL TRAVEL IN-YOUR OWN COUNTRY.

nificence of Mont Blanc, as seen from the Jura Mountains, does not disturb this position. A very distant view of a very high mountain enhances its altitude, by comparison with the surrounding mountains; which comparison can only be made by the distant spectator.

In the year 1806, the author returned from India, a mere skeleton, from the influence of that burning climate. In the course of nine weeks' excursion through Wales, he completely recovered his health.

FINIS.

Criticisms on the First Edition.

"To attempt an analysis of a work embracing such a treasure of anecdote and instruction would be worse than an idle task; we must therefore content ourselves with observing that, of all the popular tours, of which British literature has been recently so prolific, this is immeasurably the best, whether we consider it in point of style or details. There is no class of general readers which may not derive pleasure and profit from its perusal; while, to the physician, it will prove very useful, whe ther as to his guidance in the selection of suitable residences, or routes for patients seeking the renovation of health-or as to the history of those diseases which the malarious atmosphere of Italy, or the Alpine blasts of Switzerland too frequently inculcate.-Ballot, 27th Feb. 1831.

"If every man who flies to foreign climes for recreation of mind and body, were capable of giving to the world so amusing and instructive a volume as that before us, we might, perhaps, wish that the number of those who "change the air" was much greater than it is. But, unfortunately, too many travellers either tell us nothing that has been untold before, or dwell minutely upon facts, which might easily have been imagined if they had never been told at all. Not so with Dr. Johnson :-Although his course was rapid, he has collected much interesting and amusing information; while, in his descriptions of the different countries he passed through, and the many objects of curiosity that attracted his notice, he has preserved a freshness and originality that reflect high credit upon his talent as a writer and acute observer, considering the many pens that have before worked upon the same materials. The volume also contains much useful information, which the traveller or invalid seeking instruction on his own account, as well as the medical practitioner who may be called upon to impart instruction to others, will read with much advantage. Dr. Johnson has evidently written in that light and cheerful temper of mind which seeks to combine amusement with instruction."-London Med. and Phys. Journal, April, 1831.

'The Author spent a few months in skimming lightly over France and Switzerland, dwelling with industrious detail on Italy, and its myriad sources of curiosity and interest. The doctor does not pretend to paint externals. He travels en philosophe, and has attended more to the morale than the physique of what he sees. He is, however, a vigorous independent thinker, while his opinions are slightly tinctured with cynicism, which gives them an agreeable relish. His style is clear, bold, and expressive; so that when he least appears to aim at effect, he leaves a more vivid impression on us of the object of his reflections, than others would by an elaborate description. His ponderings over the ruins of empires, notwithstanding the lucubrations of all who have pondered on the same subject, are generally both instructive and amusing, never tiresome. But there is no part of his book which possesses more interest, though of a painful kind, than where he describes the deadly effects of that perpetual scourge, not only of the most barren, but of the most lovely and fertile portions of the garden of the world-MALARIA. The Doctor deserves credit, also, for the forbearance of his single volume.”—Morning Herald, 16th March.

"Candour requires us to admit that the present publication is the most entertaining, and at the same time edifying, that has issued from the press for many years. We have no hesitation in saying that the medical, as well as the general reader, will find every chapter crowded with interesting and instructive matter."-Gazette of Practical Medicine, April, 1831.

"It is a classical and philosophical tour, in which the characteristic features of every country are sketched with fidelity and effect. In addition to extensive reading and research, the author has travelled over many territories collecting his materials. The work is full of entertainment for all who love history, topography, the description of beautiful scenery, traditionary legends, and antiquarian accounts of historical monuments. To travellers and invalids it is an amusing, instructive, and invaluable companion. It is impossible to dip into any part of it, without having the attention rivetted and the fancy pleased. Of this production we need only say, that it is worthy of the accomplished author. It is written with elegance, accuracy, and an impartial spirit of philosophy; and will add to his high literary and professional reputation. Had he written but this volume, he would have ranked among the best topographical writers of the day; for his descriptions of men, manners, and countries' are seldom equalled-hardly ever surpassed. It is one of the most inter

esting publications which modern times have produced.”—London Medical and Surgical Journal, April, 1831,

"The Author, out of his abundant stock of reflection and knowledge, has constructed a volume with which all classes will be pleased—some for its amusing qualities— others for its really useful information—and a still larger class for its combination of both."—Atlas, March 20th, 1831.

"Dr. JOHNSON has travelled with the spirit of a philosopher, and has thereby given an interest to his volume, which is not to be found in the dry journals of such as merely describe what they have seen, without being able to accomplish any thing beyond mere detail, unrelieved by reflections which will sometimes impart a charm and a freshness to the most hackneyed narrations. But the mental improvement to be derived from visiting the classic scenes through which the author of the book before us has travelled, is not obtained by merely looking upon the remains they present, and being able to describe their situation. It is in the sentiments they inspire that the mind becomes elevated; and to those who have not had the opportunity of seeing the places alluded to, Dr. Johnson's book will give the benefit of the reflections they are calculated to excite, for which alone they are objects of value, whatever may be their interest to posterity. It is not by the description of how many arches of the Coliseum remain complete, or how many pillars are yet standing in the Roman Forum, that the traveller in Italy can benefit his countrymen at home-nor by glowing descriptions of the beauties of Nature through which he may chance to have passed. He is of no advantage to society, unless the resources of his own genius enable him to find

'Sermons in stones-books in the running brooks,
And good in every thing.'"

Literary Beacon.

"We are greatly pleased with Dr. JOHNSON for the bold, fearless, uncompromising spirit, in which he exposes the filthiness of the ancient, as well as of the modern Romans. It is true, he is sometimes a little too broad in his allusions, exposures, and sweeping censures; but for this he must stand excused, in the consideration that he had disgusting subjects to deal with, and in the consequent necessity of using plain language of calling things by their right names-that he might be thoroughly understood, and that his denunciations might have due weight. An important service would have been rendered to the cause of truth, and to the interests of society, had some of our thousand and one travellers taken up the subject of the ancient and the modern Greeks in the same honest strain.

"There is much that is eminently curious and striking in this volume to the invalid, the tourist, the moralist, the philosopher:-and on the subject of health in particular, it deserves to be not only consulted, but studied, by every person, sound or unsound, previously to the undertaking of a journey to Italy.”—La Belle Assemblée. "Dr. JOHNSON is very far beyond an ordinary tourist: he travels for health or for relaxation, and gives, with the tact and the precision of his profession, the results of his own observations upon the physical effects of travelling. He looks with the eye of a philosopher, and something approaching to scorn, at the rage with which every thing is overdone, from ambition, pride, vanity, and fashion-the result, as it is, being loss of health and vigour. The reader will not be wearied with unimportant matters. The Doctor glances at every place, without any bother as to how he got there what he ate-or where slept on the road. In Rome, Naples, and Pompeii, he is full of historical recollections. The book is very superior-the author is a man of real intelligence of considerable reading, and he brings it to bear occasionally with great felicity. There is sound knowledge at the bottom, and much that is well fitted to correct misconception and prejudice.”—Monthly Magazine, Sept. 1831.

"Dr. JOHNSON has here presented us with a work intended to exhibit the benefits of travelling-exercise upon the constitution, by way of repairing that wear and tear of the frame to which the progeny of John Bull is so liable. This volume is exceedingly interesting, and we have perused it with great pleasure. Dr. Johnson's opinions on all things connected with his profession are entitled to great consideration. His observations on the salutary effects of travelling-exercise we can vouch for as correct. The rules which he has laid down for this purpose are adapted to vary and render agreeable such a tour. We leave Dr. Johnson's work with reluctance, as one entertaining, useful, and apposite.”—Metropolitan Magazine, Oct. 1831.

"Dr. JOHNSON is a man of enlarged and cultivated mind-who has learnt a great deal from books-and still more from intercourse with the world. His observations are always sensible-and his suggestions on the subject of health are well deserving of attention."-Court Journal, Oct. 1, 1831.

The 7th Edition, improved, price 6s. 6d. boards,

An Essay on Indigestion, or Morbid Sensibility of the Stomach and Bowels, as the proximate Cause or characteristic Condition of Dyspepsy, &c. To which are added, Observations on the Diseases and Regimen of Invalids, &c.

CRITICISMS ON THE ABOVE WORK.

"Dr. JOHNSON is already so well known to the public, as the author of an eloquent Treatise on the Influence of Tropical Climates on European Constitutions, and by the learning and diligence with which he conducts our contemporary, the MedicoChirurgical Review, that we merely deem it necessary to assure our readers of his identity with the name subscribed to the present Essay."

Being entirely new, and on a subject of almost universal interest, we applaud the practice, as much as the principle, followed by Dr. JOHNSON in the publication of his Essay. It is brief and to the purpose; and we may safely aver that he is throughout enlightened, consistent, and precise, that his remedial means are energetic, and that every line of his work displays the activity of a powerful and pene. trating mind, always on the alert to profit by the discoveries of the day, and felicitous in the application of known facts to the illustration of the phenomena of disease, however obscure."-Edinburgh Journal of Medical Science, No. 5, Jan. 1827.

"In filling up the details, the author writes entirely from personal observation, and, we regret to learn, in a considerable degree also from personal suffering. This at once stamps a high value on the work, and, while perusing the painful catalogue of evils which spring from a disordered stomach, our sympathies with the author are assuaged by the reflection that, with the skill of the alchemist, he has converted the cup of sorrow into the potion of health, and has made individual suffering subservient to public advantage."

"This brings us to the conclusion of the volume,‚—a volume, we repeat, small in size, but rich in matter, from the perusal of which every reader will derive instruction. The extracts which we have given sufficiently attest the value of this contribution to the stock of medical facts. The Essay is written throughout in a pleasing unaffected style."-Med. and Phys. Journal for Jan. 1827.

"Nor is it more requisite for Dr. JOHNSON to extenuate the sin of publication, by reminding the reader, that his book, if bad, is not large. The favourable reception which his writings have hitherto obtained, rendered any allusion of this description uncalled for.

"These remarks are particularly applicable to the case of the present work. It is neither so indifferent as to require any apology, nor are the subjects which it discusses, though common-place enough, treated in such a manner as to render it either super. fluous or devoid of interest. On the contrary, though the author follows the same tract with Dr. Saunders, Mr. Abernethy, Dr. Wilson Philip, Dr. Paris, and many others of inferior note, yet on many points he gives views which are not only original and ingenious, but bear marks of being strictly true and well-founded. One circumstance ought to procure it the attention, not only of physicians, but of patients.. The materials of the Essay are drawn entirely from personal observation, and not a few of them from personal suffering; and if the author has doubted the truth of some popular opinions, and differed on the kind and extent of the therapeutic measures to be adopted, he has done so on the result of experience only."-Edinburgh Medical and Surgical Journal for April, 1827.

“It is, perhaps, almost a work of supererogation to recommend to the profession, the production of an author so well known and duly appreciated as is the Editor of our respected cotemporary, the Medico-Chirurgical Review; but we cannot refrain