OUR PECULIARITIES. BY VISCOUNTESS COMBERMERE. "As for the reciprocal knowledge, which is the operation of the conceits and passions of the mind upon the body; we see all wise physicians, in the prescriptions of their regimens to their patients, do ever consider accidentia animi, as of great force to further or hinder remedies or recoveries; and more especially it is an inquiry of great depth and worth concerning imagination, how, and how far, it altereth the body proper of the imaginant."- LORD BACON. LONDON: SMITH, ELDER AND CO., 65, CORNHILL. [The right of Translation is reserved.] IT was intended to dedicate the following essays to one whose kind courtesy ever graciously recognised the most humble effort of literary industry. Earnestly devoted, as he was, to the sciences, which tend to improve mankind, through the investigation of our nature and requirements, his own character presented the ethical student, with a rare combination of opposite qualities. A perfect organization, assuring the most delicate artistic sensitiveness, united to the highest powers of the reasoning faculties, while mental force was governed by self-control, and moral courage tempered by benevolence. Taken from us, before time had cast a shadow on his manly beauty, or dimmed the lustre of his brilliant mind, this great example will be upheld to posterity, in all the completeness of its noble proportions. Associated with the excellences of Albert the Good, a grateful nation beheld the rare alliance between power, and intellect, and virtue, in the character of our Queen. She shows an admiring world, how the tenderest fulfilment of womanly duties, is compatible with firmness of purpose, and measured reason; qualities supposed to be man's exclusive prerogative. History will indeed relate the glories of her reign; but tradition can alone transmit the estimate of her excellence from heart to heart, with a warmth and intenseness of feeling, that the written page may never communicate. Combermere Abbey, |