"He invented all these and many other curiosities, too long to
relate, without the aid of the black art; but by natural
philosophy alone, if we may believe the _tongues_ whose _eyes_
saw it. By these experiments, he so gained the King's favour, his
Majesty granted him a pension of 2000 guilders. He died in
London, anno 1634, the sixtieth year of his age."
Thus writes the Alkmaar chronicler. If you, or any of your learned
correspondents, can elucidate the history of the instruments made by my
countryman, he will much oblige all scientific antiquarians, and me, though
not a Dr. Heavybottom, especially. I need not make apologies for my bad
English, and hope none of your many readers will criticise it in a _Dutch_
periodical.
JANUS DOUSA.
Amsterdam, April, 1850.
* * * * *
VERSES ATTRIBUTED TO CHARLES YORKE.
I have in my possession a MS. book, in his own handwriting, of the late
Rev. MARTIN STAFFORD SMITH of Bath, formerly chaplain to BISHOP WARBURTON,
containing, amongst other matter, a series of letters, and extracts of
letters, from the amiable and gifted, but unfortunate, CHARLES YORKE, to
Bishop Warburton. At the close of this series, is the following note and
extract:--
"Verses transcribed from the original, in Mr.
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