Notes and Queries, Number 57, November 30, 1850 | Page 7

is
conceived in the exact spirit of those works. The chief difference,

besides the usual subject-matter, consists in the greater formality and
"stiffness" of those than of this; arising, however, of necessity out of
the specific and rigid character of mathematical research in itself, and
the more limited range of subjects that were open to discussion.
The one great defect of the researches of those men was, that they were
conducted in a manner so desultory, and that the subjects themselves
were often so isolated, that there can seldom be made out more than a
few dislocated fragments of any one subject of inquiry whatever.
Special inquiries are prosecuted with great vigour and acumen; but we
look in vain for system, classification, or general principles. This,
however, is not to be charged to them as a scientific vice,
peculiarly:--for, in truth, it must be confessed to be a vice, not only too
common, but almost universal amongst English geometers; and even in
the geometry of the Greeks themselves, the great object appears to have
been "problem-solving" rather than the deduction and arrangement of
scientific truths. The modern French geometers have, however, broken
this spell; and it is not too much too hope that we shall not be long ere
we join them in the development of the systems they have already
opened; and, moreover, add to the list some independent topics of our
own. The chief dangers to which we are in this case exposed are,
classification with incomplete data, and drawing inferences upon trust.
It cannot be denied, at all events, that some of our French
cotemporaries have fallen into both these errors; but the abuse of a
principle is no argument for our not using it, though its existence (or
even possible existence) should be a strong incentive to caution.
These remarks have taken a more general form than it is usual to give
in your pages. As, however, it is probable that many of your readers
may feel an interest in a general statement of a very curious intellectual
phenomenon, I am not without a hope that, though so far removed from
the usual topics discussed in the work, they will not be altogether
unacceptable or useless.
PEN-AND-INK.
[Footnote 1: Although at one period of our life we took great pains to
make a collection of the periodicals which, during the last century,

were devoted wholly or partially to mathematics, yet we could never
even approximate towards completeness. It was not, certainly, from
niggardly expenditure. Indeed, it is doubtful whether a complete set
exists, or could even be formed now.]
[Footnote 2: See _Philosophical Magazine_, Sept. 1850.]
* * * * *
MINOR NOTES.
_Sermon's Pills._--In Guizot's _Life of Monk, Duke of Albermarle_,
translated and edited by the present Lord Wharncliffe, it is stated (p.
313.) that when the Duke was suffering from the diseases which
afterwards proved fatal to him,
"One of his neighbours, at New Hall, formerly an officer in his army,
mentioned to him certain pills said to be sovereign against the dropsy,
which were sold at Bristol by one Sermon, who had also served under
his orders in Scotland as a private soldier. This advice and remedy from
ancient comrades, inspired the old general with more confidence than
the skill of the physicians. He sent for Sermon's pills, and found
himself so much recovered by them for a time, that he returned to
London at the close of the summer."
Having "found," in the newspapers of the day, the following paragraphs
illustrative of this passage in the great General's history, I think them
sufficiently interesting "to make a Note of."
"London, July 13. 1669.--His Grace the Lord General, after a long and
dangerous distemper, is (God {439} be praised) perfectly recovered
and restored to his former health, to the Great rejoycing of their
Majesties and the whole court, by the assistance of one William
Sermon, of Bristol, whose pills have had that excellent success as to
restore him perfectly to his sleep and appetite, and wholly abate all the
symptoms of his disease. Yesterday his Grace, as being perfectly cured,
dismissed his physicians from their farther attendance."

"London, July 17. 1669.--The 13th instant, Mr. William Sermon, the
practitioner in physick, who so happily performed that excellent cure
upon his Grace the Duke of Albermarle, was presented to His Majesty
in St. James's Park, where he had the honor to kiss His Majesty's hand,
and to receive his thanks for that good service."
September 9. 1669.--"Advertisement: These are to give notice that
William Sermon, Dr. of Physick, a person so eminently famous for his
cure of his Grace the Duke of Albermarle, is removed from Bristol to
London, and may be spoken with every day, especially in the forenoon,
at his house in West Harding Street, in