tered upon a courfe of experiments,, was propofed about forty years ago, fhould in that time have been adopt ed in fo many places, than that it has not univerfally prevailed. It is to determine the state of electricity in the clouds. From a number of experiments he formed this conclufion:" that the clouds of a thunder-only by degrees that the great body gust are most commonly in a negative ftate of electricity, but fometimes in a pofitive ftate ;" and from this it follows, as a neceffary confequence, "that, for the most part, in thunderArokes, it is the earth that ftrikes into the clouds, and not the clouds that ftrike into the earth." The letter containing thefe obfervations, is dated in September 1753; and yet the difcovery of afcending thunder is faid to be of a modern date, and has been attributed to the abbe Bertholon, who published his memoir on the fubject in 1776. of mankind can be led into new practices, however falutary their tendency. It is now nearly eighty years fince inoculation was introduced into Europe and America; and it is fo far from being general at prefent, that it will, perhaps, require one or two centuries to render it fo. In the year 1745, Franklin publifhed an account of his new-invented Penfylvanian fire-places, in which he minutely and accurately states the advantages and difadvantages of different kinds of fire-places; and endeavours to fhew that the one Franklin's Letters have been tranf-which he defcribes, is to be prefer lated into most of the European red to any other. This contrivance languages, and into Latin. In pro- has given rife to the open floves now portion as they have become known, in general ufe, which however differ his principles have been adopted. from it in conftruction, particularly Some oppofition was made to his in not having an air-box at the back, theories, particularly by the abbe through which a conftant fupply of Nollet, who was, however, but air, warmed in its paffage, is thrown feebly fupported, whilst the first into the room. The advantages of philofophers of Europe stepped forth this are, that as a stream of warm in defence of Franklin's principles; air is continually flowing into the amongst whom d'Alibard and Becca- room, lefs fuel is neceffary to preria were the most diftinguished. The ferve a proper temperature, and the oppofition has gradually ceafed, and room may be fo tightened as that the Franklinian fyftem is now unino air may enter through cracks; verfally adopted, where fcience flou- the confequence of which are colds, rishes. tooth-aches, &c. The important practical ufe which Franklin made of his difcoveries, the fecuring of houfes from injury by lightning, has been already mentioned. Pointed conductors are now very common in America; but prejudice has hitherto prevented their general introduction into Europe, notwithstanding the moft undoubted proofs of their utility has been given. But mankind can with (To be continued.) DESCRIPTION of the PERSONS, GENIUS, and CHARACTER of the JAPANESE. (From Thunberg's Travels.) difficulty be brought to lay afide THE people of Japan are well eftablished practices, or to adopt new ones. And perhaps we have more reafon to be furprised that a practice,, however rational, which made, active, free and their motions, with ftout limbs, aleafy in though their ftrength is not to be compared to that of the northern inhabitants of Europe. The men are 1 are of the middling fize, and in general not very corpulent; yet I have feen fome that were fufficiently far They are of a yellowish colour all over, fometimes bordering on brown, eyes, and fometimes on white. The lower clafs of people, who, in fummer, when at work, lay bare the upper part of their bodies, are funburnt, and confequently brown. Ladies of diftinction, who feldom go cut into the. open air without being covered, are perfectly white. It is by their that, like the Chinefe, thefe people are diftinguishable. Thele organs have not that rotundity which thofe of other nations exhibit, but are ob long, fmall, and are funk deeper' in the head, in confequence of which thefe people have almost the appearance of being pink-eyed. In other refpects their eyes are dark brown, or rather black, and the eye-lids form in the great angle of the eye a deep furrow, which makes the Japanefe look as if they were fharpfighted, and difcriminates them from other nations. The eye-brows are alfo placed fomewhat higher. Their heads are in general large, and their necks fhort; their hair black, thick, and thining, from the ule they make of oils. Their noles although not fiat, are yet rather thick and thort. moft civilized. Their prefent mode of government, regulations for foreign commerce, their manufactures, the vaft abundance, even to fuperfluity, of all the neceffaries of life, &c. give convincing proofs of their fagacity, fteadiness, and undaunted fpirit. That idle vanity fo common among other Afiatics, as well as many African nations, who adorn themtelves with fhells, beads, and glittering pieces of metal, is never to be obferved here; nor are thefe unneceffary European trappings of gold and filver lace, jewels, and the like, which ferve merely to catch the eye, here prized at all; but they endeavour to furnish themfelves from their own manufactures with decent cloathing, palatable food, and excellent weapons. Liberty is the foul of the Japanefe; not that which degenerates into licentioufnefs and riotous excess, but a liberty under ftri& fubjections to the laws. It has been fuppofed, indeed, that the common people of Japan were merely flaves under a defpotic government, as the laws are extremely fevere. But a fervant who hires himfelf to a master for a yeur, is not therefore a flave; neither is a foldier who has inlifted for a certain number of years, and The Japanese are in general intel-over whom a much stricter hand is ligent and provident, free and un-kept, a flave, although he is obliged contrained, obedient and courteous, curious and inquifitive, induftrious and ingenious, frugal and feber, cleanly, good-natured, and friendly, upright and juft, trusty and honeft, mitrufiful, fuperftitious, proud and haughty, unforgiving, brave, and invincible. implicitly to obey his fuperior's commands. The Japanese hate and deteft the inhuman traffic in flaves carried on by the Dutch, and the cruelties with which these poor creatures are treated. The rights and liberties of the higher and lower clafs of people The Japancfe nation fhews fenfe are equally protected by the laws; and steadiness in all its undertakings, and the uncommon feverity of thefe fo far as the light of icience, bylaws, joined to the inevitable execuwhofe brighter rays it has not as yet had the good fortune to be mined, can ever guide it. Tation is fo far from deferving to be ranked with fuch as are called favage, that it rather merits a place among the tion of them, ferves to keep every one within proper bounds. With regard to foreigners, no nation in the whole extentive tract of the Indies is more vigilantly attentive to their liberties than this, and none more more free from the encroachments. fraudulent attempts, or open attacks of others. The regulations they have adopted in this particular are not to be paralleled in the whole world. The inhabitants have been forbidden to leave the empire upon pain of death, and no foreigners are fuffered to come into the country, except a few Dutchmen and fome Chinefe, who, during the whole time of their ftay, are watched like ftate prifoners. The people of diftinction, and thofe that are rich, have a great number of attendants; and every one, in general, has fome attendant in his houfe, to wait upon him, and when he goes abroad, to carry his cloak, fhoes, umbrella, lantern, and other things that he may want of a fimilar nature. fpeaks to them, or they are to prefent any thing to another, they bow in the fame manner. If a perfon of inferior rank meets his fuperior in the fireet, he remains in the pofture above mentioned till the latter has paffed him. If they are equals, they both make the fame obeisance, ftanding ftill, and then go on with their backs bent for a thort time after they have paffed each other. On entering any houfe, they fall on their knees, and bow their heads more or lefs low; and before they rife to go away, perform the fame obeisance. This nation, as well as many others, carry their curiofity to a great length. They examine narrowly every thing that is carried thither by the Europeans, and every thing that belongs to them. They are continually afking for information upon every fubject, and fre With refpect to courtesy and fubmiffion to their fuperiors, few can be compared to the Japanefe. Sub-quently tire the Dutch out with their ordination to government, and obe- questions. Among the merchants dience to parents, are inculcated into who arrive here, it is chiefly the children in their early infancy, and phyfician of the embafy that is in every fituation of life they are confidered by the Japanese as learnin this refpect inftructed by the good ed; and confequently, on the little example of their elders, which has ifland fet apart for the factory, and` this effect, that the children are fel-particularly in the journey to court, dom reprimanded, fcolded, or chaf- as alfo during the reiidence of the tifed. The inferior clafs of people Dutch in the metropolis, they look thew their respect to thofe of a up to him as an oracle, whom they higher rank, by bowing very low, fuppofe capable of giving them inand in the most reverential manner, formation upon every fubject, partiand at the same time pay implicit cularly on thofe of mathematics, obedience to them cheerfally and geography, natural philofophy, pharwithout hesitation. Their equals macy, zoology, botany, and phyfic. they always falute with great politenefs, both at meeting and parting In general they bend their backs with their heads downwards, and lay their hands either on their knees, or eife on their legs below their knees, and fometimes bring them down to their feet, accordingly as a greater or lefs degree of respect is to be fhewn; and the greater the veneration, the nearer their heads approach the ground, If any one VOL. XXV During the audience we had of the emperor, the privy-countellors, and others of the higheft officers of state, we were furveyed from head to foot, as alfo our hats, fwords, clothes, buttons, lace, watches, canes, rings, &c, nay, we were even obliged to write in their prefence, in order to flew them our manner of writ and our characters. Imechanical ingenuity and invention, this nation keeps chiefly to Ε that that which is neceffary and useful, but in industry it excels most others. Their works in copper and other metals are fine, and in wood both neat and lafting; but their welltempered fabres, and their beautiful lacquered ware, exceed every thing of the kind that has hitherto bee: produced elfewhere. The diligence with which the hufbandman cultivates the foil, and the pains they bestow on it, are fo great as to fecm incredible. Frugality has its principal feat in Japan. It is a virtue as highly ef. teemed in the imperial palace as in the pooreft cottage. It is in confequence of that, the middling clafs of people are contented with their little pittance, and that the accumulated ftores of the rich are not diffipated in wantonnefs and luxury. It is in confequence of this that dearth and famine are ftrangers to this country, and that in the whole extent of this populous empire, fcarcely a needy perfon or beggar is to be found. The people in general are neither parfimonious nor avaricious, and have a fixed diflike to gluttony and drunkennefs. The foil is not wafted upon the cultivation of tobacco, or of any other ufelefs plant, neither is the grain employed in the diftillation of fpirits, or other idle, not to fay pernicious purposes. Cleanlinefs and neatnefs are attended to as well with regard to their bodies, as to their cloathing, houfes, food, vefiels, &c. and they ufe the warm bath daily. Of their friendly difpofition and good nature, I have frequently with aftonishment feen manifeft proofs; even at a time when, as now, they have every reason in the world to hate and defpife the Europeans who traffic there, for their bad conduct and fraudulent dealings. This nation is lofty, it is true, bus goodnatured and friendly; with gentle nefs and kindness it may be foothed and brought to hear reafon; but is not to be moved in the leaft by threats, or any thing like defiance. Juftice is held facred all over the country. The monarch never injures any of his neighbours; and no inftance is to be found in hiftory, ancient or modern, of his having thewn an ambition to extend his ter ritories by conqueft. The hiftory of Japan affords numberlefs inflances of the heroifm of thefe people in the defence of their country against foreign invafions, or internal infurrections, but not one of their encroachments on the land or properties of others. The Japanese have never given way to the weakness of conquering other kingdoms, or fuffering any part of their own to be taken from them. They have ever followed, and fill continue to follow, the ufages and cuftoms of their forefathers, and never adopt the manners of other nations. Juftice conftantly prefides at their tribunals, where caufes are adjusted without delay, and without intrigues or partiality. The guilty finds no where an afylum; no refpect is paid to perfons, nor can any one prefume to flatter himfelf with hopes of pardon, or favour. Juftice is held facred even with refpect to engagements with the Europeans, infomuch that treaties once concluded are neither broken, nor even a fingle letter of them altered, unless the Europeans themfelves give occafion to fuch procedures. Honesty prevails throughout the whole country, and perhaps there are few parts of the world where fo few thefts are committed as here. Highway-robberies are totally unknown. Thefts are feldom heard of; and in their journey to the court, Europeans are fo fecure, that they pay very little attention to their baggage; although in the factory, the common people think it no fin to pilfer a few trifles, particu larly larly fugar and tea-cups, from the Dutch, while these articles are carrying to or from the quay. of a fertile imagination, than the fober dictates of truth, did not latter years furnish us with convincing proofs of their reality. In the year It is highly probable that thefe people have not been always fo fuf-799, the Tartars having, for the first picious as they are at prefent ; poffibly their former internal commotions and civil wars, but ftill more the frauds of the Europeans, have called forth and increafed their misftruft, which now, at least in their commerce with the Dutch and the Chinese, is without bounds. time, over-run part of Japan with an innumerable army, and their fleet having been loft in one night in a hard gale of wind, the Japanefe commander in chief, on the day following, raifed the camp, attacked the enemy, routed and put them all to the fword, fo that not a man was left alive to return with the tidings of fo unparalleled a defeat, and fo complete a victory. In like manner, when in the year 1281, they were again attacked by the Tartars, to the amount of 240,000 men, the victory was equally great and glorious. The expulfion of the Portuguefe, and the extirpation, at the fame time, of the Chriftian religion, in the feventeenth century, was fo complete. that fcarcely any traces are now to be found of their former Superftition is more common with them, and rifes to a higher degree than in any other nation; which is owing to the little knowledge they have of moft fciences, and the abfurd principles inculcated into them by their priests, together with their idolatrous doctrines. This fuperftitious difpofition is displayed at their feafts, their public worship, in the making of folemn promifes, in the ufe of particular remedies, the chufing of lucky or unlucky days, &c. Pride is one of the principal de-existence in the country. The war fects of this nation. They believe that they are honoured with that facred origin from gods, from heaven, the fun and moon, which many Afiatic nations as arrogantly, as abfurdly, lay claim to. They confequently think themfelves to be fomewhat more than other people, and in particular, confider the Europeans in a very indifferent light. Whatever injury a Japanese might be inclined to put up with, he can never bear to have his pride touched. It was pride that expelled the Por-Dutch East India company. One tuguese from the country, and this alone may in time ruin the prefent flourishing traffic carried on by the Dutch. Befides the circumftance of this nation having never (not even in the remoteft ages) been conquered or fubjected to any foreign power, we read in the annals of its history fuch accounts of its valour and unconquerable fpirit, as might rather be taken for fables, and the produce and devaftation continued for the fpace of forty years: feveral millions were victims, and at the last fiege thirty-feven thousand men fell. Thefe victories are not the only proof of the courage and intrepidity of the Japanefe. I thall here adduce another inftance ftill more to the purpofe. The affair happened in the year 1630. A fmall Japanese veffel arrived for the purpofe of trading at the ifland of Formofa, which at that time belonged to the Peter Nuytz, who was at that time governor, treated the Japanese merchants ill, who arrived there in this veffel, and who on their return home, complained to their prince of the ill treatment they had received. As the prince took fire at this infult, and the more fo as it came from foreigners whom he defpiled, and at the fame time he did not find himself in a condition to revenge himself; his guards aldreffed him E 2 in |