The natural philosopher
knows, that whatever affects, in the smallest degree, the remotest body in
the universe, acts, though to us in an imperceptible manner, on every other
body. So commerce acts; but its action is not momentary; its impulses, once
begun, continue with augmented force. And it appears to us no absurd or
extravagant expectation, that through its means, either directly, or by
enlarging the views and desires of man, the civilization, knowledge,
freedom and happiness of Europe will ultimately be spread over the whole
globe.
[6] Since this part of our work was written, the narrative of Lieutenant
Franklin has been published: from this it appears, that he was engaged
in this arduous undertaking during the years 1819, 1820, 1821, and
1822; that the route he followed to the Coppermine River was to the
east o the routes of M'Kenzie and Hearne; that he reached the river
three hundred and thirty-four miles north of Fort Enterprize; and the
Polar Sea in lat. 67 deg. 47' 50"; and in longitude 115 deg. 36' 49" west;
that he sailed five hundred and fifty miles along its shores to the
eastward, and then returned to Port Enterprize.
CATALOGUE OF VOYAGES AND TRAVELS.
_Preliminary Observations on the Plan and Arrangement pursued
in drawing up this Catalogue_.
It is obvious, that whoever undertakes to draw up a catalogue of books on
any particular subject, must proceed on one or other of these two
plans, - either to give a complete catalogue of all the works published on
that subject, or a select catalogue of what seems to him the best works.
