21 SEPTEMBER 1867, Page 23

Letter to His Grace the Duke of Buccleuch on the

Quadrature and Rectification of the Circle. By James Smith, Esq. (Simpkin and Marshall.)—For some years, we believe, Mr. James Smith has been pro- claiming that the British Association is in jeopardy. His prediction will be verified if he takes to writing a yearly letter to the President elect. No wonder the Duke of Buccleuch was unable to deliver the usual.- review of the sciences if he had the quadrature of the circle on his mind, and was bound to enter into all the details of a controversy between Mr.. James Smith and a Cornish clergyman. It seems that as the Cornish clergyman did not agree with Mr. James Smith as to the value of os, Mr. James Smith used rather uncivil language to the Cornish clergy- man, but not language unbefitting a Christian and a gentleman. On- these facts Mr. James Smith leaves the Duke of Buccleuch to form his- own opinion, being at the same time conscious that he has " no right to, trespass upon your Grace's valuable time beyond such reasonable limits- as fairly come within the province of the President " of the British Association. As to what are reasonable limits the Duke and Mr. James- Smith would hardly agree, and if the Duke complained of the length of this letter we should back his Grace's bill. However, we do not care to• have a finger in Mr. James Smith's qt, and we leave him to cook the circle as he pleases.