Reviews.

REVIEWS .

THE ROMANS IN BRITAIN . By HENRY CHARLES COOTE , F . R . S . F . Norgate , 7 , King-street , Coventgarden . This very able work , by a well-known writer , and which originally appeared in 1 S 7 S , has _ not bcen sufficiently dwelt upon , or is , as it seems , but little known to Masonic students and Masonic reviewers . It is , for instance , the fullest of any existing English work as regards the Collegia

Romana , and contains much that requires thought , and deserves study . A very hasty glance , and a very brief review , as necessarily best befit these columns , enable us to say that , subject to some reservations , and " pace " some doubtful passages , and one or two clearly erroneous ones , Mr . Coote's contribution to the history of the Collegia is both most important and valuable , and , we may add , trustworthy . One little amusing mistake deserves noting

here . He terms the centonarii old clothesmen . He has been mislead by the word " cento , " which , however , does not strictly mean old clothes , but a patched garment , made up of various materials , a patched cloak as worn by slaves , _ a sort of quilt , Sic ., irom the Greek Kentron . The Centonarii were the Firemen of Rome , and are grouped as such by Facciolati , as they are often found in inscriptions with the Trignarii , and the Dendrophori

both colleges of artificers , though about the Dendrophori some little doubt has been expressed , being a word of Greek derivation " dendropheroi , " from Dendron and phero . One or two little similar blemishes require that the learned writer's words should be thought over . He has no doubt built a good deal on Massmann , and there may have been a little friendly and all but unconscious sheepwalking , as Massmann again builds

up his statement on Gruter and many more . Gruter's work originally appeared in 1609 , but the chief edition is that of Grcevius , in 1703 , who equally adopts a very large nnmber of authorities , and quotes the same authorities Massmann relies upon , such as Smetius , Sigonius , Fabricius or Fabretti , and many more . The works of /" ell , Mommsen , Pitiscus , and Massmann also require to be carefully collated before we can

obtain one consistent whole as regards the history of the Collegia . Another great desideratum is approaching the study from a purely critical point of view . We must not attempt to square the evidence with any preconceived notions or theories of our own , but must take the inscriptions as they are , for they are our only safe authority , note what they say , and then endeavour carefully and conscientouslv to construct an account of the Collegia , which is

alike rational and . historical , and can meet the test of accurate criticism , and face the serious demands of positive evidences . The writer of this review knowing that his space is necessarily very limited here , proposes to review this portion of the work more fully and exhaustively in the October " Monthly Magazine . " Few subjects are more important for the Alasonic student to be rightly understood

and clearly realized than the true history and actual status of the Roman Collegia . It is still a moot point how far the Gilds , as we meet them , " Les loges Latomorum , " are descended from the Collegia . We think ourselves they are , but it is no use saying so dogmatically . What we want is the old formula to be made good , "quod probandum est , " if proof be possible after this lapse of time .

Masonic Notes And Queries.

Masonic Notes and Queries .

I Ti ________ 3 _ S . Tr , r--. 3 Sl MASONS' MARKS . . Looking over Gruters Inscriptions , I was struck by two facts : ( 1 ) , That thc Nota ; Tironiane , Tironian Notes , Latin short hand , furnished several well known Masons' marks ; and ( 2 ) , That ' theold Greek alphabet , as well as the Etruscan , riven us bv Gruter , mav be identified with our Masonic

marks . It is well known that the Runes furnished several early marks , and if the Runes represent an adopted early Greek trading alphabet , we have as the foundation of the marks an alphabetical and numeralistic user . Such was Bro . E . W . Shaw's idea , and all I have seen since has convinced me ( though some do not agree with him ) that he was in the right . The symbols which are in Christian architecture

are of later developement , and though I do not deny that you may see the Pentalpha , and Hexapla , and Delta , and what Mr . Godwin calls the hour glass , being two triangles converted , on early buildings , we must always look into the question of date before we admit the fact ; not perhaps

that it signifies much , but it is an interesting point in itself as proving the Cosmopolitanism of the Building sodalities , that these marks were for a long time , at any rate , alphabetical and numeralistic , national and local , so that the difference for instance , which lies between English and foreign Masons can be pointed out . MASONIC STUDENT .

Bro . G . Lambert , F . S . A ., P . G . S . B ., nnd Bro . E . J . Barron , F . S . A ., I _ odge of Antiquity , were amongst those who sat down to dinner with the London and Aliddlesex Arch .-eological Society at their annual festival . Bro . E . E . Geflowski has just completed a very successful marble bust of Sir Frederick Roberts for the Company of Merchant Taylors , of which body Sir Frederick

is a member . The general appears in uniform , wearing the star of the Order of the Bath , the Victoria Cross , and numerous other medals and decorations . The likeness is very happily hit off , being instantly recognisable from any point of view . Bro . Geflowski is now putting the finishing touches to a very characteristic bust of Sir Joseph Fayrer , whose magnificent work on the " Thanatophidia of India "

has retained its place as an authority on death from snakebite , a much more important subject in India than would lie imagined without reference to statistic :. Bro . Geflowski is also at work on busts of Sir James Gordon , formerly secretary to Lord Lawrence , and now commissioner at Mysore , and of the Maharajah of Burdwan ; as well as on full-lengths of Baboo Prussam Komar Tagore , for the Senate House at Calcutta , and of the Maharajah of Mysore .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

( Craft -Pstascmrg . SUNDERLAND . —Phcenix Lodge ( No . 94 ) . — On the 2 nd inst . a largely attended meeting of this lodge was held at the Freemasons' Hail , Queen-street , Bro . J . R . Smart , VV . M ., presiding . In addition to the members , there were also present a large number of visiting brethren from other lodges in the town . A very interesting feature of the meeting was the presentation to tbe oldest

member and Past Master of the lodge , Bro . Alderman Potts , J . P ., P . M ., of his portrait , theW . M . making the presentation in a very appropriate speech . The portrait is full-sized , and was painted by Bro . Paul Stabler . Bro . Potts , in acknowledging the gift , said it would give him great pleasuse and satisfaction if they would allow

the portrait to be hung up in the lodge room . He thanked the W . M , and the brethren for the . presentation . One candidate , the Rev . H . P . Levy , was accepted and initiated . At the close of the business the brethren partook of refreshment , and a harmonious evening was soent .

SUNDERLAND . —Palatine Lodge ( No . 97 ) . —At a lodge of emergency , held on the 27 th July , at the Alasonic Hall , the VV . M ., Bro . J . H . Leech , in the chair , the lodge was favoured with the presence of , and afterwards with an address from Bro . Bracey Wilson , who was initiated into the lodge on Christmas Eve , in 1 S 35 , when the late Sir

Hednorth Williamson was VV . M . and the late SirCuthbert Sharp was an officer of the lodge . Bro . Wilson has been a British Consul for about twenty years in South America . The brethren were deeply interested in his recital of Masonic events in Sunderland nearly fifty years ago . His father and grandfather were both members of the Craft .

BELVEDERE . —Saye and Sele Lodge ( No . OZS ) . —A meeting of this Kent lodge was held on Wednesday , the 2 nd inst ., at Essenden House , the residence of Bro . Dr . Spurrell . Present : Bros . James Giesman Chillingworth , VV . M . ; Wood , S . VV . ; Bateman , J . VV . ; Spurrell , I . P . M ., Treasurer ; Bright , S . D . ; Elliott , " J . D . ; Gibson , I . G . ; Macdonald , J . K . , Paine , Barnesand

, others . Visitors : Bros . Blunt and Dr . Kendall . The lodge was opened in due form , and the ballot taken for Messrs H . A . E . de Pinna , C . R . Paine , F . G . Houghton , and T . Heather , when the candidates were declared to have been unanimously elected , and having been admitted in ancient form , were initiated in a most impressive manner by the VV . M , Bro . de Pinna was elected Secretary to the

lodge by unanimous vote . The brethren then proceeded to discuss the proposed bye-laws for the lodge , and various other important topics of lodge interest , among which should be specially mentioned ' a vote of thanks to the Committee of the Royal Alfred Institution for Merchant Seamen , Belvedere , for allowing the lodge the use of the Gold Room of the Institution on the occasion of the

consecration banquet , held on the 20 th ult ., which was proposed by Bro . Dr . Spurrell , Treasurer , seconded by Bro . Chillingworth , W . M ., and carried unanimously . And a vote of thanks to Bro . Dr . Spurrell , Treasurer , for the use of the lodge room , which was proposed by Bro . Bateman , J . W ., seconded by Bro . Chillingworth , W . AL , and carried unanimously . The lodge was then closed in ancient form .

Instruction.

INSTRUCTION .

LANGTON LODGE ( No . 16 73 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held on the 3 rd inst ., at the Mansion House Station Restaurant , Queen Victoria-street , E . C , the offices being filled as follows : Bros . Tanqueray , VV . M . ; Chubb , S . VV . ; Guerson , J . W . ; Pocock , S . D . ; Johnston , J . D . ; Spearing , I . G . ; Duret , Preceptor ; and J . D . Langton , Sec . Also Bros . Garland , Fletcher , and others .

the lodge was opened in the First Degree and the minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed , after which the lodge opened up to the Third Degree and resumed in the First , when the ceremony of initiation was rehearsed , Bro . Fletcher acting as candidate . After a call off the VV . M . worked the F'ifth Section of the First Lecture

and rose for the first time , Bro . Chubb being unanimously elected W . AI . for the next meeting . The VV . M . then rose for the second time , and Bro . Tangueray proposed , Bro Langton seconded , and it was carried unanimously , that Bro . Thos . Fletcher of the Britannic Lodge , No . 33 , be elected a member of this lodge of instruction . The VV . M . rose finally for the third time and the lodge closed .

BRIXT 9 N LODGE ( No . 1949 ) . —The usual weekly meeting was held on Tuesday evening last , the 1 st inst ., at Bro . Geo . Monks , Prince Regent , Dulwich-road , East Brixton , when there was a good attendance of brethren . Present : Uros . R . Poore , . VV . M . ; G . YV . Knight S . VV . ; R . R . Johnstone , J . W . ; E . A . Francis , Preceptor ; II . M . Williams , Secretary ; C . H . Phillips ,

treasurer , S . D . ; H . Hooper , J . D . ; ] os . Perry , I . G . ; Thos . Poore , P . M . and P . Z ., Joint Preceptor ; Jas . Warren , S . D . 134 S ; John A . Danl-s , 16 O 9 ; E . Bye , jun . ; H . Stokes , Geo . Flint , C . G . L . Kipling , and others . The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of the previous meeting read by the Secretary , and duly confirmed . The W . AI . proceeded to rehearse the ceremony of

initiation , with Bro . Flint as candidate , in a masterly manner . The lodge was opened in the Second Degree , and the VV . AI . ably worked the ceremony of passing , with Bro . Kipling as candidate . The lodge was closed in the Second Degree . The following brethren were unanimously elected members : Bros . Jas . Warren , 134 S , and E . Bye , jun ., 141 These brethren duly returned thanks , stating they should

De present as often as possible . Bro . G . VV , Knight was elected W . AI . for the ensuing week , and appointed his ofiicers in rotation . After " Hearty good wishes" from the brethren , the lodge was closed in due-form , and the meeting adjourned . The after-proceedings were as enjoyable as ever , all the brethren remaining when the lodge was closed for the usual musical and social entertainment .

Instruction.

The toasts of " The Visitors , " " New Alembers , " and " Bro . !•_ . A . Francis , Preceptor , " were given with enthusiasm , and duly responded to . Bro . H . AI . Williams , in giving ( by permission of the W . M . ) " The Health of Bro . Thomas Poore , P . AL , Sic , " welcomed him on behalf ot the brethren once more to their lodge , and expressing their pleasure on his renewed health and vigour , and their hopes that he would long be able to attend the lodge as often as his other numerous Masonic

engagements would allow . Bro . Thos . Poore , in acknowledging the toast , thanked the brethren for their good wishes , and stated how pleased he was to attend their lodge once more . He was much gratified to hear of the progress of the lodge , as regards new members and the good weekly attendance , and to witness their earnestness and the good working of the lodge . He

hoped the brethren would attend regularly , and ' thereby profit by the excellent instruction of Bro . Francis . Bros . R . R . Johnston and Monk delighted the brethren with several songs and duets , while Bro ' . Williams presided at the pianoforte . Bros . Kipplingand Thos . Poore likewise favoured the brethren with recitations . Thc lodge offers a hearty welcome to all brethren .

The Metropolitan District Grand Lodge Question.

THE METROPOLITAN DISTRICT GRAND LODGE QUESTION .

The proposal for forming the lodges of London into a series of Grand Lodges , which was rejected at last Grand Lodge , is to be brought forward in another form at next meeting by the same brother who introduced the subject in June . The motion is as follows : " That , having regard to

the great increase during the past twenty-five years in the number of lodges within the London district , this Grand Lodge desires to respectfully represent to His Royal Highness the Most Worshipful Grand Alaster the desirability of subdividing the said London district into subordinate Grand I _ odges , to be constituted in like manner to Provincial Grand lodges . "

THE JOHN HERVEY MEMORIAL FUND . This fund , as will be seen in another portion of our issue , is still open . The trustees hope to invest as much as £ 1000 . The sum of . CgSSj-s . has been received , of which £ 000 is now invested . It will be remembered that at the

last election of annuitants to the Benevolent Institution £ 20 1 . 3 s . id ., the amount of dividends then accrued , was divided amongst the two males and two females who were highest on the list of unsuccessful candidates . The Secretary of the fund , Bro . R . R . Davis , will be happy to receive any additions to the amount already subscribed .

ROYAL AIASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS . The plans and elevations for the proposed Junior School , in connection with the above Institution have been sent in , and are now in the board-room at Freemasons' Hall . The plans will furnish a handsome piece of work , which will do architect and builder credit when the buildings are erected . The cost may be estimated from _? II .. OOO to _? 2 :.. ooo .

according to the design chosen and the manner in which it is carried out , while , we believe , the net sum at present authorised to be spent is no more than £ ' 1 . 3 , 000 , if it can be avoided . This even appears a large sum of money to spend on a building in which to lodge , clothe , and educate 150 little boys , too young to enter the present school at Woodgreen .

A ROYAL MEMORIAL . H . R . H . the Princess of Wales has lately erected a cross over a grave in Brompton Cemetery " bearing the following inscription : " In memory of Elizabeth Jones , who died May 13 th , 1 SS 1 , for 14 years the faithful servant and friend of Alexandra , Princess of Wales , by whom this memorial is erected . "

" Life ' s race well run , Life ' s work well done , Life ' s crown well won , Now comes rest . " " Blessed are the dead who die in thc Lord , "

PREVENTION OF FIRES . On Wednesday afternoon some interesting experiments were made on the vacant spot in Whitehall-place ( opposite the Avenue Theatre ) in order to demonstrate the incombustibility of buildings coated with the patent asbestos fire-proof paint , ofthe United Asbestos Company , Limited . The experiments were made for the information of the

Metropolitan Board of Works , on behalf of whom attended Bro . Lieut .-Col . Sir James AI'Garel Hogg , M . P . ( Chairman ) , and other officials . The Asbestos Company was represented bv Air . Charles Allport ( Manager ) , Mr . J . Alfred Fisher ( Secretary ) and other gentlemen . Representatives of various public companies and mechanical and scientific institutions

also were present , including the managers or secretaries of several theatres . Amongst those on the ground were the Earl of Radnor , Sir Charles Du Cane , Alajor F . A . Marindin , Royal Engineers , Mr . A . E . Cowper , chairman of the Ins'itution of Alechaiiical Engineers , Air . C . Woodall , C . E ., Air . John Rutherford , Her Alajesty ' s Oflice of Works , and others . The experiments consisted in placing combustible material in the roofs of two buildincs , and the result was

to show that in the one coated with the fire-proof paint the fire would be isolated . Combustible material vvas next placed on and under the stages erected within the buildings . In this experiment the value cf asbestos cloth as a means of isolating fires was shown . Air . Charles Mounttotd , of Ktmmgham , inventor of the paint , and manager of the paint department of the company , superintended the experiments , whicli were pronounced to be successful .

HOLLOW .. v s 1 'iu . s . \\ i > OINTMKNT oiler to siiDcring mankind thc most eilectual cure for Gout and Kheiimatism . —An iiiih . alt . ir state of the Wood , attended with had digestion , lassitude , au . ' l great debility , conduces to these diseases , showing a want of tlie proper circulation of the lliii . l , and lhat impurity of the blood greatly aturavates these disorders . Hollowav ' s Pills are of so purifying a nature that a few doses taken in time arc an eilectual

preventive against gout and rheumatism , hut anv one that has . 111 attack ol cither should use Hollow . iv's Ointment lis ,,, the powerful properties of which , combined with tlie effects of the Pills , cn « ure rapid relief . The Ointment shout ! lie thoroughly rubbed into the parts aileeted at Last twice a day , after thev have ' been sullicientl . loinciitcd with warm llanuel to open thc pores in Older to lacilitat ' c Ihe absorption uf the Ointment . —[ Am ... )