The hopes of its revival have now, unhappily, become completely extinct, by the lamented death of Dr. Bruce.[1] This gentleman, with an accomplished education, with extensive acquirements in science, and great zeal for promoting it in his own country; advantageously and extensively known in Europe, and furnished with a correct and discriminating mind, and a chaste, scientific taste, was so well qualified for the task which he had undertaken, that no one can attempt to resume those scientific labours which he has now _for ever_ relinquished, without realizing that he undertakes an arduous enterprise, and lays himself under a heavy responsibility. American science has much to lament in the death of Dr. Bruce. No one, it is presumed, will doubt that a Journal devoted to science, and embracing a sphere sufficiently extensive to allure to its support the principal scientific men of our country, is greatly needed; if cordially supported, it will be successful, and if successful, it will be a great public benefit. Even a failure, in so good a cause, (unless it should arise from incapacity or unfaithfulness,) cannot be regarded as dishonourable. It may prove only that the attempt was _premature_, and that our country is not yet ripe for such an undertaking; for _without the efficient support of talent, knowledge_, and _money, it cannot long proceed_. No editor can hope to carry forward such a work without the active aid of scientific and practical men; but, at the same time, the public have a right to expect that he will not be sparing of his own labour, and that his work shall be generally marked by the impress of his own hand. To this extent the editor cheerfully acknowledges his obligations to the public; and it will be his endeavour faithfully to redeem his pledge. Most of the periodical works of our country have been short-lived. _This_, also, _may_ perish in its infancy; and if any degree of confidence is cherished, that it will attain a maturer age, it is derived from the obvious and intrinsic importance of the undertaking; from its being built upon permanent and momentous national interests; from the evidence of a decided approbation of the design, on the part of men of the first eminence, obtained in the progress of an extensive correspondence; from assurances of support, in the way of contributions, from men of ability in many parts of the union; and from the existence of _such a crisis_ in the affairs of this country and of the world, as appears peculiarly auspicious to the success of every wise and good undertaking.