“Your speech to Louvet, your speech on the trial of Louis Capet, are in my opinion the most exquisite pieces which have appeared during the whole Revolution. They will be studied in the schools of the Republic as models of classic eloquence, and they will be transcribed upon the pages of history as the most powerful causes that have operated on the destiny of France.” _Le Citoyen Français_ is the most independent paper in Paris. Before the usurpation of Bonaparte, Thomas Paine frequently furnished it with articles, but since that event he has withdrawn his assistance. _Le Journal de Commerce_ is under the direction of Monsieur Penchet, member of the Commercial Council and the Board of Commerce. He is a respectable man, possessed of enlightened views and scientific and practical knowledge. The _Publiciste_, the _Gazette de France_, _Journal des Débats_ are the remaining newspapers, worthy of notice. It is refreshing to the national pride of an Englishman to contrast the wretched state of the craven French Press with the free and vigorous reasoning which appears in the London journals; I become hourly more enamoured of my country and more disgusted with the Republic. Louis XIV. during the whole of his reign never degraded the Press of his country as it is now degraded. But with respect to other branches of literature, the French still shine with uncommon brilliancy, and as no man is more ready than myself to do them justice, when they deserve it, I will describe some of those publications in my next letter. XL PHILOSOPHICAL, LITERARY AND OTHER PERIODICAL PUBLICATIONS [Sidenote: MAGAZINES AND OTHER PERIODICALS] During the Old Monarchy, France made great advances in practical philosophy, but scientific knowledge was still confined within very circumscribed limits. The Revolution has enabled scientific and literary men to diffuse their acquirements over the surface of the Republic. A short review of the leading periodicals of the day will demonstrate their respective objects. The first of those periodicals, in point of respectability and talent, is the _Journal de Physique_, edited and conducted by one of the ablest and most virtuous men in France, Dr. de la Metherie. I have already mentioned he had been imprisoned during those days of persecution, when it was the fashion to oppress every man of worth and talents. But to this hour no ground has ever been given for his arrestation. He is now Professor of Mineralogy in the College de France, and receives for this £100 per annum. As editor of the _Journal de Physique_ he receives £200 a year, and this is the whole emolument his literary labours bring him. The _Annales de Chimie_ is a publication which merits attention, and I believe every eminent chemist in France contributes to its contents and reputation.