Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 29.djvu/439

Rh Professor, of Queen's College, Cork, read a memoir on "Archæology as a branch of Classical Education:"—A celebrated editor of Terence had commented severely on the teaching of hexameters to the neglect of the ancient metres sung at home and in the streets, and the prosecution of classical studies in modern times, and especially in this country, deserved equally severe criticism. Possessing, as wo do in our national collections, master-pieces of Greek art, and electrotypes and photographs of others elsewhere, the materials for an improved mode of teaching were in rich profusion around us. Archæology should be made part of our educational system, as an aid to a just appreciation of ancient literature; and in these days of material progress the student had no time to spare for an unprofitable pursuit; present circumstances gave it an additional claim on our attention. Archæology assisted in dissipating the utilitarian objections to classical studies, for the antiquary who collects fragments that have survived the wreck of time was able, by the aid of the ancient writers, to reproduce a civilization in many respects the most perfect the world has seen. Archæology animated the dry bones of philology and textual criticism, till they rose up, endowed with vigour and motion. As an example, the arch of Titus might be referred to, with its many illustrations of objects and persons, either represented naturally or by types. These examples and numerous other carvings threw a flood of light on many passages of both classical and sacred writers. And such objects as those then exhibited by the lecturer—terra-cotta lamps from Cyprus, showing the dove and pomegranate, a Bacchante holding a knife in the right hand and the hindquarters of a kid in the left; the story of Actæon, and a figure of Victory standing on the crescent moon and crowning Night, with the seven stars of the great Bear as a wreath; a lamp from Syracuse with the Christian monogram; a Roman bronze lamp in the form of the caliga; objects of personal ornament, &c., from Cyprus; and a collection of original coins and electrotype copies, were additional illustrations of the argument.

The lecturer concluded with an account of what had been done at Queen's College, Cork, as regards the teaching of archæology in the illustration of the lectures of the professors of classics by means of coins, original works of antique art, casts, photographs, and electrotypes.

Mr. J. H. Parker, C.B., then gave an account of "Archæological Researches in Rome during the Past Winter" (printed at p. 249 of this volume). In conveying the thanks of the meeting to Mr. Parker for his very interesting discourse, the Chairman spoke of his own visit to Rome in the year 1827, and the excavations he then saw in progress.

By the .—An oval medallion in enamel by Christian Vermuth. On the obverse, on a mottled crimson ground, is a small enamelled portrait in relief of the bust of Frederick Augustus III., Elector of Saxony and King of Poland. On the reverse he is represented wearing his crimson electoral robe and crowned cap, ascending a lofty flight of steps; and above his head, in the heavens, are seen the sun and moon, to which he is looking up. Above, on a scroll, is the motto, "Tendit ad astra cursum." On the right hand is a column, on the pedestal of which is a shield, bearing what seem to be the dimidiated arms of Poland impaling Saxony;