NOTES AND QUERIES. [9 th s. in. JAN. 21, m
' THE BOOK OF TEPHI ' (9 th S. ii. 509). In
answer to your correspondent D. J., I may
say that 'The Book of Tephi' is a mere
romance in verse, and entirely without value
to any person wishing to arrive at the truth
as to the High Queen's history. As I found
that others had been deceived in the matter,
I published last April a little book entitled
- The Light of the West,' which will give some
information as to the Irish manuscript evi- dence upon the subject. Hebrew scholars may also consult the * Shallum Doim ' and
- Hamuza,' whilst there is an epitome of the
inception of the expedition at Bethlehem, and its course en route for Ireland, in the commentary upon Jezirah by Rabbi Donolo, nephew (not brother) of St. Cathal, Arch- bishop of Tarentum, written early in the seventh century. J. A. G.
MIDDLESEX (9 th S. ii. 469, 494, 511). It does not seem very clear whether either " Middlesex " or " county of London " can be called " incor- rect." The Act of 1888says that a place, part of an administrative county, shall (subject as in this Act mentioned) form part of that county for all purposes, sheriff, lieutenant, custos, justice, militia, coroner, or other ; but among the tilings stated not to be affected thereby is "land tax." Surely then a resident pro- prietor of land at (say) Fulham (or Putney), who pays land tax on such land as being in the county of Middlesex (or Surrey), is justified in describing his residence as in that county, though for "sheriff, lieutenant," and other purposes, it is the county of London. I should be very glad if some legal opinion on the subject could be cited or obtained.
G. E. C.
NONJURORS (9 th S. ii. 408, 493). French Prophets appear deservedly to rank as re- ligious impostors. Dr. D. Hughson published in 1814 "a complete exposure of their infamous practices," in which he states that towards the close of the year 1706 three French Cevennois, commonly called Camisars, arrived in Eng- land, and by their enthusiastic effusions, pretences to prophesying, and ecstatic con- vulsions raised the curiosity not only of their countrymen in London, but also of some English people. Their presence and preten- sions gave offence to the French congregation of the Savoy Chapel, who caused an investiga- tion to be made concerning these prophets with the result of their being declared im posters in an Act dated 2 Jan., 1707, and confirmed by Dr. Compton, Bishop of London One of their assembling places was in Soho with others in different parts of London They appear to have been a medley ol
piritualists, Jumpers, and Shakers, with one
>r two sharp fellows as principals, who man-
aged to line their own pockets with the gold
of some of their credulous followers. Dr.
ilughson asserts that the ruin of Sir Richard
^ulkeley, Bart., was due to this fact.
Three of the Prophets were sentenced to stand in the pillory twice, at Charing Cross and Royal Exchange, the result of a prosecu- tion for disturbing the public peace. Dr. lughson concludes his pamphlet by remark- ng that the famous William Whiston's Boyle Lectures at Bow Church inveigh most forcibly igainst the Prophets, and also that at Sion College Library are five volumes containing papers relating to them.
RICHARD LAWSON.
Urmston.
[The district near the Cevennes has, of course, jeen fruitful of so-called heresies since the time of
- he Albigenses. Smiles's ' History of the Hugue-
nots ' and a library of other works may be consulted concerning the Camisards and their doings. ]
THE CURSE OF ST. WITHOLD (9 th S. ii. 509). Withold is a corruption of Vitalis^one of bhe lieutenants of St. Maurice, who, with the whole of their legion, suffered martyrdom. St. Withold was invoked in cases of night- mare. There is an allusion to this in ' King Lear,' III. iv. Gurth probably invokes him because he was a well-known mediaeval saint. The chronicler Ordericus Vitalis took the name of this saint when he received the ton- sure on St. Maurice's Day.
R. M. MARSHALL.
21, Magdalen Terrace, St. Leonards-on-Sea.
CARKEET AND ANDREWS FAMILIES (9 th S. ii. 508). Samuel Carkeet was a Dissenting minister at Totness, and wrote ' Gospel Worthiness stated, in a Sermon preach'd in Exon at the Young Men's Lecture, May 7, 1719,' 'An Essay on the Conversion of St. Paul,' &c., 1741. He was ordained on 19 June, 1710, and died on 17 June, 1746. He was buried at Totness.
EVERARD HOME COLEMAN. 71, Brecknock Road.
CHAUSSEY (9 fch S. ii. 467, 538). At first sight it seems likely enough that the Chaussey archipelago derives its name from the French chaussee, because of its resemblance to a bank, but it must not be forgotten that great changes have taken place in the configuration of the coast in this part of France owing to the encroachments of the sea. " Where rolls the deep," a forest stood as late as the eighth century, and even nowadays the traces of submerged villages are sometimes to be seen when the tide is low. Again, it must be borne
