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Scheller, and in his more recent lexicographical labors. Scarcely less can be said of the fitness of Mr. Arnold for this particular work. His occupations hitherto have been such as not only to make him sensible of the urgent need of a good English-Latin lexicon, but also to qualify him to assist in preparing one which should meet the existing demand.

The work is based on that of Georges, but Kraft has been made to contribute an important share, especially in the class of words and phrases which represent things peculiarly modern. Georges shrinks from making the Roman tongue speak of railroads and steam-engines. But with Kraft's help, you might almost write the directors' report to the stockholders of a railroad company, and that too with a surprisingly near approach to classical Latinity. Besides the works named, the editors have incorporated in this lexicon whatever they have found useful in Freund, Krebs, Hand, Doederlein, Bonnell and others. That the work has cost them many years of labor, we readily believe. To make an English-Latin out of a German-Latin lexicon, is a much greater undertaking than one would at first suppose. It would be comparatively easy to translate a Latin-German lexicon. In the latter case, the order of the words is already settled. The progress of the translator from page to page is regular. But in the other case there must be a new digest of the two languagesthe English and the German-in respect to their correspondences. The metaphorical uses of those words, which in their primary signification agree, are very diverse; indeed, are rarely coincident. The difficulty alluded to is illustreted on every page of the book before us. Take for instance, the word to cut. The translator, in preparing his English work, turns to the corresponding German word schneiden. A part of the article can be directly translated and appropriated. But he soon comes to such phrases as Gesichter schneiden, which in English means to make wry faces, Geld schneiden, equivalent to pecuniam facere, and others, which from their signification in English must be placed in a new neighborhood in the English work. Again, the English work requires a group of phrases in the same article, which are scattered through the whole length of the German. To cut a figure,' 'to cut one's acquaintance,' 'to cut, i. e. to run,' 'to cut capers,' 'to cut one's teeth,' 'to cut short,' are phrases which bear no relation to the German schneiden. But we need not enlarge on the difficulties which the editors have had to encounter, especially as they have shown that these difficulties were not too great for them. They have made a very valuable and important contribution to classical literature. Long and frequent use can of course be the only test of its complete accuracy, but from the examination of its plan and execution which we have been able to give it, we feel no hesitation in recommending it to the use of all who are teaching or learning the Latin language.

Dr. Anthon, under whose superintendence the American edition has been issued, has anticipated the English editors in giving to the public a dictionary of Proper Names, in the form of an appendix to the lexicon. This is much more copious than the Geographical Appendix to Kraft's GermanLatin Lexicon, yet the latter might have been used to make the former still more complete than it is. It would have been especially appropriate and useful for learners if Dr. Anthon had prepared an introduction to his appendix, similar to that of Kraft, containing a statement of the principles in accordance with which vowels and terminations are changed in the transfer of proper names to and from the Latin form. As it is, however, it forms a valuable addition to the English work.

European Life and Manners; in Familiar Letters to a Friend; by HENRY COL-
MAN, author of European Agriculture, &c. Second edition in two volumes.
Boston: Charles C. Little and James Brown. 1849. 12mo, pp. 360, 414.
MR. COLMAN'S letters have become very popular and with good reason. No
American has had more free access than he, to the interior of high life, espe-

E

cially in England. Palaces, town residences and country seats of the nobility, hunting grounds and all kinds of agricultural estates and improvements, were freely opened to his inspection. He was received on terms of confidence and intimacy, by domestic circles, into which few men from abroad, are permitted to penetrate. Few men have had an eye so quick to observe, and a pen so ready and so felicitous in describing what he observed. He wrote with the utmost familiarity to intimate friends at home. We do not approve of all the liberties taken in this volume with the privacies of domestic life, nor do we relish all the notices of some of the minutia, or rather trivialities on which he dwells with such freedom. The naiveté with which he expresses his astonishment at the luxury and comfort of high life in England, reminds one of the air of a countryman, passing through Broadway or Washington street, gazing at the signs and shopwindows. Certain familiarities of allusion occasionally occur, which offend good taste, if they do not offend good morals and good manners. But these letters as a whole, are invaluable, for they do more effectually than any other and all other books of travels, enable the American to comprehend something of high life in England, and on the continent.

Lowell Lectures, on the application of Metaphysical and Ethical Science to the Evidences of Religion. Delivered before the Lowell Institute in Boston, in the winters of 1848-49. By FRANCIS BOWEN. Boston: Charles C. Little and James Brown. 1849. 8vo, pp. 465.

THIS volume is well fitted to interest the earnest student in metaphysical and ethical science. Few volumes have appeared from an American author, that indicate so extensive reading with such accurate and discriminating thought, as this volume by Mr. Bowen. We are glad, that the gentleman, whose duty it is to appoint the subjects and the lecturers for the courses of popular lectures, by which Boston is so splendidly distinguished from the other cities of the world, does not disdain themes of an import like those of ethics and natural theology. We are quite certain also that Mr. Bowen was well entitled to be selected as a lecturer upon such topics.

The Lectures as originally delivered, constituted two courses, the one preparatory to the other. The subjects are as follows: "The distinction between physical and metaphysical science. This distinction applied to Philosophy and Theology. The Idea of Self, or Personal Existence. The Idea of Cause, and the nature of Causation. Fatalism and Free-will. The argument for Freeagency continued: Reasoning from effect to cause. All events in the material universe a proof of the presence and agency of God. Inferences from the general character of the phenomena of the Physical Universe. The argument from design.-Second Course: Characteristics of the Skepticism of our day. The human distinguished from the brute mind. The principles of activity in human nature. The nature and functions of conscience. The nature of moral government. The contents of the moral law a revelation of the character of the Deity. The enforcement of the moral law. The goodness of God. The origin of evil. The unity of God. The immortality of the soul can not be proved without the aid of revelation. The relation of a Natural to Revealed Religion. The nature of the evidence of a Revealed Religion." These subjects are discussed in twenty-one Lectures-and with a knowledge of the subject, a studious and accurate acquaintance with the opinions of others, a thoroughness of discussion, and a clearness of style, which are rarely seen in combination. We can not criticise the opinions of the author. They are not in all cases our own opinions. We might notice also some defects in the handling of the topics, as not sufficiently illustrative and fervid, for the miscellaneous and popular audience for which these lectures were prepared. But we can say very honestly as we do very heartily, that this volume will take a very high rank, among American contributions to the metaphysical sciences. It does honor to its author, and to the memory of the distinguished

originator of the lectures at the Lowell Institute, as well as to its judicious director. But may we ask without impertinence and without offense, Why are the lectures of Dr. James Walker on similar themes, so long withheld from the public eye?

The American Almanac and Repository of Useful Knowledge for the year 1850. Boston: Little & Brown. 12mo, pp. 348.

THIS invaluable book of reference has reached its 21st volume, and is now regarded as indispensable, not merely for its accurate and copious astronomical knowledge, but also as a compend of ample information in general statistics. The fullest exhibition is here given of the office-holders, institutions, financial condition and expenses of each state in the Union, and of the officers and foreign representatives of the general government. A copious and well digested exhibition of the condition of the kingdoms of Europe is found in the volume, and ready answers are given to the numerous questions, which Americans are prone to ask upon these subjects, but which they find it difficult to answer. The obituary notices for the year previous, and the chronicle of the most important events, add greatly to the value of the work. The man who preserves the volumes of this work from year to year, will find that this chronicle of the successive years will by-and-by present to him vivid and distinct pictures of the events of absorbing interest which occupied his attention, and then gave way to the shadows of the succeeding hour.

Is Christianity from God? or, A Manual of Bible evidence for the People. By JOHN CUMMING, D.D. With an Introduction by Hon. THEODORE FRELINGHUYSEN. New York: M. W. Dodd. 1849. 18mo, pp. 276.

THIS book is divided into twelve chapters, with the following titles. Is the soul immaterial and immortal? Does Creation prove the existence of God? Is a revelation from God to man probable and necessary? Is the Bible genuine and authentic? Is the Bible inspired? (2 chapters.) General characteristics of the Bible. Is the Bible contradictory or inconsistent? (2 chapters.) Doctrinal difficulties. Texts cavilled at. Conclusion. An able work written upon the plan of this, and brought within a brief compass is greatly needed. There are times and those of not infrequent occurrence, when a pastor wishes to place such a manual in the hands of an inquiring or skeptical friend. So far as we have examined the volume, it seems better adapted to such a case, than any other which we remember to have seen. We do not believe in all its reasonings, but think that as a whole, it is successful in argument and felicitous in its arrangement and illustrations.

A System of Ancient and Medieval Geography, for the use of Schools and Colleges; by CHARLES ANTHON, LL.D., Prof. &c. New York: Harper and Brothers. 1850. 8vo, pp. 769.

THIS seems to us one of the most valuable volumes which Prof. Anthon has offered to the public. It is designed to present a picture of the ancient world, as far as this world can be revived to a modern eye. Each country is separately treated, its physical features and divisions are fully detailed with the ancient and later names attached to each; then the products of the country are exhibited, and the historical epochs in their order of succession, and lastly, the various races that successively occupied its territory in whole or in part, are described in their origin and names. The book is no dry enumeration of names and facts now passed from the memory and the thoughts of men, but it is a most interesting transcript of the world which was, and is no longer. As a companion to the student of the classics, it is invaluable and ought to be

To the

studied most thoroughly in the early part of the academical course. student of ancient history it is a work of great value. The work is founded on that of Cramer, with copious additions. It seems to be thoroughly methodized, and to be condensed and concise without being repulsive and dry.

The Mercy Seat: Thoughts suggested by the Lord's Prayer; by GARDINER SPRING, D.D. New York: M. W. Dodd. 1850. 12mo, pp. 383.

THIS volume consists of sixteen lectures or meditations on the various topics, which are suggested by the perusal in order of the several portions of the prayer of our Lord. They are less formal than sermons, and are better adapted for general reading. The thoughts are presented in a somewhat more natural and lively way, and the illustrations are more free and varied, than is usual in volumes prepared for devotional and meditative uses; and like every thing which comes from Dr. Spring, are earnest and impressive. The volume is beautifully printed, and opens to us pages that are most attractive to the eye.

Gospel Studies. By ALEXANDER VINET, D.D. With an Introduction by ROBErt Baird, D.D. New York: M. W. Dodd. 1849. 12mo, pp. 373. VINET is now known by name and reputation to many of our readers, but he can not be known too familiarly. As a scholar, a writer, and a Christian, he is the best of those writers of the evangelical school whose works have been translated from the French. This volume is a collection of discourses on various religious topics. It exhibits him as a preacher, rather than as a pamphleteer or a philosopher. And yet we find on every page, striking and interesting tokens, that they are the words of a man of vigorous thought, of high culture, and of most thorough acquaintance with the anti-Christian principles and writings, that abound in Europe. For these reasons, and especially the last, they occupy a place, which few volumes of a religious cast, can either claim

or occupy.

Apostolic Baptism. Facts and evidences on the subjects and mode of Christian Baptism. By C. TAYLOR, editor of Calmet's Dictionary of the Bible; with thirteen engravings. New York: M. W. Dodd. 1850. 12mo, pp. 236. THIS is a very curious book. It commences the argument in respect to baptism at the right starting point, and enforces it by reasoning of the most convincing character. It seeks to carry back the interpreter of the teachings of the Scriptures, to the time when the New Testament was written, and to enable him to read the passages under circumstances, like those under which they were originally heard. The engravings, which are copies of the oldest representations of the administration of the rite of baptism, in pictures, sculptures, and mosaics, speak forcibly to the eye and the mind.

Pastoral Reminiscences. By SHEPARD K. KOLLOCK. With an Introduction, by A. ALEXANDER, Prof. &c. New York: M. W. Dodd. 1849. 12mo, pp. 236. THIS work consists of several sketches, nine in all, of interesting and touching events, the like of which occur in the life of almost every pastor. Such narrations, if told to the life, furnish the most impressive commentary upon the value of the gospel, the terrible nature of sin, and the danger of irresolution and delay. There are fewer books of the kind than we should expect, and we doubt not that this will be welcomed, on account of the interesting nature of the topics, and the lively and affectionate manner in which they are treated.

The Histories of Caius Cornelius Tacitus; with Notes for Colleges. By W. S. TYLER, Professor of Languages in Amherst College. New York: D. Appleton & Company, 200 Broadway. Philadelphia: Geo. S. Appleton, 164 Chestnut Street. 1849. pp. 453.

PROFESSOR TYLER shows himself in this edition of Tacitus to be mindful of the progress of classical criticism. He seems to have made a very good use of the best commentaries, and has put in the hands of the student a condensed summary of them.

Family Pictures from the Bible. By Mrs. ELLET, author of the Women of the Revolution. New York: G. P. Putnam, 155 Broadway. London: Putnam's American Agency. 1849.

THE Conception of this work is happy, and the execution successful.

A Philosophical Essay on Credulity and Superstition; and also on Animal Fas cination or Charming. By RUFUS BLAKEMAN, M.D. New York: D. Appleton & Co., Broadway. New Haven: S. Babcock. 1849. pp. 206. THIS Volume contains a good deal of sound thought, but the style is so heavy, it is a laborious task to persevere in reading it through.

Exercises in Greek Composition, adapted to the first Book of Xenophon's Anabasis. By JAMES R. BOISE, Professor of Greek in Brown University. New York: D. Appleton & Company, 200 Broadway. Philadelphia: Geo. S. Appleton, 164 Chestnut Street. 1849. pp. 185.

WE like the plan of this little volume very much, and cheerfully commend it to the attention of teachers.

The Practical German Grammar; or a natural method of learning to read, write and speak the German language. By CHARLES EICHORN. New York: D. Appleton & Company. Philadelphia: Geo. S. Appleton, 164 Chestnut street. 1850. pp. 284.

THIS is a good grammar, but we can not say it is any better than several others which are in use.

Poems and Prose Writings. By RICHARD HENRY DANA. In two volumes. New York: Baker and Scribner. 1850.

WE do no more now than announce these volumes, hoping in our next number to give a criticism of them.

We are compelled to omit notices which had been prepared, of Major Ripley's History of the Mexican War, published by Harper and Brothers; of the valuable work of Dr. Hooker, "Physician and Patient," published by Baker and Scribner; and of "Stanton's Reformers," published by Wiley. We have also on hand some other books, which will be noticed hereafter.

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