before the public for several years, and has already gained a high place, and done good service in the schools. The present is a new, revised edition, bringing the work down to the close of the great rebellion.

Instead of a preface, with a catalogue of apologies for intruding upon the goodnature of the public, the author has given an introduction of eight pages, containing a clear and concise account of the discovery of America by Columbus in 1492, and a succinct statement of the adventures and discoveries relating to the western continent down to 1607.

The main work is divided into twentyfour chapters of unequal length, according as their subjects are of greater or less importance. The first ten chapters occupy about one-third of the book, and relate to the settlement and progress of the thirteen original colonies. Here is shown the real origin of our republican form of government, of free institutions, of true religious liberty, and of that general diffusion of knowledge which mark us as a people. Chapters eleven to fifteen inclusive relate to the "War of the Revolution"-its causes, its conduct, and success. The next three chapters include the war of 1812-15, and bring us down to the war with Mexico, and the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. Chapter niucteen is devoted to the political agitations and difficulties from 1832 to the breaking out of the rebellion in 1861; and chapters twenty and twenty-one give a history of the war that followed. Of the remaining three chapters, two relate to the early history, settlement, and growth of the mighty"West;" and the remaining one reviews the moral, educational, and material progress of the whole country.

While the chronology of events is preserved, the narrative is not abruptly broken off for the purpose of strictly following the exact order of time. The story is well told; and the opinions, religion education, habits of life, and industrial pursuits of the people, are so interwoven, or connected with the narrative, as to make it, brief as it is, what it professes to be, a history of the United States--not of the Government alone, but of the Government and the people.

Aside from the historic facts which they acquire, few boys can well master its pages, without becoming, on that account, better citizens and better men.

The book is well worthy the attention of parents and of teachers. It follows the current of events down to the present time. And it is gratifying to make the acquaintance of an historian whose statements are facts, and who calls things by ' their right names.

While we are giving due and deserved attention to the study of the history of our own country, other countries and other times should not remain "a sealed book" to us and to our pupils. Ancient history is too generally neglected. Perhaps the one great reason for this neglect is that the books on the subject have hitherto been too large, containing masses of dry and unimportant details. Hence the usual course of study could not admit ancient history. Miss Yonge, the well-known author of "The Heir of Redclyffe," has provided a remedy in the publication of her series of "Landmarks of History." There are three books in the series: first, Ancient History, from the earliest times to the Mahometan Conquest: second, Mediæval History, beginning with the reign of Charlemagne, and reaching to the Reformation: third, Landmarks of Modern History, extending from the Reformation to the present time. These most excellent little volumes are the standard in England, and have been largely imported by many of the better private and high schools in this country.

The first volume has recently been published in this country, and the other two will be put to press early enough to meet the requirements of classes which may begin the use of the first. Miss Edith L. Chase, a successful teacher of history in Philadelphia, has skilfully edited the American editions. She has carefully corrected the inaccuracies of the English editions, and has re-written some parts of the Grecian history, besides making several other important improvements. Her "Index for Examination" develops a most important principle. It presents single names and events, and accustoms the mind to connect with each the surrounding and relative facts.

(2) LANDMARKS OF HISTORY. ANCIENT HISTORY; FROM THE EARLIEST TIMES TO THE MAHOMETAN CONQUEST. By Miss YONGE, author of The Heir of Redclyffe." New York: J. W. Schermerhorn & Co. 16mo., pp. 240. $1.00

The plan of the book is to bring together the events most necessary to be remembered in ancient history, and to convey a general idea of the characteristics and course of the "Changing Empires" of classical times. In the space, it has been impossible to give much detail. When anecdotes have been introduced, they are such as must necessarily be known, or such as may lead to the better comprehension of the characters and ways of thinking of the great men of old.

The style of the book is pleasant, and will create a thirst for an acquaintance with larger historical works. In many cases it must beget an earnest love for the study of history. Its fascinating influences will draw the young beyond the trashy novels of the day, and create a lasting taste for profitable reading. As a text-book for the study of history, a reference-book for the home or school library, or even a class reading-book, this volume will prove acceptable.

Prof. Goldwin Smith has published a series of lectures on the study of history, delivered before the students of Oxford University. He fully accepts the doctrine of historical progress, although he differs from Draper and Buckle in his estimation of the causes. These gentlemen hold that human progress is produced almost wholly by material influences; Prof. Smith, while he does not ignore the force of physical agencies, maintains that revealed religion has been especially influential in the advancement of our race. In the course of his argument he gives a fine analysis of the strife between the great schools of metaphysics. The lecture on the foundation of the American Colonies is interesting to us, as it gives a dispassionate statement of the causes and effects of the Revolution viewed from a British stand-point. The volume contains also the lecture on Oxford University, delivered by Prof. Smith before the New York Historical Society during his recent visit to this country.

Too little attention is paid in our schools to the study of the fundamental principles upon which our political system is based. The consequence is, few of our young men when they arrive at majority have any bet

(3) LECTURES ON THE STUDY OF HISTORY. By GOLDWIN SMITH, M. A. 12mo, pp. 269. $1.75.

ter knowledge of the rights and duties of citizenship than they would had they never been to school. If the time that is now spent on mythology and equally unprofitable gossips, miscalled history, were devoted to the study of the nature and history of cur government and laws, we would have more intelligent voting, and fewer political blunders and abuses to complain of.

For this reason we rejoice at the increased attention which this subject is awakening, and, though we may not wholly agree with the author's views and conclusions, welcome to the list of school text-books Alden's Science of Government. Containing, as it does, facts which every American ought to know, it will prove of profit to the general reader, as well as to pupils at school.

In this fast age we are too apt to attempt to cultivate mind as the enterprising gardener pushes forward his early vegetables -in hotbeds. The Roman proverb, sana mens in corpore sano, will hold good in all ages-and all experience proves that a sound mind must be in a sound body. Every movement towards system in physical education is far more important than elaborate theories for perfecting mental education. Without physical health and vigor mental culture avails little. The popular success of the several schools for physical culture is auspicious of good results. And the demand for teachers of calisthenics and gymnastics in the public schools of our large cities, and the flourishing seminaries all over the country, shows that our leading educators are waking up to the importance of physical education. It is, however, impossible for more than one of a thousand of those who have charge of the education of our children to resort to these schools for physical training. Hence we consider that such men as Prof. Watson, in preparing practical works on calisthenics and gymnastics, have done a most important service. Prof. Watson's first book is a complete manual for individuals and families, and a systematic drill-book for schools and gymnasiums. It gives an extended

(4) THE SCIENCE OF GOVERNMENT IN CONNECTION WITH AMERICAN INSTITUTIONS. By JOSEPH ALDEN, D.D., LL.D. New York: Sbeldon & Co. 12mo, pp. 248.

(5) MANUAL OF CALISTHENICS. By J. MADISON WATSON. New York: Schermerhorn & Co. $1.25. Sen. prepaid by mail.

and varied course of physical exercises, without apparatus. The INTRODUCTION embraces ali needful directions, rules, and explanations for instructors and pupils, with sections on phonetics and respiration. Throughout the book the exercises are arranged in accordance with wellknown principles of anatomy, physiology, and hygiene. They have been thoroughly tested in our schools, securing the happiest results. These exercises, practised habitually and energetically, cannot fail to yield to youth grace, agility, suppleness, a ready hand, as well as robust health, solid strength, and power of endurance. Almost any school-room or parlor will suffice for the exercises. For those who wish to use the piano to enliven the exercises, there are several pieces of music prepared by the best masters.

The book is profusely and richly illustrated from original designs. It is printed on superior tinted paper, and is bound in the best style. A reviewer in the Daily Times speaks in the following terms of this book: "This is the most elaborate and satisfactory attempt yet made to apply practically to educational purposes the great truths of physiology, relating to physical culture and training. The work has evidently been prepared by one who is conscious of the requirements of the learner, and has studied the most effectual way of meeting and supplying them. To those in authority, whose influence would be effectual in promoting the circulation of this book, it becomes a positive duty so to do by every means in their power. All who have the physical welfare of the human race at heart, and understand how powerless the intellect is to contend against the burden of a feeble and emaciated frame, are equally interested in its teachings, and answerable, each in his own sphere, however small it be, for the consequences of neglecting them."

Benjamin Silliman, M. D., LL.D., was born at Trumbull, Connecticut, August 8, 1779. For nearly three-fourths of a century his name appeared upon the catalogues of Yale College. In 1792 he entered it as a student; in 1804 he became Professor of Chemistry and Natural History, and retained this position until 1853, when, having been relieved at his own request, he was appointed Professor Emeritus. To his

energy, Yale, no doubt, in great measure, owes its success. His life is not that of an individual merely; it is the history of a great university, and indirectly a picture of the period. The publication of his biography, therefore, requires no apology: it is a necessary appendix to the current history of our nation.

As a teacher, Professor Silliman was preeminent. As a public lecturer, he had unexampled success. He awakened a love of science in all with whom he met. His books of travel were fascinating to both young and old, and, being among the first Americau works on Europe, were received with much favor in England. Although his life was devoted to science, Dr. Silliman made few original investigations. In his earlier days he began some important researches, but his energies were necessary elsewhere. His great reputation among scientific men resulted chiefly from his connection with the "American Journal of Science," which he established in 1818, and always maintained at his own.pecuniary risk. It seldom was a source of profit, more frequently was a serious financial burden. Professor Silliman's private life was that of a consistent Christian man; his heart was ever open, and he was a determined defender of the oppressed. He opposed the slave-power with great vehemence, and during the troubles in Kansas was the subject of much personal defamation, even in the Congressional halls.

Professor Fisher has performed his work, as biographer, well. The greater portion of the narrative consists of an autobiography, written, not for publication, but for the information of the family. It is, consequently, the more valuable, as the facts are given in a simple colloquial style, which seems to open up the whole character of the author. Extracts from Dr. Silliman's diary are produced, and numerous letters are added, yet so as not to break the narrative. The correspondence is voluminous, but Professor Fisher's selections are evidently judicious. The appendix contains several letters of great historical importance, from Washington, Governor Trumbull, and others, none of which had been previously published.

(6) LIFE OF BENJAMIN SILLIMAN, M. D., LL. D., Late Professor of Chemistry, Mineralogy, and Geolo gy, in Yale College. By GEO. P. FISHER, Professor in Yale College. New York: Chas. Scribner & Co. Two vols. 8vo, pp. 407-408. $5.00.

Dean Alford's "Plea"" can hardly be called a scientific treatise. It is of more value as an amusing collection of grammatical anecdotes, if we may so speak, than as a source of useful information. Soine ambitious grammarians in our country will be highly gratified, and, doubtless, equally astonished to find their crudities indorsed by one in so high a station. The Dean is heartily in favor of "It is me;" "He is as good as me" is quite proper; and "I am better than him" is the very acme of pure English. In defiance of every respectable grammarian, he thinks the double comparative "lesser" quite elegant. The Dean is evidently a castaway in grammar, and may be quoted as authority for a large number of vulgarisms. His work has given rise to much discussion. Among the opposition, Mr. Moon has taken up a heavy cudgel, and his letters upon the Dean's English are in the highest degree pithy and entertaining. He shows the work of Dr. Alford to be inaccurate both in matter and manner, compelling him to shirk direct issues and to defend himself by arguments unworthy of a village debating-club. Altogether, these little books form the most interesting grammatical discussion which has been made public in many years. They are written in an easy style, and each contains much matter which will be found suggestive.

The latest addition to our Shakspearean literature is the testimony of a physician to the wonderful extent and accuracy of the great poet's knowledge of psychology, and the truthfulness of his delineations of insanity and imbecility. Dr. Kellogg's position and duties have brought him in contact with almost every condition of mental weakness and aberration, and he has studied Shakspeare in the light of the experience thus gained. His style is pleasing, and his analysis of Shakspeare's characters critical and appreciative. Iis positions are well sustained by apt quotations, and his book will afford profitable entertainment to all who may read it.

In preparing the "Student's Practical Chemistry" the authors have succeeded in

(7) A PLEA FOR THE QUEEN'S ENGLISH. By HENRY ALFORD, D. D., Dean of Canterbury. Tenth Thousand. New York: Alexander Strahan. 16mo. $1.75.

(8) THE DEAN'S ENGLISH. By WASHINGTON MOON, Fellow R. S. of Literature. Fourth Edition. New York: The Same. 16mo, pp. 311. $1.75.

packing a great amount of information in a small space. No book of the kind which we have seen can at all compare with it in conciseness of statement. For this reason we doubt its value to beginners, for to them the subject must be presented in an attractive manner; to the well-informed student, and to the instructor, the work will be of real utility as a book of reference.

The propriety of an introductory treatise upon Chemical Physics is doubtful. It would be better to incorporate all necessary. information on this topic in the chemistry proper, as has been done by Brande and Taylor. The treatise in the "Practical Chemistry" is, however, in advance of most other text-books. The authors have adopted the doctrine of conservation and correlation of forces, and, as far as possible, have introduced the new phraseology. The explanations of polarized light and spectrum analysis are superior; the latter is illustrated by a chromo-lithographic plate, showing the spectra of various metals.

In Part II. we note that three metals, yttrium, erbium, and terbium, are recognized as existing in gadinolite. The existence of the latter two is doubtful. Popp maintains that yttrium alone is to be found; more recently Bahir and Bunsen have determined that terbium, at least, should be stricken from the list of elements. To be accurate, the authors should have inade some reference to Popp's investigations, which were published before their work was issued. We perceive, also, that the new metals are placed together under "metals of the earths." inaccurate, for though the proper position This is certainly of thallium and indium is an open question, there can be no doubt respecting cæsium and rubidium, which are undeniably metals of the alkalis, and should therefore be classed with K., Na., Li., and Am. The appendix contains a number of useful. tables, some of which are not to be found in other elementary works. The book trations, which are very numerous, are is well printed and bound, and the illusmuch better than those ordinarily given in similar works.

(9) SHAKSPEARE'S DELINEATIONS OF INSANITY, IMBECILITY, AND SUICIDE. By A. O. KELLOGG, M. D., Assistant Physician, State Lunatic Asylum, Utica, N. Y. New York: Hurd & Houghton. 12mo, Pp. 204.

(10) THE STUDENT'S PRACTICAL CHEMISTRY. By H. MORTON, A. M., & A. R. LEEDS, A. M. Philadel phia: J. B. Lippincott. 12mo. $2.00.