The Polyglot Reader, and Guide for Translation. Consisting of a Series of English Extracts, with their Translations into French, German, Spanish, and Italian. The several parts designed to serve as Mutual Keys. By J. ROEMER, LL.D., Professor of the French Language and Literature in the New York Free Academy. 5 vols., 12mo. This work is now complete, and is a most valuable addition to our list of text-books designed for assistance in mastering the living languages. Vol. I. consists of an elegant Series of English Extracts. Vol. II. consists of their Translation into French, by Dr. J. ROEMER. As the title indicates, each volume is a Reader by itself, as well as a Key to any other. By this aid the student is enabled to compare carefully the different forms of construction of any of the above-named languages, word for word, sentence for sentence, and to investigate in their most minute details the various shades of difference and resemblance of such as are known to him and those to be learned. The impressions which he thus receives, through the eye, of the correctly-written expressions, in contrast with the errors to which he is liable, are more deeply engraved in his mind than if he had, through the ear, obtained the same information from his instructor. He can correct what is faulty, by the aid of an unerring standard; he receives, in fact, a lesson from either the author or the translator himself, and thus attains a critical knowledge of the foreign language, and, what is better still, of his own, by a method which is sure, easy, and universal in its application. An " Essay on the Study of Languages," with which the English part (Vol. I.) is prefaced, is generally conceded to be the most complete treatise published on the subject. From Putnam's Monthly. "We have examined each volume, and it is but just to say that the editor makes nc claim for the value of the Series which is not amply sustained. The names of the eminent scholars who have assisted him are sufficient evidence of the quality of their work. We remark, with pleasure, that the selections in our own literature are made from the writings of some of the younger authors, as well as from the American classics, so that the foreign reader will have a taste of the present flavor of our literature. As ■ comparative view of the relative force and character of the various languages, the Beries is very interesting and instructive. It is a valuable work, accomplished with fidelity and elegance," FNGLISH LANGUAGE Hand-Book of the English Language. By G. R. LATHAM, M.D., F.R.S. 12mo, 398 pages. The ethnological relations of the English Language, its history and ans lysis, its spelling and pronunciation, etymology and syntax, are here treated with a completeness, learning, and grasp of intellect, that will be vainly sought elsewhere. The elements of our tongue, the successive changes by which it has been modified, the origin of its peculiar expressions, and other subjects of like importance and interest, receive due attention of the author, who ranks among the most accomplished scholars of England. Whether for private study, or as a manual for college and high-school classes, Dr. Latham's Hand-Book will be found one of the most useful works extant in the department of belles-lettres. Graham's English Synonymes, Classified and explained; with practical exercises, designed for schools and private tuition; with an introduction and illustrative authorities. By HENRY REED, LL.D. 12mo, 344 pages. This treatise is intended to teach the right use of words. It explains the principal synonymes of the language, classified and arranged in pairs, and illustrates their use at different eras with passages from Shakespeare, Milton, and Wordsworth. Exercises are appended, which require the pupil to fill blanks by the insertion of the words compared, selecting in each case the one that is adapted to the context. Thus practically impressed on the pupil's mind, their distinctive meanings will not soon be forgotten. The attention of teachers is particularly invited to this work, as one of the most useful that can be found for imparting a thorough acquaintance with our tongue. Besides teaching the student how to avoid common inaccuracies of expression, and training him to that precision which is essential to a good style, it will be found highly serviceable in disciplining his mind by accustoming it to a critical appreciation of nice distinctions. Wherever it has been introduced into academic or collegiate institutions, it has awakened great interest in the study of words, and proved a valuable auxiliary to Courses of grammar and rhetoric. History of English Literature. By WILLIAM SPALDING, A.M., Professor of Logic, Rhetoric, and pages. 12mo, 413 The above work is offered as a Text-book for the use of advanced Schools and Academies. It traces the literary progress of the nation from AngloSaxon times to the present day, and furnishes a comprehensive outline of the origin and growth of our language. Those literary monuments of early date which are thought most worthy of attention, are described with considerable fulness and in an attractive manner. Constant effort is made to arouse reflection, both by occasional remarks on the relations between intellectual culture and the world of reality and action, and by hints as to the laws on which criticism is founded. The characteristics of the most cele brated modern works are analyzed at length. The style of the author is remarkably clear and interesting, compelling the reader to linger over his pages with unwearied attention. Manual of Grecian and Roman Antiquities. By Dr. E. F. BOJESEN, with Notes and Questions by Rev. THOMAS K. ARNOLD. 12mo, 209 pages. The present Manuals of Greek and Roman Antiquities are far superior to any thing on the same topics as yet offered to the American public. A leading Review of Germany says of the Roman Manual:-"Small as the compass of it is, we may confidently affirm that it is a great improvement on all preceding works of the kind. We no longer meet with the wretched old method, in which subjects essentially distinct are herded together, and connected subjects disconnected, but have a simple, systematic arrangement, by which the reader readily receives a clear representation of Roman life. We no longer stumble against countless errors in detail, which, though long ago assailed and extirpated by Niebuhr and others, have found their last place of refuge in our manuals. The recent investigations of philologists 2nd jurists have been extensively, but carefully and circumspectly used.” Elements of Logic. With an Introductory view of Philosophy in general, and a Preliminary Not considering Logic as an abstraction, Prof. Tappan assigns it its proper place among kindred sciences, and takes the student over the whole Held of Philosophy, that the connection of its various parts may be distinctly perceived. He presents the subject, not merely as a method of obtaining inferences from truths, but also as a method of establishing those first truths and general principles that must precede all deduction. The great startingpoints of theory, the sources to which we must look for premises in every department of science, are viewed in connection with Logic; the relations between the two are examined; and the proper understanding of both is thus greatly facilitated. This is new ground; yet it is what the profound thinker and all who would master the subject have long needed. In carrying out this plan, the author begins with Philosophy in general; shows the distinction between the Phenomenal and the Metaphenomenal, the Objective and the Subjective, the Sensual and the Transcendental; defines Ideas and the laws of their development; and then proceeds to treat of the divisions of General Philosophy. Metaphysics, and Nomology-in the latter of which, with Ethics, Esthetics, and Somatology, Logic is included. The interesting questions incidentally opened up, such as the Criteria of a True Philosophy, receive attention, and then, after a brief preliminary view of the Reason and its functions, we are introduced to Logic Proper. The evolution of Ideas, in all their variety, is first set set forth at length; and numerous important points, now for the first time found in a system of Logic, such as the relation between matter and spirit, right and wrong, freedom and responsibility, are discussed in a manner which proves the author a practical adept in the science he would teach. Inductive and Deductive Logic follow; the latter of which embraces all the rules, principles, and formula to be found in the text-books of former dialecticians, and to which, for the most part, they confine themselves. The work closes with a masterly dissertation on the nature of proof, its different kinds, degrees of evidence, circumstantial evidence, reasoning from experience and analogy, and the calculation of chances. Important as these subjects are, and intimately as they are connected with the work of the dialectician, they have heretofore had no place in treatises on Logic; Mr. Tappan is the first to unfold their connection with this science, aud the clearness and comprehensiveness with which he has treated them leave nothing to be desired. An Elementary Treatise on Logic: Including, Part I. Analysis of Formula; Part II. Method. With an Appendix of Examples for Analysis and Criticism, and a copicus Index of Terms and Subjects. By W. D. WILSON, D.D., Trinity Pro fessor of Christian Ethics and Logic in Hobart Free College. 12mo: 425 pages, The peculiar merits of Dr. Wilson's Elementary Treatise on Logic can become known only by a thorough examination of the book itself, or daily ase in the class-room. But a few of its distinguishing features can be here enumerated. In the first place, it is eminently clear in its arrangement, language, and illustrations. Its definitions are terse and precise; its advance from step to step is natural and gradual; every technicality is thoroughly explained, and every difficulty removed. Secondly, it covers the whole ground, leaving nothing unsaid, nothing unexplained, nothing for the scholar to ask, nothing for the teacher to supply from other sources. Again, it is claimed that in this work many errors inherent in the old systems, and perpetuated by writer after writer, from Aristotle down, have been corrected, and that important new ground has been covered. The subject of Method, by some omitted altogether, receives special attention at the hands of the author; who, to all that is valuable in the works of others, has added the results of his own careful study. If the formula of Logic are worth any thing, of course the method of their application is important; in fact, on this method depends much of their value. In the application of his rules and precepts, Dr. Wilson is peculiarly happy. He never allows the pupil to lose sight of the practical phase of the questions he successively treats. The First Part of the Elementary Treatise relates to the Analysis of Formulæ. A new and superior classification of syllogisms has been adopted, and the different classes are defined and illustrated in such a way as to insure their prompt recognition. The Second Part of the work, in which the original labors of the author are everywhere apparent, considers in turn the Methods of Investigation, of Proof and Refutation, of Instruction and Criti‐ cism. An Appendix furnishes copious examples for the exercise of the student. The publishers are convinced that the clearness, completeness, and praotical character of this work will greatly facilitate the study of Logic in schools and colleges. They invite the severest test of the claims here made In its behalf. |
