sible to give them notions of light and perspective, so as to enable them to appreciate descriptions of paintings, pictures, &c.

But we have already extended this article so far as to have no space for further elucidations. We have room only to add, that the book is written in a style chaste and classical. In its arrangement, it is every way admirable. It seems to have been the purpose of the author to collect whatsoever would throw light upon the condition of the deaf and the blind, into a shape that should make it at once accessible and acceptable to the general reader, the philosopher, and the philanthropist. Nobly has he accomplished his task, and we are happy of the opportunity of testifying our admiration of his ability, and our gratitude for his services. We predict that "Kitto on the Lost Senses" will remain a standard work upon the subject of which it treats, until that day shall come, as come it will, when humanity shall have triumphed over its accidents, and deafness and blindness be named as calamities that were, but are no more.

B. B. B.

3

ART. XXVIII.

Literary Notices.

1. The New American Cyclopædia. A Popular Dictionary of General Knowledge. Edited by George Ripley and Charles A. Dana. Vol. iii. New York: D. Appleton & Co. 1858.

THE prompt appearance of a third volume of this noble enterprise, enables us to repeat the word of earnest commendation which appeared in our last. It is unquestionably the most valuable and extensive popular publication yet attempted in this country. A few works of a scientific character, intended chiefly for the learned in their several departments, and relying, in a great measure, upon public libraries for patronage, equal, perhaps excel, the magnitude of the New Cyclopædia; but of works which every person of ordinary intelligence may profitably read, we know of nothing which makes any approach to it. Looked at from the highest point of view, it cannot be deemed superfi

cial; and yet there is in it, thus far, hardly a page that will not be intelligible to a fair capacity. A brief notice of one or more of the articles in the third volume will best indicate the character of the work.

The article" Blind," as one example, compresses into ten pages the statistics of all the civilized regions of the globe, on the interesting subject indicated. The article contains the causes of blindness in the large proportion of cases, where traceable; the kinds and degrees of education practicable in spite of blindness, with very minute statements of the course of instruction pursued; tabular statements,-first, of the relative number of the blind, as classified under different degrees of latitude, and also as exhibited by the statistics of the several nations; second, of the several institutions for the blind in Europe and the United States; third, of eminent blind persons, with statements of the particulars for which they are celebrated, and of works written by them; the article concluding with biographical sketches of remarkable blind men, among which number, it may not be improper to add, we notice the name of Benjamin B. Bowen, author of the article on the "Lost Senses," which appears in the present number of this periodical. As another illustration in point, we will simply direct attention to the exceedingly interesting article on the Blood. First, we have its physical qualities; second, its relative quantity; third, its composition; fourth, its microscopical study; fifth, its coagulation; sixth, its formation; and seventh, its uses, with several minute tabular statements. The same regard to method and classification appears in all the articles, whether the subject be scientific, philosophical or historical. So far as we have had opportunity to examine, we find no evidence of haste or carelessness; thoroughness and comprehensiveness, with special pains to make prominent whatever is fresh and recent, characterize the work throughout. In works of this character we are prepared to excuse very many inaccuracies of fact; and no sensible person will expect that any array of finite minds can bring together such a multitude of items and in every instance avoid mistake. None but the Infinite and Infallible Mind can produce such a work. Considering always, that the New Cyclopædia is the work of man, its very general accuracy, speaking of course, only of those particulars whereof we feel competent to pronounce judgment, is as surprising as gratifying. In this respect, we believe it to be all that any one should ask, and more than might reasonably be expected.

We close this notice with a suggestion as to its practical encouragement. To that large class of our countrymen who are blessed with good incomes, the point is evident; it is their duty 36

VOL. XV.

to patronize the Cyclopædia. As a public benefit, it has a claim upon every citizen whose means will permit him to show it substantial favor. It is one of those enterprises which (like the Atlantic Telegraph, should it succeed,) have a public as well as private value. And he who estimates the importance of the telegraph only by the dividends accruing to the stockholders, would not commit a more obvious mistake than he who looked upon the success of the New American Cyclopædia as affecting only the pecuniary interests of the publishers. To that class who are deterred from purchasing, because of the greatness of the outlay, we would say, the cost of one volume is not great; purchase each as it comes out, and in no great length of time, you will have perhaps the best series of volumes ever published in this country, without any vivid consciousness of the cost.

2. Döderlein's Hand-Book of Latin Synonymes. Translated by Rev. H. H. Arnold, B. A. With an introduction by S. H. Taylor, L. L. D. Andover: W. F. Draper. 1858.

Those desiring to make themselves familiar with the Latin language will find this a very valuable work. There is no better way of becoming thoroughly acquainted with a foreign language, or of acquiring an accurate knowledge of our own, than by a careful study of those words by which a number of related ideas are expressed. The author has consulted convenience of reference by interweaving the alphabetical index with the context, and also, by grouping together the words, so that those having a kindred signification can be seen at a glance, and their shades of difference noticed. This edition is reprinted from the second London edition, with a few corrections and improvements. We have no hesitation in saying that this is the best work on Latin Synonymes that has yet been published. It should be used as a reference book by all who wish to become accurate Latin scholars.

3. History of Europe, from the Fall of Napoleon in 1815, to the Accession of Louis Napoleon in 1852. By Sir Archibald Alison, Bart., D. C. L. Vol. iii. New York: Harper and Brothers. 1858. 8vo. pp. 449.

This volume contains so many epitomes of distinct historical matters, such, for example, as the constitutional history of Germany, German literature for the first half of the nineteenth century, twenty years of the Indian history, a distinct epoch in the internal history of England,—that it might be considered as, in several particulars, complete in itself. Those who have read the former volumes will be eager to obtain this continuation. The interest becomes almost personal, as the historian comes down to

the events of our own days. His work will be of immense service to that inumerable class who desire a succinct aquaintance with the prominent events of modern European history, but who have not time or opportunity to search for them among original records. It comes near an average statement to say, that it brings European history down to about the year 1840; and though, in one instance, the volume goes back to 1814, we should average the period embraced at about ten years. England and France were prominent during the period sketched, and the details of their affairs very justly make up the larger proportion of the book. Another volume will complete the work.

4. The Greyson Letters. Selections from the Correspondence of E. H. Greyson, Esq. Edited by Henry Rogers. Boston: Gould and Lincoln. 1857. pp. 518.

Henry Rogers is one of the company of reviewers and essayists brought into the foreground by the Edinburgh Review. He is a continuation of the Jeffrey, Sydney Smith, and Macaulay line. He has peculiar merits; one of which is the not very amiable faculty of singeing an oponent in the fire of sarcasm-a department in which he is quite unlike Macaulay, yet almost rivals him in effectiveness. His logic is clear, and his style remarkably lucid, yet there is something charmingly erratic in his method of argumentation. His great article "Reason and Faith," gave him much notoriety, and has guaranteed him readers, let him write on whatever topic. Not assenting to everything in the "Greyson Letters," we can earnestly commend them, as in many points, exceedingly amusing and every way instructive.

5. Essays in Biography and Criticism. Essays in Philosophy and Criticism. Both volumes by Peter Bayne, M. A. Boston: Gould & Lincoln.

Mr. Bayne is unquestionably one of the first writers of the age. Both of these volumes attest a remarkable faculty for analytic criticism, whether he deal with events or with characters. We do indeed have occasional proof that all his mental powers are not equally developed. He is not wholly free from the bias of early discipline, and he sometimes indulges in a criticism that his riper judgment will disown. But we could hardly name any thing, in the same, line of criticism, excelling his papers on De Quincey and Napoleon. In each, there are sentences which are models of comprehensive brevity, reminding one of the great American essayist. No one that we know of, has stated so tersely and more satisfactorily, the distinction between theology and religion. Bayne is yet young, and unless distanced by some new rival, is destined, if he lives, to be among the foremost critics of his country, if not of his age.

6. Specimens of Douglas Jerrold's Wit: together with Selections chiefly from his contributions to Journals intended to illustrate his opinions. Arranged by his son, Blanchard Jerrold. Boston: Ticknor and Fields. 1858.

The English humorists are a class by themselves, forming, as it were, a distinct species of genius, separated from all other authors by ineradicable lines. From Fielding (to go no further back) to Jerrold runs an illustrious line, connecting many of the most brilliant names in any literature; and, notwithstanding the names of Hood and Sydney Smith, Douglas Jerrold stands as high as the highest on the roll of fame. We need not the assurance that the collections in the book before us are but "specimens;" for in an active life of thirty years' authorship, in various departments of literature, to say nothing of the scintillations of conversation, which were never printed, Jerrold gave forth witticisms enough to fill octavos. His son, who does the work of compiling the "Specimens," has for most part exhibited taste and judgment; and though filial affection has evidently misled him in occasional selections, he has given the public a book which must have more than an ephemeral value.

7. The Life of George Stephenson, Railway Engineer. By Samuel Smiles. Boston: Ticknor & Fields. 1858.

It is a history of

This work awakens two kinds of interest. the railroad enterprise, of its conception, progress and triumph. And had it no other value, this would be sufficient to give it a claim upon the attention of every person, who would not be indifferent to the most gigantic physical enterprise of the present, if not of any age. But it has a higher importance, in that it is a portraiture of a hero, one on whom the stamp of nature's nobility was distinctly impressed, and to whose brain and almost superhuman force of will, the railroad method of internal communication is wholly or primarily due. It would seem to be the rule of Providence, that truly noble natures shall reach their development "through suffering." The case of Stephenson forms no exception to the rule. Bred to poverty and toil; in youth subject to almost menial duties; with no opportunities except such as his spontaneous energy invented; at the age of seventeen, not able to read his name in print,-such are specimens of the antecedents of one of the most brilliant careers that have given lustre to the existing generation. We have not the command of words to commend as earnestly as we would, the well written life of George Stephenson. What an example and encouragement to the young! How does it teach them to despise difficulties, to master circumstances, to live for a purpose, to pursue their chosen object with earnestness of will, and with confidence that