Philips' Comparative Series of Wall Atlases. The Countries of Europe. Edited by G. PHILIP. 1. France and the Alps. 2. Central Europe and the Low Countries. 3. Italy and the Balkans. 4. Spain and Portugal. 5. The Baltic Lands. 6. British Isles in relation to the Continent. (Single maps, mounted on cloth and folded, with eyelets, or mounted on cloth and varnished, with rollers, 7s. 6d. net. Set of six, mounted on cloth, folded and eyeletted, in strong thumbcase, 40s. net, or mounted on cloth, in Wall Atlas form, on rollers, 32s. 6d. net. Philip.) Philips' Comparative Series of Wall Atlases. Indian Empire. Edited by Prof. J. F. UNSTEAD and E. G. R. TAYLOR. With Explanatory Handbooks for Teachers. 1. Relief of Land and Communications. 2. Climate-Winter Conditions. 3. Climate-Summer Conditions. 4. Actual TemperatureJanuary. 5. Actual Temperature--June. 6. Political Divisions and Communications. 7. Density of Population and Languages. 8. Commercial Development. (Single Map, 7s. net. Set of 8 Maps, mounted on cloth to fold, dissected and eyeletted, in cloth case, 47s. 6d. net. Philip.) Chart of Africa. Designed by MARGARET SPILHAUS. (8s. 6d. net. Oxford: Blackwell. Cape Town: Maskew Miller.) The Railways of Great Britain: The Story of Their Rise and Progress to the Date of their New Grouping. By G. G. JACKSON. (5s. net. The Boy's Own Paper Office.) Chambers's Twentieth Century Geography Readers. Book VI. Britain Beyond the Seas: A Descriptive Account of the British Colonies and Dependencies. Revised Edition. (2s. 9d. Chambers.) " The Social and Political Ideas of Some Great Mediaeval Thinkers : A Series of Lectures Delivered at King's College, University of London. Edited by Prof. F. J. C. HEARNSHAW. (IOS. 6d. net. Harrap.) King's College, in the Strand, enjoys the advantage of a very central position, and the authorities of the college turn that advantage to full account in organizing year after year most excellent courses of public lectures which usually draw large audiences. A successful course given last autumn on Some Great Mediaeval Thinkers" is now published, under the editorship of Prof. Hearnshaw, for the benefit of a still larger public. Principal Barker contributes the introductory lecture on Mediaeval Political Thought; the editor deals with John Wycliffe, Prof. J. W. Allen with Marsilio of Padua, Dr. Carlyle with St. Augustine, Dr. F. Aveling with St. Thomas Aquinas, Mr. Sharwood Smith with Dante, Mr. E. F. Jacob with John of Salisbury, and Miss Eileen Power with Pierre Du Bois. The book is most interesting and stimulating thought, the retention of the lecture form helping to this end. The general reader will find from its pages that the Middle Ages are not so dull and remote as he may have thought, and the serious student or teacher of history will find the lectures fresh and illuminating. The brief bibliographies provided by the lecturers will enhance the value of the book. The Romans in Britain. By Prof. B. C. A. WINDLE. Dr. Windle, Professor of Anthropology at Toronto, has embodied in this attractive and useful volume a course of lectures which he delivered to Canadian audiences. His work is based on a careful reading of the best authorities, on extensive examinations of Roman remains in Britain, and on minute study of relics preserved in many museums. Although it makes no claim to add to the knowledge possessed by experts, its masterly summary of the results of recent research renders it an indispensable handbook for all those who are beginning the serious study of early Britain. It contains a brief list of books for further reading. History of the Far East. By Prof. H. WEBSTER. Prof. Hutton Webster's text-book of General European History, and his more recent Manual of World History, are so widely and favourably known that any new work from the same capable pen is assured of cordial welcome. The present volume-written, arranged, and illustrated in the same admir able manner as its predecessors supplements in a most useful way the information contained in the European and World Histories. Taking as a motto Lord Bryce's remark on "the isolation and consequent independent development of India and of China,” it traces the growth of their politics and culture, together with those of Japan and Oceania, emphasizing the contributions that the East has made to " the common welfare of mankind." A History of the French People. By G. DE LA BATUT and G. FRIEDMANN. (7s. 6d. net. Methuen.) This little book tries, in 300 octavo pages, to do for the history of France, what John Richard Green attempted to accomplish within the limits of a volume six times as great for the history of England. It aims at "presenting the history of a People, disentangling it from the old conventional framework" and setting it in a novel perspective. Its effort is not very successful. First, there is a lack of unity in design; the French people was not homogeneous, and its interests were too many and varied to be included in a single view. Secondly, the scale of the book is so small that all interesting detail has had to be omitted. Thirdly, it has been translated from the French, and so has lost whatever distinction of style it may originally have possessed. Finally, it is far from impartial; it leans heavily to the side of Revolution and Commune. Hence it does not merit the eulogy which M. Henri Barbusse bestows upon it in a Preface which he has contributed. A Short History of the Near East: from the Founding of Constantinople (330 A.D. to 1922). By Prof. W. S. DAVIS. (14s. net. Macmillan.) Prof. Davis of Minnesota, has produced a work of remarkable interest and importance. It sketches in outline the history of the Near East during the long period of sixteen centuries. The three main subdivisions of this period are (1) The Christian, (2) The Saracen and Seljuk, (3) The Ottoman. Only those acquainted with the immense mass of material available for the study of these three eras can appreciate the skill displayed by the author in reducing it to manageable proportions and intelligible coherence. To all students of the Eastern question the book is full of illumination. Studies in Statesmanship. By D. C. SOMERVELL. (155. net. Bell.) Roman Britain. By R. G. COLLINGWOOD. (2s. 6d. net. Oxford University Press.) Outlines of British History. By Dr. F. W. TICKNER. (35. 6d. University of London Press.) The First Days of Man: As Narrated Quite Simply for Young Readers. By F. A. KUMMER. (7s. 6d. net. Hodder and Stoughton.) The Revolutionary Idea in France, 1789-1871. By G. ELTON. (10s. 6d. net. Edward Arnold.) MATHEMATICS. Mensuration and Elementary Solid Geometry for Schools. By R. M. MILNE. (8s. 6d. Cambridge University Press.) This is a useful text-book planned on practical lines even though the mensuration chapters are not adapted to a first reading of the subject. They deal with similar figures, areas of rectilinear figures, approximate rules and the circle in a somewhat unusual sequence. The solid geometry chapters are plentifully supplied with clear illustrations and deal with the properties and mensuration of the simpler solids. There are also excellent chapters on orthogonal projection, and the meaning of plan and elevation. The examples are mostly taken from examination papers set at Dartmouth and are numerous, interesting, and practical. Algebra for Schools. Part I. By J. MILNE and J. W. ROBERTSON. Shop Mathematics. By J. M. CHRISTMAN. (IOs.net. Macmillan.) particularly suitable for technical schools and continuation classes. Most of the problems of measuring and gearing that arise in shop-practice are considered. The illustrations are excellent and make the book good value for its price. Mechanical Engineering Formulae: Being a Handbook of the Principal Formulae used in the Course for the Mechanical Engineering Degree and for general use by Students, Engineers, and Designers. By E. W. HUDDY. (4s. 6d. net. Spon.) An excellent and inclusive collection of formulae. It should not only be useful for engineers, but also for the teacher who wishes to find practical examples to illustrate his mathematics. The ground covered extends from pure mathematical formulae to the formulae of thermodynamics, hydraulics, and strength of materials. A Primer of Geometry. By W. PARKINSON and A. J. PRESSLAND. (In One Volume 4s. 6d. net; In Two Volumes, 2s. 6d. net each. Oxford University Press.) This geometry has been written by two members of the recent Committee of the I.A.A.M. on the Teaching of Geometry, and is in accordance with their report. Consequently the scheme of sequence adopted is one which has received a large measure of support. The book is well arranged in other respects and particular theorems, constructions, and examples on them can readily be found. The treatment is formal; there are few examples which lead the reader to suppose that Geometry applies to anything except figures drawn on paper. The book covers work up to the standard of the various matriculation and school certificate examinations. The Cambridge Elementary Arithmetics. By J. H. WEBSTER. Book VIII (Suitable for the Last Year in the Elementary School and for the First Year in the Evening School). With Answers. (2s. 6d. Cambridge University Press.) Unconventional Arithmetic Examples for Juniors. By R. S. WILLIAMSON. Teachers' Edition. (3s. Cambridge University Press.) Junior Bookkeeping. By T. C. JACKSON. Second Edition. (3s. University Tutorial Press.) From Determinant to Tensor. By Dr. W. F. SHEPPARD. (8s. 6d. net. Clarendon Press.) Algebras and their Arithmetics. By Prof. L. E. DICKSON. ($2.25. University of Chicago Press.) MISCELLANEOUS. Under-London. By S. GRAHAM. (7s. 6d. net. Macmillan.) This book, taking the form of a work of fiction, is in reality a concrete social study, and, we can promise our readers, an exceedingly interesting one. Mr. Graham takes us right into the heart of social life, and in particular of boy life, in those monotonous rows of small villas which arise on the outer edges of ever-growing London, taking the place of green fields and shady lanes. Mr. Graham's study would not have been complete if he had not shown the seamy side of his subject, but his profound appreciation of boy nature, its fun and its pathos, and his delightful sense of humour, win the reader's interest from the first page to the last. The Students' Handbook to the University and Colleges of Cambridge. Twenty-second Edition. Revised to June, 1923. (7s. 6d. net. Cambridge University Press.) A wealth of information about Cambridge, its Colleges and courses is contained in this twenty-second edition of the Students Handbook. The excellence of the compilation and its completeness makes the volume a reference book which will satisfy almost any inquiry. Of especial interest to intending students is the chapter on Expenses which has been brought up to date. Other important additions and alterations occur in the chapters on Medical Examinations, Civil Service Examinations, and the Education of Women. Cassell's New English Dictionary, with an Appendix. Edited by Dr. E. A. BAKER. Second Edition. (9s. net. Cassell.) To be of real value any reference book that is frequently consulted must not only be full and trustworthy as to its contents, but the information contained in it should be accessible quickly and easily. The latest edition of Cassell's New English Dictionary has been further improved by the addition of a thumbindex which enables the user of the book to get instantly at the section he desires. The needs of the business man, the 'student, the scholar, and the man of science, have all been borne in mind in compiling this work, which will be found to embrace a very wide range of information. The busy man will appreciate the thumb-index and the clear print. Parables from Nature. By Mrs. ALFRED GATTY. (6s. net. The Religious Tract Society.) The Outline of Literature and Art. Edited by J. DRINKWATER and Popular Fallacies Explained and Corrected (With Copious Refer- University of London. Matriculation and General School Examinations. Geography Papers, Matriculation, September, 1918, to January, 1923, and General School, Midsummer and December, 1920, 1921, and 1922. (IS. net. University of London Press.) The Cambridge Pocket Diary, 1923-1924. (2s. 6d. net. Cambridge University Press.) The Boys' and Girls' Blotter. The Youngsters' Blotter. (6d. each. Dean.) " Pitman's English and Shorthand Dictionary. 'New Era " Edition. Part I. (5d. Pitman.) Annual Report of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution showing the Operations, Expenditures, and Condition of the Institution for the Year Ending June 30, 1921. (Washington: Government Printing Office.) Maanhaar: The Adventures of a Lion-Family and other East African Sketches. By A. Á. Pienaar. Translated from the Afrikaans by B. and E. D. LEWIS. The First Term: Letters to a Schoolboy. (2s. 6d. net. Bell.) MODERN LANGUAGES. " " French Intonation Exercises. By H. KLINGHARDT and M. DE FOURMESTRAUX. Translated and Adapted for English Readers by M. L. BARKER. (7s. 6d. net. Heffer.) The appearance of the Französische Intonationsübungen marked an important development in the study of French phonetics. Earnest attention had been devoted to the analysis of the sounds and to orthoëpy, and to their practical application in the classroom; but no systematic treatment of the typical features of the intonation had yet been attempted. The veteran phonetician, Prof. Klinghardt, devised a very simple method of indicating variations of pitch by means of dots and lines, and provided copious examples of small groups of words and of continuous passages with a clear indication of the speech melody," to which he prefixed a very valuable introduction. We are fortunate in now possessing an English version of the book. Mr. Barker, who is assistant in the Department of German at Edinburgh University, has carried out the necessary adaptation with skill. He has somewhat shortened the introduction, retaining all that is of primary importance, and skilfully substituting references to English habits of intonation, when the original naturally gave a comparison with German. many of our schools the pronunciation of French is very good as far as individual sounds are concerned, but the intonation remains, on the whole, English; this valuable book will be of great help to our teachers in showing them how French intonation may be taught. In Selections of French Prose and Verse Illustrating the Romantic Movement. Selected, with an Introduction, by Prof. Those who know Prof. Baker's admirable introduction to Molière's "L'Avare" will turn with pleasant anticipation to his introduction to the selection from writers of the Romantic Movement; and they will not be disappointed. He wisely gives first the historical setting, too often neglected by students; in twenty-six pages he gives a luminous account of the main features of French history from roughly the middle of the eighteenth century to the middle of the nineteenth-a fine example of good judgment in the omission of what is nonessential. The second part of the introduction (thirty pages) gives one of the best accounts of the Romantic Movement we have read, based on intimate knowledge, yet singularly free from professorial pedantry. The selection of prose and verse (from which the drama has been deliberately excluded) is excellent; and the book as a whole is eminently fitted for its avowed purpose, that of helping Advanced Course students to a knowledge of this period which, not unnaturally, is so frequently chosen by them. But its appeal may well be wider it will interest and stimulate every lover of French literature. Vocabulaire Français Pratique. By H. J. B. WANSTALL and The Pronunciation of Russian. By Prof. M. V. TROFIMOV and La Pedagogie Experimentale au Jardin d'Enfants. By Prof. A Spanish Prose Reader. Edited, with Notes, by H. C. L. French Prose Passages (16th-20th Century). Compiled by R. A. MUSIC. Unison Songs for Schools.-1. Fineen the Rover. Music by CHARLES VILLIERS STANFORD. (Year Book Press. 4d.) 2. Weather Wise. Music adapted from a seventeenth century English air by THOMAS F. DUNHILL. (Year Book Press. 3d.) 3. Spanish Lullaby. Music by HERBERT HOWELLS. (Year Book Press. 3d) 4. O! Who is so Merry! Music by GEORGE DYSON. (Year Book Press. 3d.) 5. The Rover. Music by CHARLES MACPHERSON. (Year Book Press. 4d.) 6. (a) Ring-aring o' Fairies. (b) A New Day. Music by FELIX WHITE. (Williams. 3d.) 7. Shadow March. Music by GEORGE RATHBONE. (4d. Curwen.) From a large parcel we have selected the above, which, if not of equal merit, are fairly representative examples of the firms who have undertaken their publication. No. I is a typical Stanford" setting of some rousing words by Robert Dwyer Joyce, very suitable for boys' choirs. In quieter vein is Mr. Dunhill's adaptation of an old English Air set to words by Dr. Jenner (No. 2). A straightforward diatonic tune with an equally straightforward and easy accompaniment. The same cannot be said of Mr. Herbert Howell's setting of an old Spanish Lullaby (No. 3). To those unaccustomed to the curious idiom in which Mr. Howells chooses to express himself, this setting will possibly jar, for Mr. Howells avoids the obvious in melodic outline, harmony, and tonality, and if he achieves originality, the total effect is hardly one of beauty! No. 4 has a rhythmic vitality well in keeping with the jolly words, the spirit of which is assisted by the dainty accompaniment. A more robust type of song is The Rover (No. 5). Charles Macpherson can write a good tune, and the accompaniment is as free and unfettered as The rover of the greenwood and the glade." Mr. Felix White, on the other hand, who is responsible for the music of No. 6, prefers to double the tune with the right hand of the piano, but then this is " meat for babes " for whom the two little songs are evidently intended. By means of the minor key and plenty of consecutive triads, Mr. George Rathbone essays to make our flesh creep with the Shadow March (No. 7), but the effect is not very convincing. " " " Two-Part Songs.- -1. My Dove. 3d. Music by CHARLES WOOD, 2. Cherry Ripe. 3d. Music by HILDA M. GRIEVESON. 3. The Song for Me. 4d, Music by SYDNEY H. NICHOLSON. (All published by Year Book Press.) 4. Henry and Mary. Music by FELIX WHITE. (4d. Curwen.) The reiteration of the syncopated inverted dominant pedal which runs right through Dr. Wood's setting of No. 1, lends a peculiar plaintiveness to the music. Dr. Wood is a sure master of effect, and who can write a better part song? In No. 2 Miss Grieveson has achieved something of a feat in avoiding comparison with the well-known setting of such well-known words, her effects are straightforward and tuneful, while Mr. Sydney Nicholson who starts off quite happily in "The Song for Me (No. 3) tends to become heavy towards the end, as if he felt the obvious limitations of having to express himself in such a small form as a two-part song. " PHILOSOPHY. Consciousness, Life and the Fourth Dimension: A Study in Natural Philosophy. By Dr. R. ERIKSEN. (10s. 6d. net. Glydendal.) " The modern theory of relativity, which most of us now associate with the name of Einstein, has made the time-honoured question of the higher dimensions of reality an object of fresh interest. It points to a supposed "absolute world" beneath the relative one-a four-dimensional continuum lying behind the world of motion in time and three-dimensional space, just as the earlier psysicists found (or constructed) this threedimensional world of motion behind the plain man's world of colour, touch, and sound. In this new absolute world" time is viewed as a fourth dimension of space; and the prominent feature is the simultaneous presence of events which from the older and ordinary standpoint seem to succeed one another. Such a distinguishing feature Dr. Eriksen sets out to seek. He finds it in organic life and consciousness. And his book is an argument, prolonged and profound, in support of this suggestive thesis. Often speculative, sometimes obstruse, his view will appeal to the psychologist, and to the psychologicallyminded, as philosophers rather than as scientists; but it cannot fail to fascinate, even where it does not convince. Mysticism of East and West: Studies in Mystical and Moral Philosophy. By W. L. HARE. (10s. 6d. net. Cape.) Mr. Hare's volume upon "Mysticism in East and West," written in a literary style which is unusually clear, vigorous, and musical, endeavours to trace a common philosophy of mysticism underlying all the higher religions of the world. It covers, in successive chapters, Chinese, Indian, and Greek philosophy, Buddhism in the East and Christianity in the West; and approaches the problems raised, not as a study of creeds, customs, ceremonies, or institutions, but as a criticism of life." A Theory of Knowledge. By C. A. STRONG. (6s. net. Constable.) POETRY AND DRAMA. Anglo-Saxon and Norse Poems. Edited and Translated by N. KERSHAW. (14s. net. Cambridge University Press.) This volume deserves a warm welcome, both for the interest and worth of the old poems it contains, and for the careful and scholarly work of the editress. The six short Anglo-Saxon poems included are among the most precious remains of our earliest literature, while the eight Norse poems are especially attractive through their connexion with historical persons and events. Much labour has been devoted during the last generation, especially by American and German scholars, to the text and elucidation of these Anglo-Saxon poems, and great progress has been made towards the right understanding of these products of the Anglo-Saxon muse. Miss Kershaw has carefully worked through all that has been published, and in her introductions and notes to the different poems, she discusses the many difficulties and problems involved, and criticizes with admirable judgment the various solutions of them that have been proposed. In regard to The Seafarer," she agrees with W. W. Lawrence in rejecting the dialogue-theory, and also that we have "The Seafarer and 'The Wanderer' in essentially their original form; the well-known crux for pon, in the former she translates on good grounds as I assure thee or" assuredly." Her reasons for placing the scene of the Battle of Brunanburh in Scotland are not convincing; a recent investigation of the whole campaign made out a very strong case for the view that the battle was fought in the north of England. The thorough acquaintance with language and literature which Miss Kershaw reveals in dealing with the Anglo-Saxon poems is equally evident in her treatment of the Norse poems; her cautious and lucid method of explaining and disentangling the many allusions and prob " " " " lems in these is excellent. All the poems are translated into clear, readable prose, and there are full textual and explanatory notes. The book is a credit to English scholarship, and students and general readers will find it instructive and stimulating. The Prelude; or, Growth of a Poet's Mind: An Autobiographical Poem. By WILLIAM WORDSWORTH. Selections arranged and Edited by B. GROOM. (Is. 6d. Macmillan.) " The Prelude,' not published in full till after the poet's death, is seldom included even in the almost complete editions, such as that of the Oxford University Press of 1890, being accounted inferior to Wordsworth's other work. Yet it is of interest as a first example of poetic autobiography, and because it includes facts and opinions not recorded elsewhere, even if it did not contain, as it does, beautiful passages, often quoted separately without reference to their origin. The description of skating is thought worthy of mention by Coleridge in the "Biographia Literaria," while in "Table Talk" he regrets that Wordsworth did not first publish his thirteen books on the growth of an individual mind (that is The Prelude ') superior, as I used to think, upon the whole, to The Excursion."" In this edition the well-chosen selections are linked up by explanatory remarks so as to form a continuous narrative. A Treasury of Verse for School and Home. Selected and Arranged by M. G. EDGAR. Revised Edition Edited by E. CHILMAN. Part Four. (Is. 9d. Harrap.) An Introduction to Dramatic Theory. By A. NICOLL. (5s. net. Harrap.) The True Aristocracy. By the Rev. Dr. E. E. BRADFORD. (3s. 6d. net. Kegan Paul.) The Minor English Poems of John Milton. With an Introduction and Notes by H. C. BEECHING. (25. Methuen.) The School of Poetry: An Anthology Chosen for Young Readers. By ALICE MEYNELL. (2s. 6d. net. Collins' Clear-Type Press.) The Unknown Warrior A Mystical Play. By M. CREAGHHENRY and D. MARTEN. (6d. net. S.P.C.K.) Gateways to Poetry. Golden Numbers. (Paper, 7d. Cloth, gd.) Magic Casements. (Paper, 8d. Cloth, 10d.) Selected by E. L. BRYSON and G. S. MAXTON. (McDougall's Educational Co.) True Travellers: A Tramps' Opera in Three Acts. By W. H. DAVIES. (7S. 6d. net. Cape.) English Romantic Poems. With Introduction and Notes by H. A. TREBLE. (2s. 6d. Chambers.) PSYCHOLOGY. Talks on Psychotherapy. By Dr. W. Brown. (2s. 6d. net. University of London Press.) " " Dr. Brown's little book consists of three extempore lectures on psychotherapy, originally delivered at King's College, London. In them he seeks to summarize, in broad terms and popular form, the position of leading psychotherapists at the present day. The first lecture defines the general nature of functional nervous disease, arguing that changes in the nerve structure though neither obvious nor gross, must, in such cases, nevertheless, in theory still exist. Hypnotism he regards as a form of dissociation rather than of suggestion; and he maintains that, as a mode of treatment, suggestion in a waking (or semi-waking) state is of great value, but that hypnotic suggestion is bad. In the second lecture he discusses what is known technically as "abreaction and "transference of emotional energy and contends that the former is both possible and beneficial without the operation of the latter. He describes a patient, suffering for years from an irrational and obsessing fear, who, after reading a book upon the subject, attempted to psychoanalyse himself. The man was able to recall a forgotten incident, dating from the time when he was in India as a child of two-an experience which, doubtless, originated his fear. A black kid lay near him on the ground with its throat cut; and the blood poured from the wound in a terrifying stream. On recovering this memory, he revived at the same time the original terror-a vague formless panic, which seemed to "grow and grow like a bubble," until at last it burst. Here there was abreaction," but no transference" for there was no outside analyst to "transfer" to. The third and final lecture discusses the analytic theory of melancholia; and concludes with a short philosophical discussion upon auto-suggestion and the will. Sane in outlook, scientific in method, lucid and popular in general presentation, the whole book will be of great interest to all who wish, in a brief compass, to have summed up for them tne preseht situation in psychotherapy. " " Jugendpsychologie. By E. STERN. (M. 2.50. Breslau: Hirt.) An Outline of Psychology for Educators. By A. J. D. LOTHIAN. (5s. net. Bell.) RELIGIOUS KNOWLEDGE. Old Testament Life and Literature. By Prof. I. G. Matthews. (12s. net. Macmillan.) " The plan of the American scholar, Prof. Matthews's volume is attractive. It is, briefly, to give the Old Testament literature, within the space of a single volume, an adequate setting-historical, social, and economic. History and literature," says the author, are here considered together. Indeed all phases of human activity, economic, social, philosophic, and religious, are but varying expressions of the unitary life of a people; the parts of one whole. So far as space has permitted all those contacts, national and international, that influenced the Hebrews have been presented as the background of the literature." Naturally the book cannot be expected to deal with all these aspects of the subject very fully. But an excellent survey is given. After a preliminary sketch dealing with such matters as ancient civilization, the geography of Palestine, ancient literary methods, the history is traced from the exodus to the Greek period. Each section gives an account of the relevant literature. At the end a note on the Old Testament canon, a chronological chart, and a selected bibliography are added. Egypt and the Old Testament. By Prof. T. E. PEET. (5s. net. University Press of Liverpool. Hodder & Stoughton.) Prof. Peet's admirable volume belongs to an attractive series, entitled "The Ancient World," issued for the University of Liverpool. It is indeed refreshing to meet with a book on the connexions of Egypt with the Old Testament, which marshals and discusses the revelant evidence with full knowledge and a sober judgment. The quality of Prof. Peet's work can be seen in such a chapter as the fifth, where he discusses the date of the exodus. The strong and weak points of the conflicting theories are here admirably set forth. There are also chapters on "The Nature and Value of Biblical Tradition," Early Relations of Egypt and Palestine," So and Tirhakah," "The Jewish Colonies in Egypt," and The Episode of Onias." Two maps and a bibliography add to the usefulness of this attractive volume. Lectures on the History of Roman Religion. By Prof. W. R. HALLIDAY. (5s. net. University Press of Liverpool. Hodder & Stoughton.) " The author of this volume (which also belongs to the " Ancient World" series) modestly disclaims any intention of making in it any original contribution to knowledge." Nevertheless, it will open up a new field of study of fascinating interest to many readers. It offers a survey of a subject of high importance, based upon knowledge and research not easily accessible to the ordinary student. The themes dealt with include "the religion of the household," "the religion of the farm," the religion of the State," "the last century of the republic," 'the Augustan revival." The work is based upon sound scholarship, and is one for which many students will be grateful. Angels at Bethlehem: A Nativity Play. By KATHERINE Kennedy (Mrs. Alfred Shirley). (4s. net. S.P.C.K.) " The Wassail Bough: A Christmas Mystery. By C. KATE CHADWICK. 4d. net. S.P.C.K.) Sundar Singh: The Lion-Hearted Warrior. By E. SANDERS and the Rev. E. JUDAH. (2S. net. S.P.C.K.) The First Six Centuries: Sketches from Early Church History. A Psychological and Poetic Approach to the Study of Christ in the Fourth Gospel. By EVA GORE-BOOTH. (8s. 6d. net. Longmans, Green.) The Book that Stands up to Life: The Influence of the Bible on History, Literature, and Oratory. By T. TIPLADY. (2s. 6d. net. The Religious Tract Society.) Suggested Syllabus of Religious Instruction (Graded for Children from 4 to 16 Years of Age): Drawn up in the Light of more than Five Years' Practical Use by some 3,000 Teachers. For Use in Council Schools. (Is. 6d. Macmillan.) Problems of the New Testament To-day. By R. H. Malden. (6s. 6d. net. Milford: Oxford University Press.) Prayers for School Services: A Book of Morning and Evening Prayers for Week-day Use in School Chapels. By the Rev. W. R. FLEX. (2s. net. S.P.C.K.) The Origin of Magic and Religion. By W. J. PERRY. (ás. net. Methuen.) Jesus Christ: His Life and Teaching. Arranged by EDITH E. R. MUMFORD. School Edition (Revised). (Is. Longmans, Green.) Greek Religious Thought: From Homer to the Age of Alexander. The Practical Teaching of Jesus of Nazareth as found in the SCIENCE. General Biology. By Prof. L. L. BURLINGAME, Prof. H. HEATH, Prof. E. G. MARTIN, and Prof. G. J. PEIRCE. (21s. net. Cape.) This book is the outcome of a conviction that certain aspects of modern biology-highly technical in themselves, yet of great practical importance to human progress can be presented intelligibly to the lay public. By stressing principles rather than details, the authors, four of the professors at Stanford University, California, have succeeded in giving a very clear and readable account of the essential vital phenomena in animals and plants, especially in their relation to human life. It includes a survey of the activities of protoplasm, of general physiology, of adaptations to environment, and of the interdependence of organisms as shown in symbiosis, parasitism, and diseases. The discussion of modern views of heredity and evolution is especially full. The book is attractively got up and well illustrated. Botany: A Junior Book for Schools. By Prof. R. H. Yapp. (3s. 6d. Cambridge University Press.) Of the many good introductions to botany, this is one of the best we have seen. Prof. Yapp has arranged his subject matter logically, and uses facts to lead up to and illustrate principles. Pupils working through the course here prescribed will not only get sound elementary ideas of plant life, but also a training in habits of accuracy and thoroughness. The scope of the book is that of the Junior University Local Examination in botany. The 159 illustrations are all original and exceptionally clear and helpful. Elementary Zoology for Medical Students. By Dr. L. A. BORRA DAILE. (10s. 6d. net. Frowde and Hodder & Stoughton.) The matter of this book is mainly drawn from the author's larger "Manual of Zoology," and the 243 excellent illustrations appear to be from the same admirable source. The introductory chapter, however, which gives a general survey of the working of the animal organism, is new. The book as a whole provides what is probably the most satisfactory account, to be found in any volume of its size, of the animal types studied in preparation for first medical examinations. (1) Recent Developments in Atomic Theory. By Prof. L. Graetz. Translated by Dr. G. BARR. (9s. net. Methuen.) (2) Radioactivity and the Latest Developments in the Study of the Chemical Elements. By Prof. K. FAJANS. Translated from the Fourth German Edition by T. S. WHEELER and W. G. KING. (8s. 6d. net. Methuen.) (3) Relativity: A Systematic Treatment of Einstein's Theory. By J. RICE. (18s. net. Longmans, Green.) Progress in theoretical and experimental physics has been so rapid in recent years that it is difficult for even the professional physicist to keep in touch with the most modern developments. Teachers and students alike owe a debt of gratitude to the authors of the three volumes under notice for having made available the results of recent research. (1) Prof. Leo Graetz of the University of Munich, has revised the subject matter of six lectures dealing mainly with the structure of the atom, and gives us a clear and scholarly account of the revolutionary views about atoms now held. The work, which is a good translation of the fourth German edition, will be of interest not only to students of physics and chemistry, but to the majority of people of a scientific turn of mind. (2) Prof. Fajans, also of the University of Munich, well known for his investigations in the field of radioactivity, provides a book of a somewhat more technical character, dealing mainly with the newer study of isotopes, touching also on the important results obtained from X-ray spectroscopy and on the investi gations of the constitution of the atom. Not the least valuable feature to the serious student will be the copious references to recent papers, and the systematic representation of the experimental data. It is of interest to observe that both authors are generous in their reference to the work of British physicists. (3) Books of a semi-popular character dealing with Relativity have been issued with prodigality, but Mr. Rice has undertaken, and has been remarkably successful in, the task of writing a systematic account of Einstein's theory. The book is intended primarily for the university student with a fair knowledge of mathematics, and will supply a felt want. All the most recent work is described, including an important paper just published by Einstein himself. (1) Practical Chemistry for High Schools. By Prof. H. B. DUNNICLIFF. (5s. Macmillan.) (2) Practical Chemistry. By Dr. G. MARTIN. Second Impression. (2s. 6d. net. Crosby Lockwood.) (1) Prof. Dunnicliff is professor of chemistry at the Government College, Lahore. His book appears to have been written to meet special requirements, and for these it is no doubt very well suited. It does not seem likely to appeal very much to the average school in Great Britain, but there are several points of interest in it which will prove of value to those engaged in the teaching of elementary chemistry. (2) Dr. Geoffrey Martin has a poor opinion of practical chemistry in schools. He says: The average schoolboy does not seem to possess the slightest idea of the necessity of care in carrying out experiments. He works in a mess and with a complete disregard of all the precautions necessary to ensure accuracy." If boys were born accomplished chemists, there would be no need to train them; we certainly doubt whether they would become accurate by using a book which employs such expressions as "setting free O," "indicating the presence of CO2," a solution of potassium hydrate," and sour bodies which turn red litmus blue are acids (1) The ABC of Atoms. " By B. RUSSELL. (4s. 6d. net. Kegan Paul.) (2) The New Physics: Lectures for Laymen and Others. By Prof. A. HAAS. Authorized Translation by Dr. R. W. LAWSON. (6s. net. Methuen.) (1) This book is a very successful attempt to render comprehensible to the layman recent work on the structure of matter. It is readable and accurate; the only weak point seems to us to be the author's efforts to explain the theory of quanta-while his argument here may easily be followed by any one who already has a knowledge of the subject, we feel that the general reader will become hopelessly at sea. (2) Prof. Haas's book is written with the same object as that of Mr. Russell and is, on the whole, better, though it presupposes an elementary acquaintance with chemistry and physics. Here the quantum theory is explained extraordinarily clearly, and the two books together should enable any intelligent person to obtain an adequate grasp of the general trend of modern theory on the constitution of matter. A First Year Experimental Chemistry. A Second Year Experimental Chemistry. By W. H. CRABB. (2s. net each. Mills & Boon.) These two modest books may be very strongly recommended to teachers of chemistry. In spite of their unassuming appearance they are the most excellent books of their kind which we have met with for some years, and they are evidently the work of one who is not only a chemist but a teacher of chemistry: two things which are by no means always synonymous. The method adopted is a skilful combination of what is best in the heuristic system with that which is of value in the method of direct teaching, and, in our opinion, it is along these lines that the teaching of science must advance in the future. There can be no doubt that the heuristic system pure and simple was an exaggeration-like leg-of-mutton sleeves, with which it was contemporary-and there has been a gradual but inevitable reversion to the direct method in the majority of schools in this country. At the same time, those points upon which the adherents of the heuristic method laid an excessive emphasis have been driven home, and the lesson has not been lost. The new method, admirably exemplified by the present books, is not a compromise; it is, rather, eclectic, and instead of being reactionary it really represents a distinct advance. We hope that such a capable exponent of it as Mr. Crabb will write a larger book on the same lines for more advanced students. (Continued on page 762) |