New editions of his works were issued, popular reprints of the Discours de la Méthode were published for the use of schools; and, in a word, it seemed as if the friends of M. Cousin had determined upon considering a philosophical structure founded upon Cartesianism as the only creed which should be proposed to the intellectual faith of modern France. This frenzy is now somewhat spent; but it would be ungrateful in us not to acknowledge that amongst the historical works which we owe to the eclectic school, M. Damiron's essay really holds a conspicuous place. By way of introduction, the author gives us a rapport or compte-rendu which he had to submit to the French Institute on the results of a competition, the subject of which was the history of Cartesianism; then we find a series of chapters devoted to accounts of Descartes himself, his adversaries, and his disciples. It has been the fashion with many French writers absurdly to praise Descartes at the expense of Bacon; and in the Soirées de Saint Pétersbourg, more particularly, Count Joseph de Maistre has treated the author of the Novum Organum with an animosity which would be quite painful if it was not by its very virulence harmless and simply ridiculous. On this outburst of spite M. Damiron has a valuable note, to which we can but refer our readers. The intolerant champion of the spiritualist doctrines maintained by ultra-Catholicism, could not forgive him whom he considered as the Protestant upholder of that Sensationalism which led to the religious indifference of the seventeenth, and the positive irreligion of the eighteenth, centuries. ‘Aussi,' says M. Damiron, 'sa philosophie de Bacon, au lieu d'être, comme il aurait ри la faire, un grand livre de critique, n'est qu'un pamphlet plein de verve et d'un esprit peu commun sans doute, mais où se mêlent très souvent à des traits qui touchent au génie, des emportements et de boutades, un ton et une façon de discuter qui ne sont pas toujours du meilleur sens ni du meilleur goût. Bacon méritait une autre justice.'

That fierce style of controversy which is stamped on most of Count de Maistre's writings is fortunately growing quite out of fashion, and contemporary philosophers carry on their discussions in a much more gentlemanly manner. We may and we should detest evil under all its shapes; but we need not on that account be wanting in courtesy towards those who often adopt doctrines without weighing the consequences to which these doctrines will lead, and who would disclaim as earnestly as we do ourselves the inferences we draw from their theories, if they were made aware of them. This way of understanding controversy, this truly Christian method of enforcing the truth, was one of the most eminent qualities of a man whom it has pleased God to snatch prematurely (as we deem) from the midst of us, and who seemed destined to fill for many years to come a distinguished position in the Church and in the scientific world. The pamphlets published on the occasion of the death of Professor Bartholmèss, even examined in that light alone, would be highly interesting; and we cannot close this résumé more appropriately than by recommending to our readers those final memorials of a man who appears to us to have been a genuine type of the Christian savant.

*La Vie et les Travaux de Christian Bartholmèss.-Discours Prononcés aux Funérailles de M. Ch. Bartholmèss. 8vo. Grassart.

Brief Literary Notices.

567

MISCELLANEA.

The Science of Beauty, as developed in Nature and applied in Art. By D. R. Hay, F.R.S.E. Blackwood and Sons. 1856. The works of Mr. Hay are numerous, and most of them relate to the scientific principles of beauty. The present volume is an epitome of all the others; it will put the reader in possession of the author's theory, and show him at one view how thoroughly it is verified and sustained in every department of the arts.-The Metaphysicians: being a Memoir of Frank Carvel, Brushmaker, written by Himself; and of Harold Fremdling, Esquire, written, and now re-published, by Francis Drake, Esq. Longman and Co. 1857. Seldom has so pleasant a book come forth with so unpromising a title. The first Memoir is designed to ridicule the transcendental philosophy of Kant. It is full of a quaint mirth, and evinces no little genius in the writer for refined and humourous fiction. The second Memoir is not so much to our taste, but marked with the same originality and power. Owe no Man anything: a Discourse on Commercial Morals, preached in Hope Street Chapel, Liverpool. By James Martineau. Longman and Co. We are glad to meet the able author of this sermon on common ground, and to say how well he occupies it. Mr. Martineau shows equal fidelity and skill in enforcing the claims of a high Christian morality in relation to commercial life; and we hope to see his admirable Discourse largely circulated.-Christ in the Wilderness: or, Practical Views of our Lord's Temptation. By Luke H. Wiseman. London. 1857. A wise, good book; full of practical and sound theology; distinguished by moderation, simplicity, and judgment. Mr. Wiseman has avoided many faults into which this fascinating theme had led more speculative theologians; and his abstinence is further rewarded by a positive success,-by a better insight into its deep significance, and a freer command of its invaluable lessons.-Union with Christ. By the Rev. Henry W. Williams, Author of The Life of the Redeemer.' This little work may range with the foregoing; it treats with similar discretion another subject of the highest moment, and is equally entitled to the reader's confidence. From how many works of larger volume and louder pretension must this simple praise be withheld!-Funeral Services occasioned by the Death of the late Rev. John Harris, D.D., Principal of New College. Edited by the Rev. T. Binney. Ward and Co. An interesting memorial, consisting of three several Addresses.-Wise to Win Souls. A Memoir of the Rev. Zephaniah Job. By Sarah S. Farmer. This is in every way a model book, and one to which the evil-minded critic must bring the fault he finds. Mr. Job appears to have been a beautiful example of the Christian character, both in his private and ministerial sphere. His matured graces, his refined intelligence, his practical and daily wisdom, form a delightful study; and Miss Farmer does every justice to these merits in a calm, appreciative, and perfect manner. The most delicate literary tact, and the purest estimate of Christian virtue, are equally evinced in the compilation of this little volume. We commend it without qualification or reserve.-Early Death not Premature: being a Memoir of Francis L. Mackenzie, late

of Trinity College, Cambridge, with Notices of Henry Mackenzie, Scholar of Trinity College, Cambridge. By the Rev. Charles P. Miles, M.A., M.D., F.L.Ś. Constable and Co. 1857. Another memorial, also full of interest; but this time the memorial is of early promise, and the interest especially for the studious and the young. Perhaps a little condensation would improve this excellent work; but for many ardent readers there is not a line too much.-Glimpses of our Island Home. By Mrs. Thomas Geldart. The pre-Norman history of Britain is the subject of this little volume, which is made very entertaining, in spite of its remote and unpromising nature.-The History of England made Easy. By Two Sisters. York. 1852. Another modest effort to be useful; and one that deserves a measure of success. -The Peripatetic Papers. A work by different authors of indifferent merit. Some of the Papers are better than others—but that is only because some are worse. The essay on 'Cowper and his Times' is perhaps the most readable, and that on the 'Plurality of Worlds' is certainly the least so. We could not get beyond the first sentence of the latter, wherein the sage delivereth himself as follows: Once upon a time a grub woke to consciousness on a cabbage.' A man who starts with the idea that the earth is a cabbage and himself a grub, is perhaps not the best fitted to discuss the cosmical relations of our planet, and we recommend him to stick to the cabbage.-Quiet Hours. By the Rev. John Pulsford. Second Edition. Edinburgh. 1857. A beautiful book of thoughts; full of the ripest wisdom of the heart. It testifies at once to the clearness and profundity of Christian truth, which the reader here beholds as in the waters of a lovely archipelago, reflecting a thousand objects of nature, and revealing by glimpses the inestimable jewels in its depths.-Inaugural Lectures, delivered at the Liverpool Ladies' College, during its first Session, in 1857. London: Hamilton, Adams, and Co.; Liverpool: Howell. A volume highly creditable to the town of its production, to its institutions, its teachers, and its literary spirit. The first and last lectures, both by Mr. Cranbrook, are particularly good. So also is that by Signor Zandotti, who betrays a fine enthusiasm while discoursing on the history of his native tongue, the beautiful lingua Toscana,

INDEX.

Brewerton's 'War in Kansas,' reviewed, Damiron's 'Essai sur l'Histoire de la Phi-
517

the division of time into weeks? 401-Diatheekee, Covenant, not Testament,
sanctification of the seventh day, 402—
science and impertinence, 405-geology
and the Mosaic record, 407-connexion
of the Old and New Testaments, 408-
distinction of moral and positive prc-

throughout the Book commonly called
the New Testament: or, The Old and
New Covenants the proper Title for the
Bible,' reviewed, 453
'Dictionnaire des Sciences philosophiques,

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