The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-05-26

selection Of them for the new Hebrides; popu-
laiion Of the islands, religion of the heather,
their idea Of the creation, of future state,
their omens, their supersltions, their dances,
their musical instruments, their amuscments,
their births, their marriages and courtships, their
adoption Of children, their burias, their mourn
ing, their manners and appearance, their dress,
improvements on the ancient dress, iaiooing,
their manufacture oftapa and mats, Samoan canoes,
ooat-song, houses Of the natives, their lights, their
food, their habits, their molangas, their punshments
Tor crime, their wars their olos their peace making,
Classes OF Samoan society, allotment Of lands, mode
OF government descent Of chieftsinshp and ceremo-
MES at the Fonos" Each one of these topics refer
ring TO The Samoan islands, is treated with ability
and ease.
This nth chapter throws an interest around those
islands which they have never heretofore possessed
at least in the estimation of the American reading
public.
We cannot do this volume Justice, without bearing
witness that each and every chapter is full of inter-
esing and improving matter.
DicrioNARI or PRACTICAL MEDICINE, comprising
general pathology, the nature and treatment of dis
eases, morbid structures, &C., by James COPELAND,
M. D. F. R. s., edited, with additions, by Charles
A, Lee, M. D.; New York, Harpeu 4 Brothers,
One should be physician by profession to un-
ders'and and appreciate work like this. We shall
therefore not pretend to crtcise ts professional mer
ITS; but we must be permitted TO remark that both
DOCTORS COPELAND and Lee, whose names are con-
nected with this book, hold such high rank az sci
entihc physicians and practitioners tha. their names
II connection with il win insure the work
prompt and favorable reception on the mart of the
profession. The medical literature Of the day is
far in advance of the legal in one important re-
qusite for the general spread of professional knowl
edge--we mean IN cheap publications. It has been
matter of surprise with us that law publishers
are still so far behind the custom of the age as re-
CARDS every other department Of literature. As the
expense of obtaining legal knowledge decreases, SO
will theamount of such knowledge dfused among
all classes of society increase; and as that increases
just SO will litigation decrease; for gross ignorance
of the law is the parent of half the suits before
the courts Of the world. Mr.. Franck Taylor, book
seller, has this work for sale.
PLATo AGAINST THE Atheists, or the tenth book
of the Dialogue on Laws, accompanied with criti-
cal notes and followed by extended dissertations
on some of the main points of the Piatonic phlos-
ophy and theology, especially as compared with
the holy Scriptures; by Taylor Lewis, L. L. D..
professor Of the Greek language and literature in
the university in the city of New York; New York,
Harper e. Brotl srs, l645.
This book is designed to reconcile Pato's system
OF philosophy with the theory Of Christianity and
to diffuse more general knowledge Of the princi-
Piles upon which the great philosopher based his
system of morals. We should suppose that il would
not be greater acquisition to the theological student
than to the general inquirer in the moral and mental
philosophy Of other days. Its author also designs
It text book for the senior classes in our col
ieges. The casual examination which we have
been forced to give this work will not enable us to
judge how far it is suited to this aforementioned
purpose. We are among those who shall always
advocate high standard Of both mental and pract-
cal philosophy as the basis of the programme Of
studies to be taught in our sennaries Of learning;
and shall therefore take pleasure in noticing every
step towards famiarizing our own lierati with the
views and principles of the illustrous of past ages
upon the great moral truths, which are no less i'm
portan at the present time than when Socrates and
Plato taught
Mr.. Franck Taylor, bookseller, has placed on our
table the 18th number of Harpers Illuminated and
new pictorial Bible, New York; and numbers 40
and SO Of Harper's Illuminated and illustrated
Labour Lost New York.
The illustrated Bible comes to us as beautifully
printed as the former numbers Of the Same work,
while the illustrations are much more to our taste
as they are remarkably simple, chaste and in strict
keeping with the text This we consider decided
improvements for, in illustrating the holy Scriptures,
the benevolent design of attracting general aud par
ticular attention to the subect-mater of the text,
should be the main object of the artist. We can
and do admire the treasures and beauties of art
with which this work abounds. But To our mind,
the practical utility Of this edition of the holy Scrip
lures Is so striking, that in its contemplation we are
prone to forget that love for works Of artiscal
skill and genius is being grad6ed There is hardly
one child in a hundred who would willingly permit
any number Of Harper's illuminated and new picto-.
rial Bible to be taken of its banda until the text
referring to each picture had been thoroughly ex-
planned 10 his comprehension. Every one will be
satisfied Of this fact on rejecting upon his own
bright resolections Of the picture-book" literature
Of his infancy Twas indeed happy thoughtto apply
this simple method Of fixing lasting Impressions
upon the mind Of youth--to aid in nculcating eter-
nal moral truths, upon the practice Of which the
true happiness and prosperity Of every individual
Turns. The day is not far distant whom every
ather Of family who desires to see his children
grow up respectable men and good citizens, will feel
/ a matter Of moral duty to provide them with an
Illustrated family Bible for daily and hourly refer
snce, study, and amusement.