The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1850-08-11


We are indebted to our friends Taylor Maury for
the following new works. copies Of which may be OBJ.
tanned at their store, on Pennsylvania avenue;
Dies Borsaissj or chfoph9 uads Cansa BY Professor
JOHN WHsos, IL mo-, large, pp 1858. A. HARr. Phila-
delpba.
We must acknowledge the great dexht afforded us by
this charming work, the title Of which we perverted in
our communion with the great Christopher during what
in his humor may term Noctes Boeates Professor
Wilson and his works are familiar TO israisys that
altogether needless to speak OF his claims on public
consideration His Noctes Ambrosans and Recreatiors
OF Christopher North alone have made for him friends
and admirers in every portion Of the world where the
English language is known. In advanced age he
now under canvass" and with still the same
charm attached to every word there expressed The
FIRST day opens al sunrise at Cadsh Lochawe side, with
Christopher surrounded by his friends and never was
Nature, landscape and its accessories. wildly
transferred paper by the artists touch than in his de-
scrption Of the scene of their encampment
The book really makes forget his identity; and we
in reality to form one of the group enjoying the
highland breeze by his side, SWIMMING the deep loch,
casting the fly in the mountain pools, listening to the
words OF eloquent wisdom falling from his lips.
With choice companions, and all the charm OF unpre
medated conversation, subjects Of the deepest interest
are discussed in his manly focibe style the beauties of
Homer, Virgil. Gray, Milton, Shakespeare, and others,
their theme, and charms opened to our
view by their skilful commentator.
The book filled with gems Of learning, philosophy,
and criticism. from which many might be culed and
treasured as the apothegms OF Christopher.
The Paantom Worid, from the French Of CA.MKT. with
by the Rev. HENRY CHRIsrMAs, M A., vols. Ia
/ J. mo-, large, PIP. 4A A. HAKr, Pnnade,Phis
/ Augustine Calmet, the author Of this quaint and GU
rious production, French abbot of the earlier por
ton OF the seventeenth century, whose theological pro-
auctions received with the greatest respects and so
valuable were his commentaries the Scriptures es
teemed. that the offer OF bishopric made to the
learned author, and declined further proof Of their
merit may be adduced in the fact that they were trans
lated in less than six languages in ten years. and at
the present day are considered standard authority His
erudilon well qualified him forthe accumulation OF
this great mass Of legends and apparent facts which may
well serve history and philosophy Of spirits and
apparitons The superstition of his age is well known
and even the distinguished minds at that period
parook, less, OF the belief which at the present
day has dwindled into the lowest popular prejudice.
These legends and superstitons Camet industriousy
collected and arranged in groups for the purposes of
philosophical investigations and he expressly states that
his aim not to foment superstition, feed the
vaincuriosiy of Missionaries The collection may then, be
esteemed exponent in measure OF the ntelec-
tual condition Of the secular age, and for that reason
worthy Of consideration, well for the occa-
sonal light throws upon monastc processes. and the
religious belief and practlcesof the epoch As curious
supplement history therefore, we think the book well
worthy Of place in Oery ones library.
The Uaify of the H1sas Races. BY the Rev. THOMAS
SArrH, D. D. I2no., PIP. 4Oa. GEoRoE r. PUTNAM, New
| York. Fias
The subect-matter Of this volume has long since given
rise argument in the scientific world and as there are
but partial data upon which Just decision could be
based it is not wonderful thai the greatest diversity OF
opinion should have existed Very recently the distin
guished naturalist Agassz. promulgated his opinion on
the subject, and stated that although he looked upon
man forming unity, yet there undoubted diver
sity in the origin of the sketch OF these opin-
has been published and to be regretted that the
professor did not expand his views, and enter into
satisfactory detail on interesting subject, and
concerning which his voice has such right be heard
We understood Professor A. in his outline to admit that
mankind form unit but to insist that there vari-
ees forming the great class yet totally distinct from each
other He seems unwilling also to grant that the natural
causes work upon globe could have produced the
numerous variations from an original type.
/ In his examination OF the subject he introduces two
great classes oil men, ermng them the historical and
hisiorcato the former OF which, as laid down in bib
cal history, he attributes the origin of the white races
alone.
For support OF his argument he passes scrptural
authority he has assumed be undoubted as far
as historical concerned but in investigating
the origin OF the Others he depends upon the anaoges
which, have always held in geological Investigations
and it seems TO that analogy, though termed the
weakest form Of metaphysical argument has far more
claim on our consideration when the subject is purely
one OF natural history.
/ Dr. Smyth, who is well known as learned theologi-
cal writer, has taken part in the Charleston conversa
tons this subject and for many years. he States il has
/ formed for him the topic OF anxious consideration.
In It's discussion he has divided his book into the rea
tons Scripture reason, and SCIENCE forming his conclu
sions from the testimony OF ether DIVISION but by
means of cumulative argument, based upon the data 10
be cleaned from the whole His great theological acquire
have well fitted him to adduce and coate all the
lights the Scriptures Afford and there are many bril-
liant ones, admit AS far as reason is concerned
his argument bears the stamp Of clear, logical mind,
and his scientific knowledge appears be Of the highest
order That the subject is most interesting Is undoubted
yet il OF mixed probabilities and doubts
and DR.. Smyth himself admits that the argument is
one Of probability always tending to greater certainty,
though II may be incapable OF reaching that which
complete" The author earnestly to have brought
every faculty to bear upon his subject in order that his
conclusions might be complete and think as far as
his power, his duty has been faithfully performed
and will be satisfactory to many though have not the
slightest doubt that he must prepare himself for criticism
from many We venture predict that the book
will meet with an extensive circulation and careful
perusal.
| The hitiafs A Story Of Modrw Life 8 vols. In l. A
HAar, Philadelphia.
The above reprint from the London edition. is novel
composed oil sketches OF German everyday life and man
ners, by who has evidently been sojourner in or
perhaps native OF the land The poia OF the story seems
to be-" know that which before us lies in daily life Is
4 IL. - -. =