New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1857-01-07
NEW PUBLICATIONS.


BRowXsos, ". A. 2yo,s I21no. b. L J. Ssdlics CO.
The author of this work was one of the most emf
nent philosophical writers in the modern Catholic
Church Born in Catalonia in the year 1917, he en-
Joy the most ample opportunities for thorough early
education which were at that time accessible in Spain.
His thir,t for learning which became more intense as
he grew older was d passion with him from boyhoOd
Al the sge oftwenty.wo be had mastered the contents
Of an extraordinary number of volumes, had learned
the French language and had attained even greater
proficiency in the Latin than in his native tongue Hi
acquisitions in Theology and philosophy were on pro-
porticps scale He soon commen Fed his career "a an
author devo,ns himself mainly 10 historical and pot
cal subjects During the sgita,ions which made his
country the prey of civil strife he pursued moderate
.nd conciliatory course, and was regarded as the
champion g the policy which aimed at " the recon-
Citation Of re past and the future, OF authority
and liberty, of monarchy and representative govern
ment" But bis public labors were destined to be of
comparatively short duration. II was scarcely eight
wears from the time of his frs; appearance as writer
when he was cut off in the flower Of his age. He died
in 1919, leaving behind him reputation for genius,
learning and pbiosopbie depth, III which he has few
equals among living Catholic authors.
The work, now presented for the first time in sn
English dress by Mr.. D. T. Brownson, is regarded as
the masterpiece Of the author, and has been pro-
nounced by one of the most learned authorities on the
subject the greatest work, taken as whole that has
b. en- published on the foundations of philosophy 10 the
nineteenth century,. Ii Is devoted to the investiga-
titn of the conditions of knO Wedge and the origin and
validity Of the primary intuons and ideas ct the hui
man mind. Starting from the intuition Of extension
and the idea Of being, it dedu,es all objective sens
bity from the former and the pure Intellectual order
in what reates TO indeternae ideas from the latter
THUS from the idea Of being. proceed the ideas OF
Identity unity number duration, the finite and inf
nte the necessary and contingent substance and acci
dent cause and effect, and other categones of SINH
lar character. In the subjective order, the author I'll
lows Cou.n in the diviriOn Of the facts of conscious
1ess into sensiblity Including sentiment as well as
sensationl intelligence and WILL Extension, considered
in III pure ideal character thus forms the basis OF geom-
ttry, and in relation with human seusibihty, gives
rise 10 the natural sciences, which have the cor
poreal universe ff their object. Intelligence
produces the sciences of ideOlogy and psy-
chology. ard the will gives birth to the moral
scieucep In the course of his inquiries, Bimes
subu it, the theories of Locke Condlac, Kant, Fichte,
ScLellpg, and Spnoza t. rigid critical analysis, aud
views Of great interest to the student OF pho-
ot heal specuaiions The work is introduced with an
elaborate essay by the father of the translator Dr. w.
A. Biosnson who remarks that ut is admirably
adspted to the present state Of the English and Amer
can mind, and admirably fitted to prepare the way for
the laboration Of positive philosophy worthy OF the
nsme. We bad nothing in the English to compare with
il, ard It is far better adapted to the English and
Am, ricsn genius than the misty specuaton' we are
inn oring and attempting TO naturaze from Germ any
Without asserting TO the justice of this comparative
estimate We believe that the work OF Balnnes may
serve valuable purpose in supplying the defects OF
the Germsn writer's allu1edtO aud ID furnishing cricai
suggestions in regard TO their statements which, the
absence of d complete ard definite system, may prove
an aid ard not hinderNce IN the pursuit OF truth.
Balmes exhibits uDcommOnly fair mind 10 the DIS
Jon of the opinions which he controvers Heneyer
the doctrines of bis opponents although he
cedu es conclusions from their premises OF which they
would dsclam the legitimacy He shows rare talent
for analysis exemplary patience in seeking for the
fist Il. ns of the facts Of consciousness ana an i
perturbabe good temper in discussing the errors when
be attempts TO correct. Although devoted adhereht
Of IN. Catholic Church. the p int of view from which
he regards the subjects of his treatise IL above the
plsre of theological differences He mcy accordingly,
be consulted with satisacon by the general student Oh
philosopty, and the appearance of bis work IN an En-
el,h tran ation must be deemed signhcalt event III
tie philosophical literature OF our country.
We have not mad an opportunity Of examining the
original work but we can scarcely hesitate to rely upon
the inr1 sic character of the translation for It's hdety
both TO the spirit and the Ian. usge Of the writer 1t
shows great familiarity with the nomenclature OIL
modern philosophy nice sense Of the force OF dis
crir !, atipg terms and is clothed in q masculine and
.1pr.tsive oictOn.