The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1871-06-17
DAILY PRESS.
PORTLAND
Recent Publications.
SATURDAY, JUNE II, 1871.

1.-THE Physical Cause of the Death os
Christ, ard its Relations to the Prlnciples and
Practice OF Christianity" by William Stroud.
nj. d., with letter on the subject by Sir
James Y. Simpson, Bart, M. D., published
by ID. Appleton g. Co., New York, is a book
destined TO secure permanent and hon.
orable. place among standard theological
works. 1t is the production of a mas
ter mind-the well ripened fruit OF a quarter
of centur}'s vigorous and careful thinking,
reflection and investigation. Not page but
attests the wisdom, the learning, the fidelity,
the thoroughness of its author and proves
his wonderful adaptation to the work in hand
In bookof this description it is indispensable.
that ability, originality, and thorough schol-
arship should be apparent in every line, and
II these be lacking, no felicity of expression,
no charm of style can atone therefor, or give
value to the book. DIR. Stroud's book lacks
in neither of these particulars. The author
was remarkable man and singularly en-
dowed. He seemed to possess every qualif-
cation neeAssa-v -" ...,.Le his work MASTER
piece. His acquaintance with medical sub
jeets and medical literature was not less pro-
found than his knowledge of the Bible and
theology in general. His mental discipline
and culture was vastly superior to that of most
men who acquire the reputation of ibeing
scholars, and he brought 10 the performance
of his task an all absorbing interest in the
subject of which he was TO treat.
The chief object of the work is to de-
monstrate an important physical fact connect
ed with the death of Christ, and to point out
its relation to the principles and practice of
christianity. The authors opinion is that
the death of Christ was not the mere result of
crucifixion, but that he died from ruptured
or broken heart. The latter part of the trea
tise is devoted to an able demonstration of
the great truths of the gospel, derived from
internal evidence.
The old but wonderful "story of the cross''
and the immensity of Christ's sacrifice for
sinful race, becomes by the aid of this book
more touching and impressive than ever, and
the information gained from its perusal gives
intense and added interest to all subsequent
perusals ot the "simple story" of the Redeem
er's death. (For sale by Bailey & Noy es.)
The want OF series of literal translatons
of the Greek and Latin authors who are usu-
ally studied in the American course of Aca-
demic, classical, and collegiate education, has
been long felt by the most intelligent and as
siduous classical teachers. That they are cap
able OF being abused by the indolent and un-
faithful pupil is no plea against their utility
when employed in their legitimate place. A
translation of an ancient writer into English,
as perfectly literal as is permitted by the idi-
oms of the respective languages, affords an
invaluable aid to the instructor in the accom-
pshment OF his arduous task. II executed
with fidelity and skill, it saves much time and
labor in the consultation of dictionaries, and
embodies the best results OF pathological acu-
| men and research in the shortest possible
space.
The new classical library now being pub
lished by Harper g. Brothers, New York, sup
plies the want above referred to-, and has
been welcomed by the whole corps of Amer
lean classical teachers. The important uses
OF such works in their daily vocatlons are too
obvious TO require discussion. Nor is the in
terest of the series confined to teachers alone.
Every reading man. though destitute of a
knowledge of the ancient languages, feels
laudable curiosity 10 form an acquaintance
withs the Incompatible models OF Iiterary
art which they have preserved. In the liter
al translations with which he is furnished by
this series he will find the information
he seeks, enabling him to comprehend cur
rent classical illusions with facility, TO become
familiar with the true spirit of the ancients.
and to share in conversation and studies
which presuppose a knowledge of Greek and
Romah antiquity. Livy tbooks 10 3O) in
two volumes has been received by Loring,
Short & Harmon. Price $3.50 per volume.
"Sophocles," one of the series of Harper's
Greek and Latin texts, is also for sale at Lor-
ing, Short & Harmon's.
This series has been carefully prepared
from the best editions, and handsomely print
ed, and is intended to supply cheap and ae-
curate editions of the classics, which shall be
superior in mechanical execution to the small
German editions heretofore used in this coun-
try, and more convenient in form. In flexi-
be covers. Price rs cents.
"Ralph the Heir" by Anthony Trollope with
illustrations) Published by Harper &
Brothers. New York. For sale by Lorme.
Short & Harmon.
This novel is conceived and written in the
authors happiest vein, aud fully sustains his
fine reputation as a discriminating observer
| and faithful delineator of human nature.
/. To construct story with but little plot
without single monstrosity, with no heart
rending scenes, NO hair breadth escapes, no
| sickly or exaggerated sentiment, and with
put a single catastrophe, with such perfect fl
deity to nature as To arouse and m aintain an
absorbing interest in the reader, is to our
mind the evidence of genius. "Ralph the
Heir" answers to this description. The char
| acters are skilfully drawA, and the mar
ative progresses so quietly and naturally
that one almost feels that "Ralph the Heir"
| and Ralph who was not the heir, the Under
wood girls, old Neeft and Polly, Ontario
Moggs and Mary Bonner are real personages,
whose acquaintance he has recently formed,
and with whom he has been living and talk &.
ing and riding and dining very much to his
| satisfaction and enjoyment.
Polly Neeft, the breeches makers pretty
daughter, is the most charming character we
have met with for many day. Indeed she
is a model of propriety and common sense.
and not to know her as she is presented in
this book is to miss the acquaintance of very
| superior young woman.
| The canvass and election of members of
Parliament gives one good idea of the ex-
citement, corruption and eloquence usual up
on such occasions, while the habits of life and
habits of thought of English gentlemen and
English tradesmen are trutbfully described.
The several love affairs are so managed that
those capable of loving truly are rewarded
for their constaEcy, while those incapable OF
anything better than an affectatiOn of the ten
der passion meet with their just deserts.
can inquiry into the Albany and Susque.
hanna railroad litigations OF 1860, and MIR.
David Dudley Fields connection Herewith =
by George Ticknor Curtis, is published in
pamphlet form by d. Appleton & Co., New
York, and is for sale by Bailey & Noyes.
Mr.. Curtis "opinion" was drawn up at the
request of an intimate OF Mr.. Fields, who