The record-union., 1893-12-09
new PUBLICATIONS.

Professor Edmund G. Atkinson of Sac
ramento has published his system of
bookkeeping in a neat volume entitled
Modern Methods in Bookkeepipg-a
comprehensive manual. containing labor
saving forms of accounts, practical in
struction in the composition of all kinds
of papers used in ordinary business trans
actions, and compilation of the laws
appertaining thereto" 1t is intended not
only for seli-instruction, but for use III
schools and colleges. We should say
that it is an effort to take bookkeeping
out of a good many ruts and put it
abreast of the times and modern develop
ments in business activity. From the ex-
animation that we have given 1t we ARISE
with the conviction that it is all advance,
an Improvement, an economic scheme OF
instruction. There is no padding in the
book; it is notable for its crispness, short,
clear sentences that are alive with in
struction. The volume sets whoever
takes 1t up for study at work from the
hrSt page, and keeps him at work,
and by easy, almost imperceptible
gradations, advances him from simple
l'into complicated business transactions.
Business paper is exemplified and de-
fined as soon as it appears in the memo
randa of transactions, so that the learner
pursues iDtelligently whatever he under
takes. As an evidence that the work is
abreast of the times, we note that the SUBJ
ject of department cash stores is intro
duced and their workings explained and
a methodical system of accounts given.
There is also a treatise upon the eleven
system" for the detection Of errors,
which of late has occupied the attention
Of expert accountants. An appendix to
the work on accounts contains two valu
able chapters on "Correspondence and
the Laws OF Business" The author be-
lieves that in instructing in bookkeeping
methods the practical is the only scheme,
that ''to do is the best and surest way to
know" Professor Atkinson gives the
student the result of experience, of tried
methods, of proved systems. He teaches
in this volume by example, rather than
by enunciation of rules and theories
The volume is of l59 pages, and contains,
beside treatise and examples for practice,
a great deal OF useful commercial in
formation.
The ARENA" (Boston) for December
contains l7S pages and comes to us in an
Illuminated cover. 1t is the free lance Of
the magazine world; bold to audacious-
ness, vigorous, assertive, aggressive yet
given to the doctrine of fair play and
free field. B. 0. Flower is an aggressive
writer and thinker. He strikes for what
he believes to be truth, no matter where
the blow iands-just the editor needed
for such magazine. The December
number opens volume g. and among the
papers it contains, besides the notes and
reviews, Stinson Jarvis on the ascent OF
Life" Professor Sunday on "Criticism,'
DR.. Henruldt on "Hindoo Magic" DIR.
Cooke on "Hypnotism in Modern Medi-
cine" Edgar Fawcett in a Poem to
Ingersoll," Hamlin Garland in a poem,
Julia Adrienne Herne in Character
Slratoh - r n ElOyUar Gt(1pral In Mac.
sey," Thomas l.. Brown on "Rent and
it's Place in the Distribution of Wealth."
and DIR. George G. Douglass on the
Restoration of the Bimetallic Standard
of Money"
Vogue" Fashion Company, New
York; comes to US weekly and most well
come. 1t is an authority on fashionable
and society life, correct in its presenta-
tion of new cOstumery and crisp and vig-
orous in its criticisms. Vogue" has
been by some sneered at as only the rep
resentative of the -Four Hundred of
New York, and therefore too far out Of
sympathy with the great public. We
have not found it truculent or lacking in
fairness or courage, and certainly not in
freedom from restraint and in clean-cut
and understandable English. 1t is al
ways handsomely illustrated, and we find
its pages full Of the interest that relates to
society and the movement of society peo-
pie and the thought of that class. 1t gives
US an insight, therefore, into phase of
life thas is well to understand.
The most important medical article in
the December number of "Babyhood'' is
one on "Diphtheria," by DR.. G. c.. Stout.
DIR. w. Mendelson, in an article on "Pre-
paratory Education for the Sickroom,"
lays stress on the importance of accus-
toming children early to look upon the
physician as their friend. DR.. Yale,
answers questions as to bow-legs,
night-nursing, insomnia, etc. There
are many practical suggestions concern
ing Christmas toys, baby's wardrobe,
novelties for the sickrOom, etc. Baby
hood" enters upon its tenth year with the
present number. Babyhood Publish
ing Company, New York.
m"Outing" for December has complete
story, mistress Marian" by Frances S.
Williams, and "a Medley of the Midway
Plaisance." by A. B. Ward. 1t is rich in
illustration, varied in matter, and to
sportsmen, cyclers, anglers, drivers, ath
Ietes and gymnasts and lovers of the
great recreation field of nature "Outing"
has no successful rival in the field it SO
admirably and fully fills.
'The Cottage HEARTH (Boston) Efor
Christmas is a timely, seasonable and
cheerful number. 1t is well filled with
good reading, information, illustration
and story. 1t is a thoroughly good, clean,
wholesome family magazine.