New-York tribune., 1900-12-15

THE TRANSIT OF CIVILIZATION FROM ENG
TEESrH AT ~ m II A5vs4d LE Eseissto1 s5iSEA-
Octave, pp. tx. sii D. Appleton q CO.
Dr. Eggleston has made an important contri-
hutton in this book 10 a proper understanding
Of seventeenth century civilization. The two
hundred years that separate its modes Of think
ing and its principles Of conduct from our own
sTsn gulf whose width We seldom realize. The
special purpose OF the book, as indicated in its
title is 10 point out the quality of the civiliza-
uon that was brought here by the English
pioneers and that formed the basis Of the cult
ure we now possess How far It differed from
present day civilization in essential things is
not easy 10 comprehend. We gather in a gen
eral way from histories and antiquarian studies
that they were a quaint people two and three
hundred years ago. who di6 without many
things thst make modern life what IL is: that
they spelled remarkably; that they kept the
sabbath vigorously. and were in various ways
queer according 10 our ideas But how funda-
mental were the differences OF standpoint OF
standards OF conduct, OF outlook on the world
N general we are not apt 10 appreciate When
fhe facts are marshaled together as Dr. Fgvles.
Tor as marshalle6 them We seem almost 70 he
living in different world. His book Is not q
large one, but il is orammed full OF the fruits
oi notable erudition and tireless research. pre-
rrenCnanf
NlgoF, and with now and again a delightful
sense OF the humor Of the situation as II shane.
i'sei 70 the modern mind. Through IL all there
Is an alluTing skin in the composition Of a vivid
picture. Almost every statement he makes is
suostanuated by citations OF CHAPTER ana versa
IN contemporary authority. These references are
srransed conveniently with a system OF sid.
headings on the outer margin Of the page. ana
there is stil further collection OF notes AZ N.
enc OF each chapter
We are apt 70 think OF the seventeenth century
IA me brilliant glow OF Shakespeare and JON
son and Milton and the other great names ,ha,
are reflected upon it's literary ana arti.t,c b,s~
tory. DR.. Eggleston points cut thar n IS onIv
misleading 70 remember them in reckoning the
mental outht OF the early comers 20 America
The enigrants had no considerable part IA The
higher intellectual life OF the age They were
governed by TIE grosser modes OF thought thar
prevalent II the last age that soprb,
knowledge Of physical things by deduction.
Unbiased observation of nature was not though,
o. Strange remnants OF the medieval rnvstie
philosophy survived in many departments OF
human activity, and strongly Influenced. when
they oid not control, mems conduct The EARN
was stin thought 70 be the centre Of the up,-
verse The sun, moon, stars and planets s,n
neV0lVeo around II, TO tighten the paths OF men
or az least, 70 twinkle them, 70 lord I, o,,s-
plants and animals. 10 indicate the nature AZ
diseases and 20 foretell 10 the expert the for,,,
OF The future" Farmers had many things 20
observe brushwood must be cut in certain
signs Of the zodiac. and in the decrease of ,hs
moon that II might not grow again: firewood
on tnf contrary IN its increase. Timber. 10 sast
must be cur in the moons last quarter. co,oe,s
were source OF dread 70 everybody ana ,he
clergy busted itself exp ming their signincanos
OF The wrath q God. Sun more grotesoue were
me prevailing ideas on natural history viii
which Dr. Eggleston fills several amusing pages
chiefly as 20 the spontaneous generation OF vart-
Gus animals. Lord Bacon himself laid down The