Los Angeles herald., 1909-02-07
REVIEWS OF RECENT BOOKS

DIR. Edward Westermarck's new book
on 'The Origin and Development of
Ideas" completes study which in it's
unfinished state was pronounced to be
unique of it's kind, an achievement that
called forth the highest admiration and
praise, though perhaps there appeared
no truer appreciation than that of an
able article in the University Review,
from which the following is an ex-
tract:
DIR. Westermarck belongs to no ac-
cepted school of moralists. He indorses
neither the humanist nor the religious
views of society. He is neither an
utilitarian nor an institutionalist. He
is both an anthropologist and histo-
rian; he is also a sociologist and a
traveller. This, added to a remarkable
erudition, scientific temper, felicity
and abundance of illustration, and q
clear and vigorous style, gives us
contribution of ethics, psychology and
sociology which is undoubtedly of the
first rank, and, in our opinion, the most
comprehensive and luminous work
which has vet been written on the
subject"
The first volume in it's Introductory
chapters describes the subject matter
and its practical usefulness; discusses
the emotional origin of moral judg-
ments. the nature of moral emotions.
and their development The analysis
of the principal concepts leads to con-
sideration of customs and laws as the
expression of moral ideas. The whole
is far from being a theoretical presen-
tation; it is a patient, thorough inVes-
tgation of the attitude of all kinds of
people, ancient and modern, barbarous
and civilized, in circumstances which
throw light upon the subjects dis
cussed. 1t becomes particularly inter
esting when, the author arrives at the
results of his investigation of the or
igin and history of specific moral ideas
homicide, and the extent to which the
iGea of its criminality is Influenced by
distinctions of class or relationship;
human sacrifice, the dusel, bodily inju-
ries, charity and generosity. hospital
ity, the subjection of children and
wives, and slavery in general.
The second volume embraces many
subjects of perhaps wider general in
terest than its predecessor. 1t reviews
the ethical ideas that have risen in
connection with the right of property
the regard for truth and good faith
the respect for other mems honor and
self-regarding pride = politeness = re-
gard for other persons happiness in
general, gratitude. patriotism and cos
Observation-Disclosures sentiment
suicide, self-regarding duties and vir-
tues, industry, reSt-reStrictions in diet
cleanliness and uncleanliness, asceti-
cism in general-marriage celibacy-
free love and adultery-regard for the
lower animals-regard for the dead
cannibalisn-belief in supernatural be-
mgs-duties to gods-gods as guardians
of morality.
The Origin and Development of the
Moral Ideas BY DR.. Edward Wester-
marck. New York: Macmillan & Co.
The aim of Essentials in Civil
Government" intended for the last
years of grammar school and the
first years of the high school, is to es-
tablish high political ideals, to pro-
mote good citizenship. incidentally it
teaches many important facts concern
ing the forms and workings of our gov
ernment. Each lesson in civics is made
lesson in political ethics. Good citi-
zenship is recognized to be an affair
both of the head and of the heart. The
general subject of government and the
duties of the various government off,
GERS is treated with considerable full
ness Essentials in Civil Govern
ment;" by S. e. Forman.
The astute and. in it's own estima-
ton, sophisticated, Houston Post falls
for the following about William J..
Brewer:
William J. Brewer Of New York, a
capitalist, with his secretary, z. H.
Rousseau, formerly of New Orleans,
and ]. D. Douglas of London, England,
who had apartments yesterday at the
Rice hotel, are on their way to Eagle
Lake, and thence to Wharton and Jack
son counties, where they will inspect
two large tracts Of land, with the view
'of investing.
Mr.. Brewer formerly resided at Gold
field, New, was president of the cham