New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1922-09-03

VIZ 7 WAS to be expected that even
n the most casual literary reporter
n might not escape mention of the
Elnstein theory. In the present
instance it is the fault of Mr.. Henri
Bergson, who in his new book ''Duree ct
Simultaneite; apropos de la theorie
d'Einstein," has had the curiosity to
compare his conception of duration
with Einstein's views on time. He has
lifted from the theory of reietivitv
only such phases thereof as concern
his problem, and the result of his
study is a book which, l have been
| told, is of palpitating interest to the
initiate. One lay reader, at least con-
fesses to a certain bewildermcnt.
limit myself to notice of the
books appearance. To do more would
require a competence not to be pos
sessed by mere student of letters; it
would also excite the disapproval of
the stupid specialist and the hilarity
look into the book only because l was
encouraged by captivation of some
years standing with the great mans
limpid style and subtle argument.
suppose that | may have read million
of his words. | have understood them
alias words, alas, only. Yet I con-
fess that | have frequently envied
those who are able to feel at ease in
the sea of metaphysical speculation,
and it is in Bergson's books that l
have most often encountered an extra
terrestrial sensation, a momentary
confusion of time and space which
beautifully clouded the brain so that
! became for an instant as one of
Arthur Machen's madmen.
No question, says Bergson, has been
more neglected by philosophers then
that of time, though they all agree
in declaring it capital one. Gen
orally, they put time and space on the
same line. AS matter of (metaphysi-
CALI fact, the analogy between the two
is exterior and artificial; it obtains
only because we utilize space in order
to measure and symbolic time. This
is the primary Bergsonian thesis.
gather from the present book that Mr..
Bergson is confirmed in his stand by
his study of Einstein, and that the
theory of relatively Cor reasons which
escape mel cannot express the all of
reality. A truly comforting conclu-
sion.
1t is not strange, doubtless, vet |
am always astonished when | reflect
that have never read word of
praise for that brilliant French woman.
Colette, from an American pen. Surely,
she is one of the most enchanting
writer's living. Not, if you prefer,
great and enduring novelist, but one
who writes as trees grow, as brooks
run, as flowers bloom. The word cul-
ture has no meaning when one reads
Colette. If she has a favorite author,
if there are books which she prefers
to all others, should never be able
to guess their names. Imitation APP
pears to be one Of the laws Of Iitera-
tuFe, but | should be at difficulty TO
name her spiritual father. She has
an astonishing faculty for recreating
in all their. freshness the emotions felt
by the little girl she was. She helps
us to discover things about ourselves
which we ignored. She shows US a
primitive animal in our youth that
enchants rather than repulses us. Her
new book, La Maison de Claudine,'
is as q wildfower beside the green
house product, LA Vie en- feur,o Of
Anatole France. And if is
lovelier.
Until recently J was ignorant enough
to believe that ..sthe complete letter
writer" was a modern invention Max
Beerbohm had something to do with
my belief His essay in ''And Even
Now was the only one. / he'd ever
read on the subject, and with that
absence of scholarship which, 10 saw Il
IN Irish, is always present beside his
lofty humility. he neglected lamentably
to go into the matter. This fact is the
more to be regretted since he is read
by an appreciahle number of otherwise
vol 'r5iifaTmed persons. All az these.
! feel certain, took him as seriously as
did, and am happy 10 be able to
turn un a corner OF the veil which
covers his naked ignorance.
monumental quarto was printed in
1874 under The title, Subscriptions Of
subscriptions don lie Roy SC sert as
lettres gull ecr;t4 aux Princes
etrangers." it is the code Of interna-
tlonal courtesy of the time OF Louis
NV, end here we find everything reg
nlated to the last detail Thus, in writ
ing to the Pore, one should write on
large paper as.a employ the terms sup
pllcate holiness, and bcatitude !. The
King signs himself "Y.our devoted son,
the King of France and of Navarro. z
Assembled members CT the Sacred Col
lcre are treated rs very dear rnd very
beloved cousins" though individually
cardinals have the right only to the
appellation cousin IT. common with
he nernews OF the Pope and the chiefs
Of o. the four Houses Of Rome. the Ursini,
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