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From the nature of the work it would be preposterous to claim for it the honor of a perfect standard; and its principles, as well as the imperfections which belong almost of necessity to its execution, are open for discussion. We regard it, however, as on the whole the best lexicon of the English language which we at present possess; and, until a better shall be provided, intend to keep it by us for consultation. At the same time we shall adopt in practice the sentiment of the author, that, "in a work of this kind, embracing, as it does, the whole circle of ideas embodied in the language of a nation, the utmost efforts of the lexicographer are only an approximation towards the end in view."

15.—A Grammar of the Greek Language. Part I. A practical Grammar of the Attic and common Dialects, with the Elements of general Grammar. By Alpheus Crosby, Prof. of the Greek Lang. and Lit., Dartmouth College. Boston: Crocker & Brewster. 1841. pp. 257.

It has been supposed by many that the grammar of Sophocles has left hardly any thing to be attempted, or even desired, in the same department. His Greek origin, it has been thought, gave him advantages for unfolding the principles of the language, which others could not hope to possess.

But the work

before us shows that one scholar, at least, does not regard the door as having been closed against further effort. This volume of Prof. Crosby is professedly incomplete; "the remainder," he informs us, "containing Syntax, will be published with as little delay as possible." It would be premature to form a definitive opinion upon its merits, until the whole shall have appeared. A cursory perusal of the portion now given to the public has afforded us much satisfaction. The author is an accomplished scholar; and he has bestowed much thought and labor on the subject of general grammar, as well as the peculiarities of the Greek. His investigations seem to have been prosecuted with an earnest desire to refer facts to principles, to educe from the phenomena of speech the key to their solution. We have been particularly interested in his remarks on some topics which are apt to be left without satisfactory explanation.

The work is designed to contain the elements of general grammar, the rules of Greek grammar, so far as they apply to the Attic and common dialects, and a series of tables illustrative of Greek inflection. Those portions which treat of general grammar may be studied separately, or in connection, with

the rest, or omitted altogether. The tables are also published separately in duodecimo for beginners, in large quarto for more advanced students. The whole is handsomely and accurately printed.

16. The Mute Christian under the Smarting Rod, with Sovereign Antidotes for every case. By the Rev. Thomas Brookes, of London, 1669. Boston: Seth Goldsmith; Crocker & Brewster; Gould, Kendall & Lincoln; and Tappan & Dennett. New-York: J. Leavitt. 1841. pp. 246. There were certain Psalms which Luther could never understand till he was afflicted; and no man is fully qualified to administer comfort to others till he has sought it for himself. It was in this way that Thomas Brookes received his training as a son of consolation. "The afflicting hand of God hath been very heavy upon myself, and upon my dearest relations in this world, and upon many of my precious Christian friends." He was a "preacher of the Word" at London in the seventeenth century. This little treatise seems to have been originally published in 1669. It was reprinted by the Religious Tract Society in 1826. The present edition has been prepared by the Rev. Mr. Adams of Boston. He has compared the edition of the Tract Society with that of 1669 in his possession, frequently restoring the author's illustrations and idiomatic words. In his Introductory Note he remarks: "I would go far to find another work which would excite the same interest with which I first read this volume; and it is with pleasure that I think of the instruction and consolation which it will afford to many of the sons and daughters of sorrow."

17.-Syllabus to Lectures on Chemistry. By Charles Upham Shepard, M. D., Prof. of Chemistry in the Medical College of the State of South Carolina, and Lecturer on Natu ral History in Yale College. Charleston, S. C.: S. Babcock & Co. New-York: Wiley & Putnam. New Haven: B. & W. Noyes. 1841. pp. 204.

The character of this work is indicated by its title; it contains a full and well digested Syllabus of the author's course on Chemistry. His motive for preparing and publishing such an outline is given in the " Advertisement." "Having noticed the pains which some of my audience have been at to transcribe the leading facts communicated in my lectures, both by taking notes at the time of their delivery, and subsequently by consulting the tables of composition, temperature and physi

cal qualities of bodies, with which my lecture-room has heretofore been furnished, and knowing that such a labor on their part could not be performed in the first case except at the risk of losing sight of the experiments, nor in the second without interfering with other engagements during an exceedingly busy session, I have made the attempt to supply my pupils with such an outline of my course, as shall effectually relieve them in future from this embarrassment." But this "Syllabus" may be useful not only to those who attend the Lectures of Prof. Shepard, but to chemical students in general, especially to such as are preparing for the medical profession. The leading principles of chemistry, its various combinations, tables, etc., are here exhibited in their just relations, and in a convenient form. A very considerable portion of this outline has been devoted to organic chemistry. The recent discoveries in this interesting department of scientific investigation,-some of which are contained in none of our text books, are brought together, and presented to the inquirer within the compass of a few pages.

18.-The School and Family Dictionary, and Illustrative Definer. By T. H. Gallaudet and Horace Hooker. New-York: Robinson, Pratt & Co. 1841. pp. 221. We are much pleased with the plan of this little Dictionary. It is designed "as a kind of First Book in the acquisition of the meaning of the English language ;" and the authors have brought the results of their ample experience as instructors to bear upon this point. The ordinary dictionaries of our language contain some thirty or forty thousand words. The pupil is appalled by the hopeless task of learning their definitions in a succession of lessons. To remove this discouragement, our authors have omitted a large class of words which may be supposed to be known to every intelligent child of ten years old, and also another class, still more numerous, of the most difficult words, including the scientific and technical, which require more maturity of mind to understand them, and have embraced in this little volume only that middle class of words, to which the attention of a child, in learning definitions, should be first directed. The definitions are given with great simplicity and clearness, and numerous and intelligible illustrative sentences are added to the definitions to impress the meanings of words upon the minds of the young reader. We have only space to add that we regard this "Illustrative Definer," as one of the happiest contrivances we have seen for assisting parents and teachers in impressing upon the minds of children the true meaning of words.

19.-Memoir of Mrs. Harriet L. Winslow, thirteen years a Member of the American Mission in Ceylon. By Rev. Miron Winslow. American Tract Society. pp. 480.

This work, originally prepared by Rev Mr. Winslow during a visit to this country, has been carefully revised; some parts, which seemed less important, have been omitted or condensed, and new matter has been added. In its present form it will stand, with the memoirs of Harriet Newell, Mrs. Judson and Mrs. Sarah L. Smith, as an enduring monument of the intelligence, fidelity and efficiency of our female missionaries. Perhaps the distinguishing peculiarity of Mrs. W. was the symmetry and completeness of her character. Her history as a daughter, a sister, and the member of a refined social circle, furnishes an example worthy of universal imitation. As a Christian, she was early and deeply interested in the temporal and eternal good of those around her; she took an active part in organizing the first Sabbath school in her native town, a cause which, from its novelty, then received but little favor. As a Christian mother, her example is one which, if universally imitated, would renovate the whole world.

The principal excellency, as well as attraction, of this memoir must be referred to the full and familiar correspondence which she constantly maintained with her parents and friends at home. To this are we mainly to ascribe that richness of detail which combines at once a history of the mission, with an affecting illustration of what a female missionary, by the grace of God, may accomplish. The value of this memoir has led to the publication of two editions of it in Great Britain, and one in France. We rejoice that so bright an example is destined to exert a permanent influence on the Christian church in this and other lands.

ADDITIONAL NOTICES.

Elements of Chemistry, containing the Principles of the Science, both experimental and practical; intended as a Textbook for Academies, High Schools and Colleges. Illustrated with numerous Engravings. By Alonzo Gray, A. M., Teacher of Chemistry and Nat. History in the Teacher's Sem., Andover, Mass. Second Edition, revised and enlarged. NewYork: Dayton & Saxton. Boston: Saxton & Pierce. 1841. pp. 395.

This work was originally published in 1840. The rapid sale of the first edition and its introduction into several colleges are good evidence of its substantial merits. The author has

now revised and enlarged the volume, and given to it a permanent form. "A large amount of matter and numerous engravings have been added for the purpose of rendering the work better adapted to academies and other schools." In a previous No. of the Repository (Jan. 1841), we expressed a favorable opinion of this manual; a further acquaintance with it has only confirmed that opinion.

Gems from the Works of Travellers, illustrative of various Passages in Holy Scripture. Published under the Direction of the Committee of General Literature and Education, appointed by the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge. NewYork: D. Appleton & Co. 1841. pp. 328.

The design of this volume is apparent from its title. Numerous passages of Scripture, arranged in chapters, are followed by extracts from different travellers and of various merit, illustrating the manners and customs of the East. For the general accuracy and pertinency of the selections, we have the guaranty of a committee of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge. The American edition has received from the publisher a neat and appropriate dress.

The Holy War, made by Shaddai upon Diabolus, for the regaining of the Metropolis of the World; or the losing and taking again of the Town of Mansoul. By John Bunyan, Author of Pilgrim's Progress. With a Sketch of the Life of the Author. Revised by the Committee of Publication of the American Sunday School Union. Philadelphia: American Sunday School Union. pp. 375.

"The Holy War" can never be as popular as the "Pilgrim's Progress" still to have written it would have been honor enough for any man. The American Sunday School Union have done well to give it a dress so worthy of its contents. The London Religious Tract Society have recently reprinted the Holy War from an edition of 1682, collating this, however, with other copies. The American edition is taken from that with a few unimportant alterations. The illustrations add much to its value and attractiveness.

Annals of the Poor. By the Rev. Legh Richmond, A. M., late Rector of Surrey, Bedfordshire. A new edition, enlarged, with an introductory sketch of the Author; by the Rev. John Ayre, A. M., Domestic Chaplain to the Earl of Roden. NewYork: William Kerr & Co. Boston: Crocker & Brewster. Philadelphia: Thomas, Copperthwaite & Co. 1841. pp. 239.

This enlarged edition of the " Annals of the Poor" has been

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