he made a contribution to historic inquiry which Las been translated into many languages, and influenced in no small degree the thinking of his generation.
Mr. Buckle was, beyond doubt, deficient in many qualities necessary to handle so vast a theme at the period when he entered upon the undertaking. He lacked the scientific preparation for dealing adequately with his task. He was not well equipped with the large ideas which had a bearing upon it, and which were already ripened in leading contemporary minds. When he published his first volume, in 1857, Herbert Spencer had already matured a system of thought, involving the principles of social development, and based upon the new philosophy of evolution. Mr. Buckle was not only unprepared to avail himself of these controlling conceptions, but he resisted some of them as he would not have done if his training had been more thoroughly in the true spirit of science. But he did his work well, and it is fortunate for his memory that the task of delineating his life fell into such excellent hands as those of his present biographer. The book is interestingly written, and will be read with pleasure even by those who know little of the works of the author.
The Fundamental Concepts of Modern Philosophic Thought, critically and historically considered. by Rudolph Eucken, Ph. D., Professor in Jena. Translated by M. Stuart Phelps, Ph. D., with an Introduction by President Porter. New York: D. Appleton & Co. Pp. 304. Price, $1.75.
Professor Eucken's book is not only an important addition to the history of philosophy, but it is an addition that is specially adapted to the requirements of the present time. With great skill and learning, and remarkable clearness of style for a German philosopher, he has traced out the origin and progress of those fundamental conceptions which play so prominent a part in modern controversy, and also of the terms by which those ideas are represented. The author's point of view is tacitly that of evolution, since he undertakes to delineate the philosophical concepts of to-day in their historical formation, and in their transformations, extensions, and shiftings of phraseology. How fitly his discussion answers to the needs of the times will appear from a glance at the contents of his volume, which we subjoin: I. "Subjective and Objective"; II. "Experience"; III. "A Priori—Innate"; IV. "Immanent (Cosmic)"; V. "Monism, Dualism"; VI. "Law"; VII. "Development"; VIII. "Primary Concepts of Causation (Mechanic—Organic) (Ideology)"; IX. "Culture"; X. "Individuality"; XI. "Humanity"; XII. "Realism—Idealism"; XIII. "Optimism—Pessimism"; XIV. "Conclusion."
It will be seen from this enumeration of subjects that the work covers a large field of contemporary interest, both scientific and speculative; but it must not be supposed that the author engages in the positive discussion of these topics as they are now treated by systematic controversialists. Into the present conflict of thought, as the representative of any school, he does not enter; and hardly a great name in the science or philosophy of the present age appears in his pages. But, taking the leading conceptions that are now of special interest in literary and philosophical circles, and which, "proceeding from philosophy and the general scientific development, have become a power in life as a whole," he subjects them to such historical analysis and criticism as will prove serviceable to the modern student.
Dr. Porter recommended this volume for translation, and has at once adopted it as a text-book in Yale College. He contributes to it a brief Introductory Essay, commending it to English readers as eminently suited to the times. "He can say with an assured confidence that there are few books within his knowledge which are better fitted to aid the student who wishes to acquaint himself with the course of modern speculation and scientific thinking, and to form an intelligent estimate of most of the current theories."
Chemistry, Inorganic and Organic, with Experiments. By Charles Loudon Bloxam, Professor of Chemistry in King's College, London. Fourth edition. Philadelphia: Presley Blakiston. Pp. 688. Price, $4.
Bloxam's "Chemistry" has had an excellent reputation as a practical manual for several years; and the present revised edition brings it fairly up to date. The author remarks that some alterations have been
