acquisition of so large a territory in the Southwest disturbed the balance of the country, caused discontent in New England, and developed a spirit of secession. A connection is traced between some of the results of the purchase and the British blockade acts and our embargo laws. A great impetus was given to the movement of population westward. Miranda's scheme for overthrowing Spanish power in South America and Burr's conspiracy were fed by it. The Texan revolution followed in due time, leading to the consequences of annexation, the Mexican War, and the acquisition of California. From this came a vast accession of wealth, the beginning of the era of large fortunes, and an entire change in American ideas of life, with a vast increase in the sweep and scope of American policy. Parallel with the earlier stages of these events was the taking shape of the Monroe doctrine, involving, among its consequences, the Clayton-Bulwer Treaty, the nullification of the French schemes against Mexico, and the unsolved problems of the future respecting interoceanic transportation over the Isthmus, Other consequences which have resulted or are emerging, made possible by the acquisition of Louisiana, are hinted at, but not considered in detail; but enough is brought forward to show that the theme is one on which much might be written.
A History of German Literature. By W. Scherer. Translated by Mrs. F. C. Conybeare, and edited by F. Max Müller. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons. Two volumes. Pp. 401 and 425. Price, $3.50.
The author of this important history is recognized as an accomplished philologist and a competent literary critic, and as possessing at the same time the gift of attractive popular exposition, thus having the three most desirable qualities for his undertaking. The period embraced in its review begins with the earliest writings, and extends to the death of Goethe. The first chapter traces the roots of German nationality back to the period preceding the Aryan separation, and presents a picture of its intellectual condition at the time it became known to the Romans. The second chapter treats of the rise and development of the German hero-legends in the epoch of the migrations, and during the Merovingian period; the third chapter of the Mediæval Renaissance, the so-called Old High-German period of the Carlovingians and the Ottos. The succeeding four chapters are devoted to the classical period of the Middle High-German lyric and epic poetry, extending from about the eleventh to the middle of the fourteenth century. The next two chapters include the next three centuries, the period of transition from Middle High-German to New High-German, to which Luther's translation of the Bible belongs. The remaining four chapters are devoted to the period in which we live, beginning with the close of the Thirty Years' war, and give especial attention to the development of lyric and epic poetry, from Paul Gerhard to Goethe. The whole is supplemented by a full chronological table of authors and literary works and events, a bibliographical appendix, and an excellent index.
Men, Women, and Gods, and other Lectures. By Helen H. Gardener. With an Introduction by Colonel H. G. Ingersoll. New York: The Truth-Seeker Company. Pp. 158.
Besides a characteristic introduction by Colonel Ingersoll, this book contains three lectures. The first gives the title to the volume; the second is on "Vicarious Atonement"; the third is on "Historical Facts and Theological Fictions." The author speaks from the point of one who regards the teachings of the Bible and the doctrines and practices of the Church regarding women as all wrong, and as lying at the bottom of all the disabilities which she believes woman has suffered in Christian lands. The third lecture embodies replies to certain specific claims that have been made that the Church has contributed to the elevation of woman's life and status.
Mechanics and Faith. A Study of Spiritual Truth in Nature. By Charles Talbot Porter. New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons. Pp. 295. Price, $1.50.
The author, as the basis of his theory, regards matter to be force, manifested in endless diversity of application to our nature and wants. "Force, truth, beauty, and love," he says, "are the four spiritual realities which in their unity interpenetrate, if
