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POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY.

sistent with the given proposition or state of facts. The uneliminated propositions which automatically remain in the Reasoning Frame will then give us every iota of truth which our data will yield." Aside from the signs and the device of the Reasoning Frame, the treatise does not appear to differ materially from other good treatises on the subject. The author's explanations are fairly clear. A complete index is an excellent feature.

An unusual and fascinating biography is that of Sir Richard Burton,[1] the explorer and linguist, written by his niece. One does not know whether to wonder more at the extent of his travels or at his indefatigable industry in language study. The titles of sixty odd books are included in the list of his works, among them being an entire volume of the Royal Geographical Society, translations of Portuguese and Arabic, and several grammars of Hindu dialect. His journeyings were equally varied. We find him dwelling in the far East, in India and Arabia; later, crossing the Andes and pampas, in Brazil and Paraguay; now discovering the lakes in Central Africa, then investigating Utah, or exploring the mines of Iceland. Patient, persistent, undaunted by difficulties, he was admirably fitted by nature for the task of exploration. Had he been equally keen to read humankind, his local success among men might have been greater. Yet he may not have lacked discernment, but the will to be politic. Society is the rather to be arraigned, if, as we are told, "the habit of veracity sadly hindered him at times in his struggle with the world."

There is reason to believe that intellectual American women have somewhat surfeited themselves on the long-forbidden fruit of an education "just like the men's." They seem now to realize that the idea of a "woman's sphere" can have its dignity as well as its limitations, and that the possession of acute perception, clear reasoning ability, and high power of application can be shown in the wholesome and economical provisioning of a family and the efficient management of children and servants no less than in struggles with Greek roots and mathematical operations. The household arts are getting an increased share of attention both in women's clubs and in women's and coeducational colleges. A book now before us embodies a course of lectures on home management delivered in the University of Wisconsin.[2] These lectures give a general view of the field, presenting what might be called the theory of their subject, and using practical details merely by way of illustration or to give definiteness to the views set forth. After a preliminary chapter on the Statics and Dynamics of Household Economy, Mrs. Campbell considers first the house. These are some of the principles that she lays down as regards building:

The plan of the house includes beforehand not only all that has been said as to location and its bearings, but also the settling of the cost and an intelligent idea of the special family needs. Here a woman's judgment is absolutely essential. It is the woman who lives chiefly in the house, and who, if common sense were brought to bear, would soon put an end to the type of thing the average builder offers her. Why should we perpetually go up and down when going sideways is so much easier? Why should we accept stupidly planned and inadequate closets or no closets at all, and kitchens in which everything is calculated to bring the greatest unhappiness to the greatest number? The utmost convenience in every inch of working space should be the law. The difference between a pantry opening close to the sink and one at the opposite end of the room may seem a small matter; but when it comes to walking across the room with every dish that is washed, the steps soon count as miles.

With regard to decoration, she urges the claims of the simple and elegant as against the flashy and trashy, and insists that the adornment of a useful article should never interfere with its use. Thus she says: "The pitcher that does not pour well can not be beautiful, though of gold. . . . The spider-legged table and its insect family of chairs—the things that creak when we sit down and tip over when we get up—these are not beautiful." Her treatment of domestic industries in general, the nutrition of the household, cleaning, and household service is in the same line. An excellent list of books for further study is added to each chapter. Lists of subjects for the use of women's clubs in studying household economy and informa-


  1. The True Life of Captain Sir Richard F. Burton. By Georgiana M. Stisted. New York: D. Appleton & Co. Pp. 419. Price, $2.
  2. Household Economics. By Helen Campbell. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons. Pp. 286, 12mo. Price, $1.50.