He considers, first, Action as the end of Ethical Science, and the conditions of Action; then he discusses the nature and conditions of right acts, the obligation to do right and the nature of virtue. He closes his work with an abstract of opinions on the grounds of right and wrong. The doctrine on which he plants himself is, that right is conformity in conduct to the nature and reason of things. His book presents a wide contrast alike in style and mode of treatment, to that of his brother President, whose work is also noticed in our present issue. Each has its own excellencies. The work of Dr. Hopkins is more elaborate in structure, more ornate in style, more studiously framed into a complete and symmetrical system, and gives evidence of deeper and subtler thinking: that of Dr. Champlin is more direct and simple in style, and more expressly adapted to the needs of the recitation room, while perhaps his fundamental doctrine will find as general acceptance as the 'philosophy of ends' of his Presidential brother. Between disagreeing Presidents we will not at present decide. It is but just, however, to say that the work of Dr. Hopkins is an elaborately wrought out, original contribution to the doctrines of Ethical science: that of Dr. Champlin aims only at being a clear and systematic resumé of some of its fundamental principles.

Esthetics; or, The Science of Beauty. By JOHN BASCOM, Professor in Williams' College. Boston: Crosby & Nichols. 1862. pp. 256.

This is an interesting series of lectures on a very important, but, it is to be feared, neglected, and very imperfectly appreciated subject. The author's purpose is "to supply the want of an exclusive and compact treatise on the principles of taste." He discusses the elementary idea or principle of beauty, its development in expression, its various manifestations in art and nature, and some of the numerous questions to which the subject of beauty and taste has given rise. The work is an important addition to our means both of school and of private culture. We trust that it will contribute its part toward counteracting the materialistic tendencies of our age, and cultivating that faculty of taste which stands alongside of reason and the moral sense, as one of the grand departments of our nature.

SCIENCE AND GENERAL LITERATURE.

Burmah, its People and Natural Productions; or Notes on the Natives, Fauna, Flora and Minerals of Tenasserim, Pegu and Burmah, with Systematic Catalogues of the known Mammals, Birds, Fish, Reptiles, Insects, Mollusks, Crustaceans, Annelids, Radiates, Plants and Minerals, with Vernacular Names. By REV. F. MASON, D. D., M. R. A. S., Corresponding Member of the American Oriental Society, etc. Rangoon: T. S. Ranney. 1860. London: Trübner & Co.; New York: Phinney, Blakeman & Mason. pp. 913.

This work will naturally have but a limited circulation, but within its limited range of readers it will be deemed of great value. It is one of the numberless proofs which the last half century has furnished of the great dependence of science, in many of its most important branches, upon the spirit of Christianity, and the labors of Christian missionaries. Christianity has taken science under her fostering care, and while infidel savants have been sneering at her claims, and seeking to undermine her doctrines, she, with Godlike benevolence, has been ministering primarily to the great moral interests of humanity, and then regarding with benignant eye, and promoting with kindly hand, every separate interest of culture and of knowledge. Missionaries, penetrating every corner of the globe on their high errand of benevolence, have laid open the languages, the customs and the productions of every section of the earth to the scrutinizing gaze of science. Rev. F. Mason has long been well known, not only as an active and successful missionary, but also as a careful and scholarly observer and student of the various objects and problems which, within the sphere of his labors, would demand the attention of an educated man. The results of the researches of years are embodied in this goodly volume. After a slight geographical and topographical sketch, he then devotes nearly a hundred and fifty pages to ethnological and linguistic inquiries regarding the various tribes within the limits of Burmah. This part of his work will, of course, be of special interest to the student of general linguistics and ethnology. The remainder of the work comprises a full exhibition of the zoological, vegetable and mineral productions and treasures of the vast and interesting regions of which the author treats. With every lover of true science the book will find a hearty welcome.

The National Almanac and Annual Record for the Year 1863. Philadelphia: George W. Childs. 1863. pp. 700.

Seven hundred broad, double columned, closely and yet clearly printed pages are taken up in a work which is worthy to be called a National Almanac, and which ought to be deemed indispensable to the library of every intelligent citizen of the United States. The variety, amount and fulness of information contained in this work are almost incredible. The Government Statistics are given with great accuracy and completeness; an "abstract of the Laws" passed during three most important sessions of Congress, is a marvellous specimen of cendensation. The Tariff and Excise taxes, and the Statistics of the Census of 1860 complete the more strictly national part, after which follow full details, political, financial, educational, regarding the separate States, brought up to the present time. Then follows a complete record of the events of the war from its commencement, with a necrology giving biographical sketches of those who have died within the year, and noticing especially those who have fallen in battle in defence of the Union. A list of American Colleges and Theological Seminaries, Law and Medical Schools, the Religious Statistics of the World, and a Survey of the Governments, Finances, etc., of the Nations of Europe, are added. We repeat, nothing seems wanting to make this a perfect work of its kind. The enterprise that has projected and carried out so successfully this herculean labor, cannot fail of its reward.

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Principia Latina. Part I. A first Latin Course, comprehending Grammar, Delectus, and Exercise-Book, with Vocabularies. By WILLIAM SMITH, LL. D., Author of a History of Greece." Revised by H. DRISLER, A. M. New York: Harper & Brothers. 1863. pp. 183.

An admirable work for those who are commencing Latin. We do not remember to have seen an elementary book more completely adapted to its purpose. If continued in a series on a like plan, it cannot fail of success.

My Diary North and South. By WILLIAM HOWARD RUSSELL. New York: Harper & Brothers. 1863. pp. 224.

The characteristics of Mr. Russell as an observer and writer, are universally known in this country. Doubtless he is not a profound philosopher; but he is a shrewd observer of what passes on the surface, and

His command of all the language

an exceedingly graphic narrator. necessary to the most minute description of any object or scene is marvellous. Cold-blooded as he seems, and rigidly neutral in his sympathies as he seemed, and as we felt, perhaps justly, provoked that he should seem while with us, his convictions and sympathies were evidently really with the Northern States. None can read his “diary” without interest, and few without instruction.

The Siege of Richmond; A Narrative of the Military Operations of Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan during the months of May and June, 1862. By JOEL COOK, Special Correspondent of the Philadelphia Press, with the Army of the Potomac. Philadelphia: Geo. W. Childs. 1862. pp. 358.

An interesting and graphic account of one of the most important episodes of this bloody war. It will be read with intense interest, though not with half the pleasure by loyal readers, as if its eventful scenes had had a different termination, and the "Siege of Richmond" had resulted in its capture.

Prison Life in the Tobacco Warehouse at Richmond. By a Ball's Bluff Prisoner, Lieut. WM. C. HARRIS, of Col. BAKER'S California Regiment. Philadelphia: George C. Childs. 1862. pp. 175.

Three years ago the "Tobacco Warehouse" at Richmond had no notion, we presume, that it would ever figure so largely in the literature of the United States. Strange and untoward events have lifted it into a sudden notoriety, and made it a thing to be gazed at in after time with various but not feeble emotions. This is the third or fourth work which we have seen chronicling the experiences of our gallant but unfortunate heroes in their prison-life in Richmond. The interest has yet by no means subsided. Each separate tale will be conned by a thousand tearful eyes, and sympathizing hearts, and this narrative of Lieut. Harris, pleasant, graphic, cheerful, and, we presume truthful, will contribute its own lights and shades to the picture of pris on-life in the Richmond Tobacco Warehouse, and have its own full circle of interested readers.

How a Free People conduct a long War; A Chapter from English History. By CHARLES J. STILLÉ. Philadelphia: William S. and Alfred Martien. 1863.

Northern Interests and Southern Independence; a Plea for United Action. By CHARLES J. STILLÉ. Philadelphila: Wiliam S. and Alfred Martien. 1863.

These are two pamphlets, the first of forty, and the second of fifty pages. They have had a wide circulation, and have been read by many thousands of our people. They ought to be read by many thousands more. They should be read by all who are, and still more by all who are not, fully satisfied of the necessity of using our utmost endeavors to crush out the Great Rebellion which would rear an independent and antagonist sovereignty along our borders-doubly weakening our country, first by dividing it, and then by arming it against itself. The utter impossibility of allowing; consistently with every national interest, the successful accomplishment of this great plot, is shown in a clear and masterly manner in the second of Mr. Stillé's pamphlets. He demonstrates that it is not a matter of national pride-the mere empty or the mere patriotic glory of having an undivided Union, that is staked upon the success of the Union arms. It is the solid and vital interests of our nation-the assured continuance of peace, and independence, and prosperity, that are involved in the struggle, and which demand that the contest be carried out, not to the bitter, but to the triumphant and happy end.

African Hunting from Natal to the Zrambesi, including Lake Ngami, the Kalahari Desert, &c., from 1852 to 1860. By WILLIAM CHARLES BALDWIN, Esq., F. R. G. S. With illustrations. New York: Harper & Brothers. 1863. pp. 397.

A pleasant and graphic sketch of sporting along the eastern coast, and extending somewhat into the interior of Africa. The book sheds a good deal of incidential light on the character of the region which its sport-loving author selects as the theatre of his adventurous exploits. The illustrations are exceedingly spirited.