Notices of Books.

NOTICES OF BOOKS.

287

MENTAL AND PRACTICAL ARITHMETIC.-Designed for the use of Academies and Schools; with a Key. By Charles Davies. Author of First Lessons in Algebra, Elements of Surveying, &c. &c.Geneva, N. Y.: 1838. 18mo. pp. 288.

In preparing text books for the use of Academies and common schools excessive brevity and diffuseness of explanation are alike to be avoided. The first, by leaving too much to be supplied by the sagacity of the student, retards and ultimately discourages him. The latter, by its very fulness, produces confusion, and tires instead of stimulating his faculties. Besides these and other errors which are equally to be avoided in text books of every kind, there are some which belong more exclusively to each particular department. The older Arithmetics, for example, were essentially defective in presenting the subject in the synthetic method only, while the more modern ones are not less so in their invariable adherence to the method of analysis. For some years past, however, the two methods have usually been blended in nearly their true proportions. Works consisting of analysis alone, such as Colburn's First Lessons, and Emerson's First Part, are still considered as of indispensable importance to the younger classes, but for those whose minds are more mature, the synthetic method is generally preferred, with only so much of analysis as is necessary to a clear understanding of the reasons on which the rules are founded. In the discipline of the intellectual faculties, both methods are of great and perhaps equal importance.

The Arithmetic of Prof. Davies is, in general, distinguished for clearness and simplicity, in its rules and definitions. We are glad to see the answers annexed to the questions, rather than reserved for a separate key, but are not altogether confident that a key at the end of the volume might not be a useful appendage.

We have not time to speak particularly of the several parts of this work, nor is its character so peculiar as to require from us such minute attention. We would only remark, in this connection, that the subject of proportion appears to us to be treated in a very satisfactory manner. It would, however, as it seems to us be an improvement to introduce here and in other parts of the work, the mode of cancelling to which we had occasion to refer, at page 176 of the present volume, when noticing Mr Burnham's Arithmetic.*

*We would here remark, that in the closing paragraph of the article alluded to, a typographical error occurs, in printing 105 and 85, instead of 188. and 8s. The error intended to be corrected in the paragraph alluded to, of reckoning the dollar in the currency of North Carolina at 8s. instead of 10s., occurs also in the arithmetic before us, and in most other arithmetics in common use.

On the whole, we consider this work of Prof. Davies as one of great practical value, though doubtless susceptible of some minor improvements. We were not specially pleased with the title of the book, Mental and Practical Arithmetic, as it seems to imply a distinction where none exists, inasmuch as every mental arithmetic is of course practical.

A NEW FRENCH MANUAL: Comprising a guide to French pronunciation; a copious vocabulary; selection of phrases. A series conversations on the curiosities, manners and amusements of Paris, and during various tours in Europe; models of letters, &c. &c.Designed as a Guide to the traveller, and an attractive Class Book for the student. By Gabriel Surrenne, French Teacher to the Military and Naval Academy, Edinburgh. Revised and enlarged, by A. Pestiaux, Professor of the French Language in the city of New York. New York: Wiley & Putnam. 1838. 18mo. pp. 244.

Of the positive value of Phrase Books and Vocabularies in the acquisition of modern languages, we have no means of forming a decided opinion; but presume from their general use, that it is considerable. Among works of this class, designed to assist the student of the French language, we have seen none which appeared to us, either in its general plan or in the filling up of the several parts, superior to this Manual of M. Surrenne. In addition to a very large collection of choice phrases on a great variety of common topics, the work contains the main principles of French pronunciation, clearly and concisely expressed; and dialogues descriptive of an imaginary tour upon the continent, which may serve in a great degree, as a practical guide to the traveller. A careful study of this part of the work would probably prove a good preparation for such a tour as is described, and could not fail to supply the traveller with a great amount of that kind of information which he would most need at every step of his journey.

THE BOSTON MUSICAL GAZETTE, a semi-monthly journal devoted to the Science of Music. Boston: Otis, Broaders & Co., Publishers.

We have seen the first number of this work, which is a handsome quarto of eight pages, and well filled with interesting matter. This journal is to be devoted,' says the prospectus, 'to the subject of music, containing Musical History, Biographical Sketches of eminent composers and performers, impartial reviews of musical works, an account of oratorios and concerts, musical societies, academies and schools, with their various merits, progress, &c.' It is to be edited by B. Brown, Esq.

of the great work of Education in all its departments; and to the necessity, in particular, of seeing that all our education is good education.

There is a great demand at the present time for teachers and other individuals, who will establish and sustain model schools, and publish clear and intelligible accounts of their experiments. We want, indeed, no exaggerated accounts of premature results; but only those which have been sufficiently tested.

We need intelligent and honest Editors of our periodicals; men who will carefully examine all books for children and schools, and speak of them as well as of men and measures as they ought, without fear of losing the favor or affection of authors, booksellers, or any other individuals. This would-be republican community is greatly suffering for want of a more independent editorial corps. We need Editors, too, who are not only warm hearted friends of Education, but truly enlightened ones.

Lastly, we need missionary efforts with the pen-we need those who will labor to scatter light and truth on the great subject of Education, through the columns of newspapers and other periodicals, wheresoever they can gain admittance.

DR ALCOTT'S WORKS.

Published and for sale, wholesale and retail, on liberal terms, by GEO. W. LIGHT, I Cornhill, (facing Washington Street,) Boston.

The general object of Dr. Alcott's works is to promote health and morals, by means of correct physical and moral management. Aware of the extent and power of female influence, he has, in this view, directed a large proportion of his labors to the instruction of mothers and house-keepers.

THE YOUNG WIFE, is designed to give early instruction to those who have entered the marriage relation, with respect both to the physical and moral management of themselves and their families. This is properly a work on Self-Education, both physical and moral. Fourth edition.

THE YOUNG HOUSE-KEEPER.-The object of this work is, principally to give information on the subject of FooD and Cookery. It is properly a work on Physical Education, and is wholly unlike any work, either ancient or modern, ou Food and Cookery. It presents more distinctly than can be found anywhere else, Dr Alcott's peculiar views on diet and regimen. Just published.

THE YOUNG MOTHER, is intended as a guide to all who have the care of young children, but especially mothers, in regard to the physical management of children. It embraces, also, many moral reflections. Third edition.

THE HOUSE I LIVE IN, is an account of the Human Body, under the figure of a House, consisting of the frame, covering, apartments, &c., designed as a popular introduction to the study, by the young, of Anatomy and Physiology. Second edition enlarged. Just republished in London.

THE YOUNG MAN'S GUIDE, embraces a wide range of instruction to young men, and includes some topics not usually discussed in works designed for this class.

WAYS OF LIVING ON SMALL MEANS, is a cheap manual for the middling and poorer classes of the community, intended to give instruction on matters of domestic economy. The fifth edition of this work has been enlarged and improved. Fifth edition.

THE MORAL REFORMER, in two volumes, is a collection of essays and farts on Health and Morals, arranged in a manner not unlike that of the former Journal of Health of Philadelphia. It is nearly the same, in character, with the Library of Health, its successor. THE LIBRARY OF HEALTH and Teacher on the Human Constitution. One volume of this work is completed and bound; and a second volume-that for 1838-is in progress. Its name will give an idea of its character. $1 a year, only. No family can afford to do without this work.

TO SCHOOLMASTERS.

Applications will be received until the 10th of May next, by the School Committee of Nantucket, for the situation of principal Teacher, in each of the two Grammar Schools of this Town.

The course of tuition in these schools combines all the branches taught in the several departments of the public Grammar and Writing Schools of the city of Boston. In each school three female assistants are employed; and the number of pupils of both sexes in each, averages

about 180.

Gentlemen duly qualified-by education, by character, and by competency to impart instruction, as prescribed by law-and who are disposed to perform the required duties-will please to transmit their proposals and testimonials to the undersigned, free of postage, prior to the date above specified, addressed to the School Committee. Per order,

Nantucket, April 7, 1838.

JOSEPH MITCHELL, Secretary.

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Edited

This is an invaluable publication to the Medical Profession. Its object is to republish all valuable English works. During the first year of its publication works were given for ten dollars that could not be pur chased in the usual books for less than fifty.

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