Page images
PDF
EPUB

account of the Limerick churches and monasteries of that period. Facts, dates, and legend are combined to make a living picture of sites and edifices rich in history, but the records of which have only too often perished. Apropos of the little ancient (ruined) church of Ardagh, about two miles north of Newcastle West, he tells the story of the finding of the Ardagh Chalice, now in the Royal Irish Academy at Dublin. Another archaeological page of interest is the account of Dysert Aengus, its church and round tower, probably the place where in the eighth century Aengus the Culdee wrote his famous Felire or "Calendar of the Saints of Ireland." In distinct chapters the diocesan organization and vicissitudes, and the civil affairs (both of county and city) are told with good order and clearly, for the three centuries preceding the Reformation. The most important of Father Begley's authorities is the Black Book of Limerick a vellum and parchment manuscript now kept at Maynooth College, containing Limerick diocesan documents from about 1194 to 1418, and quite recently edited by Dr. McCaffrey, of Maynooth (Dublin, 1907). The illustrations of this volume are numerous, pertinent, and well-done, and offer great interest to the archaeologist and the antiquarian. No doubt a satisfactory "index rerum" will be given at the end of the second volume, in which Father Begley promises to bring down to our own time the history of a territory small in extent, but big in importance from the view point of Christian life.

Makers of Modern Medicine. James J. Walsh, M. D., Ph. D., LL. D. New York. Fordham University Press, 1907. Pp. 362.

As the title indicates, this book is not a history of medicine, but a series of biographies. While an account is given of the work done by each of the "makers," the personality of each is brought out in clear relief. Natural ability, character and religious belief are emphasized, and the various influences by which these were affected are indicated. The main conclusion is that the great scientists mentioned in the volume were loyal adherents of the Christian faith and men of exemplary lives.

The field of historical study chosen by Dr. Walsh is both wide and fruitful. One may properly take exception to his opening statement that our generation has "rather neglected the claims of

the history of science;" for the present age more than any other abounds in works on the subject. In particular, the development of medical science has been treated in detail by competent writers. But it is none the less a fact that these authors are chiefly concerned with the scientific attainments of the investigator or .discoverer and usually pass over his moral and religious attitude. In consequence, it is often difficult to say whether a scientist, however great his service to humanity, held any positive belief regarding God or concerned himself about the observance of the Divine law. The impression, on the contrary, is sometimes given that the pioneer of science is apt to quit, if not forced to abandon, his allegiance to the Church and her teachings. It is therefore well for the impartial student of history to learn that some of the foremost thinkers have openly professed and practiced their Christian faith. And for the Catholic student it is both instructive and encouraging to know that fidelity to the Church is quite compatible with ardent attachment to the interests of science.

It would be useless, on the other hand, to pretend or even to suggest that there is no place among the makers of modern medicine for those who entirely ignore the truths of religion. In point of fact, a complete list would contain many illustrious names to which agnosticism, materialism or some other form of unbelief might fairly lay claim. It is just the exaggeration of the claimants that calls for correction in the form supplied by Dr. Walsh. The net result, historically and logically, would seem to be that the scientist's religious or ante-religious attitude is determined by influences that are not essentially connected with scientific research. Among these, education and the trend of philosophic thought are undoubtedly of prime importance.

In another way, the present volume is suggestive. While it is pleasing and comforting to read these accounts of what Catholic. scientists have done, the more urgent question is whether and how successors to them, in work and in faith, are to be provided. Admiration for their achievements is our duty, but it is not our whole duty. If the life of the individual scientist is a credit to the Church, it would be still better to know that he received from Catholic sources inspiration, training and encouragement.

A feature that one misses in this book and that might well be supplied in a future edition, is bibliography. The reader who desires more detailed information concerning the subjects treated in these pages would appreciate references to larger works on the

history of medicine and to biographies dealing at length with the career of each scientist.

Leading Events of Maryland History, With Topical Analyses, References and Questions for Original Thought and Research. By J. Montgomery Gambrill. Ginn & Co., Boston, New York, Chicago, London. Index, Bibliography and Maps. Pp. 362.

In this volume is traced the political history of Maryland from the date of its first settlement, in 1634, to the late disastrous fire in Baltimore. While it is designed primarily for schools of the grammar and higher grades, it will be found useful for libraries. In its composition there is evidence of a constant endeavor on the part of the author to tell the story of his State with the utmost simplicity and with entire impartiality. In this difficult undertaking he has met with remarkable success. The style, never ambitious, is marked by great clearness and appears to be admirably adapted to the capacity of school children. There is an abundance of useful illustrations and no lack of good maps. At the close of the successive chapters will be found lists of the principal works upon which the text is based. These, apparently, are not included for the purpose of showing the extent of the author's reading, for it will be found on examination that his narrative is in perfect harmony with the authorities mentioned. A Marylander can scarcely rise from the perusal of Professor Gambrill's book without finding his patriotism confirmed.

The character of the Catholic proprietaries is fairly sketched, and the unfortunate controversies between the Protestant and the Catholic elements in the Province are impartially set forth. Maryland's splendid record in the war for Independence is admirably shown and is properly emphasized. The brief outlines of county history, the appendices and the State Constitution of 1877 enhance greatly the value of the book. Considerations of space will not permit an examination of its particular merits.

CHAS, H. MCCARTHY.

BOOKS RECEIVED.1

The Guild-Boys Play at Ridingdale. Rev. David Bearne, S. J. New York, Benziger Bros. 1907. Pp. 162. Price, .85.

New Boys at Ridingdale. Rev. David Bearne, S. J. New York, Benziger Bros. 1907. Pp. 159. Price, .85.

A Homily of St. Gregory the Great. By Patrick Boyle, C. M. New York, Benziger Bros. 1907. Pp. 23.

Nick Roby. By Rev. David Bearne, S. J. New York, Benziger Bros. 1907. Pp. 147.

The Way of the Cross of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. By Henry Sebastian Bowden. New York, Benziger Bros. 1907. Pp.

113.

A Spiritual Retreat. By Father H. Reginald Buckler, O. P. New York, Benziger Bros. 1907. Pp. viii, 256.

The Life of Christ. By Mgr. E.

LeCamus. New York, The 1907. Pp. 499.

Cathedral Library Association. Political Economy. By Charles S. Devas. New York, Longmans, Green & Co. 1907. xxii, 656.

Penance in the Early Church. By Rev. M. J. O'Donnell. New York, Benziger Bros. 1907. Pp. 150.

Letters on Christian Doctrine. By F. M. DeZulueta, S. J. New York, Benziger Bros. 1907. Pp. 395.

Scholastic Philosophy. De Wulf.

1907. Price, 6 shillings.

Dublin, M. H. Gill & Sons.

The Blind Sisters of St. Paul. De La Sizeranne, Maurice. New York, Benziger Bros. 1907. Pp. 303.

The Life Around Us. By Maurice Francis Egan. New York, Fr. Pustet & Co. 1907. Pp. 409.

Have Anglicans Full Catholic Privileges? By E. H. Francis. London, R. & T. Washbourne, Ltd. 1907. Pp. 77. Price, .30. Father Gallwey. By Percy Fitzgerald, F. S. A. London, Burns & Oates. 1906. Pp. 72. Price, .80.

1 Books received from publishers or authors will be placed on this list, with imprint and price, when marked. In this way, each work will be promptly brought to the attention of our readers. In most cases, a lengthy notice will be given in a subsequent number of the BULLETIN.

Un mouvement mystique contemporain. By J. Rogues de Fursac. Paris, Alcan. 1907. Pp. 188.

Boulogne Sur-Mer, St. Patrick's Native Town. By Rev. Wm. Canon Fleming. New York, Benziger Bros. 1907. Pp. 92. Catholics and the American Revolution. By Martin I. J. Griffin. Ridley Park, Pa. Martin I. J. Griffin. 1907. Pp. 352. Devotions of St. Bede. By Abbot Gasquet. New York, Benziger

Bros. 1907. Pp. 80.

Madame Rose Lummis. By Delia Gleeson. New York, Benziger Bros. 1907. Pp. 237.

Summula Philosophiae Scholasticae, Vol. III. part 2. By J. H. Hickey. Dublin, Brown & Nolan. Pp. v, 265.

Treatise on the Sacrament of Extreme Unction. Hanley, Rev. P. J. New York, Fr. Pustet & Co. 1907. Pp. 58.

The Miracles of Our Lord. By A Religious of the Society of Jesus. New York, Benziger Bros. 1907. Pp. 178. Price,

.60.

Procedure at the Roman Curia. By V. Rev. Nicholas Hilling, D. D. New York, J. F. Wagner. 1907. Pp. 355. Price, $1.75. Method of Conversing With God. By I. W. of the Society of Jesus. New York, Benziger Bros. 1907. Pp. 58.

The Story of the Friends of Jesus.

By A Religious of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus. New York, Benziger Bros. 1907. Pp. 177. Price, .60.

The Gift of the King. By A Religious of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus. New York, Benziger Bros. 1907. Pp. 176. Price, .60.

The Prince of the Apostles. By Rev. Spencer Jones, M. A. Garrison, N. Y., The Lamp Publishing Co. 1907. Pp. 223. Price, $1.25.

Honor Without Renown. By Mrs.

Benziger Bros. 1906. Pp. 368. The Story of Ancient Irish Civilization.

Innesbrowne. New York,
Price, $1.25 net.

P. W. Joyce, M. R. I. A.

Dublin, M. H. Gill & Sons. 1907. Pp. 174.

History of the Books of the New Testament. By E. Jacquier. New York, Benziger Bros. 1907. Pp. 335.

Psychology. By Judd. New York, Charles Scribner. 1907. Pp. xii, 389, xii, 127.

Laboratory Manual of Psychology. By Charles Hubbard Judd. New York, Charles Scribner's Sons. 1907. Pp. 127. Price, $1.00.

« ՆախորդըՇարունակել »