Press enter after choosing selection

New Books

New Books image
Parent Issue
Day
5
Month
November
Year
1880
Copyright
Public Domain
OCR Text

Thb Creation and the Eaklv Dkvelofments of Society; by James H. Chapin, Ph. D., professor of Geology and Mlneralony, st. Lawrence Unlveralty. New York: G. P. Pulnam's Sons, 182 Flfth Ave. This work, for the general reader, is the best we have ever read. It treats of the oreation of the universe in a common sense manner, and in language which can be uoderstood by the reading public. Scien tifie words and terms, if used at all, are explained and made understandable, and the simplicity of expression, coupled with the general soundness of ideas and plausibility of theories advanced, makes it far preferable to the works of many scientific writers who have treated upon the same subject. Prof. Winchell, in bis "Sketches of Creation," traversos uiuch the f ame ground, but the work is clothed in language of such a character that unlass the reader is familiar with scientific torms or is himself a walking encyclopedia, he loses very mucb of the meaning and strength of the ideas and thoughts brought forth. Prof. Chapín deserves praise for not falling into this rut so universally traversed by writers upon similar subjects. The reader is introduced to the world in nebulae or vapor, carricd through the cooling proces?, and bas explained to him tho bibilical expres sion : "Let there be light !" Then comes the firmament, the sea and the dry land, following which is a chapter each upon plant life and animal life. To the reader not versed in the mysteries of geological trulhs and theories this story is one of rare worth, giving him a conception of how step by step this world has advanced, even as a child advances from infancy to childhood, through childhood to young manhood, thence on to middle life, to which stage, it would seem, the world must be at the present day - in the full prime of its existence. Then the professor gives the geological record as traced in the rocks and by various other methods, the footprints of time upon the earth. The origin of man is next considered, but the reader receives no very clear conception of his origin, only the Darwinian theory is not given credence. Man's origin must have been the same as the origin of the world, coming directly from the hands of an overruling power. The problem of civilization is admirably treated, every theory advaoced being clinched by historical truths. "The failure of primeval society," is a chapter which muy admit of some criticisni. The writer takes it for granted that man is born with evil inherent, and whatever good comes from him must spring from constant educatión and the force of human wisdom as attained. Alinost the doctrine of total depravity. He says: Tho boy left to choose hts own corapanlons and follow lus own lnclinatlons goea to ruin. The patiënt wutclifulness of teachers do not always sultlco to secure a different result. This may be in the main truc, yet how often do we see a bright, pure, shining life grow up atnid evil and foul surroundings ; a thing utterly impossible unlees the good had been implanted in afar greater degree tban evil. The diversity of tongues is accounted for by the separation of tribes into nations and each being quite isolated from the other, gradually took upon themselves new fornis of expression, and after a lapse of time these beeume new dialecto. "The antiquity of man," and "ancient civilization in North America," are both interesting and instructivo chapters. The lattcr is especially interesting to the dwellers upon this continent as being descriptivo of the "mound builders" of North America. Tho book is an excellent one, and the writer in giving it to the public has made a valu:ible emitribution to the literature of the world. Household and KakmeríV ok OM! HUNDKED THOUSAND KaCTS KOR THE Peopi.k. Hy Daniel R. Simpo, author of "Foundntlons of Huccessand Lawnof Trade " tc. Illustrated. St. Ixwls, Mo.: Anchor PubllHliliiK ('o., ;m Lorusl streel. This buok, comprising a work of over 800 pages, is one which, as its tille indi cates, every farmer, stock raiser, mechanic, or workingman of any trade or occupation, will lind of rare value. It is a book dcsignod to aid the world, and do away to a great exsent with expensive services of professional men. Ono great merit is the use of plain language, and the avoiding of all scientific and technical terms, so that the simplent may understand its advioe and reoeipts. For working men and working wonu'ii this a book of practical ujlity, and we doubt not that the publio will fully appreciate the labors of its compilers and publishers. The work is published in Ger man, as wt-11 as in Eo'gUfh, and is sold exclusivoly by subscription. Those desiring to sell booka, would do well to secure the agency for this one. Address Anchor Publishing Coinpany, 305 Locust street, St. Louiti, Mo.

Article

Subjects
Ann Arbor Courier
Old News