Short Notices [pp. 759-784]

Short Notices.
on this subject, without being convinced that the greatest confusion of mind prevails respecting it. There are almost as many
theories as there are writers. We are well persuaded that little
more than a definition of terms is requisite to bring the mass
of our brethren to a cordial agreement on the topics now in
debate.
Lectures on Metaphysics and Logic. By Sir William Hamilton, Bart., Pro fessor of Logic and Metaphysics in the University of Edinburgh. Edited
by the Rev. Henry L. Mansel, B. D., Oxford, and John Veitchl, M. A.,
Edinburgh. In 2 volumes. Vol. II. Logic. Boston: Gould &Lincoln,
59 Washington street. New York: Sheldon & Co. Cincinnati: George
S. Blanchard. 1860. 8vo. pp. 715.
These Lectures form the concluding portion of the Biennial
Course on Metaphysics and Logic, which was commenced by
Sir William Hamilton on his election to the professorial
chair in 1836, and repeated, with but slight alterations, till his
decease in 1856. Although chiefly composed during the session in which they were first delivered, (1837-8,) yet as they
continued to be delivered by their illustrious author up to the
time of his death, they are to be considered as expressing his
abiding views and convictions. "The author," we are told,
"largely availed himself of the labours of previous writers."
"To the works of the German logicians of the present century,
particularly to those of Krug and Esser, these lectures," say
the editors, "are under special obligations." The American
readers, therefore, have, in the two volumes now published,
abundant materials for a competent understanding of the outlines at least of Sir William Hamilton's philosophical system.
The Works of Francis Bacon, Baron of Verulam, Viscount St. Albans, and
Lord High Chancellor of England. Collected and edited by James
Spedding, M. A. of Trinity College, Cambridge; Robert Leslie Ellis, M.A.
late Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge; and Douglas Denon
Heath, M. A., Barrister at Law, late Fellow of Trinity College, Cam bridge. Volume XI., being Vol. I. of the Literary and Professional
Works. Boston: Published by Brown & Taggart. 1860. Pp. 461.
There are few epoch-making men, whether in philosophy or
civil affairs in the history of the world. Beyond controversy
Bacon was one of this small number. His works, therefore,
belong to no one age. They are part of the permanent inheritance of the intellectual world. Every student of philosophy
must examine them for himself. It is, therefore, a great service rendered to philosophy and literature to prepare a trustworthy edition of the writings of such a man, and to place them
within the reach of all who desire to possess them. The editors
of the present collection of Lord Bacon's works have every
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