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BOOKS AND PERIODICALS.

Reviews and Notices of Books and Journals dealing with all subjects relating to Child Life appear under this heading.

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The Life of Sophia Jex-Blake." By Margaret Todd, M.D. (Graham Travers.) Pp. xviii+ 574, with portrait plates. London: Macmillan and Co., Ltd., St. Martin's Street, W.C. 1918. Price 18s.

Dr. Margaret Todd, better known to general readers as "Graham Travers," author of "Mona MacLean," "Fellow Travellers" and other popular works, has accomplished a valuable historical and bibliographical service by the preparation of this life of a woman-warrior's efforts to secure liberty, opportunity and recognition for women in the profession of medicine. Dr. Sophia Jex-Blake was the protagonist of the medical woman's movement. She was richly dowered with characteristics essential for the conduct of a fight for freedom, and possessed a full measure of vital force to carry through her plans and purposes. Her early education was varied, but for the most part on antiquated lines, yet she developed a true educational spirit and was capable of focussing her outlook and adapting her mental processes to the acquirement of knowledge of the principles and practice of medicine. As her biographer well says, "the life before her was an uncharted sea. She had to find herself, to find her way, to find her work." Fortunately S. J.-B., as she is usually designated throughout the life, was a born chronicler, and her diaries, letters and other records have provided an abundance of reliable material for the preparation of this very complete and worthy biography. Dr. Margaret Todd has provided a Life which will be of the greatest interest and stimulus to all who have striven to secure freedom, justice, and educational and professional rights for women. The work will appeal to all medical women, and should be studied by every progressive educationist. We would particularly commend to parents and teachers the earlier chapters dealing with the experiences of childhood and school life, the aspiration and adventures

of early days, and the maladjustments of the school period. The Life throws much light on a relationship between parents and children full of lessons and suggestions. The greater portion of the volume is devoted to a faithful portrayal of Dr. Jex-Blake's preparation for and conduct of her life work, experiences in America and Germany, and the struggles, personal, professional, and legal, for an open-door in Edinburgh. There are specially interesting chapters on the establishment of the London School of Medicine for Women and its relations to the Royal Free Hospital. Part III of the book is devoted to a record of early days in practice, relationships with parents and friends, and co-operation in public movements. A special chapter is wisely devoted to the re-opening of Edinburgh University to Women. Dr. Jex-Blake practised her profession for very many years in Edinburgh, on the battlefield where she had lost only to win. The Happy Warrior got her discharge from service on January 7, 1912, and was laid to rest in Rotherfield Churchyard, in Sussex. This life appears at a critical time in Our national history, when medicine has proved itself one of the most valuable departments of practical knowledge for the preservation of the health of the people, and the healing of those who have suffered in the defence of the liberties of the Commonwealth. And in the application of the principles of medicine and in the carrying out of the practices of the healing art, medical women have abundantly justified their existence and have proved the wisdom and far-seeing statesmanship of Dr. Sophia Jex-Blake and her co-workers. Dr. Margaret Todd has accomplished a difficult and heavy duty with loving loyalty and sound judgment. For the most part the story is set forth in letters and diary extracts, but the connecting links have been wrought with the artistic skill of an accurate, able, and experi

enced litterateur. All who have participated in the preparation and production of this very full record of the thoughts and doings of a true pioneer are to be congratulated, for they have one and all assisted in the furtherance of the spread of a spirit and the development of a purpose which seeks the highest good for the children of men.

Problems of Reconstruction: Lectures and Addresses delivered at the Summer Meeting at the Hampstead Garden Suburb, August, 1917, with an Introduction by the Marquess of Crewe, K.G." Pp. 315. London: T. Fisher Unwin, Ltd., Adelphi Terrace, W.C. 2. 1918. Price 8s. 6d. net.

This collection of the thoughts and recommendations of many experienced leaders in progressive endeavours for the readjustment and reconstruction of ideals and enterprises now and after the War merits the serious study of all who desire to see purer aims and better methods applied to the advancement of our national life. The communications are grouped under four main heads: First Principles of Reconstruction, Reconstruction in Education, Social and Industrial Reconstruction, and Arts and Crafts in Relation to Reconstruction. An enumeration of some of the chief articles will best indicate the wide scope and constructive service likely to be rendered by this notable volume: "The Religious Foundation of Social Reconstruction," by Canon J. H. B. Masterman, M.A.; "Religion and International Life," by The Rt. Hon. W. H. Dickinson, M.P.; "Some First Principles of Reconstruction," by Professor J. H. Muirhead, LL.D.; “Religion in Education," by Canon the Hon. E. Lyttelton, M.A., D.D.; "The Place of Beauty in Religion," by Miss Maude Royden; “Industrial Reconstruction," by Sidney Webb; "The Future of Women in Industry," by Mary R. Macarthur; "Agriculture: The Problem of Reconstruction," by Sir Daniel Hall, F.R.S.; "Rural Housing," by Ernest Betham; "The Work of Women on the Land and their Place in Agricultural Reconstruction," "The Garden Suburb: Its Part and Plans," by Mrs. H. O. Barnett; "The Crafts of Modern Life," by Henry Wilson; "Tradition and Modern Art," by George Clausen, C. F. A. Voysey, and

Halsey Ricardo; “Art Schools and Craft Workshops," by Professor Selwyn Image, M.A., and Thomas O'Rey; "Standards of Art and Standards of Trade," by R. Anning Bell, Harold Speed and Frank Pick; "Civic Art," by Paul Waterhouse and H. V. Lanchester; and "Co-ordination of Arts and Crafts Societies," by Miss May Morris and Henry Wilson. We would particularly direct attention to the suggestive papers dealing with educational subjects: "Education from the Child's Point of View," by Professor John Adams; "The Education of the Girl for National Service, and Civic Responsibility," by Miss Sarah Burstall; The Liberty of the Child in Education," by Dr. C. W. Kimmins; and "The Influence of Vocation on School Education," by Guy Kendall, M.A. Each of these merits fullest consideration, for they all contain forward projecting thoughts and plans for effective advancement.

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"The Essentials of Child Study, including Class Outlines, Brief Discussions, Topical References, and a Complete Bibliography.' By George Washington Andrew Luckey, Ph.D., Dean of the Graduate School of Education, University of Nebraska. Pp. 219. Chicago: The 1917. University Publishing Co.

This practical manual has developed out of the experiences of twenty-one years' teaching in the University of Nebraska. The work is apparently intended to serve as a text-book for students taking the course on Child Study. It aims to provide in a condensed form essential facts and guiding principles. In thirty-three chapters there are set forth in an attractive and informing manner just the fundamental points which students preparing to become teachers should understand. At the end of each chapter is an excellent reference list of works dealing with the special subject under consideration. There is also an excellent general bibliography. These references to the best works dealing with child study and the facts and problems of childhood and adolescence will be of immense value to all teachers and students, and on this ground if on no other the book should have a place in every school and college library, and all reference libraries. We

would suggest that in these practical days it would be an advantage if in the next edition, which should be called for speedily, the price of all works mentioned in the general bibliography should be given.

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Savage Survivals: The Story of the Race told in Simple Language.' By J. Howard Moore. Pp. xi + 148. London: Watts and Co., 17, Johnson's Court, Fleet Street, E.C. 4. 1918. Price 1s. 6d. net.

This suggestive and highly original book deserves the consideration of all students of ethics and moral order, as well as every educationist engaged in the discipline and training of boys and girls. The work is issued for the Rationalist Press Association, Ltd., and is based on lectures originally delivered to the students of the Crane Technical High School, Chicago. The book will undoubtedly come as a revelation of a new hope and an inspirer of fresh endeavours to many perplexed souls brought up in restricted schools of religious thought and limited personal action. "Instead of picturing the race essentially corrupt and desperately wicked, so that nothing but supernatural aid could redeem it from the primal curse of sin, he sees humanity struggling upwards through the ages, bearing the burden of ancient habits and savage impulses, yet slowly straightening itself to the mastery over them. The survey of human history from the brute to man, from instinct to reason and control, is inspiring, much more inspiring than the dreams of sudden regeneration or other-world perfection in which prophets have sought consolation. It gives us faith and hope in the future. When we realize how far we have advanced in spite of ignorance and illusion, we can do no less than travel hopefully, now that we have gained more knowledge and understanding of our part. To faith and hope are added charity, once we appreciate how deep and tenacious are the savage survivals in human nature. This little book, therefore, bears within its bright and simple pages a true gospel." These are the closing words of Mr. Adam Gowans Whyte in his sympathetic and understanding foreword, and they fully express the impression made by a study of Mr. Moore's pages. The

sections of the book are conveniently arranged under the following general headings Origin of Domesticated Animals, Wild Survivals in Domesticated Animals, The Origin of Higher Peoples, and Savage Survivals in Higher Peoples. Every child, according to the Law of Biogenesis, tends to recapitulate in his own life the history of the race and to pass through the developmental stages of his ancestors, and therefore such a work as this is of particular value to all serious students of child life. The book is illustrated with a number of rather rough sketches, several of which are distinctly humorous.

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'A Scheme of Graded Religious Instruction according to Modern Methods of Education for Scholars in Day Schools and Sunday School, and in the Home." By the Rev. W. H. Cock, B.Sc., L.C.P., F.G.S., Diocesan Inspector and late Principal of the Manchester, Chester and Liverpool Diocesan Training College for Schoolmistresses, &c. Pp. 103. Exeter : William Pollard and Co., Ltd., 11, 39, and 40, North Street. 1918. Price 2s. 6d. net.

Secular education has made great strides in recent years, but religious teachers seem content for the most part to mark time and remain content with ancient ideals, antiquated methods, and imperfectly perceived truths. While the ordinary teacher is ever striving for the maximum of effectiveness, the religious instructor is wont to impart his so-called religious teaching with the minimum of effort. Much of this inefficiency is due to apathy and ignorance, and more probably is due to lack of ideals and want of training. Such a scheme as Mr. Cock propounds in his suggestive and informing tables is calculated to stimulate and enlighten clerical and other teachers. The author writes from knowledge gained in a long experience of schools and scholars and those who occupy the responsible positions of teachers. As the Rev. A. T. Davidson points out in his foreword, the scheme applies the important principle of grading in an intelligent and serviceable form, and insists on the importance of systematic study on the part of the teacher. The work is intended primarily for teachers in Anglican Church schools, but we commend it to the con

sideration of all educationists desirous of guidance in the presentation of the fundamentals of the Christian faith in a form which will be profitable to children and adolescents.

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My Ideal of Marriage.' By Christian D. Larson. Pp. 109. New York: Thomas Y. Crowell Company, 426-428, West Broadway. 1916. Price 50 cents.

Mr. Larson has written many books dealing with psychological questions and seeking to serve a practical purpose by inculcating principles and practices which make for human betterment. The present volume deals with a subject of perennial interest and one which in these testing days merits fullest consideration. The author attempts to apply the results of recent psychological researches and other investigations touching the highest human interest to that relationship of the sexes which finds its proper purpose and fulfilment in a happy and fruitful married life. The problems of marriage must be studied in all their ramifications if a complete understanding is to be arrived at regarding child welfare questions. We therefore commend this wise and helpful little book to all who are anxious to encourage conditions which shall make for the sanctity, effective service, and general weal of marriage life not only in its personal and domestic aspects, but as a foremost factor in the progress of national health, happiness and efficiency.

"The Teaching of the Faith to Children." With a Preface by the Rev. J. O. F. Murray, D.D., Master of Selwyn College, Cambridge. Pp. x + 78. London: The Lay Reader Headquarters, 7, Dean's Yard, Westminster, S. W. 1. 1918. Price, cloth, 1s. 3d.; paper covers, 9d.

This is published in the series of "Lay Reader Manuals." It consists of a collection of articles: "The Teaching of the Faith to Children," by the Rev. J. F. Kendall, M.A., Vicar of Richmond; "The Imagination of Children,” by H. E. Tudor, Reader in the Diocese of Southwark; "The Sunday School," by the Rt. Rev. the Lord Bishop of Kingston-onThames; "Christian Education, Tributary or Backwater?" by the Rev. Alan

H. Simpson, M.A., Canon of St. Michael's, Coventry; "The Teachers' Preparation Class" and "The Preparation and Delivery of a Lesson," by E. G. Nightingale, Reader in the Diocese of Wakefield; "The Children's Church" and "Lantern Picture Services," by Godfrey P. Heisch, Reader in the Diocese of Southwark; "The Address at Children's Services and "A Children's Flower Service," by Thos. E. Bonser. The aim and scope of the book is fairly well indicated by this enumeration of its contents. "As long as there are children in the world we shall never be at a loss, if our eyes are open, for living images of Christ." So writes Bishop Murray in his preface. This little book furnishes much helpful direction regarding what Churchmen count as fundamental principles, together with many practical suggestions for the conduct of effective and acceptable work in connection with the management of Sunday school and children's services. Although addressed primarily to members of the Anglican Church, there is material in this unpretentious little book which should appeal to all concerned for the development of a religious life in the young.

"The Story of London." Vol. I. By R. W. McWilliam, B.A., formerly Inspector of Schools to the London County Council. With a Foreword by Rev. Stewart D. Headlam, L.C.C. Pp. xiv + 176. With illustrations and plan. London: Sir Isaac Pitman and Sons, Ltd., 1, Amen Corner, E.C. 4. 1918. Price 1s. 3d. net.

London is becoming increasingly the Capitol of our world-wide British Commonwealth, and every boy and girl in our far-flung Empire should know something of the history of our wonderful metropolis. It is particularly important that all children living in or near London should early be introduced to its traditions and treasures and enter into the spirit of its wonderful story. Mr. McWilliam has undertaken a notable piece of work in seeking to furnish a history of London in a form which will be understood and appreciated by our coming citizens. A knowledge of the London of the past and London of the present will, as Mr. Headlam suggests in his sympathtic foreword, stimulate a desire to

adopt the ideal of Milton: A Mansion House of Liberty. The present and first volume is devoted to a consideration of Westminster and the West and NorthWest districts of London, and includes descriptions of Westminster Abbey, Westminster Palace and Whitehall, the old Riverside Mansions, Kensington and Buckingham Palaces, and developments in West London. There are also chapters on the Theatres, the Booksellers, Coffeehouses and Clubs, and the Royal Society and the Royal Academy. The volume is admirably illustrated, mainly by reproductions of old illustrations. We hope this book may be used as a reader in all London schools. It is a valuable primer for the cultivation of the civic spirit and understanding.

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The Coming Dawn: A War Anthology." By Theodora Thompson. With a Foreword by Sir Oliver Lodge. Pp. xxvii + 289. London: John Lane, The Bodley Head, Vigo Street, W. 1. 1918. Price 5s. net.

Sir Oliver Lodge, in his courageous, invigorating and righteous foreword, expresses the hope that "this book will exert some influence among those who speak of the War as if it were a cause and not a consequence, and as if its premature suppression would be anything but a calamity." He holds, as all true patriots must, that "corruption of the best is the worst, and untimely pacificism during the struggle is treachery to the Master whose principles we uphold in face of organized devilry and bestial wickedness." We hold that Miss Thompson has accomplished a notable service by the preparation of this anthology. In years to come it will be studied with interest by our sons and daughters as indicating something of what the truest British hearts felt and the wisest of British minds expressed regarding the sternest struggle that was ever put up to maintain liberty, justice and righteousness. Much painstaking search and judicious selection has gone to the production of this well-arranged and artistically produced volume. There are no less than 119 names in the "List of Authors." The selections are effectively arranged under such general headings as Spiritual Warfare, Righteous and Unrighteous Peace,

Heroism and Self-sacrifice, Through Catastrophe to Opportunity, and Going West. The volume is fittingly dedicated to President Wilson. We commend this corrective to pessimism and pacificism to all patriots, statesmen, religious leaders, educationists and instructors of coming citizens of the British Commonwealth.

"Thrift for the Housewife: Things all Women Ought to Know, including Simple Cooking, Care of House and Furniture, Clothes, Health, &c." By Mrs. John J. Webster. Pp. 218, with 169 recipes. London: Chapman and Hall, Ltd., 11, Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, W.C. 2. 1918. Price 5s. net.

This is a book for the times. These are days when self-help, thrift, industry, and a knowledge of practical affairs count for much. Mrs. Webster has condensed a vast amount of serviceable information into her little book. The major portion, however, is devoted to detailed recipes. These will prove invaluable to the open-minded house manager anxious for suggestion and guidance in the preparation of economic, nutritious and palatable dishes. We commend the book to the notice of war-wise women.

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Chemistry for Beginners and Schoolboys." By G. C., T. Kingzett, F.I.C., F.C.S. Second Edition. Pp. viii+150. London: Bailliere, Tindall and Cox, 8, Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, W.C. 1918. Price 2s. 6d. net.

This admirable manual by the Chairman of the well-known Sanitas Company, Ltd., the headquarters of which are in Locksley Street, Limehouse, E., was highly commended in these pages when it first appeared, and we are particularly glad to see that a second edition has been called for, at a time when there is need for parents and their children, as well as employers and their employees, to realize that the future of the British Empire depends in great measure on the application of scientific knowledge and an understanding of technical processes. Mr. Kingzett's little volume provides schoolboys-and may we not add schoolgirls? -with a really effective introductory

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