For further examples of senseless platitudes dictatorially expressed, we refer the reader to the work _passim_. There is nothing more ridiculous than the deliberate sitting-down to write a book of proverbs and reflections. How unlike the genuine flow of the table-talk of some of our best men or the words of wisdom forced, as it were, from the lips of experience. In short, we are sick of pompous mediocrity on stilts: of that placid egotism which complacently assumes the office of guide and teacher, though incapable of aught but the tedious common-place. We do not want the thoughts of great men passed through such alembics--in fact, we much prefer to dilute our own proverbs if they prove too strong for us.
'Guesses at Truth' is beautifully printed on fine paper with clear type; after the newest style of the accomplished publishers. We regret to say the text is marred by the change of spelling of words ending in _ed_. Thus we find: reacht, lookt, discust, toucht, fixt, packt, etc., etc.--instead of reached, looked, discussed, touched, fixed, packed. 'As the body to the soul, so the word to the thought,' and we do not believe in thus mutilating what we are led by habit at least to consider a fair proportion.
PROFESSOR VALENTINE MOTT'S SURGICAL CLINIQUES IN THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW-YORK. Session 1859-60. Reported by SAMUEL W. FRANCIS, M.D.
THIS volume, which is gotten up in the best style of typography, and illustrated with many superior engravings, embraces a report of nearly one hundred surgical cases treated by the eminent surgeon, Professor VALENTINE MOTT, M.D. The treatment of the cases is simple and judicious, and they are narrated clearly and concisely. The work is of great practical value and interest to the medical profession, and reflects credit on its able reporter, Dr. SAMUEL W. FRANCIS. It is embellished with a very accurate portrait of Professor MOTT.
WA-WA-WANDA: A LEGEND OF OLD ORANGE. In one Volume: pp. 280. New-York: RUDD AND CARLETON, Corner of Grand and Crosby-streets.
This is a book seriously written, containing the narrative of an old Indian called WINTER PIPPIN. The author, declining the trouble of giving us a measure of his own, which certainly the originality of his work demands, has modestly employed that of Mr. LONGFELLOW'S HIAWATHA, for which Mr. LONGFELLOW ought to be very grateful.