correctly quoted that we could not find even one misquotation, We can therefore, recommed this dictionary as a very excellent assistant to schollars who wish to learn the German language, but find their progress impeded by the gross errors and glaring deficiency that render all German and English Dictionaries so unfit to satisfy the wants of learners.

Versuch einer allgemeinen deutschen Idiotikensammlung, &c.---An Attempt toward an universal collection of German Idiotism, &c. &c. By FR. C. FULDA, Berlin, and Stettin, Nicolai, 1788. pp. 607. crown 8vo.

The present attempt of the worthy author to whose lucubrations the German language was already deeply indebted, before this valuable collection was published, amply intitles him to the thanks of his countrymen, as he has spared no pains to make it as complete as possible, which renders it eminently useful to travellers that visit the different provinces of Germany, and not understanding the current iditiotisms, frequently are reduced to heavy drawbacks upon the social pleasures they enjoy.

Compendium deutscher Alterthümer, &c.---A compendium of German antiquities. By B. F. HUMMEL, Nürnberg, E. C. Grattenauer 1788, pp. 312, 8vo.

This instructive work treats in twenty chapters, of the origin, name and national character of the Germans, of the geography and the boundaries of ancient Germany, of the nations who were domesticated for some time in Germany, or emigrated to distant countries; of the gods, priests and religious ceremonies, of the German language, of the popular conventions and the tribunals of justice; of the laws, ordeals and military establishments and regulations, of the most ancient kings; of the coins used in ancient times; of the economical and conjugal state of the Germans; of their funeral ceremonies, tombs, &c. &c. We only have to add, that this volume is a most useful introduction to the knowledge of the antiquities of Germany, and highly honorable to the author's literary industry.

Schriften der kurfürstlichen deutschen Gesellschaft, &c--Transactions of the Electoral German Society at Mannhiem. Vol. IV. Mannheim 1788. pp. 414. 8vo.

Although

Although this volume of the transactions of the German society at Mannheim contains only one dissertation; yet it is one of the most valuable published since it was first instituted. The author of this dissertation, to which the society's prize was adjudged in 1787, is Prof. Trendelnburg of Danzig, who has drawn in it a most elaborate comparison between the respective merits of the German language and those of the Greek and Roman languages. The interesting nature of this subject and the able manner in which it has been treated by the learned author, cannot but render a brief sketch of the outlines of it acceptable to our scientific readers.--Sect. 1. Essential difference between the three languages in the formation of individual words. This appears already, 1. by the formation of the radical words. The German language has no word the original materials of which do not consist of consonants: whilst in the Greek and latin languages the radical sounds are frequently composed of vowels. 2. In the improvement of the radical words. The L. and G. did not long retain their original monosyllabled words, but improved them by the interpolation, prefixion or affixion of vowels. The G. frequently retained them unaltered: whence, harmony in the former, and perspicuity of the construction of words, in the latter. Here the author takes an opportunity of observing, that it is owing to a manifest error, that the oriental languages commonly are thought to excel all other languages in the greater number of radical words. 3. In the derivation. (a) of nouns. It is difficult to decide which of the three !anguages has the preference in this. They seem to rival each other. One has the preference in one instance, the other has it in another. The author illustrates this by means of a great number of examples, and on this occasion makes many judicious and ingenious observations. The Greeks derives a great many more substantives from verbs than the latin language; and this more than the German tongue. This source of derivation is less copions in the German language for no other reason, but because this language has only two tenses, and as many participles from which words can be derived, But even these are very much neglected, as most substantives are formed of the root of the verbs, or of the participle preter. This defect is, however, amply compensated by the terminative syllable ung, denoting the act of the verb. The German language, further, has the advantage of possessing particular derivative forms for collectives. The result of these and other observations of the author, is, that the three languages have no advantage over one another with respect to the formation of nouns. 6. Derivation of

Deross

verbs. In this the German language is strikingly inferior to the Greek and Latin. The sources from which, in these two languages, the materials for the construction of verbs are derived are more numerous and copious in the Greek and Latin than in the German. The poverty of the German language in expressive derivative syllables is as striking as the copiousness of the Latin, but more especially of the Greek, with regard to this point, is obvious. We possess only very few frequentatives, diminutives, &c. &c. and are almost totally destitute of inchoatives. 4. In the formation of compounds. Here the author shews the difference between derivation and composition, in opposition to Mr. Adelung. In the formation of compounds, the German langurge is not inferior to the Greek, and greatly excells the Latin. (b.) Difference of the three languages respecting the inflexion of words. The imperfection of the German declension cannot be denied, but this very defect paved the road to another kind of perfection. The German language can denote only a few relations by means of cases, and, therefore, is frequently compelled to use prepositions. The loss of brevity, which results therefrom, is amply compensated by greater clearness. (c.) Difference of the three languages with respect to the construction of words. In this it is greatly inferior to the ancient languages. Sect. II. Comparison of the German with the Latin and Greek languages, with regard to brevity, perspicuity, and euphany. 1. Brevity. The author clearly and impartially shews the superiority of the Latin and Greek languages. The difference in the construction of periods in the German, Latin, and Greek languages is here ably demonstrated. 2. Perspicuity. It appears by the author's observatious, that the essential disposition of the German language, both with respect to the construction and the connection of words renders the speech comparatively clearer and more comprehensible than the nature of the Greek and Latin languages allows, which again makes amends for its deficiency in brevity. 3. Euphony. Scarcely any grammatical investigation is subject to more iusurmountable difficulties, than that of the investigation of the superiority of one language, in point of euphony, over another. The author is sensible of these difficulties, and, therefore, very cautious in his judgment. He justly observes, that it is not the soft tone alone that renders a language euphonical, but that variety, difference, and change of sounds, even an occasional introduction of rough tones contribute much to the harmony of a language. In this a great deal depends on the pliancy and perfection of the organs of the speaker. The author's observations

observations on German prosody are very ingenious and instructive, and the whole dissertation is highly deserving of the perusal of philologers.

PHILOSOPHY.

Vorlesungen über die Kantische Philophie, &c. Lectures on the Kantian Philosophy: Read by Prof. WILL. Alt dorf, Monath, 1788. pp. 200. 8vo.

Prof. Will gives in these lectures a very faithful account of the Kantian system, and represents the leading principles of it with great conciseness and perspicuity. He declares, that he neither wishes to be considered a follower of Kant, nor intends to refute him, and, after having impartially stated the principal contents of it, he adds a criticism on the Kantian philosophy, very honourable to his judgment and moderation, The lectures are divided into seven sections. I. History of the Kantian philosophy. II. The Kantian ideas, division, and exposition of philosophy. III. Of Kant's criticism of pure reason. IV. A summary account of the contents of Kant's criticism of pure reason. V. A more complete statement of the leading contents of the Kantian criticism of pure reason. VI. Leading contents of Kant's criticism of practical pure reason. VII. The author's opinion of the Kantian criticism of pure reason.

Grundriss der allgemeinen Logic, &c. A Sketch of univer sal Logic, and critical elements of a system of universal Metaphysics: By L. H. JACOB, Dr. and Prof. of Philos. at Halle. Halle, Franke and Bispinck. 1788. pp. 350.

and 246. 8vo.

We recommed this elaborate work to those that find it difficult to dive into the spirit of the criticism of pure reason, as well as to those who are inclined to think the Kantian system dangerous to religion, virtue, and human happiness. The former will find in it a very comprehensible and satisfactory exposition of the philosophical reformation brought about by Kant; whilst the latter will be convinced that Kant's system does not overturn the supreme principles of religion and morality, and that he does not deviate so much as it appears at first sight from earlier philosophical systems.

The

The author frequently manifests, in the course of this work, his opinion of the earlier and later opposers of the Kantian philosophy; and we felt particular pleasure in perceiving that his judgments are invariably pronounced with a moderation and fairness that, by right, should characterize all philosophical disquisitions, but which, unfortunately, seems to be a virtue hitherto totally unknown to many pupils of that great man.

Allgemeine Geschichte der Philosophie, &c.---Universal History of Philosophy. For the uss of academical lectures. By J. A. EBERHARD. Halle, Hemmerde. 1788. pp.

308. Svo.

Professor Eberhard has in this sketch made a diligent and judicious use of all modern inquiries into the history of philosophy, and at the same time suggests many new and useful ideas concerning the origin of philosophical errors, and the gradual progress of mental refinement. He has taken particular care to propound the history of philosophy in such a manner as enables his readers clearly to perceive the gradual growth of philosophy from its first germ.

Versuch einer kritischen Untersuchung über das Willensgeschäfte, &c.---An attempt toward a critical inquiry into the operations of the human will, &c. By J. K. ABICHT, Professor of Philosophy at Ereangen. Frankfort, Jäger, 1788. pp. 307. 8vo.

The author of this work displays great talents for specula tion upon the nature of the operations of the human mind; though we must observe that he frequently confounds the technical terms peculiar to the different philosophical schools, which renders his expressions obscure and ambiguous in many instances.

Epochen der vorzüglichsten philosophischen Begriffe, &c.--Epochas of the principal philosophical notions, &c. Vol. I. Epochus of the ideas of Spirit, God and the human soul, &c. Sc. By C. G. BARDILI.

The reader will find in this work a well executed essay of a critical history of philosophy, which manifestly proves that the author possesses an extensive knowledge of the opinions

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