Normal Advocate from Holton, Kansas • 6

BOOK NOTICES. Houghton, Mifllin A Company, Boston, are now publishing a new series of biographies, called American Statesmen. Each volume containH from 350 to 400 pages, and while each one is written in a style peculiar to the author, it is also written in a style different from the old methods of biography. Dr. II.

von Hoist has port ray ell the life and character of John C. Calhoun, dwelling largely upon his personal influence upon the nation. Bo far as we are able to judge, the author has done justice to the great statesman. Another of these interesting volumes is that of John Quincy Adams, by John T. Morse, jr.

Not only does it contain the life of Mr. Adams, but it contains the history of the times in which he lived. In these books light is thrown upon many political subjects which the average politician will not get elsewhere. It also gives those portions of his domestio life which seem tilting for the public to know. This volume is a good companion piece for the literary works of O.

W. Ilolmes. The student will find it a help, giving a better insight to the character of his writings. Any literary production is better understood after knowing the circumstances which brought it forth. A very interesting description of the "Holmes Dinner" is given, which is not found elsewhere, except in a periodical of that date.

"In Meraoriam." A study by John F. Oenung. That this book finds many readers speaks much for the culture of American students. We have few such joks. Tennyson has many lovers in this country, and to these this little volume will be very welcome.

The author discusses the poem as reluted to its age and to the growth of the poet's mind; the purpose of the poem; shows the relation between the leading thoughts of this and other poems; how the purpose wa influenced by the spirit of the time; and the poem's own indication of its purpose. He also discusses the structure of the poem. The work is one of the most admirable treatises of the kind of which we know. To those who have loved the poem and have felt the mystery surrounding many of the poet's thoughts, this work will be welcome. Published by Houghton, Mifllin A Boston, Mass.

Houghton, Mifllin A Co. are also publishing a new intellectual arithmetic, by Warren Colburn. In other words, it is a mental arithmetic containing the most elaborate series of problems suited to mental discipline that we have seen. Such books ought to be introduced into our schools more rapidly than they are. "Talks on Teaching," by Col.

F. W. Parker: E. L. Kellogg A New York.

Few books have been received by American teachers with such universal favor. It seems to us valuable, not so much for its methods, as for the professional feeling it inculcates. A teacher can hardly read this book without feeling a greater love for her work. We wish each teacher in America had a copy. A.

S. Barnes A Co, Chicago, publish Peck's "Text-Book of Popular Astronomy." This work is prepared for students in high schools and academies, and contains a good treatise on descriptive astronomy. The illustrative cuts are very plain, and better than in many similar works. "Studies in Science and Religion," published by Warren F. Draper, Andover.

The author, G. Frederick Wright, has written this book as a companion to Logic of Christian Evidences," both being the result of fourteen years of study. It contains a number of essays, among which are, "Darwinism as an Illustration of the Scientific Method," "Prehistoric Man," "Relation of the Bible to Science," and "On Design in Nature." The whole work is argumentative and scientific, as well as interesting and instructive. been here know him. Last year he completed the Scientific course, manipulating the broom, coal shovel, to pay his expenses.

This year he completes the Classic course, and thus becomes a member of the first graduating class of the institution. His orations have all been logical and forcible. D. II. Rohrabaugh was a member of the Classic class until in April, when failing health compelled hira to relinquish his 'studies.

He is now in Doniphan county, developing his physique by working on a farm. The report has it that Clara Allen has married. We have not yet learned who the fortunate youth is. Susie Drake has married herself to W. W.

Allen, of Olesburg, Kansas; both commercial students of last year. Miss May Hamar is also married, to whom we have not learned, having received no card. Mr. T. E.

Wimer and W. D. Green have executed fine specimens of pen flourishing, which are on exhibition in the library. Their work causes many praiseworthy comments from visitors. Miss Sadie Beckett has been teaching near her home.

We are glad to say that she will doubtless be in school next year. Edward Bumgardner has been in school during the spring and summer, preparing for the Scientific course next year. Prof. Geo. O.

Moore reports a fine growing school at Middletown, Va. Mr. E. L. Enochs, of Fancy Creek, Kansas, taught the home school with credit.

He still continues his German, and finds it very profitable. He is now in school again, to remain until commencement. D. C. Edwards has a good position in the City Bank of Angell, Matthewson Parsons, Kas.

He says he finds the experience gained in Actual Business class of great aid and value in his work. Will M. Leonard brings up a good showing for himself. He is bookkeeper in a large store at Richmond, Kas. He sends us a good student, Miss Laura Copple.

Howard Wallace has just "gone west to grow up with the" Washington Territorians. W. W. Allen has established himself in banking and real estate business, at Olesburg, Kansas. He completed the business course here the first year.

John Fricker is engaged in business at G. G. Wheat was principal of the St. Marys schools last year. He visited us during the holidays.

He expects to take the medical course next year, Miss Nettie Woodbury writes from Solomon City, Kas. She has a good position as teacher in that place. Miss May Nash writes from her home, Phillipsburg, Kas. She says: I have tried in my school some of the new ideas that I gained while at the University, and have succeeded very well." Miss Matie Convis, after having been under the instruction of Miss Taber for nearly a year, is now teaching instrumental music at Onaga, Kas. She says she has a large class, and all the work she can do.

She is quite deserving of success. John Kelley completed his third year of school in the same place on May 23d. He contemplates a trip east, and then he does n't know what. W. 8.

McClintock visited us in the latter part of the second winter term, after having taught a term near his home, Pawnee City, Neb. J. B. McCormick, who has been in school nearly all the year, has gone home to recuperate his health. Miss Thamar Richey taught one of the departments in the Concordia schools last year, aud is intending to be in school here all next year.

A. E. Spence has a good position in one of the banks at Valley Falls, Kas. He will be successful wherever he goes. He is a graduate of the business course.

H. M. Scneder taught, at Larkin, a successful term. Miss Catherine Thomas taught the primary department at Wetmore, Kas. She had good success, and is doing all she can to return to school soon.

SCIENCE IN THE NORMAL UNIVERSITY. While we cannot boast of a large number of rooms with thousands of dollars' worth of apparatus, we do claim that by our method of teaching, and by our cheap, hand-made apparatus, that the mysteries of science are as fully illustrated as at institutions where exist seemingly greater facilities, and that there is as great a development of individual power as at any educational institution in the country. It is rather inconsistent for a college to advertise wonderful facilities in science, and closely follow as Lessons on Manners Lee Shepherd, 47 Franklin street, New York. This is a small, neat work, for home and school use; being divided into twelve lessons, so as to aid the teacher. The author recommends that teachers talk to, and act before their pupils, and not lecture them.

"Payne's Lectures on the Science and Art of Education:" published by above firm. This book grows in popularity as teachers grow in professional spirit. Those who desire become thoroughly imbued with the principles of their profession should secure this book. It is a lamentable fact that the science of education is not known by many teachers: they are not aware that education is based on natural principles. These teachers should send for this book.

It should be in the hands of everyone who presumes to aid in shaping an immortal mind. "History of the United States in Rhyme:" Boston, D. Lothrop Co. This work is prepared by the historical rhymester, Robert C. Adams, and in seventy-two pages has given the whole history of the country.

"Persons who would like this kind of a book, it is just such a book as they would like." "Hazen's Complete Spelling-Book," Ginn, Heath A Boston; is a book prepared for all grades containing a great many lessons printed in script. It is well arranged, and will meet the requirements of such text-books. "Pestalozzi: nis Life, Work, and Influence." Van Antwerp, Bragg A Cincinnati. The author, Hermann Krusi, is the son of Pestalozzi's first associate. He hag prepared this work with a view to giving teachers a complete history of the man, together with his works and their influence upon the educational world.

His principles are given and commented upon in four different chapters, while the "Spread of the "Sunshine at Home" (Review and Herald Publishing House, Battle Creek, Mich.) 'contains sparkling pages for the child, the youth and the parent. It is a portfolio of natural history, biography and Bible scenes. There are a hundred and fifty illustrations which will both please and instruct. It is designed for all grades of society, from the child to the grandparent. "The Glacial Boundary in Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky," Leader Printing Company, 146 Superior street, Cleveland, Ohio, contains, principally, a detailed account of observations made in Ohio.

Only a few facts are mentioned concerning Indiana, yet the author thinks enough to warrant the statement that the evidences in Indiana are similar to those in Ohio. system" receives the space ot about half the work. "Studies in Church History," by Henry C. Lea, (Henry C. Lea's Son Philadelphia,) presents facts, rather than rhetorical display; and the author porta.

John Strieker continues to vend goods We wish to express our thanks to Harry G. Wilson, the efficient agent for Van Antwerp, B. A for copies of White's Revised Arithmetic, Test Problems in Algebra, and Schuyler's Revised Algebra. These are excellent text-books, and the test problems furnish good review exercises. a text-book Steele's Physiology or Barker's Chemistry.

It reminds one of the man who snuffed the candle with his fingers and endeavors to show how the church in meeting the successive crises of its career succeeded in establishing the absolute theocratic despotism which diverted it so strangely from its spiritual The book contains nearly GOO pages, and to get a good idea of its contents it would have to be read thoroughly. "Tea and Coffee" (Fowler A Wells, 753 Broadway, N. treats of their physical, intellectual and moral effects on the human system. The writer points out the poisonous effects of both these article as food and medicine. It is strange why people read so many books, but very few of them on the preservation of health.

over the counters of G. F. King's mammoth merchandising establishment, Holton, Kas. W. A.

Miller will soon be a full-fledged druggist. J. L. Conner is in the cattle business. C.

L. Brown still smiles upon us and some one else occasionally. He is in the cattle business. A. C.

Douglas is hard at work upon the farm. S. E. Ream, after an extended trip East, is again toiling with the clods. Cyrus Hurrell, the popular Scientific of last year, is at work in the Probate Judge's "Geological Excursions." Winchell.

This book is intended to assist teachers in elementary science work in the lower grade schools. As such, it is, without doubt, the best we have seen. It is well illustrated by 88 engravings. The thoughts are presented in an easy-style, and can be read with interest by all. We wish every teacher in the West would buy this book.

With it much could be done at noons and on holidays to interest pupils in science. Published by S. C. Grieea Chicago, 111. Price, $1.50.

"The Scholar in a Republic" (Lee Shepard, Boston) is an address by Wendell Phillips, the great rad-icalist. The lecture is eloquent, but does not speak very highly of our institutions of learning. "Ploetss's Epitome of Universal History" (Houghton, Milllin A Boston) is a work not intended so much as a text-book, but as a reference work for any one who is interested in the study of general history. The reader is frequently referred to other authors for more complete discussions, as it is impossible to group an elaborate history into a volume of 600 pages. Tabular outlines of a few governments are given.

"The Topographer; His Instruments and Methods." For the civil engineer, or the teacher, this is a practical and useful work. The construction and best methods of use of instruments are given. The determining of a true meridian, levelling, field notes, underground topography, hydrography, and maps of contour are also given, with full explanations. It is a valuable work. J.

M. Stqddart, New York, N. publishers. "Science Ladders, No. 1," is an illustrated geographical reader.

While there are some good points against the use of such readers, there are many in their favor. The author has not used the utmost care in this book, in the use of terms, definitions and statements; and for this reason we would hesitate in giving our fullest recommendation in its behalf. The various subjects treated are, Land and Water," Early Explorations," "Vegetable Life," Flowerless Plants," Water Animals," and "Armor Wearers." It is published by G. P. Putnam's Sons, New York city.

the snuff in the newly-purchased snuffbox. In our work we use no special book in any science. Our students are encouraged to use several, and form their own opinions from their investigations. Particularly are they urged to use the larger books. Many of our students prepare their physiology lessons from the large works of Gray or Flint; their lessons in philosophy from the works of Silliman, Ganot, or Deschanell; their chemistry from Attfield or Fowne; their geology from Dana's Manual, and so on with all the sciences taught.

Each subject is outlined, in order that students may have clearer ideas of it as a whole. Many old teachers come and say that they wish to review physiology, or chemistry, or philosophy, and find within a very few days that it is not much of a review. We follow the topical method, and our students search all authorities. In physiology and zoology, dissection is of frequent occurrence; in botany nearly the whole time is given to analysis of plants; in philosophy and chemistry everything is illustrated by apparatus, in most cases made by the students themselves. Apparatus is valuable only as it makes plain the philosophy of the principle discussed.

In a large majority of cases in natural philosophy the student will form a clearer idea from making his own apparatus, costing but a few cents, than from that which cost several dollars. In our laboratory we have a large amount of costly apparatus, which we use when necessary. While our terms are shorter than in most schools, there are attendant circumstances which enable much to be accomplished. We enter at once into the subject; lose no time in examinations, either at the opening or at the close of the term. Our recitations are one hour in length, and lessons demand two hours for preparation.

We do not ask questions, but require the students to do the work of the recitation by talking from topics. The lessons are outlined by the members of the class, and we aim never to leave a subject until it is clear. By use of the large texts, judgment as to details, and power of concentration are developed. From the attention we give to science, and from all the advantages the institution offers, we feel that our facilities are worthy of consideration by those who desire a scientific education. See eighth page of this paper for time when sciences are taught.

THE WHEREABOUTS AND DOINGS OF SOME NORMALITES. We hope that students who have been here will not neglect to write to the President or some member of the faculty, so that in this way we can keep posted as to what you are doing, and also all who receive the paper will, in this way, learn something of their friends, which, otherwise it would be impossible to obtain without great difficulty. Besides, we are always glad to hear from our former students. The present year is nearing a close, and both teachers and citizens have been highly pleased with the patronage, both as to number and character of students. Quite a number of the students will return after the August vacation to attend school next year, some to take the Scientific course, others the Teachers', others the Business course, and still some others an irregular course.

A great number will teach during the fall and winter, to return next spring and summer. Those expecting to take the Scientific course sometime in the near future, most of them next year, are, J. H. Easter, M. G.

Kirkpatrick, Jessie McCartney, Ella T. Mc-Kernan, Belle Pickett, W. II. Sumner, F. D.

Atkinson, Ella Todd, Phebe Anderson, Estella Granger, W. II. Hoskinson, Charles Filley, Charles Pomeroy, D. A. Bickford, Josephine Moberly, Mrs.

Julia Crane, Geo. W. Campbell, Edward Bumgardner, J. J. Stanley, W.

D. Green, and Miss Alice Lacy. Prof. Carl F. Menninger, by economizing time to a good advantage, has, aside from his German teaching, taken the Classic course, and will graduate therein at the close of the year, July 31.

He will continue his connection with the school, and thus become a permanent member of the faculty. Competent judges have pronounced his German teaching excellent. Mr. J. V.

Dunn has been with us two years during the whole history of the school and ha9 been a close student during several years. So popular has he been that nearly all the students who have ever "Biogen" (Estes Lauriat, Boston) is the name of a small work on the origin and nature of life. The author opposes the vital and protoplasmic theories, and directly ascribes to God the origin of all life. office. Walter Talbert has grown immensely on the farm.

Miss Katie O'Keefe visited us during the holidays. T. J. Singhurst is learning the druggist trade at Erie, Kansas. C.

W. Brandenburg is becoming quite popular as a musical composer. He thinks "Music hath charms to soothe the savage" of the West. Harry Boyle, telegraph operator U. P.

R. R. Bailey, Colorado, receives $60 per month. Miss Ella McKernan was principal of the Wathena public schools. Miss F.

Katuer taught the Leona public schools with good success. Mr. M. L. Edwards is employed in the Board of Trade, Kansas City.

Miss Lillian Bloomfield teaches a spring school near her home, Barnes, Kansas. George Grover is making a most excellent record as assistant cashier of Onaga Exchange Bank, Onaga, Kansas. Miss Florence Bordner taught a very successful term in the Circleville (Kansas) public schools. She is an excellent teacher. G.

E. Brown, a graduate of the business course, is employed as clerk in a store at Whiting, Kas. Misses May Chase and Nellie Clemmons will graduate in the musical department this year. Miss Sadie Chase has also yielded to the influence of Cupid's darts, and formed a matrimonial union with our friend Mr. R.

Williams, of Soldier City, Kas. Miss Louie Dickson, who was in school during the second and third terms, is now at her home in this county, helping her mamma. Miss Orrie L. Dille, with her parents and two sisters, has moved to Holton for educational purposes. Miss Cora Douglass visited us the latter part of spring term.

"Wendell Phillips; a Commemorative Discourse, by Henry Ward Beecher." Fords, Howard A Hul-bert, New York. Price 10 cents. "The Chemistry of the Farm" (Orange Judd Company, N. is a email work prepared for farmers. The statements are the results of observations made on the great English farm of Rothamstead.

Elements of Natural Philosophy (Porter Philadelphia) is a work prepared on the experimental method, by Thos. R. Baker. The book is not very large, but the leading facts and principles of the subject are stated in a clear, concise and logical manner. The number of experiments given is large.

We commend it to the public. "Development Lessons" is a work for the teacher. After outlining lemons upon form, place, plants, and the author has presented the "Quincy work," and conclude with the science and art of teaching. The work is the result of experience, and is worthy of commendation. A.

Lovell A New York. "Oliver Wendell Holmes," by E. E. Brown: Lothrop A Co, Boston. The book given a very interesting portrayal of the literary life of this humorous poet..