vancement from its first rude foundations, to its present regularity and excellence. We presume that neither the writings of the constitutionalists, nor those of the republicans or anarchists, will mislead the student to suppose with the one, that the British constitution is nearly free from defects, nor with the other, that it is vulnerable at all points, and replete with the seeds of its own certain destruction. The productions of each party should be read with the single view of extracting truth, and under the persuasion that entire verity and invariable candour are not to be found in the pages of either. This little volume of Mr. Plowden is written with a laudable and ingenuous spirit, and presents a very pleasing view of the fundamental principles of a government which every good and reflecting mind might reasonably wish to be perpetual, (Note 9.) EUNOMUS. As an institutionary treatise this little volume has much merit. Its main object is the removal of many vulgar prejudices relative to the science of law and its professors, by a liberal and minute inquiry into the origin and spirit of many of its principles. The aspersions usually cast on the constitution and laws of England, both as to principle and practice, are satisfactorily removed, and the excellence and dignity of both ably vindicated, The difficulties usually encountered in matters of practice, and the numerous apparently unmeaning technicalities of English jurisprudence, are, together with the science generally, illustrated in an able and attractive manner. The intimate connexion of law with history and general literature is displayed, and the student strongly urged to pursue a liberal method of legal study. It is matter of regret that this work is, with us, so little known. The merited renown of its predecessor, the "Commentaries," has cast it into shade, from which we should esteem ourselves fortunate to rescue it. (Note 10.) REEVES'S HISTORY OF THE ENGLISH LAW. Until the appearance of this inestimable work, a general history of English jurisprudence was no where to be found, and was certainly a great desideratum. The connexion between the law and the history of the times in which it originated, advanced, and matured, is very intimate; and, as has elsewhere been observed, must receive an attention commensurate with its great utility. But the history of the science of law itself; its origin, alterations, modifications and maturity; demands a closer inspection, and cannot fail in being regarded as a subject of singular interest to every legal inquirer. A lawyer surely will not content himself with a knowledge of the existing laws, without respect to their origin and primary spirit, but will acquaint himself with the reasons which occasioned their enactment, the causes of their various changes and modifications. He should know what the law has been; why it no longer exists the same; and the cause of the alteration in any of its provisions; for the parts which have been pruned and cast off, still affect the nature and configuration of those which remain: in fine, the law more than any other science, should be known in all the various stages of its progression: its history discloses its philosophy, and as legal writers are generally content with declaring the mere operative law, a juridical history, gradually and chronologically developing the science from its infancy, through all its struggles to manly and vigorous maturity; designating with certainty and precision the va rious mutations it has undergone, and the causes which induced them; cannot but be a work of great interest and manifest utility. In this point of light we regard Mr. Reeves's history. The object of this very laborious and judicious author, is the investigation of English jurisprudence, not English antiquities: with this view, every work of established authority of early times has been critically examined; and, as he himself informs us, the whole of Glanville, and the most valuable and interesting parts of Bracton, have been incorporated in this work. The style of this production is as easy, and the manner of treating the subject as interesting, as the topicks would admit; but notwithstanding their interest and importance, it must be admitted to be a work which should be rather frequently than continuedly in the hands of the student. Like some other works of great value, it fatigues more from the multiplicity of its topicks, than from the dulness either of its matter or manner. The most judicious method, therefore, of reading this work, is to take it up at intervals, and to impress faithfully on the mind the law as it existed at a particular period, before proceeding with it in all its variety of changes. A contrary procedure might engender confusion in a work embracing the revolutions and modifications of the law of England through many centuries. The advantage of this method of reading Mr. Reeves's history is strongly impressed on our mind, from a lively recollection of the pleasure and benefit we received from devoting to it an hour or two a day; from which we have always thought we gained more useful knowledge of English law than from any other work placed in our hands during our legal novitiate. The propriety of the place assigned it in this Course, viz. between the works of Blackstone and Wooddeson, and the great Commentary upon Littleton, is strengthened by the views of its author. "In pursuing the changes," says Mr. Reeves, "in our laws thus far, it is hoped that if nothing is added to the stock of professional information, something is done towards giving it such illustration and novelty, as may assist the early inquiries of the student. The investigation here made into the origin of English Tenures, the law of real property, the nature of writs, and the ancient and more simple practice of real actions, may, perhaps, facilitate the student's passage from Blackstone's Commentaries to Coke upon Littleton; and better qualify him to consider the many points of ancient law which are discussed in that learned work." PARTICULAR SYLLABUS. TITLE III. "Emisit me mater Londinum, juris nostri capessendi gratiâ; cujus cùm vestibulum salutâssem, reperissemque linguam peregrinam, dialectum barbarum, methodum inconcinnam, molem non ingentem solum, sed perpetuis humeris sustinendam, excedit mihi fateor animus.".....SPELMAN. * THE LAW OF REAL RIGHTS AND REAL REMEDIES. I. THE LAW OF REAL RIGHTS. (Note 1.) 2d. Cruise's Digest of the Real Law. The THE OBJECTS OF REAL PROPERTY. *Vide note 3 to this Title. |