16 MARCH 1907, Page 24

Some Problems of Existence. By Norman Pearson. (E. Arnold. 7s.

ed, net.)—We cannot undertake to discuss the very grave questions which Mr. Pearson deals with in this volume; but we commend to the attention of our readers two of the essays, "After Death "—one of the most successful efforts, as it seems to us, ever made to realise the conception of personal survival—and " Animal Immortality," treating a subject not so overwhelmingly important, but full of a fascinating interest. Another notable essay is" The Sanction of Morality." Mr. Pearson cornea to the conclusion that "natural requital is a moral sanction of far greater power than any of those furnished by other theories of morality." Two ioropial suggest themselves. One is that this sanction has always been recognised and yet has never been effective. No man has ever been converted by being made to sea that ill deeds bring their own retribution. The other is,—would it not be far more effective if it were speedier ? On the whole, it reinforces others, but it cannot stand alone.