29 SEPTEMBER 1883, Page 22

Imperatoris Justiniani Institutionum Libri IV. With Introduc- tions, Commentary, Excursus,

and Translation. By J. C. Moyle, B.C.L. (The Clarendon Press.)—Though Mr. Moyle's volumes are, of course, intended as a text-book for students of law, his general introduction will repay perusal to all who desire to complete their acquaintance with the history of Rome. Law was so important an element in the city's inner development, and in its relations to the world which it conquered, that the student of its history must needs know something about it. Here he will find what will be most useful to him, even though he do not intend to pursue the study with a professional purpose. Not a few interesting questions connected with Roman life, and some perplexing problems—the singular phe- nomenon, e.g., of an annually elected legislator, the praetor urbatras (for the praetor was more than a judge)—are explained. The latter part of the introduction gives a clear and compendious sketch of the legal schools which arose when law became a science. Each book is furnished with a special introduction. There is a copious running commentary on the text. The second volume contains a translation.