3 NOVEMBER 1860, Page 20

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17ve North British Review appears to have passed into more vigorous hands; certainly its pages bear witness to increased power. The present number opens with a masterly and comprehensive survey of "Modern Thought-,-its Progress and Consummation," in which the views of Miss Hennell are fully examined from 113,e evangelical stand-point. The tone of the article is admirable. "Disturbances in Syria," "Spanish Repub- lics of South America," and "the Martyrdom of Galileo," are all full of historical statement. The other papers, varied as they are, are all above the average. The law Magazine and Law. Review is not, as its title im- plies, a purely professional publication. We have in this number very valuable papers on "Judicial Statistics," and the "Origin and Pro- gress of Commercial Law," the latter from the learned pen of Mr. Abdy. "Assize Amenities," deals with a growing tendency to pla„Y broad farce in our Courts of Justice very happily. The North American R6riatO has several capital articles; that on Lord Shaftesbury" is remarkable for its careful collection of historical data. Mr 'Darwin's theory of the Origin of Species is well handled. The other papers are either dis- tinguished for their learning, as "Homer and his Heroines," or are peculiar to America; but they can all be read with profit by the general reader. The Eclectic contains several articles interesting to religious readers. In its own groove of thought the Eclectic sustains its reputation as in "The Neologieal Tendencies of the Age," which, if it fails to satisfy the thinker, at all events will be held to meet the objections of doubters. The MAGAZINES appear in force this month.. Blackwood opens with an examination of the Civil Service Appointments," and treats of the modes of nomination and competition. The Administration of India" is a most ably written exhaustive paper. "Iron-clad Ships of War" is the distinguishing article of the number. "Judicial Puzzles" is an amusing account of the Annesley ease. Fraser opens with a paper only partially serious, "The Philosophy of Marriage," but the writer does not seem to have profited much by his studies under Sir Cresswell Cress- well. In other papers, Mr. Ruskin's crotchets, anti-politico-economical, and Sir A. Alison's history, are severely criticized. The Cornhdl con- tinues "Frawley Parsonage," and fills us with hope as to the united future of Lord Lufton and Lucy. Mr. Ruskin continues his attacks on economical science. " Oratory " mercilessly disposes of some of the cherished delusions of rhetoricians. "Italy's Rival Liberators," is an examination of the respective characters of Cavour and Garibaldi. The editor discourses on " Work " and has a "Roundabout Journey." The contents of Macmillan are varied, and include "The Life and Poetry of Keats," " A Defence of Mothers-in-law" (by. a courageous son -in- law), Tom Brown at Oxford." Nor is the topic of the hour for- gotten. Mr. Barker discourses on "Italian Unity, and the National Movement in Europe." The Dublin University presents a very excellent number, with a dozen papers of value. "The Vice of our Current Lite- rature " deals out just severity Upon the slip-shod habits and mannerisms of composition now practised.. "4:4 ;Work-a-day World of grsnee" is well sustained. Bentleg' s. Iffiscellany jos the usual number of papers ; ono on the "French Almanacs Ii61" is OXOpedintAY.44aPPYI, The "Memoir of Carlyle" is ably wren. The ..Vew 4400. opens with a paper on the Druses, which is wall. &ape 111.410 Market Place" is worthy of the author41cif.i,"*,a4likndon.„4,rea,ge." The Englishwoman's Journal discourses on- the emPlelrinplAigr2tWel?, and other matters interesting to the fair sex. The 21,:togritrif,austams its former reputation for excellence of engraving, typography, and art criticism.