SOME BOOKS OF TIIE WEEK.
trader this heading ire reties such Books of the week as have not been reserved for review in other forms.]
Herbert Spencer's Descriptive Sociology. Edited by Henry R. Tedder. (Williams and Norgate. 21s. net.)—In 1867 Mr. Herbert Spencer, helped by various competent persons, began to collect and classify sociological facts. After a while he resolved to publish some of the results. They were in three divisions : <1) Uncivilised Societies ; (2) Civilised Societies, Extinct or Decayed ; (3) Civilised Societies, Recent or Flourishing. In 1874-1881 four parts of Division 1, two of Division 2, and two of Division 3 appeared, at a total net cost of .23,250. This was more than the author could afford, and the work was suspended. A. concerted attempt is being made to carry on the series, and we have the first volume before us. This is an account of the " Hellenic Greeks," and is carried down to the death of Philip of Macedon. It is the work of Dr. Mahaffy and Professor Goligher, who are to follow it up with a volume on " Hellenistic Greeks." Professor Goligher and Mr. E. H. Alton are dealing with " Rome " (up to 180 A.D.), and Professor Flinders Petrie with "Ancient Egypt." The work is one which does not lend itself easily to review, but we are glad to be able to take this opportunity of drawing attention to so important a piece of historical scholarship. The efforts of Mr. Tedder and his colleagues are sure to receive a warm welcome at the hands of serious students of sociology.
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