LITERARY NOTICES.
The life of Philippus Theophrastus, Bombast of Hohenheim, known by the name of Paracelsus, and the substance of his teachings concerning Cosmology, Anthropology, Pneumatology, Magic and Sorcery, Medicine, Alchemy, and Astrology, Philosophy, and Theosophy, extracted and translated from his rare and extensive works, and from some unpublished manuscripts, by Franz Hartmann, M.D., 220 pages. Published by George Redway, London, York Street.
Scientific students will find it interesting to trace the life and speculations of Paracelsus, but to those who are not well grounded in science and philosophy, who have an easy credulity, such writings have a misleading tendency. Paracelsus was a great reformer, both in medicine and religion, and had very remarkable success as a physician. The sensation he produced, the profound admiration of his friends and hostility of his enemies show him to have been an extraordinary man. The present volume is well written and interesting, and furnishes themes for future comment.
“Life and Labors of Dr. J. R. Newton,—Healer, or The Modern Bethesda.” This handsome volume of 320 pages, with a fine likeness of Dr. Newton, should occupy a place in every library, as a record and demonstration of the grand truth that man has in his living spirit a healing power which is proportioned to his spiritual development and affinity with heaven. Sold by Colby & Rich, Boston, $2.
“The Purpose of Theosophy,” by Mrs. A. P. Sinnett, London, published by Chapman & Hall, 1885 (107 pages). This is a brief and clear statement of the Oriental Theosophy. That it differs widely from the Theosophy of American students is a matter of course. Tradition and Science never agree entirely. The pursuit of the highest wisdom is Theosophy, and to this the Journal of Man is devoted, but is not encumbered by ancient theories.
☞See advertisement of Rare Books, by R. Weiss.
“Consolation and other poems, by Abraham Perry Miller,” of Worthington, Minnesota; published by Brentano, New York, 122 pages. This little book is full of graceful verse and fine thoughts well expressed. The author’s style has a simplicity and perspicuity which make a contrast to the occult style of Tennyson, and convey many good lessons, as in the sentence,
“We bear within us that which makes us blest
And Heaven and Hell are carried in the breast.”
“The Problems of Life,” by Dr. R. C. Flower, Spectator Publishing Co., Boston, 52 pages, 50 cents. This handsome brochure discusses many prevalent evils in a pungent and rhetorical style and gives a great amount of good advice in a sprightly and practical way.
“The Mediumistic experiences of John Brown, the medium of the Rockies, with an introduction by Prof. J. S. Loveland.” A book of 167 pages. Price, $1.00.
This is quite a remarkable and interesting volume. The introduction, by Prof. Loveland, is very well written, and presents the merits of Mr. Brown as one of the pioneer mediums. “A distinct centre in the history of modern Spiritualism.” “Before Davis grasped the Magic Staff,” before the Fox girls had heard the “mystic rap,” John Brown had wandered from “the rock-bound shores” of “old New England” to the wild fastnesses of the Rocky Mountains, and amid a company of adventurous trappers and traders, was manifesting the strange facts connected with the spirit side of our complex life. A few copies left at this office will be sent by mail for $1.
A Volapük Grammar, for the study of the Volapük language, by Prof. Kerchkoffs, translated into English by Karl Dorubush, has lately been published. Volapük has gained a foothold in nearly every European nation, and bids fair to become universal.