HOF roughly done, and the reader feels assured that nothing more or better could be said upon the point. Whenever he differs from other writers, his criticisms are candidly and fairly expressed, and his own views are firmly but not obtrusively presented. The work contains indubitable evidence of a wide range of thoroughly digested reading, illustrating and beautifying a subject generally regarded as dry and repulsive, but which will here be found really attractive and interesting. Of the author it may be truthfully said, nullum tetigit quod non ornavit. In the Southern Review, a writer, in an ill-natured and illiberal arti- cle, asserts that the book is not practical, and has many other faults, but he forgets that the author did not attempt to make his work a guide to the practice of the Courts, but a comprehensive elementary treatise, deal- ing with first principles, containing the great outlines of jurisprudence, adapted to the wants of young men just commencing the study of the law, and by them, as well as those advanced, it will be read with delight and profit. 4 South. Rev. 47 ; 3 A. J. 86 ; 30 N. A. Rev. 135 ; Story's Inaug. Disc. 45, n ; 1 Ang. L. J. 264. HOFFMAN, DAVID. A Course of Legal Study, addressed to Students, and the Profession generally. 2d ed., much enlarged. 2 vols. 8vo. Baltimore. 1836. What Cujacius said of Paul de Castro, has been appropriately applied to Professor Hoffman's Course of Legal Study; qui non habet Paulum de Castro, tunicam vendat, et emat. The author is well known as a learned and able jurist, who has long laboured as an instructor and writer, in disseminating proper views upon legal education, and in elevating its standard in the United States. From his long experience in these mat- ters, and varied learning, he was able to write a work of peculiar excel- lence, worthy of the approval of a liberal profession, and a priceless contribution to young men just starting upon the life-long study of the law. It not only points out the authors to be read in each department of the law, but those which should be studied in connexion with the law, to form the accomplished jurist. Judge Story remarks, that " the writers whom he recommends are of the very best authority j and his own n<)tes are composed in a tone of the most enlarged philosophy, and abound in just and discriminating criticism, and in precepts calculated to elevate the moral as well as intellectual character of the Profession." It is truly a bibliographical treasure, that none will do without who are in down- right earnest in studying the law as a liberal profession. My own humble labours in legal bibliography, have been greatly aided by this excellent writer, as every person's will be who gives the subject any attention. It is written in a fresh and glowing style, evincing the deep interest the author takes in his subject, and its perusal does not fail to awaken a responsive feeling, and an ardent desire to master the most noble of sciences, the stepping stone to usefulness and honour, the law. 391
