SHE SHEPPARD, WM. A Grand Abridgment of the Common and Statute Law of England, alphabetically Digested under proper Heads and Tides. 4 Parts. 4to. London. 1G75. This is the first Abridgment of the Common Law that appeared in English, and though possessing considerable merit, it scarcely strugo-led into existence. The author was the most industrious and learned law- yer of his age, but bis adherence to Cromwell, sufficed to consign, al- most to total oblivion, a considerable portion of his numerous writings. . The Touchstone of Common Assurances ; or a plain and familiar Treatise, opening the Learning of the Common Assurances or Conveyances of the Kingdom. The Seventh edi- tion, including all the Notes and additional References in the for- mer editions, and in the MS. copy of Edward Hilliard, &c. By Richard Preston. 2 vols. 8vo. London. 1821. 8th edition, by E. G. Atherley. 3 vols. 8vo, London. 1826. 1st Am. from Hilliard's edition, to which is added the Laws of the several States of the Union, relative to Common Assurances, by John Anthon. 3 vols. 8vo. New York. 1808-10. See Law Library. There is some doubt whether Sheppard is the real author of the Touchstone, though fathered by him. Whether written by Sheppard or Dodridge, it remained comparatively uncared for and unknown, until favorably noticed by Chief Justice Willes. The Touchstone is one of the most esteemed of the old treatises, a copious fountain of the law, relating to the transfer of real property, and though some parts of it are obsolete, a considerable portion is still vital and authoritative. " The great defect of the book," says Chancellor Kent, "is the want of that lucid order, and perspicuous method, which are essential to the cheerful perusal and ready perception of the merits of such a work," Several writers have largely copied from the volumes without rendering any acknowledgement. The most esteemed editions are Hilliard's, 1791, and the subsequent ones. Mr, Preston contributed considerable additions, supplying omitted words, occasionally changing the phraseoloo-y, sub- dividing the text, and inserting matter of his own, but his plan of anno- tation has not met with the entire approbation of the profession, though Mr. Butler speaks of ' Mr. Preston's invaluable edition of the Touch- stone.' " 1 L. M. 56; I Bart, Conv. 35; 1 Preston on Abstracts, 213; 1 Law Rev. 389; Warren's L. S. 577, 767; 1 Kent's Com. 509; 2 Wils. 78; Willes, 684; 4 T. R. 312, 639; 11 East, 663; 2 Barn. & Cres. 205; M'Cl. 668; 2 Bos. & Pul. N. R. 13; 4 Madd. 46, n. ; Brooke, 239. 643
