Page:Marvin, Legal Bibliography, 1847.djvu/616

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REG in a quarto form, and were so moderately patronized that the author came near abandoning the further pursuit of his subject. Lord Mansfield, to whom the second volume was dedicated, is reported to have rendered Mr. Reeves some assistance, and advised the continuance of the His- tory. It is the only comprehensive account of the English Law, and is written with great accuracy, fulness, and judgment. For the plan of his work, the author acknowledges his indebtedness to a chapter at the end of Blackstone's Commentaries. Mr. Reeves traces the history of the law during each king's reign, without anticipating its subsequent changes, and by this method it is easy to learn the precise state of the law in any given period. The origin of Tenures, the Law of Real Pro- perty, the Nature of Writs, the Practice of Real Actions, and all other topics belonging to a History of the English Law, are investigated in a style and manner that reflects equal credit upon his learning, abilities, and industry. I am at a loss, says Chancellor Kent, which most to admire, the full and accurate learning which it contains, or the neat, per- spicuous, and sometimes elegant style in which that learning is con- veyed. 1 Kent's Com. 508; 1 Bart. Conv. IG; Warren's L. S. 266; 2 L. M. 712 ; 73 Month. Rev. 283 ; 15 A. J. 331. REGIAM MAJESTATEM. The Auld Lawes and Constitutions of Scotland, faithfullie collected furth of the Register, and other auld authentic Bukes, fra the Days of King Malcolme II. to King James L, of gude Memorie ; translated out of Latine, in Scottish Language, be John Skene. 4to. Edinburgh. 1609, 1774. See Glanville, n.; and Houard. By some, the Regiam is thought to exhibit the ancient and authentic law of Scotland, and by others it is regarded as a spurious fabrication. Craig considered it as merely a transcript from Glanville, with some additions and modifications, which is now the more general opinion, though some maintain that Glanville was copied from the Regiam. Its authority has been both questioned and maintained. Skene is said to be "a careless if not an unfaithful editor." Steph. & Mer. Corp. 310; Robertson's Pers. Sue. 15; Beame's Pref. to Glanville; Irving's Civ. Law, 92; 1 Reeves' Hist. 225; Nic. Scotch Hist. Lib, 255, 262. REGISTRUM BREVIUM tarn originalium, quam judicialium ; correctum et emendatum ad vetus exemplar Manuscriptura, Cujus beneficio, a multis erroribus purgatum, ad usus, quibus inservit redditur accommodatus. Editio quarta, cui subjicitus Appendix diversa Brevia tarn Vetera tarn recentiora in officiis Clerici Coronce, etc., quai in Registro Breviuni non extant, continens. Uria cum Libro consultissimi viri S. Theloall, cui Titulus, Le Digest des 604