The Unwritten Constitution of the United States. A philosophical inquiry into the fundamentals of American Constitutional Law. By Christopher G. Tiedman, A.M., LL.B. G. P. Putnam's Sons, New York. 1890. (W. B. Clarke, Boston.) This little work cannot fail to be of great interest to those who desire to know something of the origin and development of American Constitutional law. Mr. Tiedman is a lawyer of profound learning and the author of several valuable legal text-books, and in the treatment of his subject in this present work, he displays a vast amount of learning and thorough knowledge of the matter with which he deals. The book should be read not only by every lawyer, but by every one interested in the political history of the United States. The Doctrine of Equity. A Commentary on the Law as administered by the Court of Chancery. By John Adams. Eighth Edi tion, by Robert Ralston, of the Philadelphia Bar. T. & J. W. Johnson & Co., Philadel phia, 1890. $6.50. But few law books can claim the distinction of an eighth edition, and the fact that Adams's Equity has
attained this honor is most convincing proof of the high estimation with which it is regarded by the pro fession. On the subject of which it treats, it stands, perhaps, at the head of text-books. The work is written in a clear and concise style, and the original text has been added to and enriched by the labors of such well-known legal writers as Henry Wharton, George Sharswood, and George Tucker Bispham, who have edited successive editions. Mr. Ralston has still further enlarged the notes by adding refer ences to American and English decisions since the publication of the last edition. In its present form it leaves nothing to be desired, and it will find such favor with the profession that we venture to predict that this eighth edition will not be the last. The Law of Private Right. By George H. Smith. The Humboldt Publishing Company, New York, 1890. Mr. Smith believes that the theory of jurisprudence now generally prevailing in England and this country is fundamentally erroneous; and this little work is devoted to an attempt to expose the radical errors of the theory referred to, and also to an exposition of what he considers the true theory of the law. The work is prepared with evident care, and contains many suggestions worthy of consideration by the profession.
