10 APRIL 1880, Page 25

The French Language, its History and Etymology. By E. Ronband.

(Crosby Lockwood and Co.)—This is a work designed principally to assist students in preparing for the University examinations. It

contains the history of the language, the phonetic laws of its forma- tion, and etymology. It gives lists of irregular verbs, their irregu- larities explained by their derivation, and the influence of the tonic accent. There is an alphabetical index, intended to save trouble to the student, and to draw his attention to points on which he is likely to be questioned in the examinations. We doubt whether this is not encouraging a vicious habit, inimical to thoroughness.

Mr. Rouband has drawn materials for his work from the

writings of J. J. Amp6re, E. Littre, J. Demogeot, --