The Southern Review (Volume 14, No. 28) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1873. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... every thing they could lay hands on. In most of these islands the soil is made rip of coral sand, slightly colored by foreign elements. The resources for the maintenance of life are very limited, and the inhabitants are driven into the practice of infanticide to save themselves from starvation. It is a question of interest, how far development, moral and intellectual, is possible under such conditions. Their limited range of experience has made, and still keeps, these savages what they are. We are loth to confess how much each mind depends for its development upon the conditions which surround it; how truly its greatness is built upon the accumulated wisdom, and experience, and appliances of former generations. Unless the elements of greatness were already in existence, no conditions or influences could bring it out . It is necessary not only that the germ be there, but also that the conditions of its life be fulfilled. The air, and rain, and sunshine, will never bring life out of a perfectly barren soil, neither will the seed germinate without moisture, or warmth, or light. In like manner, no external conditions of body or nature can ever develop the mere animal into a man; nor, on the other hand, is the mind of man ever fully developed unless aided by external circumstances--physical, intellectual, moral, and religious--as well as by its own internal energies and susceptibilities. Art. VII.--The Zand of the Veda. By William Butler, D.D. New York: Carlton & Lanahan. 1872. 2. A History of the Sepoy War in India, 1857-1858. By John William Kaye, F.R.S. London: W. H. Allen & Co. 1870. 3. The Indian Mussulmans. By W. W. Hunter, LL.D., Director-General of Statistics to the Government of India, etc., etc., etc. London: Triibner & Co. 1872. In the preface to ...