P. 502, c. 1—“Pascal.” (1623-1662.) A French author. Among his most important works are those giving to his experiments and theories concerning atmospheric pressure, the weight and elasticity of the air, and the laws of equilibrium. Pascal’s philosophical researches did not prevent his taking interest in public affairs. The Jesuits, then strong in France, were brought into disrepute principally through his “Provincial Letters.” Under the title of “Thoughts on Religion,” his ideas of Christianity were published. P. 502, c. 1—“Cicero.” (106 B. C.-43 B. C.) A Roman of noble family and fine education. He held many important public positions, but attained his greatest triumphs by his orations. His political labors were interspersed with philosophical studies, and several works on such subjects were written by him. He fell by the proscription under the triumvirate, after Cæsar’s death. P. 502, c. 2—“Bon´ar.” A sacred lyric poet, born in Edinburgh in 1808. Published in 1856 “Hymns of Faith and Hope.” NOTES ON CHINESE LITERATURE. P. 503, c. 1—“Confucius,” kon-fū´she-ŭs. The Socrates of China. He was born in 551 B. C., in Shantung, a north-east province of China. His father died when Confucius was but three years old and his education was left to his mother. At the age of twenty-four he left the public service in which he had engaged, to mourn for three years the death of his mother. During this time he studied the ancient writings, until he became imbued with the idea of restoring the doctrines and usages of the former sages. At the age of thirty he was ready to begin teaching. His fame was wide; he taught and preached until called to the service of his native country. Here he became prime minister, but was finally removed through the intrigues of a neighboring prince. The rest of his life was spent in spreading his ideas. His death occurred in 479 B. C. For his doctrines, see Text-Book 34, pages 25 and 26. P. 503, c. 1—“Tsăng Tsăn.” P. 503, c. 1—“Book of Odes.” The Shi´king, or the third of the Five Classics, one of the oldest collection of odes in existence. They are arranged in four sections: national airs, lesser and greater eulogies, and songs of praises. Nothing corresponding to the epics and narrative poetry of other nations is contained in them. They are rather sonnets. Their chief claim is their antiquity. Chinese writers are said to be very fond of quoting stanzas from the odes. Having gone through the hands of Confucius they are supposed to have peculiar authority. P. 503, c. 1—“Hi´ăn King.” This memoir belongs to what are called the secondary classics. It contains eighteen chapters of the apothegms of Confucius, and professes to be a conversation between Confucius and his pupil. Its authenticity is doubted by many. Some thirty commentaries have been written upon it.