Franciscan Studies

BOOK REVIEWS Documents Relating to Northwest Missions. Edited with notes and an intro­ duction by Grace Lee Nute. (St. Paul, Minn.: Minnesota Historical Society, 1942. Pp. xix+469.) These documents, published by the Minnesota Historical Society for the Clarence Walworth Alvord Memorial Commission of the Mississippi Valley Historical Association, are preceded by a preface written by Solon J. Buck of the National Archives. An explanatory introduction of nine pages de­ scribes the background of the material. The documents number 446 — all of them in English translation, some of them also in the original. They are followed by a short glossary of unfamiliar terms. An extensive index of twenty pages closes the book. The documents portray much of the intimate history connected with the founding of the missions that are now comprised in the archdiocese of St. Boniface, Manitoba, Canada. The events recorded turn principally about Bishop Plessis of Quebec, Bishop Provencher of St. Boniface, Father Dumoulin who was interested in the settlement at Pembina, and Lord Selkirk who was the chief stockholder of the Hudson Bay Company. They also portray the bloody struggle between this company and the North West Company, which came to a close in 1821 by the absorption of the latter company. These documents are valuable for the history of the Church in the United States by reason of their references to conditions in the territory between Detroit and Sault Ste. Marie, as also along the shores of Lake Superior. They touch upon the foundations in the northwestern districts of Minnesota and the northeastern districts of Dakota, through the efforts of Father Dumoulin at Pembina, and some developments as far east as St. Paul. In par­ ticular, the documents show the struggle of Bishop Plessis to have the Church fully recognized in Canada. This was largely accomplished by his appoint­ ment as Archbishop of Quebec in 1819, though at that time he did not assume the title publicly in deference to British religious prejudice. At the same time Father Provencher was consecrated Bishop and made his auxiliary — to all purposes Vicar Apostolic of the Northwest, although he received this title officially only in 1844, and that of Bishop of St. Boniface three years later. The comprehensive index of the book is most valuable; yet some might question whether it would not have been advisable to have a calendar of the documents for the benefit of research workers. Catholic matters have been treated with understanding. However, it is not correct to say (p. 338, note) that the high Mass "cost” fifteen shillings and the low Mass five. The editor translates "chapelle” as "chapel.” It may have been difficult to find a term that would cover the full meaning, but it would seem that "church plate,” or better still "Mass kit,” would convey the meaning. These are minor flaws in a volume that is most valuable to the historian of early America. We can only express the hope that the editor may find the opportunity to have more such documents published, and that in the excellent manner in which these documents were edited. Through such pub­ lications we shall gradually arrive at a better understanding of the mission 294 BOOK REVIEWS 295 efforts in Canada and the United States. The editor deserves highest com­ mendation for her excellent work. T h eo d o re R o e m e r , O. F. M. Ca p . St. Lawrence College, Mount Calvary, Wis. The Univocity of the Concept of Being in the Philosophy of John Duns Scotus. (A dissertation for the Doctorate in Philosophy submitted to the Catholic University of America.) By Cyril L. Shircel, O. F. M. (Wash­ ington, D. C., 1942.) The author sets himself the task of presenting a historical solution of one of the fundamental problems in the philosophy of Duns Scotus, his doctrine on the univocity of the concept of being. To add perspective to the exposition, a comparative study of St. Thomas supplies the corresponding doctrinal positions of the Angelic Doctor. An introductory chapter treats of analogy and predication in their various modes. The author then considers the nature ana character of univocity for the logician. This leads to an inquiry into the object...