Law
Law names 6 different subjects across the 6 encyclopedias on this shelf. Each is set out below.
Law a term variously defined
Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)
a term variously defined, according to its application. The laws of nature, as expounded by men of science, are general propositions as to the order in which physical events have occurred, and will probably recur; the moral law, or the law of God, is a body of truth thrown into the form of rules for the guidance of human conduct. But when we speak of law we usually mean to indicate the law which is set and enforced by civilized states. Law, in this sense, derives its sanction, or binding force, from the penalties by which men are constrained to obey it or punished for breaking it. The earliest source of law is custom; the customary rules of a primitive community formed the basis of the civil law at Rome, as they form the basis of the common law in England and the United States. Customary law is rigid and formal; in a progressive society it is relaxed and improved by the use of legal fictions, by the influence of equity, and by legislation. The civil law, amended and rationalized by successive prætors and emperors, has furnished most of the nations of modern Europe resembling lava, made from iron slag, with the greater part of their legal rules and ideas; even England, while refusing to borrow directly from the Corpus Juris Civilis (body of the civil law), has derived no small part of her law from that source. Scotch law has largely drawn its principles and nomenclature from Roman law. It is usual to distinguish public law sh public law (constitutional and criminal) from private law (which applies to personal to personal status, family relations, property, and property, and contract). Constitutional law is of espe law is of espe cial importance in the United States, United States, Canon law is not received, as an entire system, by any modern state; but its site: but its rules are followed in defining the powers at the pow and functions of ecclesiastical persons. tical The law of nations, or international law. is also divided into public and private.
Law JOHN, a Scotch financier
Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)
JOHN, a Scotch financier; born in Edinburgh, Scotland, April 21, 1671. His father was a goldsmith and banker, and proprietor of the estate of Lauris ton, near Edinburgh. Law early showed a most remarkable talent for arithmetic, algebra, and kindred sciences. At 20 he removed to London, but was soon compelled to flee, in consequence of a duel in which he killed his adversary. He went to Amsterdam, where he studied credit operations. About the year 1700 he returned to Edinburgh, a zealous advocate of a paper currency; but his proposals to the Scotch Parliament met an with unfavorable reception. He now visited different parts of the Continent, where he won and lost vast sums in gambling and speculation, but sought in vain to win the favor of governments for his financial schemes. At last he settled in Paris, and, in company with his brother William, set up in 1716 a private bank. This was soon so successful and prosperous that the Duke of Orleans, the regent, adopted in 1718 Law's plan of a national bank, and issued prodigious quantities of bank notes, which enjoyed perfect credit. In 1719 Law originated his "Mis "Mississippi Scheme" and was made a councilor of state and comptroller-gen- and flour. The city has an admirable eral of finances. When the bubbles burst he became an object of popular public school system, public library, court hatred and found it best to quit France. He died in Venice, Italy, March 21, 1729:
Law A(NDREW) BONAR
Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)
A(NDREW) BONAR, an English statesman born in Canada, in Early in life he moved to Glasgow, Scotland, where he engaged successfully in business. He was elected to A. BONAR LAW Parliament, where he distinguished himself by ability in debate. He became leader of the Opposition and on the accession of his party to power he succeeded A. J. Balfour as leader of the House. He was appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer of the Lloyd George Coalition Ministry in 1916. In addition to being a member of the War Cabinet, he continued as active leader of the House of Commons. He secured the passage of enormous budgets necessary during the war. Following the general election of 1918, he ceased to be Chancellor of the Exchequer and became Lord Privy Seal. He took a prominent part in all war measures passed in the House and in 1920 was also active in the discussion of Irish and other questions.
Law WILLIAM, an English divine
Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)
WILLIAM, an English divine; born in King's Cliffe, Northamptonshire, England, in 1686. He was educated at Emmanuel College, Cambridge. He wrote against Bishop Hoadley, and was also the author of some valuable practical books, as, "A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life"; "A Treatise on Christian Perfection," etc. He died in King's Cliffe, April 9, 1761.
Law . See Inheritance
Aiton's Encyclopedia (1910)
. See Inheritance ; Arson ; Corporation ; Hague ; Tribunal; Mandamus ; Act Of God ; Salic Law; Blackstone ; Marshall ; Coke ; Supreme Court; Chancery; Feudalism ; Alfred; Code ; Legal Tender ; Bankruptcy ; Lien ; Land Tenure
Law A. BONAR, in October
Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)
A. BONAR, in October, 1922, succeeded Lloyd George as British Prime Minister.
What Has Changed in the Last Century
Collier's 1921 note that Bonar Law was "also active in the discussion of Irish and other questions" was overtaken almost at once: the same set carries a supplement recording that he succeeded Lloyd George as Prime Minister in October 1922. He resigned in May 1923 with cancer of the throat and died that November, after about seven months in office — the shortest premiership of the twentieth century, and he remains the only British Prime Minister born outside the British Isles. The general article's confident claim that "the law of nations" divides neatly into public and private has since been reshaped by institutions that did not exist in 1921: the United Nations and its International Court of Justice from 1945, the Nuremberg trials of 1945-46, and the permanent International Criminal Court, which opened in 2002. Canon law, which Collier's says is "not received, as an entire system, by any modern state," was codified for the Roman Catholic Church in 1917 and thoroughly revised in 1983.
Written for this edition, 2026.