Margaret Hewett, indefatigable translator of Latin works from the European ius commune, and Reinhard Zimmermann, leading German legal historian and comparatist, teamed up to produce this delightful lilttle work It is a happy combination, because both are acknowledged experts in their respective fields and their combined expertise has resulted in a most satisfactory end-product. The book is delightful for many reasons: its enigmatic title, Hewett's flowing and stylish translation, the fresh perspectives it provides into the workings of a first-rate legal mind, and Zimmermann's scholarly and informative essay on Thomasius and the law of his times. I recommend it to all lawyers, academic or practitioner, historian or contemporary, not only because it is short and therefore easily digestible, nor only because it is inexpensive and well produced, but above all because it provides such useful insights into how and why law changes, both in theory and in practice Derek van der Merwe, Rand Afrikaans University Tijdscrift voor Rechtsgeschichte June 2002 This book deserves to be warmly welcomed by legal historians and delict lawyers alike. In her excellent translation, Professor Hewett attains her usual high standard of clarity and readability. This fine work of scholarsip is warmly recommended. A. Domanski, Univ. of the Witwatersrand, J-burg South African Law Journal June 2002