"English Men of Action."-Wolfe. By A. G. BRADLEY.
(Macmillan.)

Short as Wolfe's life was, he lived long enough to attain a place among the foremost of English military commanders, and by his last achievement to change the history of the world; for the acquisition of Canada by Great Britain led to the secession of the American Colonies and the birth of the United States of America. So long as Canada remained French, the British colonists needed the help of their mother country; when the French were expelled they could afford to renounce their allegiance. This sequence of events was of course not generally foreseen at the time, though, as Mr. Bradley observes, a good many Frenchmen, and among them Wolfe's gallant antagonist, Montcalm, did think of it. The immediate consequence of the capture of Quebec was to make Great Britain pre-eminent among the maritime States of Europe, in conjunction with other events, to decide its superiority over France as a colonial power, and to throw open the Western world to its merchants and seamen. For some years England had been in a slough of jobbery and incapacity; its politicians were selfish and intriguing, its military and naval commanders for the most part ignorant and inert. It was at last roused and inspired by Pitt, and Pitt, turning away from generals whose only claim to employment was family influence, found a commander worthy of his confidence in James Wolfe. In a life of Wolfe, his last and crowning exploit naturally takes up a large space. Mr. Bradley, however, while recording the siege of Quebec at a length not disproportionate to its interest or importance, has not failed to give a complete account of Wolfe's career, and has fulfilled the highest duty of a biographer in setting before his readers a lively picture of Wolfe himself. He has written in full sympathy with his subject, and has produced a delightful book.

Unlike his fellow officers generally, Wolfe was always anxious to increase his knowledge of his profession, and to “make himself a complete soldier." During dreary winters in Flanders and in Scotland, he employed his time in learning French, studying fortification, and taking lessons in mathematics. He was reckoned the best educated officer in the Army, which, he modestly told his father, showed how deficient other officers were. Far from good looking, with a lanky figure and somewhat awkward carriage, he was a favourite with ladies, took pains to please them, and was peculiarly susceptible to their attractions. When stationed at Inverness, soon after the sup pression of the Rebellion of '45, he won the hearts of the fair rebels of the neighbourhood, with whom he and his officers assiduously danced at assemblies. At the same time, there was nothing weak or frivolous in his character. For one short period a disappointment in love led him into indulgence in vice, but, with that exception, his life was one of high resolve and devotion to duty. It was full of action. At fifteen he entered the Army, and a year later fought at Dettingen, where, though only an ensign, he acted as adjutant of his regiment. After a tedious stay at Ghent, during which he was promoted captain at the age of seventeen, he served in Scotland, and took part in the battles of Falkirk and Culloden. He had his share of service of a less stirring kind in camps and garrisons, and the record of the time so spent is far from being as dull as Wolfe must have often found his days; for Mr. Bradley writes well and with picturesque power. He gives a rapid and satisfactory survey of the conditions of the struggle between the English and French in North America, and hits off very brightly the leading characteristics of the thirteen English Colonies, and of the old régime in Canada.

The first step in Pitt's plan for driving the French out of America included the capture of Louisbourg, then a fortress of extraordinary strength, "the key of Canada, the connecting link between that country and the French West Indian possessions." Wolfe, then one of Boscawen's brigadiers, took a distinguished part in the siege, and on his return to England was styled "the hero of Louisbourg." The next year Pitt, who knew his man, sent him to besiege Quebec. The difficulties that he encountered, undaunted though sometimes almost hopeless of success, his splendid victory, and heroic death are admirably told. We may note the one solitary approach to a mistake in this excellent book that has struck us. It is true that after the Convention of Closter Seven the Duke of Cumberland resigned all his appointments; yet the part that he took in affairs in later years should perhaps prevent us from saying that he "retired from public life," and he certainly did not "die soon afterwards";

for he did not die until October 11, 1765. This however, is a small matter. Mr. Bradley's book is one that when once taken in hand will be read to the end; it is not unworthy of its subject; and we can give it no higher praise.

The Natural History of Aquatic Insects. By Professor L. C. MIALL, F.R.S. (Macmillan.)

We have no hesitation in assigning to Professor Miall's book on "Aquatic Insects" a place in the very front rank of modern works on natural history. Technical terms are sparingly but judiciously employed; the style is admirably lucid, but in no case has scientific accuracy of description been sacrificed to mere literary effect. There is all the charm of intimate and direct contact with nature, and, at the same time, the modesty of a true disciple of Darwin-the prince of observers. If there be Field Clubs or Natural History Societies who have not yet placed this little volume on their shelves, let them order it forthwith. They are not likely to regret having done so.

Professor Huxley tells us in his autobiography that, as a lad, his great desire was to be a mechanical engineer; and when he became one of the greatest of modern naturalists, what he cared for, he says, was the architectural and engineering part of the business, the working out the wonderful unity of plan in the thousands and thousands of living constructions, and the modifications of similar apparatus to serve diverse ends. So, too, with Professor Miall. His own preference, he tells us, inclines him chiefly to study the wealth of contrivance which is exhibited by the insects he has chosen for special investigation. For which preference we may well be thankful. There are fortunately many investigators, in responsible positions as teachers, who are prosecuting their researches into the structure of the cell, the embryological genesis of tissues, the morphological import of nerve-distribution, the comparative anatomy of vertebrates and invertebrates. This is as it should be. But it is good, too, to have a man like Professor Miall, also in a responsible position as a teacher, who is at work on problems of natural history, and studying in patient detail the life of organisms, as that life is carried on under the conditions of free and untrammelled existence. The trained naturalist--one, that is to say, who studies animals or plants in their natural relations to their environment and to each other-is not less needed than the trained embryologist, morphologist, or paleontologist. Such an one is Professor Miall; and he has given us the results of his careful study in a work which will, if we mistake not, be recognised as one of the classics of natural history.

One noteworthy and pleasant feature in the book is the sympathy the author shows with his predecessors, such as Réaumur, Lyonnet, De Geer, and Swammerdam. Wherever he could do so, he has given us translations of the original descriptions by these master hands. It was well thought of, and has been well executed. Professor Miall loves these old workers, and leads us to appreciate their labours. He does not crow over their mistakes; he generously gives them credit for all that was successful in their patient study.

All the familiar denizens of our ponds and streams are considered, and there is scarcely one of them about which the author has not something fresh to tell us. Aquatic beetles, flies with aquatic larvæ, caddis worms, the alder fly, stone-flies, mayflies, and dragon-flies, pond-skaters, water-scorpions, and water-boatmen--the lives of all are sketched, and the salient points of their structure described with the aid of effective, but not showy, illustrations, many of which are new.

but

We have spoken strongly in commendation of this book; not more strongly than we feel to be just. We regard it as a good bit of work, of a kind that is peculiarly needed; and there is no reason why we should have any hesitation in saying so.

The History of Mankind. By F. RATZEL. (Macmillan.) Messrs. Macmillan are issuing in thirty monthly parts, at one shilling each, this great ethnographic work from the German of Dr. Katzel. Though the German edition was written some ten or twelve years ago, yet the English edition is brought quite up to date, and, in other respects, differs from the German. This first part discusses in an eloquent and judicial style the distribution of the human race, its languages and religions. The author is not one who uses evolution and development as the only keys with which to unravel the riddle of the Sphinx, but ever points out the oscillatory pendulum-like character of human history. The book should be in the possession of every intelligent person who

wishes to know something of ethnography, comparative religion, and culture.

Weather and Disease. A Curve History of their Variations in Recent

Years. BY ALEX. B. MacDowall, M.A. (The Graphotone Co.) This monograph, though based throughout on statistics, is as interesting as a "shilling shocker." The author, by using graphic curves, avoids long tables of curves, and initiates the student at a glance into the main characteristics of the variations studied, and the explanatory remarks are always "on the spot." Still, we think the author is unwise in keeping so distinct the various curves of meteorological variations from those of pathological variations, as the main purpose of the book is thus somewhat obscured. Had he devoted a chapter to a summary of the characteristics of these two (apparently) dependent variables, he would we fancy, have appreciated the value of a really interesting little work. Facts about Processes, Pigments, and Vehicles. A Manual for Art Students. By A. P. LAURIE, M.A., B.Sc. (Macmillan.) Mr. Laurie is a master of many crafts, so that we should not be suprised to hear of a text-book from him on anything, from 'Ships and snails and sealing-wax

66

To cabbages and kings."

This is not meant unkindly, for, though the little work before us is, as it were, a gathering up of the fragments that have fallen from Professor Church's table, yet it possesses a piquancy and pertinency all its own. We trust artists will not be offended at the pedagogic manners of Mr. Laurie; these are only pretty Fanny's ways, and beneath them lies a mass of information full of a native shrewdness and invaluable to young artists. Even to pure chemists the book is interesting and suggestive, showing how little is really known as to the nature of colours and their variation in stability. The experiments described are inexpensive, easy of manipulation, and conclusive.

French without Tears. By Mrs. HUGH BELL. (Arnold.)

We

In spite of the somewhat old-fashioned title, this First French Reader is composed on the latest and most approved method of language teaching. It is a series of infantine stories in the very simplest language and with the most limited vocabulary. These are great merits. do not agree with the author's advice that it should be learnt almost mechanically by heart, but we believe that a child, after reading it through twice or thrice with a sensible governess or class mistress, would have laid a solid foundation and advanced further than one who has spent twice the time over the orthodox grammar and exercise drill. Messrs. Macmillan fitly initiate the "Parnassus Library of Greek and Latin Texts" with Homer and Virgil. If we compare them with the familiar Oxford texts, with their unlovely bindings, scamped margins, and textus receptus, we marvel at the strides that typography, no less than scholarship, has made in the last half-century. For the Iliad " Mr. Walter Leaf is responsible. His text is on the whole conservative"the best that can be got from the MS. "--and in an able preface he justifies his conservatism. The print is the Selwyn-Image fount, and it shows up beautifully against the rough paper, which might be mistaken for hand-made. The chief variants are given at the end of the preface. The Virgil is edited by Mr. T. E. l'age. The introduction is slight and uncritical; we are not told what is the basis of the text, and only a very few various readings are given at the bottom of the page.

THE Minster, of which some account will be found in our advertisement columns, which has been taken over by the Artistic Publishing Company is virtually a new illustrated magazine. The first number promises well. It contains a symposium on the future of the British Empire, treated from the most opposite points of view; that, for instance, of Cardinal Vaughan, Lord Charles Beresford, and Sir Charles Dilke.

Hazell's Annual for 1896 is a skilful blending of new and old. Among the new articles we note a full résumé of the Secondary Education Commission's Report, and a biography of Dr. James, of Rugby. The paragraph on educational journals, in which we pointed out last year some inaccuracies, has disappeared.

MUSIC.

Around the Winter Fire. A Christmas Cantata for Female Voices. Words by SHAPCOTT WENSLEY; Music by ALFRED R. GAUL. (Novello.)

In this composition, some of the more popular nursery rhymes are ingeniously interwoven as choruses to the original numbers, which are mostly for solo voices. As the author says, the work will be especially useful to those who desire to distribute a number of little solos amongst their singers. Several of the numbers lend themselves -to tableaux illustration.

The Enchanted Palace. A School Operetta. Written by SHAPCOTT WENSLEY; Composed by ARTHUR SOMERVELL. (Novello.) This is a new version of the favourite story of the "Sleeping Beauty," told in a bright and sparkling manner, which is well expressed in the music. There are eight singing and three spoken parts, and the choruses are for soprano and alto. Only two scenes are required for the representation of the work.

Written by

The Hours, Cantata or Operetta for Female Voices. SHAPCOTT WENSLEY; Composed by JOSEPH L. ROECKEL. (Novello.)

This work is an excellent example of a school cantata. The music is very varied and musicianly throughout, and so smoothly written that it is easy and pleasant to produce. The principal voices represent the Dawn, Noon, Eventide, and Night, with solos and introductory speaking parts for each, and choruses for the Hours. There is also a spoken part for Old Time, who opens and closes the performance, and, in the meantime, takes a nap, during which the Hours occupy the stage and get considerably mixed up, until, on the reappearance of "Time," they are suddenly brought into order again for the final chorus. Hornpipe Harry, or the Squib and the Sunbeam: a Comic Opera for Boys. Written and composed by HAMILTON CLARKE. (Novello.) This will be found a very entertaining work. The subject is of the fraternization of two boats' crews that have been thrown by accident upon adjacent islands, and it is treated very humorously. But it is to the music that most interest will attach. It is of course to be expected that this would be of a more or less "hornpipy" or nautical character. But we were totally unprepared for the boisterous jocularity that appears in one part of the work, in which are introduced snatches from well-known sailors' songs following each other in the composition of a spirited melody that cannot fail to bring down the house. Nor must we omit to show our appreciation of the joke on "God save the Queen" at the commencement of the overture.

MATHEMATICS.

A Primer of the History of Mathematics. By W. W. ROUSE BALL. (Macmillan.)

It is not too much to say that this little work should be in the possession of every mathematical teacher. Less formidable to many readers than the same author's valuable "History," the Primer gives in a small compass the leading events in the development of mathematics, describing in succession mathematis under Greek influence, the mathematics of the middle ages and of the Renaissance, the introduction of modern analysis, and recent mathematics. At the same time, it is no dry chronicle of facts and theorems. The biographical sketches of the great workers, if short, are pithy, and often amusing. Well-known propositions will attain a new interest for the pupil as he traces their history long before the time of Euclid, and the teacher will be attracted by such passages as the following comparison of the styles of Lagrange, Laplace, and Gauss, the three great masters of modern analysis :"Lagrange was perfect both in form and matter, he was careful to explain his procedure, and, though his arguments are general, they are easy to follow. Laplace, on the other hand, explained nothing, was absolutely indifferent to style, and, if satisfied that his results were correct, was content to leave them either with no proof, or even with a faulty one. Gauss was as exact and elegant as Lagrange, but even more difficult to follow than Laplace, for he removed every trace of the analysis by which he reached his results, and studied to give a proof which, while rigorous, should be as concise and synthetical as possible.” Elements of Geometry. By G. C. EDWARDS. (Macmillan.) This is a careful attempt to frame a course of plane and solid geometry for students who are not hampered by the conservatism which prevails in English Universities. All the more important of Euclid's propositions will be found either in the text or as examples which are easily deducible from the same; but the order is totally different, and this, of course, handicaps the work as a text-book of plane geometry for most purposes in this country. The case is different, however, as regards the last six chapters, on solid and spherical geometry. These form an admirable introduction to a subject which is, as a rule, rather scantily treated in English text-books, and we can strongly recommend them to the notice of candidates for the London Intermediate examinations. It is needless to praise the execution of any work issued by Messrs. Macmillan, but we would specially call attention to the diagrams of the last six chapters, which, though too small, are in other respects excellent First Stage Mechanics. By F. ROSENBERG. (University Correspondence College Press.)

The only regret we feel on closing this book is that it is limited to "first stage" mechanics. The inclusion of a chapter on Impact, more complete proofs of the theorems = ut + at2 and of the Parallelogram of Velocities, with the use of elementary trigonometry in one or two sections, would, we think, convert it into an admirable text-book for all but the highest mathematical classes in schools. For the purpose the author has in view it seems to be well adapted, and the only defects we have noticed are due to the limitations imposed in the title. It is doubtful, for instance, whether the proof of the theorem s = ut + {at2 will be a proof to most pupils, whether they will clearly understand the difficulty that underlies it, even with the aid of a teacher; in many cases, it is to be feared, they will cut the knot by learning one or two sentences by heart. In the second case referred to above, from inability to assume a knowledge of Euclid VI. 6, the Parallelogram of Velocities is not proved for the direction of the resultant. If we might venture to make a suggestion, we would recommend that, in a future edition, the

Text-books on hydrostatics generally err by being either too experimental or too mathematical. In the one case, there is often a tendency to inaccuracy of definition and looseness of reasoning; in the other, socalled experiments are sometimes described which are impossible to perform, and which are, in fact, merely illustrations. Mr. Glazebrook is well known to be not only a mathematician but an experimenter of the first order, and he has produced a manual which avoids both the above-mentioned extremes. The first two chapters, in which the properties of solids and fluids are contrasted, exhibit also that clear insight into the initial difficulties of a subject which characterizes the best teachers. These chapters form the chief novelty of the theoretical part of the book, but the treatment throughout is admirable for its clearness, and the worked examples are models of neatness and style. The experiments are fully described, the apparatus being for the most part as simple as possible. In many cases, the principal sources of error are pointed out, together with the methods of making the necessary corrections.

(1) Mensuration for the Use of Schools and Woolwich, Sandhurst, and Home Civil Service Candidates. By the Rev. A. DAWSON CLARKE. (Rivington, Percival, & Co.) (2) Mensuration for Senior Students. By A. LODGE. (Longmans.)

(1) Mr. Clarke's little book contains the ordinary formula for simple figures and solids. Proofs of them are considered unnecessary, as they are already known to the student who is fairly grounded in Euclid, algebra, and trigonometry. The illustrative examples are carefully chosen and clearly worked, and they are followed by collections of the excellent examples which are so frequently set in the Sandhurst, Woolwich, and other examination papers.

The

(2) Professor Lodge's work is of a more advanced and original character. After an introductory chapter of definitions, the Prismoidal Formula, or Simpson's First Rule, is stated, the method of calculating the mid-sections of certain solids is explained, and it is shown that the product of the height into the average section furnished by the rule gives the volume accurately in the case of the simple solids. formule for these solids are thus linked together as special cases of one general formula. Simpson's two Rules and Weddle's Rule are afterwards applied to determine approximately the volumes of other solids. Then follow chapters on the surfaces of solids, spherical triangles, &c., and regular polyhedra with plane faces; and, when these are disposed of, come the areas, &c., of plane figures, a subject which generally occupies an early place in other text-books. The mensuration of earthwork is a rather technical subject, but the two final chapters on numerical calculations will be found useful by all mathematical students.

(1) An Introductory Account of certain Modern Ideas and Methods in Plane Analytical Geometry. By CHARLOTTE A. Scort, D.Sc. (Macmillan.) (2) An Introduction to the Algebra of Quantics. By E. B. ELLIOTT, M.A., F.R.S. (Clarendon Press.) These are two valuable books, containing accounts of the more recent developments of their respective sul jects. Both are the work of experienced teachers, Miss Scott, formerly of Girton, being now Professor of Mathematics in Bryn Mawr College, Pennsylvania. They are, however, of too advanced a character to be of much use in schools, being intended chiefly for University students, to whom we cordially recommend them.

A Treatise on Computation. By EDWARD M. LANGLEY. (Longmans.) This little work, of less than 200 pages, contains a thoroughly scientific and complete account of the best methods of abbreviating arithmetical calculations, together with neat discussions on approximations, relative and absolute error, &c. We have looked through it carefully, and as a result can cordially recommend it, particularly to Civil Service candidates.

Woolwich Mathematical Papers. Edited by E. J. BROOKSMITH. (Macmillan.)

Doubtless many candidates for Army examinations will be glad to buy this reprint of the mathematical papers set at the Entrance Examination to the Royal Military Academy, though we confess to being prejudiced against such mere reprints (and this is nothing more, though it boasts an editor), as they are a direct incentive to dishonest work and to coach-cramming.

Practical Trigonometry, for the use of Engineers, Architects, and Surveyors. By HENRY ADAMS. (Whittaker.)

A text-book of fifty-three pages, in which the terms and formulæ used in the solution of triangles are explained as far as possible in popular language (e.g., an angle is "the opening between twe radii,” or "the space passed over by a moving radius"). The formulæ are

not proved, but their use in solving triangles is clearly shown. Several problems, chiefly taken from the examination papers of the Surveyors' Institution, are also worked out, and illustrate the practical applications of the formule. SCIENCE.

The Scientific Foundations of Analytical Chemistry. By WILLIAM OSTWALD. Translated by G. MCGOWAN. (Macmillan.) That any work from Dr. Ostwald's hands will be heartily welcomed in England, where he has probably as many disciples as in Germany, goes without saying. This book is an application of Van't Hoff's and Arrhenius' theories of solution and chemical dynamics to the well-known phenomena of analytical chemistry. The facts brought forward are not new, but their interpretation is, and this throws a clear light upon many hitherto obscure chemical phenomena. Adumbrations of this extension of the theory we have already had from Ostwald's hands, but here we have the authorized official complete copy of the new gospel of solution applied to practical chemistry. It is certain that every student of chemistry who wishes to keep abreast with the recent advances in this science must study this interesting, thoughtful, and suggestive work of the master. He will find few new processes, though many pregnant hints and suggestions; and old facts are so transformed by the difference in point of view as to be scarcely recognisable. We put two questions only If the statement on page 71 is correct, that "no precipitation is ever complete," then surely Stas' work is not so conclusive as is supposed; and, again, if ionization, and therefore chemical interaction, is most complete in dilute solution, why do chemists generally work with concentrated solutions in the quantitative laboratory?

Science Readers. By VINCENT T. MURCHÉ. Books V. and VI. (Macmillan.)

Excellent reading books are these, full of accurate information, and arranged in an interesting and scientific manner. They are as diverse in their contents as an encyclopædia, and as well illustrated as a monthly. If School Boards and managers would substitute these matter-full reading books for the goody-goody little books of the " George Washington and the Lie" style, much intellectual and moral vigour would ensue amongst the scholars.

Practical Inorganic Chemistry. By G. S. TURPIN. (Macmillan.) This is the latest addition to Macmillan's series of text-books specially written for Science and Art May Examinations. It follows closely the new syllabus for this subject, and will doubtless be found useful for the examination. There is nothing distinctive or praiseworthy either in the matter or the method of this book. It is simply a useful book for a particular examination: nothing more.

An Exercise Book of Elementary Practical Physics for Organized Science Schools under the Science and Art Department. By R. A. GREGORY. (Macmillan.)

The author is wrong in stating that the Science and Art Department has at present no intention of issuing a syllabus on elementary practical physics, for, as a matter of fact, such a syllabus has already been issuednot obligatory, it is true, but differing much from the course laid down in this production. We could well have spared the unctuous and wordy preface, in which the various examinations for which the book is suitable are enumerated. The first half of the book is of so elementary a character that one wonders if the author has ever seen a physical class in an organized science school. His acquaintance with such schools is, we fear, limited. Out of 206 experiments given (many of which are not experiments at all), 167 are not on physics proper at all; and sound, light, magnetism, and electricity are absolutely neglected. It is not a satisfactory book in any way.

Principles of Metallurgy. By ARTHUR H. HORNS. (Macmillan.) Mr. Hiorns' books on metallurgy are so favourably known to the scientific world that this addition to them is sure to be welcomed. It contains all the good points of its predecessors, and is, in addition, more comprehensive. It is thoroughly up to date, though we notice a few curious omissions, such as recent work on the lowering of the solidifying point of alloys by Ramsay and Haycock and Neville. We do not think the explanation of dissociation on page 41 very happy, and we doubt very much whether Carey Lea's allotropic forms of silver are pure silver at all. The definition of atoms is also decidedly feeble, and the pure chemistry of the book is hardly of the same high standard as is the metallurgy. An excellent account of the cyanide and Hannay's processes for gold extraction is given, and as a whole the book is an admirable one, containing as much well-digested information as many works of three times its size and price.

"Physical and Electrical Engineering Laboratory Manuals." Vol. I. Elementary Physics. By JOHN HENDERSON, B.Sc. (Longmans). This is the first of a new series which is intended mainly for the use of mechanical and electrical engineering students. The apparent faults of the book, such as the lack of illustrations and non-explanation of technical terms (line of force, &c.), are intentional, as the author believes more in a student's own sketches, and the book is intended as complementary to an accompanying lecture course. We cannot help thinking that in Experiment 10 the author means Fahrenheit's, and not Nicholson's, Hydrometer; at any rate, the former is the more suitable

instrument.

The book is very methodical, clear, and accurate; somewhat too ambitious for an elementary book, but, given a good teacher, it will be found an admirable laboratory companion.

A Laboratory Course in Experimental Physics. By W. J. LONDON and J. C. MCLENNAN. (Macmillan).

This book repels us somewhat by the very learned and academic style in which it is written It savours more of the study than the laboratory; consequently we are told but little of elasticity, torsion, or capillarity, and much of such interesting but rarely-set experiments as those of Favre and Silbermann on calorimetry, and Berthelot's method of determining the latent heat of steam. The book consists of two parts, the first being an elementary course made up of a well-arranged series of experiments on measurement, hydrostatics, light, and heat. The second part consists of a course on heat, and one on electricity and magnetism. The book is eminently suitable for students in a thoroughly well equipped physical laboratory-of which we should say there are not a dozen in England; for other students the book is useless, as no hint or advice of any kind is given as to making and rigging up the apparatus.

Food and its Functions. By JAMES KNIGHT. (Blackie). This book is not only accurate and clear, but is thoroughly interesting as well. It throws much light on a somewhat obscure portion of our daily life, initiating us not only into the mysteries of margarine, English wines, and artificial egg-making, but also discussing dietetics from a scientific point of view; so that the subjects range from Danish butter to gout, and from malting to Bright's disease. The chemical, physiological, and agricultural portions of the book are sufficient and clear; and the illustrations throughout commendable.

The Story of the Heavens. By Sir R. S. BALL. (Cassell.) For sixpence a month, in eighteen months, any one may possess himself of this popular and scientific work; a work which is already so well known that it needs no praise from us. Suffice it to say, that this issue is quite an édition de luxe in the magnificent way it is got up. Το amateur astronomers the star chart appended to this first part will be invaluable; and to every one the contents will prove as interesting as a novel, and as accurate as death statistics.

Analytical Key to the Natural Orders of Flowering Plants. By FRANZ THONNER. (Swan Sonnenschein.)

In this little book the author has compressed an enormous amount of information. To give a complete key to the orders of the vegetable kingdom within these narrow limits is no mean accomplishment. As the author justly remarks, while it is easy enough to obtain monographs on any given order, or upon the flora of a confined region, it is difficult to find in a compendious and complete form such a general conspectus of all the orders as this little book affords. The determination of the order of a given plant is made by the system of dichotomous division. This has the merit of being simple in use and familiar from its frequent use in floras.

The Cambridge Natural History. Vol. V. (Macmillan.) This instalment of the Cambridge Natural History, the second to appear, contains "Peripatus" by Sedgwick, "Myriapods" by Sinclair, and "Insects," Part I., by Sharp. Each section is treated in a solid, technical manner by a thoroughly competent author. The book contains a vast amount of well-digested knowledge, and is excellently illustrated.

It

is too learned and too costly (17s. a volume) for the majority of teachers, but can be heartily recommended to the better kind of school libraries.

Organic Chemistry. Part II. By W. H. PERKIN, Jun., Ph.D., F.R S., and F. STANLEY KIPPING, Ph. D., D.Sc. (W. & R. Chambers.) This volume is the second part of the authors' work on Organic Chemistry. It deals with the aromatic compounds, or those containing a closed chain of carbon atoms. Since so many of these bodies may be derived from coal-tar, the book fittingly opens with a short description of the treatment adopted for the purpose of separating its constituents. The earlier part is devoted to clearing the ground by considering the constitution of benzene, the isomerism of its derivatives, and the general properties of the aromatic as distinguished from the fatty compounds. Throughout the work one notices that the descriptions of the more important substances are supplemented by detailed instructions as to the best methods of preparing them in the laboratory. Thus we are not merely told that aniline is made by the reduction of nitro-benzene, but the quantities of the materials required and the best method of using them are stated. The notes on the constitution of the more important bodies considered are extremely good, very convincing reasons being given for accepting the formule assigned. The chapter on dyes and their applications is very instructive, and deals with the subject in a much more thorough manner than is usual in a text-book on organic chemistry, especially with regard to the chemical significance of mordants. Another excellent article is the concluding chapter, on Stereo-Isomerism, which gives a really good outline of the subject, and with the use of the models represented cannot fail to convey to the student an intelligent grasp of the principles of this new development of chemical theory. The authors have certainly succeeded in producing a text-book which is excellent in all respects.

PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED.
AMERICAN BOOK COMPANY (New York).
Psychology in Education (Ruric N. Roark).
The First Greek Book (Gleason and Atherton).
Myths of Northern Lands (H. A. Guerber).
EDWARD ARNOLD.

Outline of the Philosophy of English Literature (White).
Studies in the Science of Drawing in Art (A. O. Moore).
J. BAKER & SON (Clifton).

Chronological Chart of English Literature (Heath). DEIGHTON BELL & Co.

The Intellectual and Ethical Value of Classical Education (J. Adam). GEORGE BELL & SONS.

Handbook to Tennyson's Works (Morton Luce).

Elementary Treatise on Mensuration, Second Edition (B. T. Moore).
Handbook to German Literature (Mary E. Phillips).

The Age of Dryden (Dr. Garnett).

BLACKIE & SON.

The Warwick History Readers, Third Book.

What Katy Did. By Susan Coolidge (The School and Home
Library).

Lower English. A Text-Book for Intermediate Classes (David
Campbell).

Greek Unseens in Prose and Verse. Junior Section (A. C.
Liddell).

Paradise Lost, Book III. Edited, with Notes, &c., by F. Gorse. Guide to the Examinations in Practical Plane and Solid Geometry, with Solutions to Questions, Elementary Stage, 1889 1895. CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS.

Euclid's Elements of Geometry, Books I. VI, XI., and XII.
(Taylor).

Q. Horati Flacci Carminum Liber I. (Dr. Gow).
Cornelius Nepos (Shuckburgh).

The Restored Pronunciation of Greek and Latin (E. V. Arnold
and R. S. Conway).

Slate-Cloth Wall Map of the British Isles. LONGMANS & Co.

A Manual of Clay-Modelling (Unwin).
MACMILLAN & Co.

Green's History of the English People, Vols. I. and II. (Eversley
Edition).

Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice."

My New Home (Mrs. Molesworth).

Practical Inorganic Chemistry (Dr. Turpin).

Kingsley's "Yeast "(Pocket Edition).

Tennyson's "Locksley Hall, and other Poems" (The People's
Edition).

Tennyson's "Dream of Fair Women, and other Poems" (The
People's Edition).

Macmillan's Geography Readers, Book VII.
Outlines of Church History (Sohm and Sinclair).
Principles of Metallurgy (Hiorns).

Elements of Geometry (Edwards).

Reynard the Fox. Illustrated by W. Frank Calderon (The
Cranford Series).

Elementary Mensuration (F. H. Stevens).

Practical Plane and Solid Geometry (J. Harrison and G. A.
Baxandall).

The Oeconomicus of Xenophon. Fifth Edition (Holden).

Latin Grammar (Gildersleeve and Lodge).

Disraeli's "Sybil.' Illustrated by F. Pegram. Ratzel's History of Mankind, Part IV.

CALENDAR FOR JANUARY.

Kingsley's Water Babies (Pocket Edition).

The Empire of the Ptolemies (J. P. Mahaffy).

Tennyson's "The Princess" (The People's Edition).

Tennyson's "Will Waterproof and other Poems" (The People's Edition).

The Economic Journal for December.

The Century Illustrated Monthly Magazine for January.

St. Nicholas for January.

MELVILLE, MULLEN, & SLADE.

Our Children (Marian Weigall).

How shall I Prepare my Little Boy for School? (M. Weigall).
MCDOUGALL'S EDUCATIONAL Co.

Book-keeping for Elementary Schools, Part II. (Bogle and
Attfield).

The Ludgate Graded Arithmetical Questions. Standards III.
to VI.

Graduated Extracts for Parsing, Analysis, and Paraphrasing. METHUEN & Co.

The Housing of the Working Classes (Dr. Bowmaker). MOFFATT & PAIGE.

Moffatt's Pupil Teacher's Course, Part II.

MUDIE'S SELECT LIBRARY.

Album Historique. Tome Premier-Le Moyen Age (Lavisse). Pages Choisies des Grands Ecrivains. Gustave Flaubert (Lanson). JOHN MURRAY.

Translation at Sight (Hall).

NELSON & SONS.

Children's Picture Books.-1. Puppy Dog's Tales. 2. Miss Love-
mouse's Letters. 3. Wild and Tame, from Far and Near.
4. Wild and Tame, from Land and Sea.
The St. George History Readers, Book IV.

The Royal Crown Infant Reader.

NORMAL CORRESPONDENCE COLLEGE PRESS.

Teacher's Text-Book of Practical Psychology (Pulling).
Normal Reprint of Queen's Scholarship Questions.

Model Solutions to Certificate Algebra and Mensuration (Matley). NOVELLO, EWER, & Co.

Around the Winter Fire: a Christmas Cantata (Wensley and
Gaul).

The Hours: a Cantata for Female Voices (Wensley and Roeckel).
The Enchanted Palace: an Operetta for Schools (Wensley and
Somervell).

Hornpipe Harry: a Comic Opera for Boys (Hamilton Clarke). GEORGE PHILIP & SON.

New Pictures for Object Lessons: (1) The Camel, (2) Beachy
Head.

[Items for this Calendar should be sent in as early as possible in the month.]

1, 2, 3, 4.-College of Preceptors. Diploma Examination [commenced Dec. 31].

1, 8-Society of Arts, 7 p.m. Lectures to Children on "Earthquakes, Earth Movements, and Volcanoes (Professor J. Milne, F. R.S.).

2.-London Institution, 4 p.m. Lecture to Children on "Sir Humphrey Davy" (Professor Vivian Lewis). Illustrated.

2 (at noon), 3(11 a.m.).—Educational Institute of Scotland. Twentysecond Annual Congress, at Tay Street, Perth.

2, 4, 7, 9.--Royal Institution, 3 p.m. Continuation of Course of Lectures to Children on Sound, Hearing, and Speech" (Professor J. G. McKendrick).

3-14.-Froebel Society. Holiday Course. Held at Examination Hall of Royal College of Physicians, Victoria Embankment (corner of Savoy Street). 6.-London Institution, 5 p.m. Lecture on "Schoolmasters and Plays" (Mr. Israel Gollancz, M.A.).

9.-London Institution, 6 p.m. Lecture on "The Macedonians in Egypt" (Rev. Professor Mahaffy, M.A., D.D.).

9, 10.-Association of Principals and Lecturers in Training Colleges under Government Inspection. Fourth Annual Meeting, at Westminster Town Hall.

10, II.-College of Preceptors. Conference on the Report of the Secondary Education Commission.

13.-London Institution, 5 p.m.

(Mr. Jesse Herbert).

14-17.-Teachers' Guild.

Lecture on "China and the Chinese "

Eighth Annual Conference. Merchant Taylors' School, Charterhouse Square, London, E.C. 14, 21, 28.-Royal Institution, 3 p.m. Lectures on The External Covering of Plants and Animals, its Structure and Functions" (Prof. C. Stuart, M. R.C.S., F.L.S.). Post translations for Journal.

15.

15, 17, 20, 22, 24.-University Coll., 4 p.m. Lectures on

"The Pro

gress of Legal Studies in England, Scotland, and France during the Eighteenth Century" (Prof. Raleigh). 16.-London Institution, 6 p.m. 66 Lecture on Experiments with

Incandescent Lamps" (Prof. Fleming, D.Sc., F. R.S.). Illus

18.-General Meeting of Assistant-Masters' Association at Stationers'

Hall, E.C., 3.30 p.m.

Working Men's College, 8.30 p.m.

Lecture on "The Sphere of

Trade Unionism" (Mr. Sidney Webb). Free.

18, 25.-Froebel Society's Saturday Classes. 20. University Hall, 3.30 p.m.

Schiller" (Rev. F. J. Smith).

20, 27. Society of Arts, 8 p.m.

First Lecture on "Goethe and

Lectures on "Alternate Current

Transformers" (Dr. J. F. Fleming, F.R.S.).

21, 28.-King's Coll., Ladies' Dept., 12 noon. Continuation of Course on Johnson and his Circle" (Miss L. M. Faithfull).

21, 22, 23, 24.—Gresham Coll., 6 p.m. Gresham Lectures on Physics (Dr. Symes Thompson). Free.

23.-Post School News, Advertisements, &c., for Journal.

Enlarged Edition (Helen Blackburn).

Siam: A Geographical Summary (Mrs. Grindrod).

Education and Equality: An Address on Secondary Education (T. H. Warren).

SWAN SONNENSCHEIN & Co.

INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS OF PSYCHOLOGY.-This Congress will hold its third meeting at Munich from August 4 to 7, 1896. It is divided into three sections (1) Psychophysiology; (2) Psychology of the normal individual, including pædagogic psychology; (3) Comparative psychology, including the psychical life of the child. Applications for membership should be addressed to the General Secretary, 2 Max Joseph Strasse, Munich, or to Professor Sully, East Heath Road, Hampstead. A ticket of membership, which admits to all the meetings, professional and social, and entitles the holder to receive a copy of the Report, is 15s.

Royal Institution, 9 p.m. Paper on Ludwig and Vitalism" (Professor Burdon Sanderson, M.D., F.R.S.).

25.-Royal Institution, 3 p.m. Lecture on "The Valley of Kashmir" (Mr. W. R. Lawrence).

Working Men's Coll., 8.30 p.m. Lecture on 66 A Great London
Architect, Robert Adam" (Mr. Percy Fitzgerald, M.A,
F.S.A.). Illustrated. Free.

Coll. Precep. General Meeting of the Members of the College. 27.-London Institution, 5 p.m. Lecture on "The Decoration of St.

Paul's; how it came about " (Professor W. B. Richmond, R. A. ). (First post). Latest time for receipt of prepaid Teachers' Advts. 28.-National Froebel Union. Lower Prelim. Exam. King's Coll., Ladies' Dept., 4. 30 p.m. Continuation of Course on "Law as it relates to the Affairs of Every-day Life" (Professor Cutler). 3 p.m., First Lecture on "The Literature of the Age of Queen Anne " (Mr. Edmund Gosse).