word in reference to the circumstances under which this book was written. It is well known among his many friends that Professor Holman's active participation in the work of the Rogers Laboratory of Physics was arrested two or three years ago by the development of an illness from which, unfortunately, he has not yet recovered. During this time he has been confined to a reclining chair, and, in his own characteristic words, 'even the familiar utilization of the convenient gamut of ether waves' has been denied. Although unable to move and unable to see, his courage has never faltered. There has been no loss in his power of thought, and he has gone on thinking the many fine things which he has put into this book, for which, even if it had not been prepared under conditions that would have defeated most men, all physicists, friends and strangers alike, will ever be his debtor.

T. C. M.

A Brief Course in Qualitative Analysis. By ERNEST A. CONGDON, PH. B., Professor of Chemistry in the Drexel Institute. New York, Henry Holt & Co. 1898.

The method of treatment adopted in this book consists in giving, first, a clear, concise statement of the most important reaction for each metal and acid, and then tables giving one or more schemes of analysis for each group. The tables are supplemented by explanatory notes. At the end of the book a series of questions, well designed to test the student's grasp of the subject, are given. While the tabular form always has the advantage of presenting the scheme for analysis very clearly, in the opinion of the writer, the same object is better attained by a tabular record prepared by the student. Because of their concise form, tables necessarily omit many details which are essential for the successful execution of an analysis, and the notes which follow do not entirely overcome this difficulty.

The selection of reactions and of schemes for analysis is excellent, and in the hands of good teachers the book will prove a useful one.

A Short Manual of Analytical Chemistry, Qualitative and Quantitative, Inorganic and Organic, following the Course of Instruction given in

the Laboratories of the South London School of Pharmacy. By JOHN MUTER, PH.D. Second American Edition. Illustrated. Adapted from the Eighth British Edition. Philadelphia, P. Blakiston's Sons & Co. 1898. Pp. xiii + 228. Price, $1.25.

As the title implies, a very large amount of information is compressed into comparatively little space in this volume. In the qualitative portion the statements giving the deportment of metals and of acids toward reagents are given consecutively and are followed by tables of schemes for analysis. Then follow directions for the identification of alkaloids and of a number of common organic compounds. The quantitative portion includes volumetric and gravimetric analysis, ultimate organic analysis, and directions for the examination of air, water, food, alcoholic liquors, etc. It is in this portion that American chemists will find most to criticise; Gooch crucibles are nowhere described, not even for the cases where they should be used in place of weighed filters. Directions for the determination of 'citrate soluble phosphoric acid' are not given under the analysis of 'manures,' and no reference is made to the 'official methods.'. The old uranium acetate method is given for the volumetric estimation of phosphoric acid instead of the more satisfactory methods with a reductor or with a standard alkali. Metaphenylene diamine is recommended for the detection of nitrites in water analysis, although the reagent is not sufficiently sensitive to be of any practical use in many cases. But, while the authors do not appear to be conversant with the best American practice in these and some other cases, and while some of the directions appear to be too much abbreviated for the satisfactory use of a beginner, it would be difficult to find another book which compresses so much information about analysis into so small a space and for so moderate a price. W. A. NOYES.

Wild Animals I have known. By ERNEST SETON THOMPSON. New York, Charles Scribner's Sons. 1898. Square 12mo. Pp. 359. 200 illustrations. Price, $2.00.

Rarely are the qualities of naturalist, writer and artist combined in one person, but Mr.

Ernest Seton Thompson has won distinction in all three rôles. As a naturalist he has enjoyed opportunities for study and observation both in Canada and the United States, chiefly in Ontario, Manitoba and New Mexico. As a writer he is known as the author of 'Birds of Manitoba,' 'Mammals of Manitoba,' and numerous articles contributed to magazines and scientific journals. As an artist he is perhaps still more widely known through his 'Art of Taxidermy,' and work in illustrating several popular books on natural history, more especially on birds.

His latest book is original in conception and execution. Here he has brought together some of his most interesting adventures and field experiences, woven them into entertaining and instructive stories, and illustrated them in a manner entirely unique. Under the title of 'Wild Animals I have known' Mr. Thompson has departed from the beaten path of natural history description, and given us an insight into the habits and daily lives of some of the lower animals with which he has been on more or less familiar terms. He describes his friends from what might be termed the human standpoint, i. e., not as mere objects, but as individuals endowed with personality and reason. "What satisfaction," he asks in the prefatory note, "would be derived from a ten-page sketch of the habits and customs of Man? How much more profitable it would be to devote that space to the life of some one great man. This is the principle I have endeavored to apply to my animals."

The book consists of eight stories detailing the adventures of Lobo, King of Currumpaw; Silverspot, a crow; Raggylug, a rabbit; Bingo and Wully, two dogs; The Springfield fox; the pacing mustang; and Redruff, a partridge. Lobo was a large wolf well known to the cattlemen of northern New Mexico who suffered from his depredations; Silverspot, an old crow, has received his name on account of a conspicuous white spot on the side of his head; Raggylug, a rabbit with a ragged ear. Each animal and bird had some peculiarity by which it could be readily distinguished and thus kept under observation, sometimes for several years. The stories are told in a delightfully interesting style and contain many new facts and observa

tions. Nearly all end tragically, for, as the author explains, the end of a wild animal is usu ally tragic. The book is not, and is not intended to be, a scientific treatise on mammals. The reader is assured that the stories are true, but this does not necessarily imply that every detail was based on actual observation. In fact, it would be practically impossible to observe some of the scenes depicted in the biographies of the rabbit and the fox. In describing the habits of a particular animal there is little more than a skeleton of fact on which to build. record is so fragmentary that an author is compelled to fill in the gaps from his general knowledge of the species and to represent the characters as he conceives them to be. Such descriptions are of necessity composite and subject to personal equation and imagination.

The

The book is copiously illustrated with 29 halftone plates and a large number of marginal sketches. The type bed is narrow and the margins are utilized for sketches which are sometimes mere outlines or suggestions, but so skillfully executed as to make it possible to follow certain parts of the story merely by the illustrations. No one can fail to notice the author's careful attention to details and his skill in woodcraft. The student of natural history will find many things of interest in the descriptions and illustrations, and the general reader will not regret an introduction to some of the animals Mr. Thompson has known.

Human Anatomy.

T. S. P.

Edited by HENRY MORRIS, M.A. Philadelphia, P. Blakiston's Sons & Co. 1898. Second Edition.

The appearance of a revised and enlarged second edition of this work within less than six years from its original entry into the arena is in itself a sign of success. The well-known textbooks of human anatomy which have held almost undisputed sway since the memory of the oldest teacher, continually enlarging their field with the lapse of years, are so strongly intrenched that the prospects of a new rival at first can hardly have appeared hopeful. Not only have they done their work very well, but their methods have become so familiar to teachers, and the latter have got so habituated to

them, that a new text-book is like a new pair of shoes, which have to be broken in before they can be called a comfort to their owners. There can be no question that this process is likely not to be a very rapid one. It is clear that this book has stood this preliminary test. It is written by several authors, but is fairly homogeneous. The aim is to disregard microscopic anatomy and to offer a text book which shall present the facts of gross anatomy both in a practical and in a scientific way. It is needless to say that the latter requires references both to embryology and to comparative anatomy. The section on the bones by Sutton is remarkably well done. When we say that the joints are the work of the editor we have said enough to vouch for excellence-to all, at least, who know his earlier monograph (now unhappily out of print) on that subject. The peritoneum is the work of Treeves, which, again, is saying enough. We mean no slight to the other able writers whom we do not more particularly mention. The first edition concluded with a section on surgical and topographical anatomy which cannot but be welcome. In the present edition this is followed by a too short chapter on vestigial and abnormal structures. Variations of the muscles, of the vessels, and some of those of bones are considered in their respective sections. The book is a very good one. We could, perhaps, find flaws here and there, but a search for them is uncalled for, as most of our readers are not professed anatomists. We have but one serious criticism to make, namely, that in the section on the nervous system the most recent (but generally accepted) fundamental doctrines of the structure of that system have not received due recognition. The illustrations are a most important part of a text-book on anatomy. We are happy to give We are happy to give these very high praise. We were on the point of making special mention of those of certain sections, but they are so good as a whole that we refrain.

To what extent this book will displace old and established favorites the future will show. It is a matter eminently unsafe to prophesy about, but the success already attained is, no doubt, an earnest of future progress.

THOMAS DWIGHT.

GENERAL.

THE proceedings of the forty-seventh meeting and fiftieth anniversary of the American Association for the Advancement of Science have been sent to members by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. L. O. Howard. The volume, which contains introductory matter extending to 83 pages and 658 pages of text, appears very promptly, the address of President Eliot given before the Association on 'Destructive and Constructive Energies of our Government compared,' being here printed before the January issue of the Atlantic Monthly, which also contains it.

LADY WELBY has printed for private circulation a pamphlet extending to 61 pages, entitled 'The Witness of Science to Linguistic Anarchy.' The introduction opens with the statement: "The following collection of extracts, chiefly from Nature, SCIENCE and Natural Science have been selected from a much larger number, with the object of bringing together, in convenient form, evidence of an almost incredible state of things in the scientific world." We find an interesting collection of quotations on scientific nomenclature, showing a certain amount of diversity and conflict. Still they scarcely bear witness to a paralyzing nightmare of impotence,' and it does not follow as suggested by Professor Foster that an international tribunal should stamp the coin of science' by defining New words must come and every new name. language must be flexible if science is to grow. Certainly men of science should realize their responsibility and be careful in their use of terms, but words were made for science and not science for words. Those interested can probably obtain a copy of Lady Welby's pamphlet by addressing her at Denton Manor, Grantham, England.

WE have received for review a copy of 'Life's Comedy,' Third Series (Charles Scribner's Sons). Life, from the issues of which this Christmas book is a reprint, does not hesitate to leave its own field and display ignorance by attacking men of science who practice vivisection, which should warn us against tresspassing on foreign territory. As Punch treats the anti-vivisectionists from the point of view that commends itself

to men of science, we may be prejudiced, but it does seem that Mr. Punch' is always a gentleman, whereas Life is on occasion distinctly vulgar.

THE Rev. J. G. Hagen, of the Georgetown College Observatory, announces that the first series of charts of his Atlas of Variable Stars is nearly printed and will be issued in a few weeks. The cost of engraving and printing the whole Atlas will be about $7,000 and, though one-fourth of this sum has been given by Miss Catherine Bruce, it is necessary that one hundred subscribers to the entire series be obtained in order that expenses of engraving and printing can be guaranteed and its completion secured. The present series contains twenty-four charts and is sold to subscribers to the whole series at one Mark per chart. The work is published by Herr. F. L. Dames, of Berlin, but subscriptions may be sent through the Harvard College Observatory or through the Georgetown College Observatory.

SCIENTIFIC JOURNALS AND ARTICLES. Terrestrial Magnetism for December, 1898, contains the following articles: 'Report of the Permanent Committee on Terrestrial Magnetism and Atmospheric Electricity to the International Meteorological Conference;' 'The Toronto Magnetic Observatory,' R. F. Stupart; 'The Attitude of the Aurora above the Earth's Surface' (concluded), C. Abbe; 'Bigelow's Solar and Terrestrial Magnetism,' reviewed by Arthur Schuster; 'Notes on the Magnetic Storm of November 21st-22d, and on the Secular Motion of a Free Magnetic Needle,' by L. A. Bauer. Mr. Stupart in his article describes the new Toronto Magnetic Observatory, situated at Agincourt, nine miles northeast of the old and disturbed site. Beginning with March, 1899, the name of the journal is to be changed to Terrestrial Magnetism and Atmospheric Electricity. It has been found necessary to enlarge the periodical somewhat, and, in consequence, the subscription price has been increased from $2 to $2.50. It will be conducted, as heretofore, by L. A. Bauer and Thomas French, Jr., both of the University of Cincinnati. The editors will be asssisted by Messrs. Eschenhagen (Pots

dam), Moureaux (Paris), Littlehales (Washington), Schuster (Manchester), Elster and Geitel (Wolfenbüttel), McAdie (New Orleans), and by an international council consisting of Rücker

(England), von Bezold (Germany), Mascart (France), Rykatschew (Russia), Mendenhall and Schott (America).

The American Journal of Science for January contains the following articles:

'Thermodynamic Relations of Hydrated Glass,' by C. Barus; 'Platinum and Iridium in Meteoric Iron,' by J. M. Davison; 'Studies in the Cyperaceæ,' by T. Holm; 'Regnault's Calorie and our Knowledge of the Specific Volumes of Steam,' by G. P. Starkweather; Estimation of Boric Acid,' by F. A. Gooch and L. C. Jones; Descriptions of imperfectly known and new Actinians,' with critical notes and other species, II.; by A. E. Verrill; 'Mineralogical Notes,' by W. F. Hillebrand; 'What is the Loess ?' by F. W. Sardeson; 'Absorption of Gases in a High Vacuum,' by C. C. Hutchins.

Appleton's Popular Science Monthly for January gives as a frontispiece a portrait of August Kekulé and a sketch of his life and contributions to science follows. Among the other articles in the number are 'The Mind's Eye,' by Professor Joseph Jastrow, illustrating the part played by mental processes in visual perception; an argument by Professor G. T. W. Patrick, maintaining that children under ten should not be taught to read and write; and nature study in the Philadelphia Normal School, by Mrs. L. L. W. Wilson.

SOCIETIES AND ACADEMIES.

THE NEBRASKA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES.

THE ninth annual meeting of the Nebraska Academy of Sciences was held at Lincoln, November 25 and 26, 1898.

The address of the retiring President, Dr. H. B. Ward, was upon the 'Fresh-water Biological Stations of the World.'

These were divided into individual resorts for independent investigation, periodical resorts where groups of scientists go for a portion of the year, and permanent stations where work is carried on throughout the year by resident investigators. The best results can only be expected in the latter class, which are necessarily under government protection.

On the evening of November 25th, after a banquet tendered to members of the Academy and their wives by the Lincoln members, an address was given before the Academy by Professor Lawrence Bruner, on the 'Flora and Fauna of Argentina, S. A.,' where he has spent the past year investigating a grasshopper plague.

Professor Bruner first gave a few facts regarding the location and shape of Argentina, its climate and the effect of the climate on plant and animal life. A very large portion of Argentina has an average of less than eight inches of rainfall per annum; another portion has an average rainfall of from eight to twenty-four inches, while another has from twenty-four inches to sixty. Still all this territory is inhabited and is well supplied with plant and animal life.

Here evolution in plant and animal life is most noticeable, every form of vegetation and all kinds of animal life changing as the climate changes in traveling from one portion of the country to the other. Argentina was a conntry where everything protected itself and was fitted by nature to do so. The trees had thorns, the grasses and weeds were provided with thorns, and pointed, sharp blades and herbaceous plants were shielded with burrs. In the dryest parts of Argentina Professor Bruner said he had found plant and animal life abundant. Forests of large trees could be found where rain was scarcest, and he had been told that when heavy rains fell the trees would die from too much moisture. Many forms of animal life thrived best where there was no moisture. Plants were found without leaves, and birds of the same order as our water fowl that avoided water. In no other country on the earth, excepting perhaps Australia, could forms of animal life be found that compared with what was to be found there. Many kinds of birds were provided with spurs on their wings, and to illustrate some of these wonders the stereopticon was introduced and a number of views of strange animal life shown.

Other papers on the program were as follows: Methods of Collecting and Preserving Water-Mites,' by Dr. Robert H. Wolcott, with exhibition of new forms of collecting apparatus. 'The Discovery of the Southern Maidenhair Fern in the Black Hills,' by Dr. Charles E. Bessey. It had been reported to him that it

grew there in profusion, but as its northern limit was about 36 degrees, or the southern line of Missouri, he took a thousand-mile jour ney that he might be able to state scientifically that it was there. He found it growing in profusion on the banks of a stream fed by warm springs, beside the buffalo berry of the north.

C. J. Elmore read the second chapter of his serial, begun last year, on 'The Second Year's Flora of a Dried-up Millpond,' and was requested to continue the subject next year.

'One to One Correspondence,' by Dr. Ellery Davis. 'A Determination of the Latitude of the Observatory,' by Professor G. D. Swezey. The reduction of fifty-nine observations for the latitude of the observatory on the University grounds, made with a small universal instrument, gave as a result 40° 49′ 9.9±0.4. Over a hundred additional observations have been taken which have not yet been reduced. A joint paper by Abel A. Hunter and G. E. Hedgecock on 'Thorea,' a seaweed found by Mr. Hunter in the northeastern part of Lancaster county the past summer, was submitted. This very rare and exceedingly interesting seaweed is now found for the first time in Nebraska and the second time with certainty in North America.

'What is Phytogeography,' by Dr. Roscoe Pound. A discussion of the province of phytogeography and of the various names that have been used to designate this and other closely related lines of investigation.

'The Growth of Children,' by Dr. William W. Hastings. Observations made in European cities and in the larger cities of this country, with the results of experience in the University and public schools of Lincoln. From two to sixteen years the growth of children is very regular, but from sixteen to seventeen it is retarded. The full growth of man does not cease until after he is twenty-five. Athletics extend the growing period to thirty years. Affluence increases and deprivation and hard work decreases the growth. Size diminishes between the age of fifty and sixty. The speaker mentioned the phenomenal increase of five and seven-eighths inches chest measure in a 15-yearold boy, but the discussion brought out the fact that his grade marks were only seventy-five,