disturbances rather than to the wings being held in an inherently unstable position. In any case, these rotations could certainly be described as lateral, longitudinal, and directional better than by the suggested names of lateral, transverseaxis, and dorso-ventral axis instability. However, it must be remembered that this book only claims to be "a record of observations." Dr. Hankin has clearly established the fact, whatever be the explanation, that "sun soarability" must depend on peculiar meteorological conditions which do not exist in temperate climates. As a number of chairs of physics have recently been filled in Indian universities, we may hope that some of the recipients may investigate these conditions, and we must not forget that Dr. Hankin's observations have mainly referred to the birds rather than to the medium in which they sail. colour-phenomena noticed in sailing flight. It is, of course, very difficult to judge of such matters by reading descriptions, but it may be safe to refer to similar colour effects which were shown some years ago in "Benham's Artificial Spectrum Top." This consisted of black and white discs with black bands on them, and was exhibited at Cambridge about the time that Dr. Hankin was a Fellow of St. John's. In conclusion, this "record of observations" forms a worthy sequel to the works of Pettigrew, Marey, and other previous writers. G. H. B. Photochrom. Co., Ltd. The Lauterbrunnental, Switzerland. B, B, Bottom of Preglacial Valley; O, Trench excavated by Glacier-ice. From "The Antiquity of Man in Europe." Further, he has not by any means restricted his attention to the large Indian sailing birds of prey. Gulls, dragon-flies, flying fishes, all come within the scope of his observations, and not the least interesting feature is the difference in action between different species of dragon-fly. That aeroplanes require a greater degree of camber for low than high velocities is a wellknown and obvious truth, and the observation that birds can adjust the camber to the speed is highly interesting. In one chapter are described certain remarkable is not the least. Dr. Munro founded a lectureship on anthropology and prehistoric archæology in the University of Edinburgh, which Prof. James Geikie was invited to fill. In this book the Munro lectures, containing the ripe experience of the foremost student of the "Ice-age," are placed at the disposal of archæologists and anthropologists all the world over. It is said that British men of science are inclined 1 "The Antiquity of Man in Europe: being the Munro Lectures, 1913." By Prof. James Geikie. Pp xx+328+xxi plates. (Edinburgh: Oliver and Boyd; London: Gurney and Jackson, 1914.) Price 10s. 6d. net. THE CULTIVATION OF MEDICINAL ditions created by the war in Europe has made it desirable to give attention to the cultivation of medicinal plants in England. The answer is a decided affirmative, but some qualification is needed. Cultivated drugs can never compete with those from wild plants if price prevails over all other considerations. It was only fine appearance and high reputation for therapeutic activity which enabled English aconite, belladonna, digitalis, and henbane to command four times the price of the imported drugs. As it was, severe competition had of late years restricted the use of home produce more and more until it attained relatively small limits. to accept discoveries and classifications made abroad more readily than those made at home. The terms at present employed in British archæological works relating to the phases of the Ice-THE question has been asked whether the conage certainly might be cited in support of this contention. In 1894, when preparing the third edition of the "Great Ice Age"-of which the work under review may be regarded in some respects as a fourth edition-Prof. Geikie recognised four phases of glaciation, which he named: (1) Scanian, (2) Saxonian, (3) Polonian, (4) Mecklenburgian. British students of ancient man have never adopted these terms; they prefer those which Prof. Penck introduced nine years laterin 1903-(1) Günzien, (2) Mindelien, (3) Rissien, (4) Würmien. Geikie's terms were founded on a study of the glacial deposits of Europe generally; Penck's were the result of a study of glacial deposits in Alpine regions. If priority is to count the British terms have much to commend them. In the present work Prof. Geikie correlates the two systems of nomenclature-the "Scanian corresponding to the "Günzien," the "Saxonian " to the "Mindelien," the "Polonian" to the "Rissien," and the "Mecklenburgian" to the "Würmien." In charting the glacial phases of the Pleistocene period, Prof. Geikie and Prof. Penck have provided students of ancient man with an invaluable series of milestones to guide them into that period which is supposed to cover the evolution of modern man. The Heidelberg mandible is regarded by Prof. Geikie as the oldest human remains yet found on the Continent of Europe, and is assigned by him to the interval between the first and second periods of glaciation. He is not fully convinced that eoliths and sub-crag implements are really of human workmanship. One of the most important contributions made by Prof. Geikie to our knowledge of ancient man refers to the Neolithic period. In the formations and deposits of that time Scotland is particularly rich. From a study of these he has divided the Neolithic period into four phases: (1) lower "forrestian," (2) lower "turbarian," (3) upper "forrestian," (4) upper "turbarian." Each of these phases is marked by a change of climate, a change of flora, and an alteration in the relationship of land and sea. The human remains and objects of culture found in the caves at Oban, usually ascribed to the transitional stage, between the Palæolithic and Neolithic periods, are garded by Prof. Geikie as belonging to the late Neolithic phase, named up him upper "turbarian." re Prof. Geikie has never indulged in, or countenanced, wild speculation. It is therefore of interest to note the estimate he has formed of the duration of the Pleistocene period. After forty years of study, largely devoted to an examination of glacial deposits, he is of opinion that an allowance of at least 600,000 years must be made for the duration of the Pleistocene period. Man's presence in Europe may, in his opinion, be regarded as extending over a period of 250,000 or perhaps 500,000 years. A. K. Much care and skill are needed in preparing the finest qualities of drugs for market, and only comparatively high prices repay this initial trouble and expense. Again, there is only a limited. outlet for drugs in general, so that the market is easily overloaded, and when this occurs the highest grades often suffer most as regards depreciation in value. For example, the supply of English-grown belladonna leaves began to exceed the demand in about the year 1900, and a few years ago they were selling in competition with. wild Continental drugs-at less than cost. Acreage under belladonna naturally shrank, and, in fact, its cultivation became restricted to a few "materia medica," or drug farms, connected with factories for making extract. Similar experiences led to the cultivation in England of all but a few medicinal plants (e.g. valerian, poppy, and dill) being controlled by four firms growing only sufficient for their own requirements. Two successive wet winters, causing excessive loss of plants, had made this season's crops insufficient for normal demands, and the onset of hostilities quickly raised prices to famine rates. High prices restrict usage and stimulate new sources of production until prices become normal again. Both these factors are at work now war in Europe threatens to last for a considerable period, and the first in the field of drug cultivation are likely to reap a profitable harvest. The writer gave details of cultivation of various drugs in the Journal of the Board of Agriculture for September. Within a week an advertisement in the druggist's trade paper "wanted fertile seeds of belladonna, digitalis, henbane, stramon ium; also live roots chamomile, coltsfoot, valerian, spearmint." This illustrates a great initial difficulty, that of obtaining a supply of dormant plants or seeds. British medicinal plants fall into four categories: (1) Drugs which have long been cultivated in this country, but were gradually being ousted by foreign wild products, viz. belladonna, henbane, aconite, digitalis, and valerian. All these, except aconite, are now in great demand. Chamomile (of recent years practically grown only for distillation of oil from flowers) are now almost unob tainable owing to Belgian supplies being cut off. Of other aromatic plants grown for distilling purposes, peppermint is not likely to be affected, but spearmint and probably lavender will be dearer. Efforts to extend drug growing will centre around belladonna, henbane, valerian, and chamomile. The first year's returns as regard size of crops will be small, but they will increase rapidly afterwards if remunerative prices are maintained. (2) Medicinal plants which held their own in competition with foreign supplies :-Dandelion, dill, white poppy, and red poppy petals. Of these the first and last grow wild. The second is as conditions-Barberry bark, bittersweet, broom, buckthorn berries and bark, colchicum, coltsfoot, conium, elder flowers and leaves, male fern, rose petals, sweet flag, and yarrow. Considerable sums could be made by organised collection of these (and also of wild dandelion root and digitalis leaves). The most promising from a moneymaking point of view is male fern rhizome, of which large quantities are needed at once. There is plenty in many localities to be had for the gathering. (4) Medicinal plants rarely cultivated in this country, but worthy of more attention:-Golden FIG. 1.-A plantation of English Valerian (Valeriana officinalis, L). From the Journal of the Board of Agriculture, By permission of H.M. Stationery easily grown by farmers as cereal crops. Poppyhead production is a special industry in Lincolnshire. Many of the "botanical herbs" sold by medical herbalists are grown at Carshalton, Surrey, but not in sufficient quantities to supply all home requirements. There is undoubtedly much greater scope at present for the cultivation of medicinal plants in this category. Culinary herbs (marjoram, sage, thyme, etc.) are also worthy of attention. (3) Plants which grow wild, but are not collected in quantity in this country under normal Office. seal, fennel, and thornapple. The last two are easily grown, and in much demand now. The first-named promises rich reward to the successful experimenter. Most medicinal plants belong to the category of weeds, so that they are not difficult to raise if the ground is kept free from other growths. It is the need for having some facilities for drying leaves and roots that may prevent medicinal herbs being grown by cultivators of other crops as a paying side-line. Medicinal leaves are valued solely by appearance, this being brighter the more quickly they are dried. In the case of potent drugs, such as belladonna and digitalis, it is imperative that the leaves do not become "heated," this being prevented by spreading in very thin layers. Large growers of drug products have proper drying plant, but a heated glasshouse could be readily converted into a drying shed. The labour problem is another great hindrance to cheap supplies of British-grown medicinal plants. On the Continent wild plants are collected at odd times usually when harvesting is over. On English drying farms the crops are taken when plants are at their best, the time of collection having in some cases an important influence on the therapeutic effect of the drug. This point is fully recognised in the theory of medi Г by the European war. When this is over and foreign supplies are again available it is to be hoped that druggists, wholesale and retail, will give that moral and patriotic support needed to prevent it again relapsing. W. A. WHATMOUGH. THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION IN NEW SOUTH WALES. THE 7 1 SYDNEY, AUGUST 27. HESE lines are written a few hours after the departure of our visitors for Brisbane, where two addresses will mark the conclusion of the first Australian Meeting of the British Association. When the shadow of this cloud of war has passed away, the Australian Meeting will stand out as a notable one. Its total of 4700 members is about 1000 greater than that of any other meeting. Much solid work has been done in the various sections, while great public interest has been aroused by the lectures and addresses. Those FIG. 2.-Cutting English belladonna. (Atropa belladonna) From the Journal of the Board of Agriculture. By permission of H.M. Stationery Office. cine, but in practice it is usually lost in the modern craze for "cheapness." The cheeseparing policy at times defeats its own object, as the proportion of actual drug in a dose of medicine is so small that doubling the cost of crude drugs would make little or no difference in ultimate cost. A ten-minim dose of digitalis tincture from Britishgrown drug costs 1/500th penny more than that from imported drug, quite a negligible quantity in comparison with the greater certainty of action. who believed that the outbreak of war would have a serious effect upon it have learned that their fears were groundless. Though the minds of all have been filled with anxious thoughts of what may be happening to our soldiers and sailors far away in this crisis of the Empire's fortunes, on all hands there is ample evidence that the meeting has been an unqualified success. On Thursday, August 20, our visitors arrived from Melbourne, about 10 a.m., in three special trains, and the arrangements for their speedy transit to the houses of their hosts worked admirably. Early in the afternoon the Reception Room at the University began to be thronged with members inquiring for their various tickets, and anxious to secure places in the excursions without delay, which had been arranged for the The drug trade is likely to regret bitterly for some time to come the policy which led to the virtual exclusion of home-grown drugs. A considerable extension of the acreage under medi- | week-end. cinal plants will result from the conditions created The President delivered the second half of his address in the Town Hall that evening. With a more than considerate regard to the traditional, if somewhat mythical, rivalry between Melbourne and Sydney, Prof. Bateson had divided his address into two equal parts, and the Sydney members had the privilege of listening to that half in which he discussed problems of heredity more especially as affecting man. The importance of the occasion was marked by the presence in the chair of the Governor, and the LieutenantGovernor proposed the vote of thanks which followed the lecture. Probably to many in the large audience the literary beauty of the address was as remarkable as the startling statements with which it was punctuated; while Sir Edward Schäfer, in seconding the vote of thanks, gave it as his opinion that we had listened to a deliverance which was epoch-making. The On Friday morning the meetings of the sections were resumed, and the remaining sectional presidential addresses delivered. The presence of Sir Oliver Lodge and Sir Ernest Rutherford attracted large audiences to the Mathematical and Physical Section throughout the meeting. Geological Section was popular, especially on the last day of the meeting when Sir Douglas Mawson, who had just returned to Australia in time to be present, opened the discussion on Antarctica. The section of Anthropology had most carefully stage-managed the production of the Darling Downs Skull. This discovery, and the presence of Prof. Elliot Smith, Prof. von Luschan, and other anthropologists, attracted large audiences to Section H. And, finally, it is it is scarcely necessary to remark that, under Prof. Perry's guidance, the meetings of the Educational Section were both lively and wellattended. But so much was heard of the tyranny of the ancient languages that it is whispered that at least one educational authority thought that the time had come for a sub-division of Section L, in order that the friends of Latin and Greek and the Humanities might have an opportunity in calmer surroundings of attempting to solve educational problems in their own way. I have already spoken of the impression made by the President's address. The two evening discourses were given by Prof. Elliot Smith and Sir Ernest Rutherford. The former was back among his own people; and the huge audience which listened to his address showed that his countrymen were proud of him and of his work. In discoursing on Primitive Man on Friday, he gave special prominence to the discovery of the Darling Downs Skull, announced to the Anthropology Section that morning, by Profs. David and Wilson. It seems probable that this event alone would be sufficient to make the Australian meeting memorable. The second discourse was delivered by Sir Ernest Rutherford in the beginning of the week, also to a large audience. chose as his subject Atoms and Electrons. Sir Ernest Rutherford, also, was back among his own people, for though the New Zealander is not an Australian, both are Australasians; and it was He remarkably appropriate that the honour of giving these two discourses should have been awarded to these two men. The Citizens' Lectures were delivered under the auspices of the Workers' Educational Association; the first, by Prof. Benjamin Moore, on the Saturday evening. He dealt more particularly with the principles of evolution, both in things organic and inorganic. After demonstrating the operation of bright sunshine on brown earth, he described how the process of evolution is everywhere at work, transforming both nature and society. Prof. Turner, on the Tuesday evening, spoke upon Comets to an audience of more than 3000 people. By accident-or it may have been by design-both these speakers proved to be hearty supporters of the Workers' Educational Association, and the audiences fully appreciated their cordial references to this movement. The luncheon, which the State Government gave in honour of the Association on Friday, was a most interesting function. The oration by the Premier and the reply by the President of the Association were most remarkable deliverances. The other social events of the week were the garden party at Government House, an afternoon excursion in the Harbour, and the Lord Mayor's ball. There was some talk of this last function being changed into a reception, owing to the special circumstances of the meeting, but to those with whom the decision lay it seemed best that the original programme be carried out. There can be no doubt that all these events added greatly to the enjoyment of the members. Elaborate preparations had also been made for a conversazione at the University on Tuesday evening, at which degrees were to be conferred on some of our distinguished visitors. However, owing to the death on the previous day of the Chancellor of the University, the Hon. Sir Normand MacLaurin, one of the greatest men whom this country has produced, this function was cancelled. The degrees will be conferred in absentia. The excursions arranged for the week-end proved most successful. The members were scattered over a wide range of country. Some, interested in agriculture, were shown what was being done under varied conditions in different parts of New South Wales. Geologists were taken over the coal fields of the Lower Hunter. Engineers visited the Burrinjuck Dam and the Murrumbidgee irrigation area. Botanists saw something of something of our flora, and zoologists had a successful dredging expedition, while the men of science as a body seemed wholly unable to resist the temptation of the excursions to the Jenolan Caves and the Blue Mountains. These proved so popular that they had to be duplicated. The British Association has shown its appreciation of the Australian attitude to the meeting in a very practical form. Thanks to the large membership, the sum available for scientific grants is much greater than usual. A large part of this money has been allotted to the Local Com |