THURSDAY, JULY 3, 1913.

AN EPITOME OF GEOMETRICAL

Statische

CRYSTALLOGRAPHY.

By

und kinetische Kristalltheorien. Dr. J. Beckenkamp. Erster Teil. Pp. viii+ 206. (Berlin: Gebrüder Borntraeger, 1913.) Price 9.60 marks.

HE style of this book recalls that of parts of

TH the "Encyclopädie d. math. Wissen

Schaften." A summary is given of practically the hole of geometrical crystallography, both experimental and theoretical. There is included, for instance, an account of crystalline symmetry and structure theory, together with a description of the common types of twinning, habit, &c. Physical crystallography, including the optical, elastic, and lectrical behaviour of crystalline media, lies outside the scope of the book.

It will be readily realised that so large a field Cannot be adequately covered in 206 pages. The uthor confines himself almost entirely to the quoting of results. For example, formulæ are given to obtain the most probable values of the rue angles between four crystal-faces from the observed angles, and also formulæ for calculating the angles between these four faces and the remaining faces; but no indication is given of the method of arriving at these results. Again, though the thirty-two crystal classes are described in detail, no proof is given of the fact that there are exactly thirty-two classes and similarly hroughout the treatise.

Dr. Beckenkamp is evidently interested in the istory of crystallography; and he begins each section with a historical summary of work done on the subject-matter of that section from the earliest days of the science, with quotations from various authors and valuable references.

The book is illustrated by 303 excellent diagrams, well drawn, and easy to follow except for those illustrating the author's theory of molecular groups, which are on rather too small a scale to be clearly visible.

The style of the work is clear and interesting, and the book is divided into sections of a convenient length, so that the reader is not tired by over-concentration on a particular theme.

The book will be a useful addition to the literature of the subject, especially as a work of reference; but even the beginner will find it attractive, though he will require to supplement it by some work which goes into more detail. Perhaps the least satisfactory part is that dealing with the author's own structure theory. He has scarcely

succeeded in making his point of view clear; and, in fact, the task of explaining a new structure theory of crystals in six pages without the assistance of a single mathematical formula would lie beyond the powers of any writer. But doubtless this will be remedied when part ii. appears. HAROLD HILTON.

A HISTORY OF CHEMISTRY.

A History of Chemistry from the Earliest Times till the Present Day. By the late Prof. J. C. Brown. Pp. xxx+543. (London: J. and A. Churchill, 1913.) Price 10s. 6d. net.

TH

HE late Prof. Campbell Brown, of the Liverpool University, was in the habit of delivering annually a series of lectures on the history of chemistry to his senior students as part of their degree course, and he had the intention, on his retirement, of preparing these lectures for publication. His sudden and unexpected death while still in the occupation of his chair prevented him from personally realising his wish. Mrs. Campbell Brown, with the assistance of Mr. Henry H. Brown, and Prof. Brown's late chief assistant, Mr. W. H. Roberts, has, however, sought to give effect to his intention, and the present handsome volume is the result of their labours. Its compilation has obviously been a labour of love, and forms a fitting memorial to a singularly earnest, conscientious, and high-principled man who played a notable part in the educational history of Liverpool, and particularly in the creation and development of its University. Its preparation for press must have been a matter of no little difficulty, and the form in which it is now presented reflects great credit upon Mr. H. H. Brown and his coadjutor.

The original matter was largely in the form of notes, more or less complete, which the lecturer was accustomed to amplify and comment upon at the moment, and there is little doubt that, had Dr. Brown lived to complete the work, much additional matter would have been included. Possibly, also, some omissions and corrections would have been made in the light of more exact knowledge. The book makes no pretensions to research among original authorities, and it is obvious that the lecturer had been content to take his facts and interpretations from well-known sources, such as Thomson, Hoefer, Kopp, Meyer, Ladenburg, Berthelot, and others that might be named. In many cases the illustrations, as well as the phraseology, afford the key to the source of the statements. The book is eminently readable, and may be recommended to the student who

The author points out that "the abortion of certain members of a brood or group to the favour of others" is a phenomenon of frequent occurrence in nature, and he instances those flowers which produce more ovules than ever ripen into seed. According to his theory, the expulsion of the polar bodies is simply an incident recalling the past history of the race, and the physiological explanations are uncalled for. On this view the remarkable constancy of the phenomenon among the higher animals seems to be insufficiently accounted for, while the reduction processes remain imperfectly explained.

In the second chapter the author deals with the problem of heredity, and comes to the conclusion that at present the facts can only be elucidated by the light of mental, not material, processes. While inclining to the memory theories of Butler and Hering, he expresses himself also as favourable to an explanation assuming the succession of a series of complex chemical changes after the manner postulated by Delage or by J. T. Cunningham in his hormone theory of heredity. In the third chapter the author returns to the subject of brood formation and its relation to ordinary cell-division, and the various types of brood formation are briefly described. Chapter iv. first appeared under the title, "The Dual Force of the Dividing Cell," but in this work it has undergone much revision, and is headed "The New Force, Mitokinetism." In addition to the existence of a well-known physical force, and others the physical interpretation of which is uncertain (such as protoplasmic streaming), the author invokes the aid of a new force which he calls "Mitokinetism," besides assuming the existence of further forces which have no clear analogies either in physics or in biology. The whole chapter, though ingenious, is highly speculative, and consequently difficult to criticise in a short review.

In chapter v. Prof. Hartog returns to the subject of nuclear reduction, which is already touched upon in chapter iii. His view may be summarised in the statement that the process is a necessary consequence of cell fusion, instead of a preparation for it. The author appears to us to lay altogether undue stress upon the difference between the two theories. He points out that a reduction must take place somewhere, otherwise the number of chromosomes would go on increasing in geometrical progression. This is, of course, obvious, and since the reduction usually (though not invariably) takes place in the last division of gametogenesis, it appears to us legitimate to regard it as a preparation for zygotic union.

In the next chapter Prof. Hartog reverts to his views on fertilisation. He suggests that owing

to the ambiguity of the term "fertilisation" it had better be replaced by "syngamy" when used in its strict morphological sense as the fusion of two cells or nuclei. He makes the interesting suggestion that the formation of the fertilisation membrane is the last relic of the time when the newlyformed zygote usually went into a resting condition.

In chapter vii. the author again gives the arguments in favour of the theory that acquired characters can be inherited, and in chapter vii. the case against a purely mechanistic interpretation of life is once more stated. Great stress is laid on the vital powers of readjustment and compensation under diverse conditions, and the possession of a spontaneity which is never possessed by machines, since these work for the mechanician, whereas the living organism works and adapts itself to its own racial needs.

The chapter on the biological writings of Samuel Butler is well worthy of perusal, and we feel indebted to Prof. Hartog for giving us a further insight into the fascinating personality of the author of "Erewhon." The last two chapters deal with education problems, and though not without interest, seem rather out of place in the present book. Though containing little that is new, the volume supplies a useful summary of the author's views on many subjects, and as such it forms a welcome addition to the "Progressive Science Series." FRANCIS H. A. MARSHALL.

FOUR ZOOLOGICAL TEXT-BOOKS.

(1) Elementary Biology: Animal and Human. By J. E. Peabody and A. E. Hunt. Pp. xiv + 212. New York: The Macmillan Company; London: Macmillan and Co., Ltd., 1912.) Price 4s. 6d.

net.

(2) An Introduction to Zoology. With Directions for Practical Work. (Invertebrates.) By Rosalie Lulham. With Illustrations by V. G. Sheffield. Pp. xv+457· (London: Macmillan and Co., Ltd., 1913.) Price 7s. 6d. net. (3) Teachers' Manual of Biology. By Prof. M. A. Bigelow. Pp. ix+113. (New York: The Macmillan Company; London: Macmillan and Co., Ltd., 1912.) Price 18. 8d. net. (4) A Manual of Zoology. By Prof. R. Hertwig. Third American from the ninth German edition. Translated and edited by Prof. J. S. Kingsley. Pp. xii+606. (New York: Henry Holt and Co., 1912.)

teachers.

Animals are discussed in order to throw light on the biology of human life, in order to help towards healthy living. Everyday functions get a prominent place; bees, mosquitoes, and flies come to the front; the discussion of birds and fishes leads on to the question of their conservation; the Protozoa are used to illumine man's cellular processes; bacteria receive much attention. Precise practical work is, of course, insisted on as a discipline, and many of the conventional tasks are included. But there are as many which have a fresh practical turn.

The lessons on everyday hygiene, on foods, and on the use of alcohol and tobacco seem to us very sound, and, in short, what we like about the

whole book is its persistent endeavour to bring the biological instruction into direct touch with human life. There is no risk that the study of pure science will be in this way endangered, and there is every likelihood that the education of the young citizen will be immensely improved. The book is generously provided with interesting. illustrations, many of them photographs.

For future editions we would make the suggestion that the authors do not attempt to cover quite so much ground. Thus the paragraph on the relatives of the earthworm would be much better deleted unless more can be said, and there are many other cases where this book would be improved by recognising the necessity for others. We should like to express our appreciation of the wholesome view that "no study of human biology should be allowed to leave in the mind of the student the idea that he is merely a chemical engine adapted only for the generation of a certain amount of physical energy."

(2) Miss Lulham is to be congratulated on the success of her "Introduction to Zoology," which fills a distinct gap. It introduces the student to the study of living creatures (Invertebrates only) with habits and habitats and interrelations, and it has been written from experience. It abounds in valuable practical hints. There is a convincing reality about the book, and a real feeling of the open air, two qualities which are enhanced by the unusually skilful and spirited figures which have been prepared by Miss Violet Sheffield. This introduction should be of great value to teachers of nature-study, to students working alone, and to those who wish to supplement their more analytic and anatomical work by some sound (ecology.

Miss Lulham deals excellently with earthworm and starfish, pond-snail and prawn, but she is at her best when she comes to spiders and insectsto which much more than half the book is devoted. It will be a good thing for the study of

natural history if this exceedingly educative "i troduction to Zoology" comes into widespre use, as it certainly ought to do. For it is i usually true to its excellent motto:

Ἐν πᾶσι γὰρ τοῖς φυσικοῖς ἕνεστί τι θαυμαστον (3) Prof. Bigelow's manual is really a sort teacher's appendix to accompany "Applied B.. logy" and "Introduction to Biology," by AnN. Bigelow and himself. He gives useful hints as to the best way of using the "Applied Biolog (without which this manual is of relatively litt. use), and advice in regard to material for practic work, methods, equipment, and literature. The orientation of the biological studies in relation to human life is Bigelow's plan of instruction, and he is emphati a prominent feature in Prot in regard to the indispensableness of the biolog.! foundation. In regard to sex-hygiene, for in stance, he says: "The most practicable step nov possible in the world-wide movement for sex-educa tion is the development of the full possibilities the biological studies that touch the problems of reproduction."

(4) Prof. R. Hertwig's "Zoology" has passed through nine German editions and continues t be a favourite manual. It gives a general intrduction to morphology and physiology and systematic treatment of the various phyla, w special attention to particular types. Its virtu are general trustworthiness, clearness, and a juacious selection of essentials. Its deliberate defe.> are that it is too much pemmican and not very interesting, and that it says very little about the lite of animals. Prof. Kingsley has prepared a revised American edition, especially adapted for American needs. It is to a considerable extent a new book, and it is a competent piece of work sure to be i great utility. It has been very carefully edited, and it includes not a few original figures. We cannot profess, however, to have any belief in the usefulness of the summaries of important facts given at the end of each phylum; many of the propositions are too terse to be true, and altogether they smack of the cram-book. J. A. T.

OUR BOOKshelf. Ueber einfache Pflanzenbasen und ihre Beziehungs zum Aufbau der Eiweissstoffe und Lecithine By Dr. G. Trier. Pp. iv+117. (Berlin Gebrüder Borntraeger, 1912.) Price 5

marks.

THIS work is a valuable contribution to plan chemistry by a well-known worker who, by h own researches, has considerably enlarged our knowledge in this special domain. He has focus it possible to give a summary of recent work and theoretical views of a complex character whic is extremely interesting but might easily have

been made a very dull affair. After briefly formulating the simple bases and amino-acids occurring in plants, the author proceeds to discuss their relationships and the probable way in which they are actually built up in the plant. He develops simple hypothesis by which amino-ethyl alcohol which he himself recently isolated as a product of the hydrolysis of lecithin) and amino-acetic acid are formed from glycol and glycolic acid, and regards these substances as the simple bricks From which the complex lecithins and proteins are built up.

In this synthesis the primary stage is a Cannizto transformation of glycollic aldehyde to the corresponding alcohol and acid, which the author egards as effected by an enzyme mutase, citing evidence in support of this view. It may, however, be suggested that this action is a direct effect of light, as in the case of many similar changes recently studied. Some of the author's views as to the manner in which complex alkaloids, for example laudanosine in the isoquinoline group, re built up from a single aromatic amino-acid are genious and very probable. Interesting chapters in the work deal with such questions as the biological significance of the betaïnes, the occurrence of methylation in the plant, the nature of the phosphatides and lecithins and the synthesis of the purine bases within the plant.

Some of the author's remarks on p. 70 with reference to the non-production of nicotinic acid in nature would appear to need modification owing to the discovery, since the work was published,

Suzuki and Matsunaga of this acid in ricebran; this acid has great significance as derived from a ẞ amino-acid.

The work would be greatly improved by equipping it with an index. W. A. D.

La Sécrétion Pancréatique. By Emile F. Terroine. Pp. 133. (Paris: A. Hermann et Fils, 1913.) Price 5 francs.

THIS little book on the pancreas forms one of a series of biological monographs which are appearng under the direction of Prof. Dastre, of the Sorbonne. The first chapters treat the subject historically, and show by what slow steps the early knowledge of this important organ was obined, and the important character of Claude Bernard's pioneer work.

The bulk of the book is, however, taken up with a discussion of modern views, which were initiated by Pawloff and elucidated by the great discovery made by Bayliss and Starling of the part played by a chemical stimulus in stirring up the organ to activity. This material, called secretin, is formed in the intestine, and reaches the pancreas by the blood-stream; so that the mechanism may be described as a "humoral reflex " as against the nervous reflex which was formerly supposed to exist. Secretin is not the only chemical messenger in the body; physiologists now are acquainted with a considerable number of these "hormones," and their discovery has created a great revolution in our conceptions of physiological and pathological processes.

What secretin is chemically is not yet known; the culmination of the work in the unravelling of its composition is reserved for the future.

The pancreas is full of interest because it also possesses an internal secretion, but that aspect of the subject is not treated in the present volume.

Dr. Terroine's book is to be thoroughly recommended to all who desire a clear account of recent progress and present doctrines concerning pancreatic activity. W. D. H.

The Posture of School Children: with its Home Hygiene and New Efficiency Methods for School Training. By Jessie H. Bancroft. Pp. xii+327. (New York: The Macmillan Co., 1913.) Price 6s. 6d. net.

IT is beginning to be understood by parents and teachers that the complete education of children includes physical as well as mental training. The schools now no longer ignore the bodies of the pupils, but by medical inspection, graded physical exercises, which are remedial when necessary, and by careful sanitation, every effort is being made to make the children healthy in body as well as. well trained mentally. In this useful undertaking doctors and teachers are cooperating, and one of the evidences of this joint endeavour is the appearance of numerous books intended to provide teachers with scientific and technical knowledge in an attractive form. The present volume is by the assistant-director of physical training in the public schools of New York City, and gives teachers guidance as to how to correct poor posture in the class-room, to prevent the various forms of curvature, and generally to assist normal growth.

Weather Signs and How to Read them. For Use at Sea. By W. Allingham. Pp. v+117. (Glasgow: James Brown and Son, 1912.) Price 25. net.

The

THE author states that this booklet is a compilation written as an aid to the rising generation of mariners. Considered from this viewpoint we have no hesitation in saying that it will be found interesting and useful. Weather is closely connected with barometric pressure, air and sea temperature, state of sky, &c.; but the predominant factor is pressure. Several chapters are devoted to these subjects and to the construction and use of synoptic and synchronous weather charts; the advantage to sailors of charts of monthly average barometric values is referred to specially. author makes it quite clear that he holds decided opinions on several subjects, some of which differ from generally accepted views, e.g. in the chapter dealing with cloud forms and signs he considers it difficult to accept as a working hypothesis the supposed connection between clouds and dust particles, at least many leagues from land. He also urges simplification in cloud nomenclature, "for under the present involved divisions clouds are doubtless as often described erroneously as they are correctly." The supposed influence of the moon on weather is justly ridiculed, and the work is brought up to date by useful details of the advantages derived from radio-telegraphy.