PREFACE. 



THE present volume witnesses the Twentieth year of the existence 

 of Science-Gossip — perhaps the fullest and most interesting- 

 period in the history of Natural Science. Since this journal came 

 into existence many new methods of research have sprung up, most 

 if not all of which have been duly chronicled in our pages. Never 

 before was the history of discovery so complete as within the last 

 twenty years. Are we assuming too much in stating that, notwith- 

 standing the unpretentious character of our magazine, readers will 

 find it difficult to obtain elsewhere than in the volumes of SciENCE- 

 GossiP, so perfect a scientific chronicle of the period in question ? 



It is with no small pride the Editor feels that the present 

 volume is the best of the series. Apart from the splendid coloured 

 plates which the enterprise of the publishers has enabled him to 

 present to his readers every month, the Editor was never so ably 

 supported by contributors of such well-known scientific and literary 

 position, as during the past year. 



It is equally gratifying to him to know he has the strong support 

 of a large circle of sympathetic readers, who are generously ready 

 to condone faults, and to take such an individual interest in the 

 success of this Magazine. 



It is with much pleasure the Editor announces that the pro- 

 gramme for 1885 will be in no way behind that of its prede- 

 cessor. Asking the kindly help of every reader and contributor to 

 enable him to give SciENCE-GossiP a place in every intellectual 

 home in Great Britain, the Editor cordially wishes all, readers and 

 contributors alike, a hearty Christmas Greeting ! 



