PREFACE. 



TWENTY-FOUR years have elapsed since this Magazine was 

 founded by the genial publisher whose name it still bears. 

 It is a long life for so popular a serial as SCIENCE-GOSSIP, but has 

 there been any flagging in its vitality ? Many -honoured names, both 

 in amateur and professional science, have helped to build up its world- 

 wide reputation. It has been the ladder by which many dis- 

 tinguished men have climbed to fame. Scores of others who have 

 helped our Magazine have passed away. Though they rest from 

 their labours, their works follow them ; and not a few of their articles 

 are sought out in back volumes for the wisdom and experience they 

 generously placed at the service of the public, and especially at that 

 of the young naturalists who were to succeed them. 



In spite of the little bickerings and breezes we experience, even in 

 scientific circles — the accumulated heritage from ancestors who knew 

 not science — is there a single profession or calling in which men are 

 so willing to help each other as in natural science ? Our columns 

 bear evidence to the prompt readiness with which young beginners, 

 and even more advanced students, obtain assistance as soon as they 

 ask for it. 



The spheres of science are ever widening, like those of a disturbed 

 lake. There is little fear the function of Science-Gossip will die out 

 for lack of fresh information. Every new discovery opens out fresh 

 vistas, and calls forth additional comment and criticism. We claim 

 that, from the popular point of view, our twenty-four volumes give 

 as complete and even a more continuous History of recent Science 

 than can be found anywhere else. Our severest critics will admit that 

 the present Volume is in no wise inferior in variety, interest, and 



