PREFACE. 



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THE necessity to write a few lines by way of Preface to the 

 present volume reminds us that SCIENCE-GOSSIP has been in 

 existence for eighteen years. That period includes, perhaps, the most 

 important epoch in the history of Natural Science. The doctrines of 

 Evolution and Natural Selection have practically arisen, so as to 

 influence scientific research in every direction, within the space of 

 time our journal has been in existence. Zoology, Botany, Geology, 

 and Microscopy especially have assumed new aspects, or started on 

 fresh lines of inquiry. And, notwithstanding the immense number 

 of new subjects which have sprung up, it cannot be denied that all 

 tend to unify our knowledge of Nature, rather than to perplex us. 



We flatter ourselves that the volumes of SciENCE-GossiP which 

 have appeared during this historical period will be found well to the 

 front in recording new discoveries, in popularising them, as well as 

 partaking in the active scientific work of the time. 



The contents of the present volume will be found of equal value 

 to any of its predecessors. If challenged, we should point to the 

 series of articles on " Fossil Botany," " The Schizomycetes " (or 

 Bacteria, &c.), the "Freshwater Mites," "Microscopical Drawing," 

 the " Natural History of Jersey," and many others too numerous to 

 mention, as illustrations of original research, as well as of popular 

 expositions of important scientific matters. 



New confreres are springing up around us, all animated by an 

 excellent spirit, and their call into existence is an indication of the 

 active spirit of inquiry abroad, as well as of its extension. 



