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It is now four years since NATURE first appeared, and the 

 Publishers only state the acknowledged truth when they say 

 that it has become the accredited organ of the leading scientific 

 men in both the Old and the New World. 



No man can now lay claim to be considered intelligent and 

 well-read unless he knows something of the principles of 

 Science, and keeps himself au courant with the most recent 

 developments of scientific principles in the various Arts. The 

 all-important part which is being gradually assigned to Science 

 in Education, in the Arts and Manufactures, in Commerce, and in 

 Social Economy, is evident to all ; and there is no surer sign of 

 a wide-spread regard for Science than the desire which exists 

 among all classes of intelligent readers for scientific literature 

 which is not beyond the range of those who can read and think. 

 In the " fresh fields and pastures new," which scientific explorers 

 are every year making accessible, are to be found feasts of in- 

 struction and pleasure of the highest kind, apparently inex- 

 haustible, and fraught with the healthiest results to body and 

 mind. So that, while " literature," in the old sense of the term, 



