Davis's Art of preserving Health. 165 



ward, Norwich ; may be referred to in proof of the liberal 

 spirit with which he imparted and reciprocated his discoveries 

 and acquisitions. A species of fossil shell has been named 

 after Mr. Leathes, by Sowerby, O'vula LeatheszV: perhaps 

 other objects. 



REVIEWS. 



Art. I. Notices on Works in Natural History. 



Davis, J. B., Surgeon : A Popular Manual of the Art of 

 Preserving Health ; embracing the subjects of Diet, Air, 

 Exercise, Gymnastics, General and Physical Education, 

 Occupations, Bathing, Clothing, Ventilation, &c. De- 

 signed for the use of all ranks and professions in society. 

 8vo, 50'h pages. London, 1836. 10s. 



A work that every naturalist who is not of the medical pro- 

 fession may study with much pleasure and advantage, and, one 

 would presume, with some pleasure and advantage if he be. 

 A philosophising habit pervades the work. The following 

 extract should obtain for the work the patronage of naturalists, 

 especially of those who are naturalists rather generally than 

 technically : — " There are far more practical advantages, more 

 real utility, in the study of natural objects, than in that of ab- 

 stract science or dead languages, especially in the earlier periods 

 of education. The one is far more consonant with what forms 

 the experience of life, and affords advantages of which the 

 other is almost wholly devoid, for the promotion and preserv- 

 ation of the health of the student. There is no necessity to 

 injure the health of the body, whilst we are seeking to en- 

 lighten the mind. Should the study of nature ever come to 

 be pursued, as it admits of being, as a means of education, it 

 will afford exercise to all the elements of which man is made 

 up. It will exercise and improve the senses, the lungs, and 

 limbs, and the understanding also. It will be a developement 

 of the natural method of education ; for when a child comes 

 into the world, how is it first taught to form ideas, to obtain 

 a control over its faculties, and to lay down the rudiments of 

 human affection ? Clearly through the medium of the senses 

 when exercised upon real objects, their forms, their colours, 

 their motions, constructions, and uses. And the delight of 

 the infantile mind, at its own progress in this course of study, 

 knows no mixture and no deduction. Joy and enjoyment 

 pervade the heart, and the powers are strengthened at every 

 step. And were this native bent of the mind fostered and en- 



