Ni'wma7i's Sphi?ix \espif6rmis, 187 



lisbed numbers sufficiently evince. In these the insects pre- 

 sented to the reader are elucidated in language sufficiently 

 precise, and at the same time entirely free from the techni- 

 calities that too often render entomological works uninteresting 

 to all but the initiated. We have one fault to find, which, 

 however pardonable in works exclusively scientific, cannot be 

 passed over in one that aims at general utility. Mr. Samouelle 

 is a naturalist of long standing, and his constant association 

 with men of science has rendered the correct pronunciation 

 of entomological terms familiar to his ear : but " the juvenile" 

 and "tyros," for whose instruction his work is especially adapted, 

 may not be so fortunate, and they will hesitate at encountering a 

 Greek or Latin word. It is the fear of ridiculous pronunciation 

 that renders the use of systematic names slow of introduction 

 amongst people otherwise well informed. J51atta orientalis, 

 for example, is quite as euphonious as cockroach or black 

 beetle, and the sounds themselves as expressive ; nor is there 

 any reason in the ears of men why one should be chosen 

 rather than another. The preference arises solely from un- 

 certainty about the pronunciation. Place an accent over the 

 proper vowel, and the difficulty is removed ; the word comes 

 trippingly off the tongue, and slides into common use. Nor 

 is the substitution of a more correct term all that is gained 

 by the introduction of systematic nomenclature into the com- 

 mon language of life. Scientific names are usually founded 

 on some fact in the .economy or history of the animal, and 

 convey some information, more or less important, regarding 

 the beings to which they are applied. In the instance already 

 adduced, cockroach and black beetle are unmeaning or use- 

 less phrases, for the colour speaks for itself: but orientalis 

 (eastern) involves a portion of the history of the animal, and 

 indicates the region whence it was received. In every case, 

 therefore, the systematic name should be translated, and the 

 reason of its application given, that the word may be enriched 

 with all the meaning of which it is susceptible. We are con- 

 vinced that we have only to suggest these improvements to 

 secure their adoption. The work, considering the style of 

 the plates, is abundantly cheap, and we hope it will receive 

 the encouragement to which its excellence fully entitles it. 



Newman, Edward : S^hmx t^espiformis ; an Essay. 8vo, 

 pp. 54-, with engraved diagrams of circles of affinity. Lon- 

 don, Westley and Davis, 1832. 45. 



Under this unassuming title, the author has furnished an 

 able and talented essay, designed as an enquiry into what is 

 the true natural system. The object of this, the first of a 

 proposed series of essays, is to ascertain the precise point 



