6(1 On Malaria. 



frequently examined, during a very long period. But it is 

 time to terminate a paper, which, if it is but a sketch of an 

 important subject, will at least convey to those to whom mal- 

 aria has not hitherto been an object of attention^ a general 

 notion of the leading particulars which appertain to its natural 

 history. J. M. 



Elements of Chemistry, including the recent Discoveries and 

 Doctri7ies of the Science. By Edward Turner, M.D., 

 F.R.S.E., &c., &c. Edinburgh, 1827. 



This is a closely- printed octavo of 700 pages, and presents 

 us with something more original, clear, and accurate than 

 we have lately met with in modern chemistry. It compre- 

 hends a perspicuous view of the present state of chemical 

 science ; and, as far as its limits admit, the theoretical parts 

 are, with some exceptions, well and distinctly worked out ; 

 nor are the practical details of manipulation neglected, 

 though they evidently occupy a secondary place in our 

 author's estimation. To the arrangement we must at once 

 decidedly object — it is indeed evident that Dr. Turner has 

 pitched upon Dr. Thomas Thomson as his magnus Apollo ^ 

 and here and elsewhere the book is tainted accordingly. 



This work is divided into four principal parts; — the first 

 relates to what Dr. Turner, following his prototype. Dr. 

 Thomson, calls imponderables, and a definition of them fol- 

 lows, which leads us to suggest the term inexpressibles, as 

 equally appropriate. But, waiving this objection, the details 

 relating to them are well and clearly given. Thus, after 

 some prefatory remarks upon the subject of caloric or heat, 

 (we prefer the latter term, and cannot allow its ambiguity,) 

 its modes of communication are considered, first, as being 

 conducted through bodies, and then as radiating through 

 free space. In regard to the theories affecting the latter, 

 our author wisely, as we think, prefers that of Prevost to 

 that of Pictet. The effects of heat are next discussed, such 

 as expansion, including an account of the thermometer, 

 and of the relative capacities of bodies for heat; lique- 

 faction, vaporisation, ebullition, evaporation, and the con- 

 stitution of gases ; and lastly, the sources of heat are 

 mentioned, but the details are referred to other parts of the 

 work. 



