160 THE PLANT WOELD 



tute for the larger manuals, but as an introduction to them, the theory 

 being that for practical purposes the student may gain a sufficient 

 knowledge of systematic botany by learning to recognize a few species 

 in each genus and a few genera in each family. This method has been 

 followed in other American text-books, notably the various editions of 

 Bergen's Botany ; but it is a practice that we cannot conscientiously 

 commend. It is a difficult matter to select special types for description 

 and still convey a thoroughly well-balanced impression of the natural 

 groups of plants. We notice, for example, that although Mr. Nelson 

 professes to include only the common species, " and especially those that 

 blossom during the spring and early summer," there are numerous ex- 

 amples of recent segregates, which the student would with difficulty 

 recognize. The descriptions are written in a clear, succinct style, and 

 the typography and general arrangement of the book leave nothing to 

 be desired. Professor Nelson has followed the example of other recent 

 authors in giving a vernacular name for each species, if possible, a 

 translation of the original. This leads to such nomenclatorial absurdities 

 as "Simple Tetraneuris," "Porter's Oreocarya," and "Unsavory Easp- 

 berry." The use of such names by amateurs is, we fear, theoretical rather 

 than practical. 



In scientific nomenclature Prof. Nelson, of course, follows the 

 Eochester code. C L. P. 



Lamaeck, the Founder of Evolution. His Life and Work, with Trans- 

 lations of his Writings on Organic Evolution. By Alpheus S. Pack- 

 ard, M.D., LL.D., Professor of Zoology and Geology, Brown Uni- 

 versity. With illustrations. Large crown 8vo, $2.40 net. By mail 

 $2.60. Longmans, Green & Co., 91 and 93 Fifth Avenue, New York. 



The value of Lamarck's contributions to the theory of evolution has 

 long been a matter of discussion among scientists. That there is no 

 very general agreement on this subject is, in part at least, due to lack of 

 a thorough understanding of Lamarck's views. Professor Packard has 

 done a great service in bringing together the scattered literature and 

 facts regarding this naturalist and his work. This book is the result of 

 long and careful research, and a very acceptable contribution to evolu- 

 tionary and biographical literature. 



The biographical portion contains many additions to our scanty 

 knowledge of Lamarck's life and personality, and is accompanied by 

 several portraits. There are many quotations from original documents 

 bearing both upon his life and upon his work and views as a naturalist, 

 so that one is able to form his own judgment regarding the theories he 

 advanced. The book will be read with profit by all who are interested 

 in the evolution of evolutionary theories. C. L. S. 



