REVIEWS 511 



in many terrible things. A scientific consideration of the theme would 

 require a scientific mode of presentment. That is, it should begin by com- 

 plete definitions, with numerous examples and accurate differentiations, and, 

 above all, the discussion should not be carried out in support of previous 

 metaphysical speculations. Probably the whole subject can be brought fully 

 within the natural scheme of evolution, individual and social. 



The Rev. Mr. McDowall's book is a gentle book, often prettily written 

 and without polemics ; and is a book by an accomplished writer who has even 

 condescended to study science. But perhaps we should hardly expect a 

 scientific presentment of the subject in this work. He admits that his aim 

 is to link up his theory of beauty with the Christian idea of God, and on 

 p. 52 mentions that his own metaphysical system is a theocentric one. This 

 is all very well ; but scientific men would have preferred an impartial analysis 

 to begin with. It is a pity that the author has not adopted the simple, in- 

 telligent, and intelligible style of the scientific philosophers, such, for example, 

 as Locke and Hume, in place of the fog of words adopted by the moderns, 

 and generally by the men who may be called the great Charlatan Philosophers . 

 The language they use is generally such that no one can really extract any 

 definite meaning ; and they use this language on purpose, in order that no one 

 shall be able to do so — just as the quack doctor does when purveying his 

 pills. The author says that " love is relationship, beauty the expression of 

 relationship," but after reading his book twice the present reviewer failed 

 to grasp his exact meaning, although he is evidently sincere. We had hoped 

 for more light in the chapter on Beauty in Evolution, but received none. 

 Words are used in senses which we do not accept. Few people accept modem 

 psycho-analysis — of which what is true is familiar, and what is not familiar 

 is seldom true. For instance, the author says that " love is, no doubt, in 

 origin an impulse of sex " (p. 58), that beauty has the same action (p. 64). 

 Of course the love of children, neighbours, and many other things may be 

 much more correctly called the Social Cement, and has really been derived 

 by the tribal evolution forced upon us by ages of war. It is hopeless to 

 discuss conclusions contained in books of this nature, which are really only 

 attempts to fit facts to theories and to justify previous metaphysical con- 

 clusions or fancies. O. A. C. 



The Groundwork of Modern Geography. By A. Wilmore, D.Sc, F.G.S. 

 [Pp. XV -f 396.] (London : G. Bell and Sons, 1920.) 



This book is intended to provide an " introduction to the so-called ' New 

 Geography.' " The author hopes that " not only the student, but also the 

 intelligent general reader, may find the book of some interest." It is certainly 

 " of some interest," but, besides that, is one of the best-arranged and most 

 succinct books we have seen. 



It is divided into three sections : the first, dealing with the structure of the 

 earth's surface ; the second, with the principles of climatic geography ; and the 

 last, with biological geography. There is also an appendix containing 

 questions selected from the examination papers in geography set by various 

 well-known examining bodies, a glossary, and an index. 



The twenty-seven plates given are very well printed and clear, and the 

 paper is good. 



Here and there we find somewhat questionable statements, such as 

 " Italy is Mediterranean, with some Nordic in Lombardy, and Alpine in the 

 north-east." Surely the Alpine element is predominant in the whole of Italy 

 north of the Appennines ? There are also one or two mistakes in grammar 

 and punctuation. 



C. C. R. 



