510 SCIENCE PROGRESS 



this constitutes the most valuable portion of the book. It is true that a very- 

 small proportion of workers with the microscope ever test a lens at all, so that 

 this part will appeal to but a limited audience ; but it is certain that those who 

 do go to the trouble to test their objectives wiU learn more of practical 

 microscopy in a short time than can be learnt in any other way. Dr. Spitta 

 has obviously been handicapped in producing this new edition owing to the 

 high cost of production, so that descriptions of new apparatus and methods 

 have been from sheer necessity dealt with as addenda. 



The illustrations are excellent, and, as in previous editions, are placed at the 

 end of the book. They are evidence, if such were needed, of the author's 

 skill as a photo-micrographer. At the same time they are peculiarly monoto- 

 nous, as they consist largely of diatoms. It is at least open to question 

 whether these are the only test objects worth consideration. The almost 

 universal use of the microscope now in all branches of science and industry 

 makes it desirable that a book of this character should recognise the necessities 

 of all microscope users. 



It is, however, unquestioned that the author's honesty of purpose is in 

 evidence all through, and that alone will ensure success. 



J. E. B. 



MISCELI.ANEOUS 



Springtime and Other Essays. By Sir Francis Darwin, F.R.S. [Pp. xi + 

 242, with 8 Illustrations]. (London : John Murray, 1920. Price, 7s. 6d. 

 net.) 



This delightful little volume comprises a series of Sir Francis Darwin's essays 

 on varied topics. The aim of the writer has partly been to place at the disposal 

 of the intelligent reader his thoughts after having read various books dealing 

 with Botany and Music, and with the Lives of Men and Things. The writer 

 reveals the fact that he is a voluminous reader, for he shows an acquaintance 

 with many topics, and a facility for presenting the most interesting of his 

 siftings in a way which charms the reader. If for no other reason than for the 

 essay, "Recollections," we are glad Sir Francis has published this book ; in 

 this essay he has written some further account of his illustrious father, and 

 something of the family life of the Darwins. The author gives some interest- 

 ing facts with regard to his own career, and his contact with Klein and with 

 Sachs, the latter of whom seems to have been a rather impatient person. 



Sir Francis Darwin has also discussed Francis Galpin's work on Old English 

 Instruments of Music. The complete book of 242 pages is so full of facts con- 

 cerning so many people and objects that the reviewer cannot fasten on any 

 one part more worthy of mention than the rest. The literary person is sure 

 to enjoy this pleasant volume. 



J. B. G. 



Beauty and the Beast. An Essay in Evolutionary Esthetic. By Stewart 

 A. McDowALL, B.D. [Pp. 93.] (Cambridge : at the University 

 Press, 1920. Price 75. 6d. net.) 



The scientific study of beauty has probably never yet been thoroughly 

 achieved, even by Croce. Yet the subject demands a complete exposition, 

 if only for the fact that the explanation of certain kinds of beauty by the 

 theory of evolution is not very obvious. Evidently things which are beautiful 

 tend to suit us, but not all things which suit us are beautiful ; while, on the 

 other hand, it is hard to imagine what advantage we receive from many 

 things that are admittedly beautiful, such as a sunset. We can understand 

 why we are pleased to see a calm sunset — because it suggests pleasant 

 weather ; but a stormy sunset may be as beautiful, and there is also beauty 



