REVIEWS. 59 



tions, but the auditory nerves embrace a range of no less than 

 eleven octaves of sonorous ones, and yet I have never once seen 

 a slide of Cortis fibres whose marvellous analytical power is such 

 that the infinite complexity of sound-waves poured in rapid suc- 

 cession from a full orchestra is pleasingly and faithfully rendered 

 as music to the brain. It is not my province to describe techni- 

 cally the anatomy of the ear, and could only do so by transcribing 

 from books ; but I may venture to express a decided opinion that 

 its structure deserves more attention from microscopists, more 

 especially now, when we are likely so soon to have an opportunity 

 of considering the detailed mechanism of the telephone. 



The following quotation so well and briefly describes the 

 process of audition, that I trust it may be acceptable, and not 

 considered out of place in this book. Its origin need not be 

 sought in books, as it was written privately by a friend (J. C.) 

 more than 20 years ago, and refers to an ear-trumpet : — 



" It gathereth for me swift the rippling air 

 Into the Meatus auditorius 

 Rat-tat, it beats the quivering Tympanum, 

 Whereat the Malleus to the Incus speaks, 

 The Incus to the Os orbicular, 

 This to the Stapes — which directly knocks 

 At the two windows, oval and rotund ; 

 Within the which, intently listening, couch 

 With eager ear the merry Auditors. 

 Who follows farther must be more than man." 

 Etc. etc. 



W. Teasdale. 



1Review)0. 



Studies in Microscopical Science. Edited by Arthur 

 C. Cole, F.R.M.S. 



We are very pleased to receive a parcel of Mr. A. C. Cole's 

 series of " Studies," and heartily congratulate him on the success 

 of his undertaking. 



On the present occasion we can only afford space to notice 

 his Petrological and Botanical series. Of the former, four parts 

 have been issued. No. 6 contains a very beautifully coloured 

 lithographic plate of Pikrite, and 6a has an Analytical Chart of 

 the same \ 26 consists of six representations of Dolerite, and 36 



