1913] CURRENT LITERATURE 231 
process in a colloidal matrix, rather than explained by appeal to complex regu- 
lation processes. While this work deals in the main with analogies in morpho- 
logical features, the writer emphasizes the fact that dynamic activities in the 
non-living often show rhythmic action determined by internal characters of 
the system rather than change of the environment. He cites, along with several 
other examples, the periodic elimination of oxygen when a clean mercury sur- 
face is covered with a neutral or slightly alkaline solution of hydrogen peroxide. 
In his later work the writer will undoubtedly turn more to the dynamic. 
Rhythm in plant activity is held by many to be generally related to environ- 
mental rhythm. Others feel that rhythm is a necessity of the very nature of 
protoplasmic activity; activity must be followed by rest. An examination 
of the facts that KtsTer offers shows the possibility of rhythms in the organ- 
ism independent of environmental rhythm, and as well independent of the 
inscrutable features of protoplasm. In short, internally determined rhyt 
may be matters of desi simple chemical and physical laws.—WILLIAM 
CROCKER. 
Makers of British botany 
Under this title, Professor Ot1IveR has edited a most interesting book.? 
The book grew out of a series of ten lectures delivered by various botanists at 
the University College of London in 1911. These lectures have been supple- 
mented by six other chapters, so that the work might be more fully repre- 
sentative. 
The botanists included and those who prepared the sketches are as follows: 
RoBert Morison (1620-1683) and Joun Ray (1627-1705), by S. H. VINES; 
NEHEMIAH GREW (1641-1712), by Mrs. ARBER; STEPHEN Hates (1677- 
1761), by FRancis DARWIN; JoHN Hutt (1716-1775), by T. G. Hitt; RoBERT 
Brown (1773-1858), by J. B. FARMER; Sir W1LL1AM HOOKER (1785-1865), 
and Sir J. D. Hooker (1817-1911), by F. O. Bower; J. S. HENsLow (1796- 
1861), by Grorce HEenstow; Joun LINDLEY (1799-1865), by FREDERICK 
KEEBLE; WILLIAM GrirFITH (1810-1845), by W. H. Lanc; ARTHUR HENFREY 
(1819-1859), by F. W. Ottver; Wiii1am Henry Harvey (1811-1866), by 
W. Lioyp PraEcEr; Mites BERKELY (1803-1889), by GEORGE MASSEE; 
Sir JosrepH GiBert (1817-1901), by W. B. Bortomitey; W. C. WILLIAMSON 
(1816-1895), by D. H. Scorr; Harry MARSHALL WARD (1854-1905), by W 
THISELTON-DyER; The Edinburgh professors (1670-1887), by I. Baviey 
BALFOurR. 
It is impossible to review such a book in a brief space, but botanists will 
be glad to know where biographies of these botanists may be obtained. Each 
one stood for some phase of botany and contributed his share to its history. 
os, a. © 
? Oxiver, F. W., Makers of British botany, a collection of biographies by living 
botanists. 8vo. pp. 332. pls.26. Cambridge: University Press. 1912. 95. 
