~ 
or 
REVIEWS. 
Humble Creatures.—The Earthworm and the Common House 
Fly. By James SaMvuE.son, assisted by J. B. Hrexs, 
M.D., F.L.S. London: Van Voorst. 1858. 
THE appearance of works lke this little book affords 
strong evidence of the fact that the study of natural science 
is gradually becoming a general object of pursuit. The 
popular mind is obviously begmning properly to appreciate 
the interest and value attached to the observation and 
investigation of natural phenomena, and even to perceive 
that the modes of thought and methods of inquiry demanded 
and promoted by such studies, constitute their real value, 
urespective in great measure of the special subject of the 
inquiry. 
When we find that men like the authors of this book, 
engaged in the active pursuit of a mercantile or of a pro- 
fessional life, yet find time and inclination to employ their 
rare leisure in the observation of the common objects around 
them, it cannot be denied that the minds of practical men, 
as they are termed, are, at any rate, alive to the advantages 
and delights of scientific pursuits. 
The object of studies like those undertaken by Mr. 
Samuelson may be regarded as twofold. In the first place, 
as conducive to the formation of habits of close observation 
and comparison, they must ever be regarded as an important 
element in the education of the judgment and of the mental 
powers in general; whilst, as he observes, “ the pleasurable 
sensations arising from the investigation of those objects, of 
which the book treats, render those studies a delightful 
recreation, and the most effective mode of relaxation for 
those whose days are passed, and whose minds are occupied, 
in the oppressive cares of business.” 
To one who rightly feels the true import of such studies, 
and is capable of properly appreciating the enjoyment to be 
derived from them, the particular subject of investigation 
will be a matter of less importance than the spirit and mode 
in which the inquiry is approached and carried on. 
This appears to have been the author’s idea when he 
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