The Microscope. 29 



The Massachusetts Board of Health, find that the following 

 food stuflPs, among others, are especially liable to adulteration. 

 Spices : Addition of starch and other foreign powders. Especially- 

 true of popper and mustard. Cream of tartar: Substitution of 

 starch, gypsum, and other cheaper substances. Baking powders: 

 Alum and other injurious ingredients. Sugar : Glucose, poisonous 

 coloring matter. Coffee : Mixture or substitution of various cheaper 

 substances. — Scientific American. In detecting these adulterations 

 the microscope is invaluable. 



It is stated that British plants have undergone no changes during 

 the past 300 years. This has been determined by comparing existing 

 plants with the dried specimens in the Sir Hans Sloan herbarium. 



According to the English Mechanic, it is found that timber which 

 has floated in water for some time (raft timber) is no longer liable to 

 dry rot. The water slowly dissolves out the albumen and salts, thus 

 depriving the fungus of the nutriment needful for its development. 



BOOK REVIEWS. 



AnatomicaIi Technology as applied to the Domestic Cat: an Introduc- 

 tion TO Human, Veterinary, and Comparative Anatomy, by Burt 

 G. Wilder, B. S., M. D., and ISimon H. Gage, B. S. Illustrated; second 

 edition, revised. New York and Chicago: A. S. Barnes & Company, 

 pp. 575. Ib86. 



An Elementary Course in Practical Zoology, by Buel P. Colton. pp. 

 185. Boston: D. C. Heath & Co. 1880. Detroit: D.O. Haynes & Company. 



The student of zoology or comparative anatomy who can add 

 the above two books to his library is to be congratulated. 



Anatomical Technology is already too well known to need com- 

 mendation from us, and the fact that it is now in its second edition 

 is sufficient indication of its appreciation by both teachers and pupils. 

 The great amount of information, invaluable to the beginner, crowded 

 between its covers is surprising, and could only have emanated 

 from men who for years have noted the needs of students and begin- 

 ners. The present edition is an improvement on the first in many 

 ways. Besides correcting former errors and bringing its teachings, 

 in accordance with the progress of anatomical knowledge, down to 

 date, some sixteen pages of new matter have been introduced. 



We know of no other hand- book of zootomy in the English 

 language which compares with this, and we cordially recommend it 

 to both beginner and adept. 



In Practical Zoology, Mr. Colton has attempted to carry the 

 student by means of practical work, from the lower and simpler 



