The Microscope. 285 



BOOK REVIEWS. 



The Microscopist, a Compendium op Microscopic Science, by J. H. 

 Wyth, A. M., M. D., Professor of Microscopy and Histology in the Medi- 

 cal College of the Pacific, San Francisco. Fourth enlarged edition, pp. 

 434. P. Blakiston, Son & Co., Phila. ; D. O. Haynes & Cot, Detroit, Mich. 



This book was first issued in 1851 as a manual on the use of 

 the microscope for physicians and naturalists. Since that time it 

 has passed through several editions and its field has been extended 

 to cover pretty much everything appertaining to microscopical 

 science. The volume before us contains full directions for the use of 

 the microscope, mounting and preserving microscopic objects. It 

 treats also, in a general way, of the microscope in chemistry, 

 biology, histology, botany, geology, pathology, etc. It is profusely 

 and admirably illustrated and is filled with much information valu- 

 able alike to the amateur and professional. 



The fault of the work is that too much has been attempted, 

 some of the subjects possessing an almost dangerous meagerness. 

 Yet, if rightly used, we know of few books which could serve so 

 useful a purpose in the hands of the all-round microscopist. 



Fresh Water Alg^ of the United States, (exclusive of the Diato- 

 MACK^), by the Rev. Francis Wolle. Member of the American 

 Society of Microscopists. Two Vols. Price, $10.00. Bethlehem, Pa. 



It requires no knowledge of the art of prophecy to say that 

 this work is destined to fill a position of authority on the subject of 

 which it treats; for it is the only work which pretends to a complete 

 record of these little plants so far as they have been found in the 

 United States; and the author's scholarship is such as to preclude 

 the possibility of the occurrence of technical errors. The writer's 

 treatise on Dermids is well known; the present volumes were designed 

 as complemental to it. 



The work consists of two parts, the first containing the text — 

 almost purely descriptive. The second — a large volume — the plates. 

 To the study of these plates, one, even though not skilled in the 

 subject, can devote much time, for they are carefully and artisti- 

 cally executed. Many of the plates (157) are colored, and alto- 

 gether they furnish some 2,300 illustrations. The colors have the 

 delicacy of water-colors, and a softness of outline suggestive of 

 band-work. 



Considering the merits and extent of the work, the price is 

 altogether too low, and we hope that the author's unselfishness will 

 be liberally rewarded through an extensive circulation among 

 botanists, to whom we heartily recommend it. 



