1874.] Notices of Books. 531 
Handbook of Natural Philosophy. By, Dionystus LARDNER, 
D.C.L. Hydrostatics and Pneumatics. Edited and the 
greater part re-written by Benjamin Loewy, F.R.A.S. 
London: Lockwood and Co. 
In sciences like Hydrostatics and Pneumatics, on whose facts 
there is little, if any, variety of opinion, and which have been 
undisturbed by any recent revolution in theory, or even in no- 
menclature, the compilation of handbooks is comparatively 
simple, and there is accordingly very little scope for criticism. 
The work before us is well arranged and clearly written, and may 
be recommended to all who require a knowledge of the subjects 
treated of without having the time or the inclination to enter 
upon mathematical refinements. Purists in methodology might, 
perhaps, raise the question whether the consideration of the 
diffusion of liquids, of the division of soluble bodies into crys- 
talloids and colloids, and of the phenomena of osmose, can be 
legitimately introduced into a treatise on hydrostatics, involving, 
as they do, chemical principles. 
Platiner’s Manual of Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis with 
the Blowpipe. Revised and enlarged by Prof. To. RicuTer. 
Translated by H. B. Cornwa t, assisted by J. H. CASwELL. 
Second Edition, revised. New York: D. Van Nostrand. 
Pror. PLATTNER is generally recognised as facile princeps 
among authorities on blowpipe analysis, and his great work has 
passed beyond the domain of criticism. Of all the editions 
which have appeared in the English language, the present must 
claim the palm. It is founded upon the most recent German 
edition, as enlarged and revised in accord with the latest disco- 
veries by Prof. Richter, of the Freyberg Mining School, the 
worthy pupil of Plattner. The translation has been carefully 
and judiciously executed. We are happy to say that there has 
been no attempt at abridgment, a thing impracticable without 
sacrificing that thoroughness which was a characteristic of 
Prof. Plattner, and on which the main value of his work 
depends. 
We hope that this edition may be duly appreciated, and con- 
sider that it cannot fail to lead to a wider knowledge of the 
utility and the resources of the blowpipe. 
Theory of Arches. By Prof. W. Attan. New York: D. Van 
Nostrand. 
Tuis work forms one of the **‘ Science Series” of the eminent 
publisher by whom it is issued. It is an expansion of the views 
