1872.] Notices of Books. 379 
and since these words were penned have had occur to them 
the self-same thought, have desired a familiar acquaintance 
individually, as it were, with the members of that celestial 
system which, as far as we can tell, suffers no decay, and which 
is the most approximate symbol of eternity. Had the exclama- 
tion been uttered now, it is only due to Mr. Proétor to say that it 
would have lost its point, for most worthily has he filled the post 
of the “‘ somebody” so pathetically lamented by Carlyle. Anyone 
who can understand a map can use Mr. Proctor’s little Atlas. 
There are twelve maps, each exhibiting a tenth part of the 
heavens. No pains have been spared to clear the maps of all 
which could cause confusion to the beginner ; but this has been 
done in such a way that the more advanced student will find 
nothing wanting. We cannot enter into detail here; but those 
accustomed to the use of astronomical maps will admit the 
clearness of this Atlas when we say that a and 6 Andromede are 
separate 1°25 inches. Not the least interesting portion of the 
book to the general reader will be that devoted to the cursory 
consideration of the errors some even of our most popular writers 
have fallen into when describing a scene under a starry sky. 
The work is intended as a companion to Webb’s “ Celestial 
Objects for Common Telescopes,” and is, in fact, an epitome 
of Mr. Proctor’s Large Star Atlas, so well known to telescopists. 
We hope we may soon have to notice a second edition. 
Theory of Heat. By J. CLERK Maxwe tu, M.A., LL.D. Edin., 
F.R.SS. L. & E., Professor of Experimental Physics in the 
University of Cambridge. London: Longmans and Co., 
BOZL. 312° pp. Svo. 
Technical Arithmetic and Mensuration. By CuHarLtes W. 
MERRIFIELD, F.R.S., Barrister-at-Law, Principal of the 
Royal School of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineer- 
ing, late an Examiner in the Department of Public Education, 
&c. London: Longmans and Co., 1872. 308 pp., 8vo. 
THESE volumes are two of the admirable series of text-books of 
science, edited by Professor Goodeve, and published by Messrs. 
Longmans. Perhaps no other series of elementary works can 
show so many names of eminent men. We take them in the 
order of publication, and have to notice first Professor Clerk 
Maxwell’s treatise on the theory of heat. The opening chapters 
are devoted to thermometry, calorimetry, and elementary dyna- 
mical principles. Then, upon this basis, Dr. Maxwell proceeds 
to lay before the student a perfectly systematised and simple 
explanation of the difficulties likely to be encountered in pursuing 
the study of the present theory of heat. There are necessarily 
some mathematical formule introduced into the work, but these 
are of the simplest kind, and present not the slightest obstacle 
