1872.] Notices of Books. 381 
Identification of Diseases,’ published in several numbers of the 
annual ‘Report of the Medical Officer of the Privy Council,” 
have proved so useful that he has been tempted to submit them 
to the public. The manual is a complete epitome of physiological 
or animal chemistry, revised to the latest date; and is well adapted 
to the requirements of the medical student preparing to meet the 
examining board. A second part of the work is an analytical 
guide, devoted to the assistance of those who desire to make 
themselves practically acquainted with the phenomena and con- 
stituents of animal bodies. The work is systematically arranged 
throughout, and is well illustrated with engravings of the various 
absorption spectra. 
Elements of Chemistry : Theoretical and Practical. By WiLvtam 
ALLEN Miter, M.D., D.C.L., LL.D., late Professor of 
Chemistry in King’s College, London. Revised by HERBERT 
McLeop, F.C.S., Professor of Experimental Science, Indian 
Civil Engineering College, Cooper’s Hill. Part I. Chemical 
Physics. Fifth Edition, with Additions. London: Longmans 
and Co. 1872. 
Tue call for a new edition of Dr. Miller’s ‘‘ Elements of Che- 
mistry ’’ so soon after the lamented death of the illustrious author 
is a proof, if any were needed, of the extensive circulation of the 
work. The additions made by Professor McLeod are chiefly 
from the Transactions of the learned Societies, and are most 
carefully selected. In gas-analysis, and many other departments 
of experimental science, Mr. McLeod is himself a high authority, 
so that numerous little difficulties are smoothed away. This 
edition is exceedingly complete. 
The Discovery of a New World of Being. By GEorGE THomson. 
London: Longmans and Co. 1871. 
THIS is a most surprising work. One is surprised at the first 
few lines, and afterwards at one-self for being surprised. With 
the familiarity of an old acquaintance—for there is no preface or 
introduction—Mr. Thomson commences to address the reader 
thus :—‘‘In the year 1862 the author commenced to write a 
series of essays on the Human Mind. Being then unacquainted 
with the systems either of ancient orof modern philosophy . . .” 
Just what many are so fond of doing—sitting down to write 
about a matter of which they know, and have taken the trouble 
to ascertain, nothing. But then the reader and Mr. Thomson 
are such old acquaintances—sufficient reason that the reader 
should be button-holed until the author says, in the last page but 
one of the book, ‘‘ We must explain what, and how much, we 
