110 Notices of Books. [January, 
boundaries of species, and consequently their number, are 
points upon which eminent authorities differ. Still, making all 
needful allowance for such considerations, we consider that M. 
Jannetaz has, by the production of this little work, done much 
to smooth the path of the student, and we expect that it will, 
by facilitating observation, give a new impulse to geological 
science, 
Causeries Scientifiques. Par HENRI DE ParvILLE. 1873. Paris: 
J. Rothschild. 
Tuts yearly volume has for its object to give an account of dis- 
coveries and inventions—of the progress of science and indus- 
trial art. But it does not consist of mere extracts from scientific 
and technological journals, and from the transactions of learned 
societies. The scientific novelties and facts are, of course, 
obtained from a variety of sources, but the description is original. 
In this manner is produced a whole much more readable than 
the English ‘‘ Year-Book of Facts,” and justly entitled to the 
name it bears—‘‘ Science-Gossip.” 
Like all annual works of its kind, it is, as far as the strictly 
scientific reader is concerned, open to the charge of giving 
what is called in Scotland ‘pipers’ news.” But for educated 
though not professional readers it furnishes a survey of the dis- 
coveries and inventions of the past twelvemonths, alike fasci- 
nating and instructive. The author wanders on from one 
subject to another in an easy, natural, and conversational 
manner. In France it is not considered necessary to employ a 
heavy and ungainly style when writing on scientific topics. 
The Vienna Exhibition naturally plays a prominent part, an 
entire chapter being devoted to the improved artillery there dis- 
played, into which is introduced an account of the far-famed 
establishment of Krupp, at Essen. Another interesting chapter 
is occupied with the researches of M. Pasteur on fermentation, 
and the manufacture of beer, naturally leading to the consider- 
ation of atmospheric germs, and of the conditions and products 
of-decomposition. The effects of alcohol, dietetically and medi-. 
cinally, are next examined, and the dreadful effects of ‘‘ absinthe,” 
over and above those capable of being traced to the alcohol it 
contains, are fully expounded. It is surprising and disgraceful 
that this diabolical beverage is not totally proscribed by law in 
all civilised countries. It is painful to see that its sale is ex- 
tending in England, no one—not even the temperance party— 
uttering a protest. 
The sanitary influence of leaden water-pipes (a subject which 
the French engineers had much better have left to be dealt with 
by chemists) is discussed at some length. 
