536 Notices of Books. (October, 
was already in manuscript. The conclusions which these two 
eminent explorers had in a great measure independently reached 
were for the most part the same. It need scarcely be said that 
such a coincidence furnishes a very strong presumption in favour 
of the correctness of the theory. 
Dr. Dana’s work is well arranged. It may be divided into a 
zoological and a geological portion. In the former he describes 
and figures the principal species of polyps, hydroids, bryozoans, 
nullipores, and corallines. He then treats of their distribution in 
latitude and in depth, of the influence of local causes upon their 
development, and on their rate of growth. He then considers 
the structure of coral reefs and islands, their formation, and the 
causes modifying their form and growth, so as to produce barrier 
and fringing reefs and completed atolls. The author next surveys 
the geographical distribution of coral reefs and islands and 
passes on to the changes of level, in the Pacific Ocean especially, 
of which they afford us evidence. Finally he considers the geo- 
logical bearing of the facts detailed in the earlier portions of the 
work, especially as regards the origin and characteristics of the 
great limestone formations. The work is plentifully and usefully 
illustrated,—two points which do not always go together,—and 
is furnished with an isochrymal chart of the oceans to illustrate 
the geographical distribution of corals and other oceanic species. 
There are also a good table of contents and index, a list of 
authors and memoirs quoted, and a list of the species described 
in the author’s classical ‘‘ Report on Zoophytes.” We consider 
this a popular book in the highest sense of the word—clear, 
intelligible, readable, but at the same time thorough-going 
and accurate. Every student of natural history, geology, or phy- 
sical geography ought to give this work a place in his library. 
Chemical Examination of Alcoholic Liquors. By ALBERT B. 
Prescort, M.D. New York: D. Van Nostrand? 
THE objects of this manual, as stated in the preface, are to give 
in outline the chemistry of alcoholic liquors, including their cur- 
rent impurities and adulterations, in such terms as to be under- 
stood by persons having only an ordinary acquaintance with 
chemical science; and secondly, to furnish directions, as far as 
possible, for an efficient chemical examination ; not more elabo- 
rate than is required for commercial, hygienic, and legal pur- 
poses, and containing all details except such as are to be found 
in every rudimentary treatise on chemical analysis. The writer, 
we are happy to find, holds it to be of absolute importance to 
society that all articles used as foods, medicines, or beverages 
be made subject to strict examination by authority of the law, 
and that impurities and additions be systematically exposed and 
suppressed.” ‘The author carries out his plan in a very satisfac- 
tory manner. Under each alcoholic liquor he describes the 
