298 THE AMERICAN MONTHLY [Oct., 



told as it could have been. True it is, that in an " Introduc- 

 tion," an author is not supposed to write a monograph upon the 

 subject, yet we feel that the description of what diatoms are, 

 their habitats and their physiological properties is told in a very 

 cursory manner, and hardly full enough for the beginner to get 

 a real knowledge of the plants. We much prefer other articles 

 upon the subject, both for logical arrangement, completenet-s 

 and lucidity. 



The individual chapters upon Structure, Modes of Reproduc- 

 tion, Collecting and Mounting are too brief, and we cannot but 

 feel that the "Introduction" compares very unfavorably with 

 the "Bibliography," which of itself makes the book of para- 

 mount value ; such a book that no worker in the diatoms can 

 get along without, and one that will prove of inestimable stim- 

 ulation to the amateur. We note, however, many gaps in this 

 Bibliography, especially in the numerous papers of later years. 



The paper, printing and binding are especially commendable 

 and the book is well worth the price ($3.50) asked for it. 



The Microscope and Microscopical Methods. By Prof. S. H. Gage 

 Queen & Co., Philadelphia, 1891. 



The Journal of the Royal Microscopical Society reviewing 

 Prof. Gage's book, says : 



" This is one of the most practical books yet presented to the 

 laboratory student. The aim is to enable him to understand 

 his instrument, in at least its broader principles, and thus to 

 apply it intelligently to the study of histology. It cannot be 

 doubted that there is, chiefly perhaps because of the great va- 

 riety of subjects requiring to be dealt with in the medical cur- 

 riculum, a deficiency of knowledge amongst students as to the 

 principles and optical laws involved in the construction and 

 use of the microscope. Prof. Gage evidently feels this, and re- 

 membering the little time at the disposal of the student, has 

 sought to condense and put in the most concise and practical 

 form what it is well for him to know about his instrument in 

 theory and practice. ' 



On mounting there are some good practical hints, and there 

 is a very useful bibliography, with an index completing the vol- 

 ume. We conclude that this book has a raison d'etre, and will, 

 especially in America, command a good audience." 



