endeavour of the author to devise. ... In these experiments the author 

 shows a good deal of ingenuity. Every student accustomed to the strictly 

 quantitative methods of modern science would find himself very much puzzled 

 by the paradoxical observations which Mr. Hovenden is able to create and put 

 before him in such form as to be undeniable. His intuitive scepticism would 

 at once suggest the question : Can these observations, involving not a single 

 quantitative measurement, constitute a destructive criticism of a science 

 which only began to move with the entrance of the quantitative method, and 

 has progressed pari passu with the reduction of the phenomena to mathe- 

 matical expression ? His most natural criticism would be ' there must be 

 something wrong somewhere.' " 



(2) Literary World: "His method of making atoms overlap, and wrap 

 each other (p. 168), and become concentric, gets rid of many difficulties which 

 belong to the orthodox view." 



(3) Machinery: "Although there may be differences of opinion as to 

 whether he has succeeded in his object, there cannot be two opinions as to 

 whether he has been successful in producing a book of absorbing interest. 

 This he has undoubtedly done, and the volume is further enhanced in value by 

 the several illustrations which are afforded, and which must of necessity 

 commend themselves to the thoughtful consideration of engineers and general 

 readers alike. . . . The plainest possible language has been employed, so that 

 the layman may be fully able to grasp the issues. We have been so pleased 

 with Mr. Hovenden's successful effort in this direction, that we trust he will 

 carry out his promise to publish the further volumes he hints at in connection 

 with ' Life and Electricity.' " 



(4) The Electrical Engineer: " This book contains much that is interest- 

 ing, much that ought to lead to thought, much that is true, many very 

 excellent and instructive experiments ... he has most certainly shown how 

 easily existing theories can be attacked, their frailties and weaknesses made 

 plain." 



(5) Invention: " The writer fortunately reminds the reader that all along 

 he has only endeavoured to play the part of a barrister, i.e. to state the facts 

 of the case clearly and concisely, and to lay them before the reader so that he 

 may form his own judgment. . . . The book itself is somewhat entertaining 

 by the bold and daring way in which the author deviates from the beaten 

 track of science. . . . The illustrations accompanying this treatise form an 

 excellent accompaniment to the many experiments which are incorporated in 

 the work. The book, as a publisher's effort, is admirably produced in all 

 repects." 



(6) Science Gossip: "We would like to quote considerably from this 

 work had we space available, for it is one which will interest many people. 

 We will leave to our readers the pleasure of mastering Mr. Hovenden's own 

 conclusions, for they would spoil by condensation. Whether they be right 

 or whether they be wrong they are pleasantly told, and are well worth 

 examining." 



(7) Daily Telegraph : " He tries to solve the problem in a serious volume, 

 touching the subject from a variety of standpoints, but always thoughtfully, 

 earnestly, and with the enthusiasm of an expert." 



W. B. WHITTIHGHAM & CO., Ltd., 91, Gracedmrch Street, London. 



