1891.] MICROSCOriCAL JOUENAL. 191 



seems to be a new species, as it does not conform to the known species 

 of tliat genus. 



The paper of the evening was read by Harold Sidebotham, M. R. 

 C. S., L. R. C. P., late of London, on the subject of " Cell Division." 

 He alluded to the various theories held at different times by biologists 

 on this subject, illustrating the same by drawings on the blackboard. 

 The later and more generally accepted theories were also fully exem- 

 plified, to the evident gratification of his hearers. A series of carefully 

 stained preparations showed the various stages of the animal cell, and 

 it was remarked that his staining of the extremely delicate tissues of 

 the infusorian, Paramecium^ were worthy of more than passing 

 notice. 



Discussions on the paper followed, entered into by Dr. Sternberg, 

 Dr. O'Toole, and Colonel Kinne. Dr. Sternberg spoke at some length 

 of the process of cell division as witnessed in the study of bacteria cul- 

 tures, which is essentially the same as in the animal cell. 



Dr. Gray read a paper on the anatomy of the insect tracheae, largely 

 made up of references to the early literature of the subject. 



NOTICES OF BOOKS. 



Socialism. By John Stuart Mill. The Humboldt Publishing Co., 19 

 Astor Place, New York. 



The publication of a special volume showing John Stuart Mill's at- 

 titude upon the question of Socialism should be a matter of congratula- 

 tion, both to Individualists and Socialists. By his position in society, 

 which was one of easy independence, rendered healthy by very mod- 

 erate official toil, he was most fortunately placed for the literary work 

 to which he devoted his life ; his writings mark exactly the beginning 

 of the transition period from the laissez faire theories that had so long 

 dominated English thought, and by the natural repose of his character 

 he was singularly fitted to fill the office which he regarded as the cry- 

 ing necessity of the hour, viz., that of " an unprejudiced legislator, ab- 

 solutely impartial between the possessors of property and the non-pos- 

 sessors." 



John Stuart Mill was more than a mere student of the closet. 

 Throughout his life he mixed on terms of the closest intimacy with the 

 most distinguished men of his day, and he himself served in parlia- 

 ment. As a student he followed closely the speculative thought of 

 Europe, though his ignorance of German, at a time when there were 

 few translations, handicapped him heavily. As a man of action he 

 took part in all the progressive movements of the time ; battled bravely 

 for women suflrage ; insisted strenuously on the right of the poorest to 

 a voice in the councils of the nation, since their very existence was 

 jeopardized by misgovernment ; and anticipated the whole Irish and 

 general agrarian movement by the keenness of his criticism on the sins 

 of landlords. All these subjects are treated, with a peculiar lucidity 

 that John Stuart Mill had invariably at command, in this second vol- 

 ume of the Social Science Library. They make 214 pages of excel- 

 lent reading matter, and should be read by all interested in Socialism. 



