94 THE AMERICAN MONTHLY. [April, 



The observations recorded were all made on the living eggi w^hich was 

 usually placed under a cover-glass, which was supported either by wax 

 feet or paraffine rings. 



Mr. Riedy exhibited a wide-angled condenser in a new mounting, 

 made by the Bausch & Lomb Optical Company. This mounting has 

 an iris diaphragm, opened and closed by a lever, completely controlling 

 the light, and a rack and pinion decentring attachment. The dark- 

 field stops and the blue glass are quickly changed, the supporting ring 

 swinging aside for that purpose. The convenience of manipulation 

 and its very neat appearance were admired by all. 



NOTICES OF BOOKS. 



Ji/onv to Use the Microscope. By John Phin, 12°, pp. 238. Illus- 

 trated with eight plates and numerous figures. J. W. Queen & 

 Co., Philadelphia. (Price, $1.00.) 

 Ever since the publication of the first edition of this volume it has 

 been a favorite with the experienced microscopist as well as with the 

 amateur. It is still intended to meet the demands of beginners, and has 

 lost nothing of its elementary character. It is practically a hand-book 

 to the microscope. For all those who wish to know how to select a 

 compound or simple microscope for practical purposes, learn the tech- 

 nical parts of the instrument objectives, their tests and kinds, all acces- 

 sory apparatus, manipulation of light both for transparent and opaque 

 objectives, this book will be found to answer nearly every question that 

 may arise. One of the most interesting features is the instructions for 

 collecting objects, their preparation, preservation, and mounting for ex- 

 amination ; together with preservative mediums, cements, and varnishes. 

 Mr. Phin's well-known book on the microscope has been out of print 

 for nearly two years, and the present edition with its various correc- 

 tions and increased number of plates justly deserves to find a cordial 

 welcome. 



A Short History of the Roman People. By William F. Allen. 12°, 

 370 pp. Ginn & Co., Boston. (Price $1.10.) 



In this neat little work Professor Allen set out to relate briefly the 

 history of the Roman people in an entertaining and attractive style, and 

 his success none who have read the book can doubt. Indeed, so clev- 

 erly has he employed the concrete method of fiction in bringing out the 

 picturesque aspect of history and the delineations of social life that his 

 work can scarcely fail to be appreciated by students, even those who 

 look upon history as a collection of dry facts that must be learned. 



Professor Allen, taking as he did a composite view of Roman society, 

 has presented the political, economic, literary, and religious elements 

 in the life of the Roman people in their relations with each other ; 

 maintaining, not without ground, that they are incapable of intelligent 

 comprehension if presented in isolation. It is also worthy of note that, 

 in connection with these fundamental observations, the land question 

 and the history of literature and religion are most carefully and intelli- 

 gently treated. And, to awaken a greater interest in the life of the 

 times, frequent references are made to carefully selected historical nov- 



