88 REVIEWS 
sense in chemistry; and since it has still another meaning in biology, 
we doubt the wisdom of giving the word a third technical meaning in 
geology. And if it means resistance to denudation the coining of a 
new term does not seem to be demanded. 
Part III consists of a “‘ Report on the Meteorology of Maryland,” 
by Cleveland Abbe, F. J. Walz, and O. L. Fassig. Professor Abbe 
takes up Dynamic Meteorology and its Applications , Climatology and 
its Aims and Methods, and Apparatus and Methods. Among many 
suggestive topics we note with approval the emphasis put upon “ Paleo- 
climatology” —a subject that is receiving increasing attention on the 
part of geologists. Professor Abbe strongly states the case when he says,’ 
“Geology is primarily a study of the influence of the overlying atmos- 
phere upon the earth beneath. It is, therefore, an essential part of the 
study to understand the climates and the changes 1n climate that have pre- 
vailed since the earth began its annual course around the sun and its diur- 
nal revolution around its axis. The study of modern climates must be 
considered by the geologists as simply an introduction to the equally 
important study of ancient climates and the work done by, them eae Dire 
Fassig presents “A Sketch of the Progress of Meteorology in Maryland 
and Delaware.” Mr. Walz gives an “‘ Outline of the Present Knowl- 
edge of Meteorology and Climatology of Maryland.” The weather — 
maps, showing types of weather in various places and seasons are well 
selected and are very instructive. There is a chart showing normal 
temperature and pressure for Maryland, including Delaware and the 
District of Columbia for each month of the year; also one each for 
spring, summer, autumn, winter and for the year. There are also 
many tables for reference. 
The volume is a handsome one of 566 pages, 54 plates, some of 
which are colored, and 61 figures. All of the illustrations except 
Plate XXXV are pertinent to the subject discussed and add much to 
the value of the volume. Plate XXXV is a picture of the office of 
the Weather Bureau at Baltimore. It adds nothing of scientific value 
and would therefore better have been omitted. It seems ungenerous 
to mention so small a matter, for the volume is presented in an 
almost faultless form both as to subject-matter and as to mechani- 
cal execution. James Hi. SMITH. 
SIPS AOU. 
oor 
