286 REVIEWS — Taylor's treatise on poisons. 



divisions, down to species, we may trace clear evidence of the adapta- 

 tion of the structure to the exigencies of the case. It may be added 

 that one very important modification of the typical conformation which 

 recurs so regularly in the diflTerent classes, as to become itself part of 

 the general plan, seems to be essentially an adaptation of it to a 

 special end. It is matter of observation that in all the classes, as we 

 ascend to the higher species, certain regions lose their uniformly 

 jointed character, by t*he expansion and partial fusion of the segments. 

 "We see this very remarkably in the cephalo-thorax of crabs and 

 spiders, and in the skuU of Vertebrata, for in these eases the modifi- 

 cation is so extreme, as completely to disguise their typical formation, 

 which is only traceable by the clue furnished by the corresponding 

 regions in the less highly developed species. This peculiarity has a 

 very obvious relation to the concentration of the nervous and vascular 

 systems, in adaptation to more centralized vitahty of the higher 

 species generally." 



Our author concludes his work with a chapter on the bearing of 

 the subject on natural theology, where we have only to regret the very 

 limited space he has allowed himself. His work is on the whole well 

 fitted for usefulness, and we would hope also for popularity. It will 

 assist in difi"using the knowledge of some grand discoveries, and in- 

 genious speculations, and being a pleasing and elegant volume, well 

 illustrated and of no formidable size, may be recommended to those 

 who desire general information as well as to all lovers of natural 

 science. 



Taylor's Treatise on Poisons. 2nd Edition. Blanchard & Lea. 1859. 



The appearance of a second edition of Dr. Alfred Taylor's valua- 

 ble work " On Poisons," has long been desired by all engaged in that 

 most delicate and responsible part of the Chemist's avocations, viz. 

 the detection of poisons. The original work was one which occupi- 

 ed a high if not the highest place among treatises on this subject, 

 not only from the completeness of the work itself, but also from the 

 acknowledged talent of the author, who may be said to be the first 

 toxicologist of England, and who has probably had more experience 

 in cases of poisoning than any other person living; 



