58 REVIEWS—DISTRIBUTION OF THE MAMMALIA. 
to whom, such constitutes their most frequent reading, it cannot but 
be acknowledged that a periodical thus combining somewhat of the 
attractiveness and accessible brevity of the newspaper, with the careful 
literary characteristics of the scientific periodical, or monthly magazine, 
supplies one of the great wants of our industrious and advancing com- 
munity. If the Family Herald, is conducted with the same good 
‘taste and judiciousness in the selection of its materials, which have been 
manifested in its earlier numbers, it cannot fail to meet with the suc- 
cess it merits. D. W. 
On the Classification and Geographical Distribution of the Mammalia 
—being the lectwre on Sir Robert Reade’s foundation, delivered 
before the University of Cambridge,, in the Senate-house, May 10, 
1859,—to which is added an appendix, on the Gorilla, and on the 
extinction and transmutation of species. By Richard Owen, F.R.S. 
&e. &c. London: John W. Parker and Son, West Strand. 1859. 
Everything which proceeds from the pen of Professor Owen will be 
received with lively interest and with respectful attention. The present 
lecture is a pretty full exposition of his views respecting the Classifica- 
tion of Mammalia according to the cerebral system, which he has de- 
rived from a long series of dissections, and a diligent use of such 
opportunities as have perhaps never before been possessed by a com- 
parative anatomist. That his system is an important improvement on 
that of Cuvier, can hardly be denied. 
Every unprejudiced observer of nature will feel favourably disposed 
‘towards a method which brings Hdentata, [Bruta] Chetroptera, In- 
sectivora and Rodentia into close relationship. We cannot help look- 
ing a little suspiciously at the multiplication of orders, and are disposed 
to anticipate still further improvements. In the meantime, all honour 
is due to Professor Owen’s labours; and his present explanation of the 
characters of the various tribes is to be highly valued. In connection 
with this lecture, the author has published two papers which form an 
appropriate and valuable supplement to it. Appendix A is a note on 
the extinction of species, “being the conclusion of the Fullerian course 
of lectures on Physiology for 1859-’ Appendix Bis on the Orang, 
Chimpansee, and Gorilla, in reference to the transmutation of species, 
and runs to a considerable extent. Our present limits forbid extracts, 
or analysis, but in naming the subjects we excite the curiosity of our 
