BOOK NOTICES. 383: 



tality of Putrefactive Organisms, Fermentation and its Bearings upon Surgery and 

 Medicine, and Spontaneous Generation. 



It is a deeply interesting book, with a practical bearing which affects the wel- 

 fare of mankind, combined with a broad philosophical treatment adapted to the 

 most advanced thinkers and humanitarians of the age. 



Collet's Historical Record. By Oscar W. Collet; 2 Vols. 8vo., St. Louis, 

 Mo.; $10.00. 



Mr. Oscar W. Collet, of St. Louis, is receiving subscriptions for a work to 

 be entitled, "The Historical Record," a compilation of all documents, wherever 

 preserved, containing historical facts relating to St. Louis, the State of Missouri 

 and regions adjoining, including Louisiana and New Mexico, of which copies 

 have been, or can be procured. The publication will comprise unpublished offi- 

 cial documents (iiicluding many froni abroad), arid some already in print but not 

 accessible ; statements found in depositions on file in different offices of record ; 

 manuscripts, embracing journals, narratives and letters ; some pamphlets out of 

 print and very scarce ; a few old maps and plats ; also, genealogies, with a few 

 brief sketches (not biographies) of some of the members of families to which the 

 genealogies relate. 



Translations of French, Spanish and Italian documents will be given in par- 

 allel columns with the originals. 



Although the work does not embrace archaeology, as such, it will contain 

 many pages interesting to archaeological students ; such as artotype representa- 

 tions of some unique, or typical objects, utensils and implements, discovered in 

 Missouri; also, reproductions of unpublished plats, and descriptions, some dating 

 sixty years ago, of important ancient earthworks. The accuracy of such plats, 

 etc. as represent remains still in existence has been verified by explorations 

 specially undertaken for the purpose. 



The work will be enriched with numerous notes, not only by the conlpiler, 

 but by several of the first historical writers of the day. 



The price, considering the nature and magnitude of the work and the large 

 expense attending its production, seems to indicate that the compilation and pub- 

 lication of the " Record " have been undertaken rather as a labor of love than, 

 for gain. 



JJtr- Collet's work is the most important of its class ever attempted in this 

 State ; and it may well be hoped that the effort to produce an historical monu- 

 ment of such enduring value will meet with general practical encouragement. 

 The announcement of this contemplated publication has called forth many warm 

 approvals from different parts of the country as well as Missouri; and, among 

 others, the following interesting letter from the veteran historian of the West : 



Elizabeth, N. J., 1882. 



Mr. Collet is doing a grand work : he is redeeming the United States as fast 

 as he can, from one of its greatest sins. It was its bounden duty on acquiring. 



