BOOK NOTICES. 465 



First Principles of Natural Philosophy : By Elroy M, Avery, Ph. D. 

 i2mo., pp. 402. Sheldon & Co., New York and Chicago, 1884. For 

 sale by M. H. Dickinson, $i.oo. 



Doctor Avery's Physical Science books have a well deserved reputation for 

 simplicity, clearness and thoroughness wherever they have been used. This lit- 

 tle work, the first of the series, is intended for the use of schools in which the 

 course is not full enough to warrant the use of the Author's "Elements of Nat- 

 ural Philosophy," a larger and more comprehensive treatise. The arrangement 

 of topics, the method of their handling and the illustrations are all excellent, 

 and in addition to this the latest developments of science, such as the introduc- 

 tion and use of electrical units, have been freely utilized. The work is divided 

 into nine chapters in which are discussed respectively, matter, motion and force, 

 simple machines, Hquids, pneumatics, electricity and magnetism, sound, heat, 

 light. The concluding chapter takes up the subject of energy. The index is co- 

 pious and carefully arranged. 



The younger students will find this an excellent text book and the recapitu- 

 latory exercises especially valuable. 



The Home Physician: By Luther M. Gilbert, M. D. i2mo. pp. 131. G 

 P. Putnams' Sons, New York, 1884. For sale by M. H. Dickinson, $r.oo 



This little work is intended for the use of travellers and families at a distance 

 from physicians, and contains much valuable advice and instruction for such per- 

 sons. It is divided into an introduction in which, among other things, a list of 

 household medicines is given, a chapter on the Uses of medicine, one upon gen- 

 eral Observations of Symptoms and Remedies, a third giving descriptions of 

 Disease and Treatment, a fourth upon Surgery, and a final one upon Poisons. 



Doctor Gilbert is attending physician at the Connecticut General Hospital 

 at New Haven, and also President of the Medical Board of the same. His experi- 

 ence has been large and his suggestions are based upon an extensive practice. 

 If any fault is to be found with his advice as to treatment, it is that in some of 

 the most serious and fatal diseases, such as croup, and diphtheria, sufficient stress 

 is not given to prompt and vigorous measures. In other respects the advice 

 given is good and rational. For the purposes for which it was written it will be 

 found very useful. 



Bulletin of the Museum of the State University of Missouri. Nia- 

 gara Fossils: By J. W. Spencer, B. A. Sc. , etc; Professor of Geology 

 in the University of the State of Missouri. Vol. i. No. i. Printed for 

 the Museum, May, 1884. 



This bulletin is the first of a series proposed to be issued by the officers of 

 the Museum of the State of Missouri, giving the result of scientific investigation 

 from time to time in this form. This paper includes (Part I) a Monograph of 



