58 KANSAS CITY REVIEW OF SCIENCE. 



difference could not be detected. It is susceptible of a very high polish, and 

 samples of imitation of marble, mahogany, etc., were shown which might de- 

 ceive the most experienced eye. Not only does Mr. Hamilton claim a substitute 

 for lumber in sash, doors and blinds, and finishing stuff, but also as a substitute 

 for black walnut and other woods in the manufacture of all kinds of fine furni- 

 ture, coffins, etc., and also an excellent substitute for marble in marble-top tables, 

 mantelpieces, bureaus, etc. He claims that it will not warp in the least. — Lef- 

 fefs Mechanical News. 



BOOK NOTICES. 



Practical Instruction in Animal Magnetism. By J. P. F. Deleuze. Trans- 

 lated by Thos. C. Hartshorn. New York: S. R. Wells & Co. Pp 524, 



I2ffiO. 



M. Deleuze was first known to the scientific world by his translation of Dar- 

 win's " Loves of the Plants," which he published in 1799, and which gave him 

 an established reputation among scholars and naturalists. Subsequently he pub- 

 lished a comprehensive work named " Edoxus," which was a general summary of 

 existing science, in the form of conversations upon the study of the sciences, let- 

 ters and philosophy. His devotion to botany and kindred sciences did not pre- 

 vent his giving attention to other things, and he was distinguished as a naturalist. 

 At the same time he devoted himself to the study of Animal Magnetism, which about 

 the close of the eighteenth century was creating great excitement on the continent. 

 After reflecting on and investigating the subject for a quarter of a century, he pub- 

 lished the work now under consideration, which, even at this late day, seems to 

 cover all that is known of either the history of magnetism or the science itself, in- 

 cluding, as it does, its general principles, its effects and their application, the acces- 

 sory means for increasing magnetic action, its application to various diseases, etc., 

 etc. The work of translation seems to have been faithfully and carefully done, and 

 the publishers have done their part handsomely and tastefully. 



The Natural Resources of the United States. By J. Harris Patton. New 

 York, 1879: D. Appleton & Co. For sale by M. H. Dickinson, Kansas 

 City; 50c. 



The numerous series of Science primers, History primers, Health primers, Lit- 

 erature primers, now being published by the first publishing firms of the country, 

 and the great sales they are having, are indicative of the tastes of the American 

 people, and at the same time a fitting tribute to the "fast age" in which and of 

 which we are. Every man wants to know all about chemistry, and geology, and 

 literature, and history, but cannot afford to devote more than half an hour to the 



