508 Notices of Scientific Works. [Oct., 



races are dying out, while those that are stationary in condition are 

 stationary in numbers also ; on the other hand, improving nations 

 increase in numbers, so that they always encroach on less progres- 

 sive races." 



It would be impossible in this brief notice to convey a very 

 adequate idea to the reader of the mass of well-arranged facts upon 

 which Sir John Lubbock has established his conclusions, but we 

 give them in his own words. 



"The facts and arguments mentioned in this work afford, I 

 think, strong grounds for the following conclusions, viz. ; — 



" That existing savages are not the descendants of civilized 

 ancestors ; 



" That the primitive condition of man was one of utter 

 barbarism ; 



" That from this condition several races have independently 

 raised themselves." 



Sir John Lubbock thinks we shall not be the less inclined to 

 adopt these conclusions on account of the cheering prospects which 

 they hold out for the future. 



We heartily thank the author for his interesting book, which 

 has afforded us not only much instruction, but also much real 

 amusement in its perusal. 



THE SCIENCE OF BUILDING.* 



The science of building is so comprehensive, and has been treated 

 by so many able writers, that we must be prepared for some dis- 

 appointment when perusing a work whose title would lead us to 

 believe that the whole subject is included in its pages. 



Since the application of iron to building purposes, a new study 

 has presented itself to the architect, and Mr. Tarn's book contains 

 many formulae with which those who belong to his profession 

 would do well to make themselves acquainted; for it is not un- 

 common to find such errors committed by them, as the loading of 

 cast-iron girders to their full breaking weight, or a waste of metal 

 in making them stronger than is necessary. 



Whilst we commend the work to persons entering the building 

 trade, we consider it right to mention that the study of mechanics, 

 such as may be followed with the aid of ' Tate's Exercises in 

 Mechanics,' would be even more useful to builders than Mr. Tarn's 

 book, as it would sooner make them acquainted with the elements 



* ' The Science of Building : an Elementary Treatise on the Principles of Con- 

 struction/ By E. Wyndham Tarn, M.A., Land Architect. Lockwood and Co. 



