VU_ 



Thompson's Therory of Parallel Lines. 285 



both of reflections and shadows, and some problems in inverse per- 

 spective (i. e. the making out the geometric form from the perspec- 

 tive one, as well as the perspective from the geometric form), would -/ 

 be desirable additions ; for although Jt is divided into chapters, with 

 a title to each, and a running title at the top of the page, yet from 

 the necessary connection of the heads of the theory, reserved for 

 this volume, the details of the subject are introduced more than 

 once in some different points of view, and the reference from one to 

 the other is not so easy as it ought to be. 



We subjoin, from the Preface, some remarks on the scientific cha- 

 racter of the late Dr. Wollaston, which will, we think, be interesting 

 to our readers : 



" In a paragraph on mechanical aids, the inventor of the Camera 

 Lucida was alluded to in friendly jocularity. No recollection of him 

 can now occur without lament. A copy of the book was sent to him 

 from the country by the Author, who anticipated a smile at their 

 next meeting; useful criticisms on the treatise, and assistance in the 

 part that remains. Indeed, one motive the Author had for pausing 

 where he did, was the hope of being thus furnished with more concise 

 demonstrations, and happier illustration of his theory. Alas ! the 

 days of his friend's smiles were past, and the hours that remained 

 were too valuable to be employed in the perusal of a work of such 

 minor importance. He is no more. He has vacated a department in 

 the philosophical world, which probably no man living can supply. 



" There may be greater astronomers, — greater mathematicians, — 

 greater chemists, — geologists, — botanists, — more able and practical 

 mechanics — more experienced physicians ; — but the astronomer, — 

 the mathematician, — the optician, — the botanist, — the chemist,— 

 the physician, — the natural philosopher, — the civil engineer, — the 

 mechanic (of every description, maker of steam-engines, chronome- 

 ters, telescopes, barometers, hydrometers), — the metallurgist, — the 

 framer of every useful invention, down to the manufacturer of 

 caoutchouc-cloth, all derived assistance from him. He stood as 

 interpreter between the sciences, and enabled each one to give its 

 aid to the others. 



" In generalization of knowledge, — minute precision in the ob- 

 servation of phasnomena, — in almost undeviating sagacity in investi- 

 gation, — inexhaustible resource in his adaptation of means, and 

 ingenuity of contrivance, — in quickness and universality in the ap- 

 plication of analogies, — who can compete with Wollaston?" 



A table of contents, or rather an index, would improve this Sup- 

 plement, and will, we hope, be added to a future edition. 



The First Book of Euclid's Elements. With Alterations and Familiar 

 Notes. Being an attempt to get rid of Axioms altogether ; and to es- 

 tablish the Theory of Parallel Lines, without the introduction of any 

 principle not common to other parts of the Elements. Third Edition. 

 By Lieut. Col. Thompson, F.R.S. London, Ridgway. Sewed. 

 Of the Axioms, it is stated in the Preface, that ' some have been 



demonstrated as Theorems ; others, resolved into the Definitions of 



the 



