THE TECHNOLOGIST. [Nov. 1, 1864. 



190 



£hhot. 



The Utilization op Minute Life, etc. By Dr. T. L. Phipson. Groom- 

 bridge and Sons. 



The purpose of this little work is well intentioned, but scarcely does full 

 justice to the subject treated of. The title, too, is somewhat deceptive ; 

 for many of the Crustacea and mollusca treated of are far from minute. 

 Tridacna gigas, Turbindla pyrum, Pinna nobilis, the Strombs, Cassids, 

 and oysters attain a good size. The main object of the author is 

 to notice the wonderful manner in which certain animals contribute 

 directly to the welfare of mankind, and the methods by which they may 

 be cultivated. Whilst Dr. Phipson enlarges ably on the anatomy, habits, 

 and instincts of the animals treated of, he possesses but a slight know- 

 ledge of the actual value of the products of these animals, and the real 

 extent of their commercial importance. Although it is not quite possible 

 to arrive at any precise estimate of the commercial value of the animals 

 and their products treated of for all countries, yet our official returns 

 show us at least our indebtedness in the foreign imports. Dr. Phipson 

 merely gives us, in a few instances, the value of the Liverpool imports ; 

 but these form a very small share of the gross trade of the kingdom. 

 Here, for instance, is a summary of the official value of one of the 

 latest years ; and certainly, for the whole world, these figures may be 

 safely quadrupled, when we consider the Eastern and European produc- 

 tion and consumption of silk ; the lac, shells, and pearls locally 

 used in India ; the bees'-wax and honey production of Europe and 

 America ; the consumption of Crustacea ; and the extended demand for 

 sponges, coral, &c. 



Value of Imports in 1S62. 



Insects : £ 



Raw and thrown silk 10,340,011 



Silk manufactures 6,618,501 



Cochineal 331,749 



Lac-dye and shellac 842,217 



Galls 31,830 



Bees'-wax 60,817 



Honey 13,139 



Manna 2,086 



Cantharides 4,540 



Crustacea (London market only) : 



Lobsters and crayfish 30,000 



Crabs 8,000 



Shrimps and prawns . . 6,000 



