422 Reeent Literature. [July, 
Now, fortunately, Dr. Bastian has not only carefully measured 
and described these organisms, but he has drawn them, and 
they are reproduced on the frontispiece of the book. He de- 
scribes them as the 45y Of an inch in diameter; they were pro- 
vided with a long, rapidly moving lash (flagellum), by which 
granules were freely moved about. But, besides this, “ there 
were many smaller, motionless, tailless spherules, of different 
sizes, whose body-substances presented a similar appearance to 
that of the monads, and of which they were in all probability 
earlier developmental forms.” 1 
_ Now, by careful comparison, I find that this monad is no other 
‘than the “ uniflagellate monad,” which is the fourth in the series 
whose life-histories were studied by Dr. Drysdale and myself.’ 
(1) Dr. Tyndall has proved, in connection with a host of 
others, but in a more definite and precise manner, that in filtered 
infusions five minutes’ boiling does kill every form of bacteria. 
(2.) He has further shown that they are propagated by de- 
monstrable germs only, in such infusions ; and 
(3.) This fact removes the probability of their spontaneous 
generation to an almost infinite distance. 
As to the development of bacteria in infusions charged with 
solid matter, precise experiment of a sufficiently comprehensive 
character has yet to be made on them, in relation to the demon- 
strated germs. Meantime, shall we accept ** spontaneous gener- 
ation ” on such ground as its strongest advocate has now to offer, 
and ignore the vast chain of facts copiously attested and con- 
trolled, which are in perfect harmony with the known laws of 
the entire organic world? This, and nothing less than this, 18 
what Dr. Bastian inculcates and demands. 
RECENT LITERATURE. 
Proxerine’s ELEMENTS or Puysrcat Manreuation.® — The first 
volume of this useful manual we noticed at the time it was published ; 
the second, now before us, is more extended in its range than originally 
intended by the author, and will be still more valuable for students 
This volume treats of electricity, heat, mechanical engineering; mi 
ology, practical astronomy, and lantern projections. The author sugges 
1 Evolution, page 178. 
2 Monthly Microscopical Journal, xi. 69, et seg. New 
3 Elements of Physical Manipulation. By Pror. E. C. ProxerNo. Part I. 316. 
: Hurd and Houghton; Boston: H. O. Houghton & Co. 1876. 8¥% PP. 
