760 REVIEWS AND BOOK NOTICES. 
and tbat which is fotnd in the neighborhood of Taunton are usually 
so nearly in the condition in which it was originally formed that 
even the accustomed eye fails readily to detect any change in its 
structure, from compression. At other points to the northward 
the distortion of the elements which compose the conglomerate is 
very great indeed. The inquiry into the history of this great 
change must be made in connection with our study of the dynamic 
history of the beds of the island. 
REVIEWS AND BOOK NOTICES. 
Tue Evorvrion or Lire.* — An exceedingly interesting and 
suggestive book, as it is so full of the spirit of Heckel’s writings, 
of which it is in large part a condensation. We doubt not that 
it will be extensively read by those interested in natural history 
studies, though more especially designed to place before the gen- 
eral reader “a condensed view of the evidences for the theory 
that the animal and vegetal worlds have been very gradually 
developed or evolved, as distinguished from the hypothesis of their 
sudden special creation.” For the purpose of popular exposition 
the author’s style is excellent, being simple and concise. . As 
we suggested, the work is a reflection of Heckel’s “ History of 
Creation,” a remarkable book by a remarkable man. The succes- 
sor of Oken at Jena, he partakes largely of his spirit, and with 
much that is strikingly original and suggestive in his popular 
works, there are portions that are highly exaggerated, facts being 
sometimes strangely twisted to suit his theory. Hæckelľ’s guesses 
and assumed intermediate types may be in many cases proved true 
` years hence, but the history of evolution cannot be written by one 
man in a single century. The “Evolution of Life” must be 
judged by the same canons of criticism. The impression made on 
our mind after examining it is, that the author is far more sure 
of his deductions and grouping of facts than would be a specialist 
in any one of the classes of animals, whose supposed genealogy 
he indicates in some cases, at least, with a degree of overconti- 
* Evolution of Life. By H.C. Chapman, M.D. Philadelphia, J. B. Lippincott & 00- 
1873 (received Oct. 9, 1872). 8yo. pp. 193. With diagrams and plates. $4.00. 
J nAn 
