482 Editors’ Table. [ May, 
EDITORS’: TABLE. 
EDITORS: A. S. PACKARD AND E. D. COPE. 
Naturalists will be the gainers by the present discussion 
of the question as to the existence of objects of more or less 
than three dimensions. We are accustomed to regard mathe- 
matics as exact, and in its true function as the science of relations 
it is so. But we have not always remembered that it may treat of 
the relations of imaginary quantities as readily as those of real ones. 
Hence it need not surprise us if the mathematical mind sometimes 
concerns itself but little with the question of the reality of the 
subjects of its discussions, This is the explanation of the ex- 
traordinary mental phenomenon displayed at the present time in 
the attempt, by some men of much acuteness, to persuade them- 
selves and others of the existence of objects of two and four dimen- 
sions. The argument rests on the very transparent assumption ` 
that because we usually see only the surface of things, z. €., two 
dimensions, such surface has an existence apart from the three- 
dimensional body of which it is an aspect. The deduction then 
follows that if from the perception of two dimensions we can rise 
by mental process to a perception of three dimensions, why is it 
not possible that some minds can rise from the third dimension 
to a perception of a fourth. The naturalist, however, will expect 
a third dimension before he will permit himself to believe that he 
has an object, and any one who would do otherwise would soon 
find himself in the limbo of the damnati. We invite our two and 
four-dimensional friends to give us a systema nature. Let them 
have their Linnzeus, Cuvier and Darwin. We fear, however, that 
two-dimensional objects placed edgwise to the line of vision 
would be overlooked by these gentlemen, while for four-dimen- 
sional beings a new teratology would have to be written. 
Professor John Collett has been removed from the posi- 
tion of State geologist of Indiana, and Professor J. Maurice 
Thompson has been appointed in his place by the legislature of 
Indiana. This change is from purely political motives, as noth- 
ing was alleged against Professor Collett unfavorable to his 
administration. We regret this change without knowing aught 
against the new appointee, as we regret all changes in scientific 
official relations without due cause. And when the incumbent is 
_ an accomplished geologist who has done much good work, and 
