BOOK REVIEWS. 



247 



Islands, and we hear a good deal of the Tahitians. They just see Austra- 

 lia, but pass too far off in going to Mauritius, about the botany of which 

 much is said. 



Then followed Madagascar, a perfect mine of wealth for his botanical 

 enthusiasm. Here he found a race of pygmies on the mountains and 

 compares them to the dwarf alpine plants. In the island of Bourbon, 

 which he thoroughly investigated botanically, he found more new and 

 curious fishes ; some good photographs are supplied of insects mimicking 

 sticks, leaves, &c. 



He died on March 13, 1773, never having lost his enthusiasm for 

 science, and " eight days after his death in Paris he was elected a member 

 of the Academy of France by a unanimous vote in a full assembly. This 

 was an honour unprecedented in the history of that body. No other 

 savant, however eminent, had ever been elected in absence." 



The final chapter deals with Commerson and his scientific work. 



Would that every student would read the book and try to share in his 

 enthusiasm. 



" Essays, Biographical and Chemical." By Sir William Eamsay. 

 8vo., 247 pp. (Constable, London, 1908.) 7s. M. net. 



The history of chemistry, as generally treated, quite fails to interest 

 one who has little special knowledge in that subject. The author of this 

 work, however, has succeeded in presenting certain periods to the general 

 reader in a most delightful manner. The whole volume is written in 

 non-technical language as far as possible, and where technical terms are 

 introduced they are carefully explained in such a way that the reader with 

 only a general scientific knowledge should appreciate the extremely 

 interesting series of subjects dealt with. 



The volume is divided into two sections dealing respectively with 

 historical and chemical essays, and throughout the author has given 

 expression to his high appreciation of the characters of those of whom he 

 treats, and of the value of their labours in promoting the growth of 

 scientific ideas. Due importance is given to the life of the man, as well 

 as to the work of the chemist. One would perhaps hardly expect to find 

 Lord Kelvin regarded primarily as a chemist, and this may explain the 

 rather inadequate treatment of his work. 



With regard to the chemical essays, subjects of recent inquiry are 

 dealt with, and while the essay on " What is Electricity? " can hardly be 

 described as convincing, that on the " Aurora Borealis " provides a good 

 example of the wide range of knowledge required to enable one to attempt 

 to explain one of the most interesting of natural phenomena, more 

 especially to the reader of no great scientific attainments. In attempting 

 to explain too much, the line of one's argument is liable to be rendered 

 indistinct, but by careful summarizing the author has to a great extent 

 avoided this difficulty. 



The last essay deals with the "Functions of a University," and will 

 appeal to all who are in any way interested in educational matters. It 

 emphasizes the fact that the modern university is an essential factor in 

 the progress of industry, rather than a convenient centre for the acquisi- 

 tion of mere knowledge or social conventionalities, and anyone who 



