REVIEWS. 
507 
If so, we recommend them to read “ The Orbs of Heaven and then 
we think that we may safely leave them the option of perusing his “ Popular 
Astronomy.” 
“ The Orbs of Heaven ” left an impression upon our mind somewhat 
resembling that which we experienced on reading Moore’s “ Epicurean,” 
so rich is it in imagery and poetry ; and, certainly, we have never met with 
a work so well adapted for encouraging a taste for science. The poetical 
conceptions of the author, or rather we should say, the poetical embodi- 
ment of scientific facts, which come upon the reader by surprise in 
various parts of the work, cause it to read more like a fairy tale than a 
record of scientific discoveries ; and we never recollect having read any- 
thing by which we were so much enchanted as by his description of the 
lonely astronomer, who, from his “rocky home,” witnessed the eclipse 
which he had predicted ; and whose soul was stirred to praise his Creator, 
the great God whose hand guided the spheres in their path, whilst, in the 
valley below, stricken millions fell to the ground in despair, or sought by 
the clangour of brazen trumpets to conciliate their offended deities ! 
Again, in treating of the stability of our solar system, he shows how 
certain slow changes are taking place 'in the orbits of the planets ; how 
these are expanding or contracting, and rocking up and down ; that all 
these changes, however, have their limits ; and when, he says, these 
variations shall, after a series of ages, have attained their maximum, 
and before a new cycle of movements shall be inaugurated, “the great 
Bell of Eternity will then hare tolled one.” 
We recommend every parent who desires to inculcate in the minds of 
his children a love of science and admiration of the grander aspects 
of nature to place in' their hands this attractive volume ; and lest some 
youth might be tempted from its perusal to take up Professor Mitchell’s 
other work, “Popular Astronomy,” and should do that of which few 
youths are guilty, viz., read its preface, we recommend the publishers to 
omit this elegant and remarkably grammatical appendage from their next 
edition. We find it difficult to believe that it has been composed by the 
author of “ The Orbs of Heaven.” 
As a handbook, “ Popular Astronomy ” does justice to its title. It is 
easy enough for young beginners, diversified here and there with sketches 
of the past history of science, and illustrated with tolerably good wood- 
cuts. Of a totally different character is the little brochure, entitled 
The Hand-book of Astronomy. By G. F. Chambers, F.R.A.S. 
Murray. 
I F the reader simply desires amusement, he had better not open the pages 
of this book. If he wishes to form a fair conception of the appear- 
ance of the heavenly bodies through the telescope, then let him glance at 
the beautiful plates with which it is illustrated ; and should he desire to 
become a student of astronomy, we venture to say that such a cursory 
glance will tempt him to dive into its contents ; but he must be prepared 
for work — for earnest work — such as Mr. Chambers has done in com- 
piling this excellent text-book. 
