REVIEWS. 
185 
does not trenclitoo mncli on theoretical details, avoids mathematical conside- 
rations as much as possible, and withal embraces much of the work of modern 
astronomers. Considering the multitude of astronomical treatises which 
have been lately published in this country, we fear there is hardly room for 
competition by the American treatise, hut we must nevertheless record a. 
good opinion of its worth. 
FRICTIONAL ELECTRICITY.* 
S IR SNOW HARRIS is so well known as one of our best students of 
Frictional Electricity, that all will learn with regret that he was not 
spared to complete this his last treatise. The work, however, has fallen 
into careful and able hands in being consigned for editorship to Mr. Chas. 
Tomlinson, of King’s College. Mr. Tomlinson is himself a physicist of 
much repute, and a writer of known and tried ability, and Sir S. Harris’s 
work could not have found a better trustee. In addition to arranging 
the MS. and seeing it to press, Mr. Tomlinson has written a pleasant and 
touching memoir of the author. In this he extenuates nothing, and sets 
down nought in malice j and while he fully exposes the qualities of his old 
friend, he by no means conceals those defects in his character which may be 
said to have influenced the propagation of his theories. The book as it stands 
is unquestionably the most complete essay on frictional electricity which 
our language possesses, though if we were to be very critical we should 
pause to question the author’s departure from the modern system of termin- 
ology, and his tendency to regard electricity as something pet' se apart from 
other forces. He seems to us also to have given too little attention to the 
importance of regarding all varieties of electric force as so many wave- 
phenomena of different varieties. His book is amply illustrated, and, con- 
taining the fruits of a vast experience, cannot but be referred to by students 
of the science. For his determined efforts to compel the navy to adopt 
lightning-conductors in ships, the thanks of the whole nation are due to Sir 
Snow Harris. 
MODERN CHEMISTRY. t 
I I ERE we have two works on Elementary Chemistry as difierent in style and 
-LL in degree of usefulness as it is possible to conceive. In the first the 
author endeavours clearly and tersely to lay before the student the striking 
phenomena of modern chemistry, and the laws which are educible from 
* A Treatise on Frictional Electricity in Theory and Practice.” By Sir 
W. Snow Harris, F.R.S. Edited by Charles Tomlinson, F.R.S. London : 
Virtue & Co. 1867. 
t First Principles of Modern Chemistry.” By U. J. Kay-Shuttleworth. 
London : Churchill, 1868. 
“ The First Step in Chemistry.” By Robert Galloway, F.C.S. Fourth 
Edition. London : Churchill. 
