80 
POPULAR SCIENCE REVIEW. 
more than 600 pages, and is divided into sections corresponding to the 
animal classes, commencing with Mammalia and ending with Echinodermata. 
Each record begins with a list of the various publications arranged chronolo- 
gically, systematically, or alphabetically, with such remarks as must be of a 
general character. In the second part, the titles of these publications are 
arranged in systematic order, and short abstracts are given ; papers less 
accessible to the generality of zoologists being given at greater length. Of 
new genera, short diagnoses are supplied, whilst the names only of sub-genera 
divisions are mentioned. The titles of anatomical papers are given, but only 
those which have a direct bearing upon special zoology are more fully treated. 
Finally, mention is made of all those popular scientific publications which, 
by their tendency to promote scientific knowledge, merit attention. 
In the selection of “ reporters ” for the several departments of zoology em- 
braced in the volume, Dr. Gunther has been, in all but one instance, most 
fortunate ; and this, to those who can appreciate the matter, is saying a good 
deal. The Mammalia, Reptiles, and Fishes have had ample justice done to 
them by the editor ; the Birds were committed to the charge of Mr. Alfred 
Newton ; Mr. W. S. Dallas took in hand the Insects, Myriapods, and Arach- 
nida ; whilst Dr. E. Yon Martens had charge of the Mollusca ; the Helminthes 
were left to Dr. Spencer Cobbold, and the Molluscoida, Rotifera, Annelida, 
and Echinodermata to Mr. J. R. Greene. In all respects, the “ Zoological 
Record ” is an excellent volume, easy of reference as regards its arrangement, 
fully comprehensive as a register, and minutely accurate in its condensation 
of the publications it records. When we remember that the literature 
to which it forms a guide extends over more than 15,000 pages, we cannot 
but regard Dr. Gunther’s work as, par excellence, the zoological treatise of 
the year. 
POPULAR PHYSICS.* 
I F we were asked what subject is best calculated to awaken at the same 
time the reasoning and perceptive faculties of the mind, we should reply, 
Experimental Physics. The science of natural physical phenomena is one 
which every moment of our lives thrusts itself beneath our notice, and yet it 
is one of which most of us are exceedingly ignorant. Our steam-engines, 
telegraphs, barometers, and telescopes, are suggestive enough of the laws of 
natural philosophy, yet how few of us understand their principles. We 
apprehend that our ignorance proceeds less from indifference than from the 
absence of treatises which can be read by those unfamiliar with the higher 
mathematics. It is true enough that works have been published in which 
the phenomena known as physical are described, without reference to mathe- 
matical complications, but we regret to think that in most of them there is 
either no allusion to first principles, or there is that jargon of the popular 
* “ Elements of Physics ; or, Natural Philosophy. Written for General 
Use in Non-technical Language.” By Neill Arnott, M.D., F.R.S. Sixth 
and Completed Edition, Part II. London : Longman & Co. 1865. 
