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POPULAR SCIENCE REVIEW. 
removed. The terms are arranged in alphabetical order, and the Greek or 
Latin derivation, and the name of the branch of natural history to which 
it belongs, follow each word. Thus : — 
Antennae (Entomology), ante , before, teneo , to hold. 
Coriandrum (Botany), icopiQ, a bug ; in allusion to the smell of its leaves. 
May we urge upon the author the propriety of adding to every term 
the name of the genus with which it is connected ? Thus, in the case of 
Acinetce , instead of merely adding the very general expression “Zoology,” we 
would suggest the addition of the words, “ applied to the reproduction of 
Infusoria,” or some such explanation. Many other instances of a similar 
character may be found ; but we merely refer to one, in order to call the 
author’s attention to the matter. Viewed in its entirety, the book is a 
most valuable one, and should be on the library shelves of every one inte - 
rested in natural history pursuits. 
AN INTRODUCTION TO ASTRONOMY.* 
M R. BOHN’S popular scientific publications rank among the best, and 
assuredly the work before us is in no way behind the mark. Clear 
and untechnical in his descriptions, Mr. Hind has exposed the ordinary 
astronomical phenomena in such a manner as to render his volume alike 
acceptable to the general reader and the student. From the circumstance 
that Physical Astronomy is closely associated with mathematics of the 
highest order, this branch of the subject has been wisely omitted ; but as 
far as Plane Astronomy is concerned, we deem the present work capable 
of imparting all the information which even the most ambitious amateur 
can desire. It opens with a series of definitions of a preliminary character, 
and a general outlinear description of the universe, which embraces the 
important and minor planets and the fixed stars. The explanation of the 
production of the different seasons is remarkably lucid ; and Kepler’s 
three great fundamental laws are enunciated in terms intelligible to every 
one. Many good folk whose notions of astronomy are of a misty character 
are disposed to think that attraction of gravitation is the cause of the 
planets’ motions : the real influence of this force being merely to produce 
the orbits. On this point our author is very explicit. In speaking of uni- 
versal gravitation, he says : “ It is by the action of this force that the 
planets are retained in their orbits round the sun, having once received 
from the Divine hand the impulse that set them in motion.” The preces- 
sion of the equinoxes — a great stumbling-block to beginners — is as happily 
dealt with. Nutation, Eclipses, the Tides, Parallax, Comets, and Nebulae 
next receive the author’s attention. The sun and planets are minutely 
* “ An Introduction to Astronomy to which is added an Astronomical 
Vocabulary, containing an explanation of terms in use at the present day. 
By J. R. Hind, F.R.A.S., &c. London : Henry G. Bohn. Third 
Edition. 1863. 
