REVIEWS. 
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that, with the assistance of the beautifully executed plates, the merest tyro 
must find the identification of a species a very simple matter. If there be 
any fault in the illustrations, it is that they are perhaps a little too highly 
coloured, in other respects they are perfect; and as there is a sketch of 
every bird which is described in the text, the book will prove interesting 
even to those who have not the good fortune to possess a museum of their 
own. In many cases representations of the eggs are given, a circumstance 
which lends an additional importance to the work. The chapters on the 
Wandering and Yellow-nosed Albatrosses are especially worthy of perusal. 
The strange voracity of the former is described in vigorous language, and 
its power of flight within two points of the wind is also adverted to ; the 
latter species, too, is fairly noticed. The wandering albatross is most pro- 
bably the bird to which Coleridge alluded in his celebrated poem ; and no 
doubt Dr. Bree’s description of it will be read with gusto by all who are 
familiar with the “ Ancient Mariner.” We may mention that, in treating 
of the habits of the birds, the author has depended in great measure upon 
the observations of others ; but his selections are good, and are always 
verified by the names of the writers from whom they are borrowed. Dr. 
Bree has discharged his duty faithfully and successfully ; and, whilst 
wishing his treatise an extensive circulation, we hope we are only bidding 
him au revoir. 
CHEMICAL PHYSICS.* 
I EXPERIMENTAL Physics is a subject which, in these days, everyone 
Lf must be less or more conversant with. In every class of educated 
society the topic of conversation is occasionally some one bordering on 
physical science ; we are asked our opinions as to the progress of spectral 
analysis, or as to the diffusion of gases, or some friend who has been to the 
Royal Institution, inquires whether we are disposed to accept Professor 
Tyndall’s views. Now, those whose professional pursuits carry them out 
of the track of science may naturally inquire, Where can we obtain a 
knowledge of physics ? Where shall we find accurate information 
respecting the electric and such like forces, the nature of heat, the 
structure of the spectroscope, &c.? Our answer is, in the volume before us. 
Its third edition has now been published, and comprises the most recent 
results of physical investigation. It treats of the laws of chemical com- 
bination, elasticity, diffusion of liquids and gases, crystallization, light 
(including an account of Bunsen’s and Kirchoff’s discoveries), heat, elec- 
tricity, and magnetism. We hardly think the views of Gerliardt have 
been done justice to ; but any deficiency in this respect is amply compen- 
sated for by the comprehensive treatment of other questions. That the 
most recent discoveries have been considered, is evidenced by the fact that 
* <e Elements of Chemistry, Theoretical and Practical.” By William 
Allen Miller, M.D., LL.D., Y.P.C.S., Professor of Chemistry in King’s 
College, London. Part I.— Chemical Physics. London : Parker, Son, & 
Bourn. 1863. 
