86 
REYIEWS. 

OUTLINES OF ASTEONOMY.^' 
A KNOWLEDGE of Science is gradually being acquired by the members 
of that very large community which is usually styled the general 
public. Greater advances have been made, however, in the departments of 
Chemistry and Biology, than in those branches of i n formation which come 
under the denomination of the exact sciences. The latter invariably involve 
for their complete understanding an acquaintance with the higher mathema- 
tics, and these are too frequently a sealed book to the many. Of late years, 
however, much has been done in the direction of Astronomy, and now it is 
not uncommon to find amateurs who are not only conversant with the princi- 
ples of Astronomy, but who have their own telescopic apparatus, and form 
independent opinions upon questions relating to their favourite subject. 
There can be very little doubt that much of the progress which has been 
effected is the result of the publication of such treatises as that which now 
lies upon our table, and on the part of the popular science world we here 
thank Sir John Herschell for all that he has done to forward the good 
work. The present volume is in its seventh edition, and with the exception 
of a few omissions, relating to recent spectroscopic researches, and the conclu- 
sions drawn by Tyndall and others, it may be fairly regarded as up to the 
time. 
The author commences with an introduction, in which he cautions the- 
reader against beginning the study of Astronomy with peculiar prejudices or 
dogmatic views. “ He must loosen his hold on all crude and hastily adopted 
notions, and must strengthen himself by something of an effort and resolve, 
for the unprejudiced admission of any conclusion which shall appear to be 
supported by careful observation and logical argument.” A piece of advice 
which is of considerable importance, and which applies to students of all 
other branches of science also. To attempt to analyse so copious a treatise as 
that before us would, considering the space at our command, be simplj 
ridiculous. The great name and reputation of the writer, and the immense 
sale which the book has already attained, are sufficient guarantees for the- 
accuracy and value of the “ Outlines,” as Sir John has modestly desig- 
nated his voluminous essay. We may, however, state, that there are certain 
branches of the subject which have been very carefully treated, and which 
especially deserve perusal. For example we would commend to our readers’ 
attention the chapter on comets, in which we find an advocacy of the view 
“ Outlines of Astronomy,” by Sir John F. W. Herschell, Bart., K.H., 
M.A., D.C.L., &c. Seventh edition. Pp. 729 . London : Longman & Co. 1864 . 
