EEYIEWS. 
357 
histologists — ^his employment of the inch and 3-V inch is sufficient proof of 
this. But, it may he asked, can such increased amplification of the elements 
of tissues throw proportionally greater light upon the complex questions of 
their development ? The first chapter of the present volume is purely intro- 
ductory, and in it we find one or two theories, and among them the old 
cell-doctrine discussed. In the succeeding pages the writer very carefully 
describes the structure of the several tissues which compose the human 
fabric. The section devoted to the connective series of tissues is especially 
important, and deserves a careful perusal. The descriptions of bone do not 
contain anything new, but the chapter in which the structure and develop- 
ment of teeth are described contains some new and startling views. The 
author distinctly opposes Professor Huxley’s theory ; and, as we think, from 
a misapprehension of the views of the latter. Conceiving, as it seems to us, 
that Professor Huxley regards Nasmyth’s membrane as homologous with the 
basement membrane of skin, he proceeds to show that dentine is not a"sub- 
basement structure. Huxley’s views become clear enough when one 
thoroughly comprehends the value of the expressions or terms he employs ; 
he has always discarded the use of the term basement membrane as calculated 
to confuse ; and if, therefore. Dr. Beale assumes that the membrane of 
Nasmyth, which covers the enamel, is equivalent, in point of relation, to the 
basement membrane of skin, he is incorrect. We imagine that, if the two 
histologists employed precisely the same technical terms, and attached the same 
signification to them, there would be very little difference between their 
opinions as to this question. In regard to the concluding chapters, upon life 
and vital theories, we prefer to be silent. All modern research tends to explain 
the actions of the body by reference to physical laws. The existence of vital 
force is, on the contrary, purely hypothetical ; neither party can give a full 
and rational explanation of the actions of living body ; but we opine that the 
physicists are much nearer the truth than the advocates of a vital principle. 
A YEAR AT THE SHORE.* 
M arine Zoology has found such an able and successful advocate in 
Mr. Gosse that it is only necessary to state that he has produced a 
new work, in order to procure for that work an extensive circulation. We 
can point to no writer upon Natural History whose pen has been so fertile, 
and withal whose books have been so popular and accurate. Mr. Gosse is 
well known to the working zoologist by the important observations he has 
made upon the habits and anatomy of the Infusoria, and also through his 
useful treatise upon th^ British Sea-anemones. To the amateur he is familiar 
as the author of “ Tenby,” “ The Aquarium,” “The Rambles of a Naturalist on 
the Devonshire Coast,” “ The Romance of Natural History,” “ Evenings at the 
Microscope,” “ Omphalos,” and many other essays. In the beautiful volume 
which lies upon our table he has given the lover of marine zoology a complete 
seaside calendar. The chapters into which the book is divided correspond to 
* “ A Year at the Shore.” By P. H. Gosse, F.R.S. London : Alex, Strahan. 
1865. 
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