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Notices of Books . 
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he simply writes that “ man, being according to his views only 
a more perfectly developed variety of the ourang-outang, was 
probably born with a rudimental tail.” Whilst pointing out the 
importance of keeping hypothesis in her proper place, he ex- 
presses his belief in “dominant ideas” whose “subtle and 
curious influence, united to the expectation of preconceived 
results, and the combined influence of these two on the brain and 
nerves,” are to account for “ all the remarkable phenomena of 
mesmerism, clairvoyance, and spiritualism.” He does not, 
however, deem it necessary to enlarge on this topic, “ seeing it 
has been so recently treated with great ability by Dr. Carpenter!” 
Mr. Ponton might perhaps have difficulty in finding a wilder 
hypothesis than that which he here adopts, nor does he rightly 
consider the terrible weapon which he is here putting into the 
hands of Materialists. For as the important “ experiment ” by 
which the Divine authority of the Scriptures is to be ascertained, 
he recommends prayer, — prayer in which we are to expect the 
fulfilment of our desires, our “ affecftions and our emotions” 
being influenced. What reply, then, can he make if the Atheist 
turns his own arguments against him, and contends that the 
supposed answer to his supplications is merely the result of 
“ dominant ideas ” united to the “ expectation of preconceived 
results,” &c. ? We do not, indeed, attach much importance to 
this argument, but then we are not accustomed to ignore facts, 
or what appear to be facts, without a careful and thorough scru- 
tiny. To refuse such a scrutiny, even in cases where much error 
and delusion is probably mixed up with truth, we hold to be 
unworthy of Science. 
Leisitve Time Studies , chiefly Biological. A Series of Essays 
and Lectures. By Andrew Wilson, Ph.D., &c. London: 
Chatto and Windus. 
We have here a collection of biological essays, pleasing, read- 
able, and popular in the better sense of the word, — that is, 
intelligible outside of strictly professional and scientific circles, 
but not shallow nor inaccurate. 
Perhaps the most interesting chapter is that devoted to “ the 
Sea-serpents of Science.” Taking for his motto the well-known 
lines “ There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio,” 
&c., the author pleads for the reconsideration of a question 
which by some misfortune has been handed over to the jokers of 
the day to be dealt with at their indiscretion. In consequence of 
their exertion “ the great sea-serpent — for no one ever con- 
descends to speak of a sea-serpent — has been made the very 
type of mendacious exaggeration. It is even related that a 
