604 Analyses of Books. [October, 
concerning the tree-like system of classification, that “ no one, 
even long before Darwin’s days, ever dreamed of doubting that 
this system is in reality what it always has been in name, — a 
natural system.” That strange school founded by MacLeay and 
Swainson, which at one time considered itself the embodiment 
of zoological philosophy, would have most emphatically protested 
against the notion of representing the animal kingdom, or any 
of its divisions, under the form of a tree. 
The second chapter gives the argument from morphology, and 
shows clearly, though briefly, the principal difficulties which lie in 
the way of the separate creation, or rather origination, of organic 
forms. Under this head we meet with a consideration which the 
author believes is original, and which we do not recolledt having 
found elsewhere. He writes — “ We scarcely ever meet with 
any great departure from the typical form — such as the absence 
of limbs — without some of the other organs in the body being 
so far modified as of themselves to indicate, on the supposition 
of descent with modification, that the animal or plant must have 
been subject to the modifying influences of a long series of 
generations. And this combined testimony of a number of organs 
in the same organism is what the theory of descent would lead 
us to expedt, while the rival theory of design can offer no ex- 
planation of the fadt that when one organ shows a conspicuous 
departure from the supposed ideal type, some of the other organs 
in the same organism should tend to keep it company by doing 
likewise.” 
In the third chapter we find, very briefly, the argument from 
geology, and in the fourth that from geographical distribution. 
Next follow in succession the evidences from embryology, and 
finally certain arguments drawn from general considerations. 
We are not surprised that our late illustrious leader formed a 
favourable opinion of the abstract of his dodtrines here pre- 
sented, and we feel confident that, if only widely circulated and 
fairly read, it will open the eyes of the many who in this country 
still cling to the old Natural History. 
A Rational Materialistic Definition of Insanity and Imbecility , 
with the Medical jurisprudence of Legal Criminality , 
founded upon Physiological , Psychological, and Clinical 
Observations. By Henry Howard, M.R.C.S. Eng. Mon- 
treal : Dawson Brothers. 
This book, which bears also the title “ The Philosophy of In- 
sanity, Crime, and Responsibility,” is dedicated, in grateful 
