[December, 
738 Analyses of Books . 
Another specially important and interesting chapter is that 
which treats of the evidence from the constitution of compound 
— or, as they are technically called, “ colonial ” — animals. Here 
we encounter certain most interesting philosophical questions, to 
which we may return on a future occasion. The author states — 
“ In the reproduction of the bee race certain of the eggs are 
impregnated or fertilised, whilst others are allowed to develop 
without the performance of this process, rightly deemed of essen- 
tial nature to the propagation of both animals and plants. Now 
the eggs of a queen bee which she lays in an unfertilised condi- 
tion invariably develop into drones or male bees, whilst the 
fertilised eggs become females or neuters.” 
We are bound here to point out that the Abbe Giotti Ulivi, 
after a prolonged course of observations on hive-bees, comes to 
a different conclusion. He finds that every egg that hatches into 
a male or female has been previously fertilised, and that partheno- 
genesis among bees is not proven. 
The chapter on the evidences from degeneration will prove in- 
structive reading for those — and they are many — who conceive 
that Evolution in the species or the individual necessarily involves 
an advance towards perfection, or, in other words, that change is 
always for the better.* 
We are now, however, warned that we have already exceeded 
our limits. We will therefore merely add that there are two 
classes to whom the study of Dr. Wilson’s book may be espe- 
cially recommended, — to all candid doubters and gainsayers, 
and, on the other hand, to disciples in Evolution, that they may 
learn how to render a good reason for the views which they have 
embraced. 
Metals; their Properties and Treatment. By Charles Loudon 
Bloxam. New Edition ; partially re-written and augmented 
by Alfred K. Huntington. London : Longmans and Co. 
We have here an improved edition of a work which has been 
favourably known to teachers and students of metallurgy. The 
present editor has added a somewhat extensive chapter on fuel, 
in which he takes into consideration wood, charcoal, peat, lignite 
and coal of all classes, coke, and gaseous fuel. The applications 
of petroleum in smelting metals are not discussed. On the 
utilisation of the bye-produds of coke-burning, such as tar and 
ammonia, the author does not seem very sanguine. He considers 
* The same error is committed in Sociology, 
