Analyses of Books. 
iS8 S .] 
297 
public to obtain some protection for birds similar to that which 
prevails in Demerara ? 
Magnetism. By Thomas P. Treglohan. London : Longmans 
and Co. 
This work is a fair average specimen of the Science-Manuals in 
which the press of England is so exceptionally fruitful. The 
author tells us in his Preface that the work has been written “ to 
supply a want long felt by students who are preparing for exa- 
mination in the Elementary Stage of the Science and Art 
Department, so that the subject may be simplified and their 
studies facilitated by treating it under the divisions laid down in 
the Syllabus of the Department.” In other words, it is written 
with the primary objedt of enabling intending examinees to 
to “ pass ” the fashionable ordeal. As an Appendix follow the 
“ Science and Art Department Questions in Magnetism ” from 
the years 1867 to 1882 inclusive. Skilful “ coaches ” will of 
course be able to calculate the chances of the recurrence of 
any of these questions, and can “prepare” their clients ac- 
cordingly. 
In connection with this subjedt we cannot help referring to a 
most able article on “ Brain-power in Education,” which ap- 
peared not very long ago. The author contends and shows that 
examinations, competitive or otherwise, are no tests of brain- 
power. They test, if anything, the relative skill of those who 
train the candidates. He mentions an instance where, without 
any collusion, seven out of the thirteen questions actually occur- 
ring in an examination paper had been predicted as due by an 
experienced “ coach,” and his pupils had been drilled accord- 
ingly. A well-stored mind is by no means necessarily a sug- 
gestive mind, capable of dealing rightly with unforeseen 
emergencies. The writer is even heretical enough to say that 
“ if we required an accurate test of brain-power we should be 
far more likely to obtain correct results by an examination in 
whist than we should by an examination in mathematics.” He 
further remarks, most truthfully, “ The mere routine man will 
almost invariably bring about a disaster when he has novel con- 
ditions to deal with, and as a rule the routine youth comes out 
best at an examination.” 
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VOL, V. (THIRD SERIES.) 
