1885.] 
Analyses oj Books. 235 
follows an index of meteorological subjects arranged under such 
heads as Aqueous vapour, Atmosphere, Aurora, Climate, with 
references to the bibliography. 
Then under the heading “ The Scientific Enquirer” follow a 
number of questions on biological subjects. 
We have also reports of the proceedings of the Scientific 
Union, i. e., the Conference of Delegates from Scientific Societies 
which has latterly been held annually during the meetings of the 
British Association. 
We can only repeat our hope that Mr. Ramsay may live to 
carry out his vast undertaking. 
Fresenius’ Quantitative Analysis, Vol. II., Part I. Translated 
by C. E. Groves, F.R.S. London : J. and A. Churchill. 
This portion of the work is devoted to ultimate organic analysis. 
The present edition, — so far as can be judged from the small 
portion which is formally before us, — is elaborated with the 
author’s well-known care and comprehensiveness, all such im- 
provements and modifications as have won recognition in prac- 
tice being introduced. A feature — and not the least meritorious 
one — of this work is the avoidance of irrelevant speculations. 
Fresenius wisely holds that a treatise on chemical analysis is by 
no means the place for the ventilation of structural formulae. 
The Metaphysical Aspect of Natural History. An Address to the 
Rochester Natural History Society, December 10th, 1884. 
By Stephen Monckton, M.D., F.R.C.P. London: H. K. 
Lewis. 
From the title of this little work we were in doubt what to expeCt. 
With the incursions of Metaphysics into Natural Science we 
have in general little sympathy. We soon found, however, from 
the preface that the author’s objeCt is to enforce two propositions 
by no means novel, and of more value to the Natural Theologian 
than to the Naturalist as such. These are : — 
“ 1. That there is in Nature an intelligent will force. 
“ 2. That such intelligent will is the Author and SubjeCt of 
the Bible.” 
The second of these propositions is so completely outside our 
competence that either to assert or to impugn it in our pages 
