428 Analyses oj Books. July, 
called by the gods — has been found in the air of every country 
where it has been carefully sought for. The same may be said 
of ammonia. The question then arises whether hydrogen per- 
oxide and ammonia are found in larger proportions in the atmo- 
sphere of Italy than in that of other regions ? We do not know 
of any analytical evidence to that effeft, and Dr. C. Moffat does 
not supply any such in the ledture before us. One fadt renders 
the abundant existence of hydrogen peroxide in Italy somewhat 
questionable, viz., the prevalence there of malaria. Surely, if 
so efficient an antiseptic as hydrogen peroxide were exceptionally 
abundant in Italy, zymotic diseases ought there to be exception- 
ally rare. 
A second question which we are unable to discuss is whether 
Italian voices really possess any well-marked superiority ? 
It may be, however, that Dr. Moffat’s device may be pradtically 
useful, though founded upon a questionable theory. 
Supplement to “ Euclid and his Modern Rivals." Containing a 
Notice of Henrici’s Geometry, together with Selections 
from the Reviews. London : Macmillan and Co. 
This pamphlet is a criticism on modern text-books of geometry, 
presented in the form of a dialogue, or rather a trial at law. 
“ Minos’' has been retained by the ghost of Euclid to represent 
his interests, while Herr Niemand — a German professor — ap- 
pears as counsel for Henrici and others. 
The first incongruity is that the advocate on one side is repre- 
sented as cross-examining the advocate on the other. Whether 
this method of presenting an argument is the best means, or 
even a good means, of arriving at truth is very questionable. 
He is a very poor man who cannot, if so disposed, put untenable 
arguments into the mouth of an imaginary opponent. 
Mr. Dodgson then reviews the reviewers of his former 
treatise, with whom as a body he feels little satisfied. It is 
hinted by some of them that the esoteric objecft of the treatise 
is to uphold the interests of University examiners. Thus Mr. 
J. Magnus (“ Educational Times ”) is quoted as saying, “ But 
surely it must be admitted that methods of teaching a subject 
ought not to be considered from the standpoint of examinational 
requirements.” Who will dare to say that in England not merely 
the methods of teaching, but the very subjects taught, are selected 
with reference to this point of view ? 
