1885.] 
Analyses of Books. 
685 
of Heredity,” interesting to men of science and hated to 
persons of the demagogue type, as cutting away some of their 
pet theories. 
Dr. Hayward replies in a paper on the “ Modification of Here- 
ditary Transmission by Mental and Educational Influences.” 
We note, in passing, the “ and." He seeks to uphold the old 
error that educational and social training, and mental and moral 
influences (Are not “ mental ” influences moral influences, and 
conversely ?) are the “ most potent of the means for improving 
the human race.” He considers Eugenism — the improvement 
of the race by judicious marriages — impracticable. Certainly, if 
the community and the whole species are to be sacrificed to the 
individual and his whims, this must be the case. 
The admirable paper by the Rev. H. Higgins, M.A., on 
“ Museums of Natural History,” has already come under our 
notice in its separate form. 
W. G. Black, F.R.Met.S., supplies a paper on “ Anemometers 
for Ships,” destined to allow the officer in charge to judge by- 
mechanical means of the force of the wind on the sails at any 
time required. 
Mr. R. J. Gibson, M.A , read a paper on the “ Flora and 
Fauna of Oceanic Isles.” His remarks are at present confined 
to the A5ores ; on some future occasion he will treat of the 
Galapagos and St. Helena. A curious contradiction is men- 
tioned as regards the goldfish found on the little volcanic lakes 
of these islands. On the one hand, we are told that they are 
so numerous that one cannot put one’s head into the water 
without touching them, “ and, on the other hand, that they die 
by thousands, and their dead bodies are thrown up on the shore 
all in a condition which show that they have died of starvation, 
there being no food for them in these lakes.” How, then, do 
they continue so numerous ? The author considers that the ori- 
ginal life of these islands had a strong resemblance to that of 
America, but that the present fauna and flora have been mainly 
introduced from Europe by human instrumentality. 
Finally, Dr. J. B. Novins gives an interesting “ History of the 
Introduction of Peruvian Bark Trees ( Chinchonas ), and the Pre- 
sent State of Cultivation in India.” 
We are still of opinion that all the “ Literary and Philoso- 
phical ” Societies of Britain would be rendered much more 
healthy and efficient by a process of “ dissociation.” 
