[January, 
1 1 6 Notices of Books. 
and biology, as treated in the Science Directory.” Dr. Mackay's 
work was written in order “ to meet the wants of such an exam- 
ination. It is a good book, but too overcrowded with faCts. It is 
a condensation of what might fill a dozen volumes. In the short 
space of 143 pages it treats of Mathematical Geography ; the 
Relation of the Solar System to the Universe ; the Earth Viewed 
Individually ; Configuration of the Surface ; the Atmosphere ; 
Climate ; Electricity and Magnetism ; Biology ; Geology ; Optical 
Instruments ; How to Find the Distance of the Heavenly Bodies ; 
Map Projections and Geodetical Surveys. Such extraordinarily 
condensed matter can never be properly digested, and it tends to 
foster that system of “ cram ” which is the curse of our modern 
education. 
The London Science-Class Books. Elementary Series. Edited 
by Prof. G. C. Foster and Philip Magnus. Thermody- 
namics , by RichardWormell. D.Sc., M.A. Astronomy , by 
R. S. Ball, LL.D., F.R.S., Royal Astronomer of Ireland. 
London : Longmans and Co. 1877. 
The works of this series have special reference to science 
teaching in schools, but surely not to science as now taught in 
the generality of schools. If the time comes when there are regu- 
lar science “sides” in schools, as we now have “modern side” and 
“ classical side,” these works will be invaluable, but they are far 
above the capacity of boys who are only able to devote two hours 
a weekto science. Mr. Wormell’s “Thermodynamics” is a very 
dry book, only suitable for the most advanced boys in large 
schools, who would use it in lieu of some mathematical work. 
It is absurd to put into the hands of boys, who do not under- 
stand the construction and use of a thermometer, a work which 
embodies in a condensed form some of the mathematical deduc- 
tions of Clausius, Thomson, and Clerk Maxwell. 
Professor Ball’s “ Astronomy ” is written in a clearer and 
more interesting style, and will be decidedly useful for those 
who, having some knowledge of mathematics, desire to make 
themselves acquainted with the first principles of astronomy. 
The Voyage of the “ Challenger ”: The Atlantic. A Prelimi- 
nary Account of the General Results of the Exploring 
Voyage of H.M.S. “ Challenger” during the Year 1873 and 
the early part of the Year 1876. By Sir C. Wyville Thom- 
son, LL.D., F.R.SS. L. and E., F.L.S., &c. In Two 
Volumes. Published by Authority of the Lords Commis- 
sioners of the Admiralty. London : Macmillan and Co. 
In forming an opinion of these two volumes regard must be had 
to the limitations which appear upon the title-page. The account 
of the exploring expedition here given is only “ preliminary.” 
