Notices of Books. 
279 
1876.] 
sciences, and in the comparatively short time that we have had 
on these subjects anything worth calling a theory. In the inor- 
ganic sciences we have had to modify our theories, and have, in 
some departments, arrived at a close approximation to the truth. 
As Prof. Huxley aptly pointed out, it was at one time supposed 
that the planets revolved round the sun in orbits perfectly circu- 
lar. This view explained certain facfts, but there remained dis- 
crepancies, difficulties. The theory did not work smoothly. 
The orbits were then declared to be elliptical, and the discrepan- 
cies faded away. Is it unreasonable to expedt that our zoological 
and botanical theories may be in like manner gradually im- 
proved ? 
So far we have been listening to men who at least were dis- 
posed to treat their subject seriously. But Mr. T. P. Kirkman 
is a writer of a different order : his objedt, apparently, is to make 
modern physicists and physiologists ridiculous to outsiders, and 
to demand for “ parsons, poets, metaphysicians, and moralists ” 
the liberty of laying down the law on matters which they have 
never studied. He jests and quibbles, and parodies and tra- 
vesties the names of his opponents, pats them at times on the 
head in the style of a condescending schoolmaster, and praises 
a work of his own — doubtless with the kind intention of saving 
“ trade-reviewers ” the trouble. To criticise an author who is on 
such very excellent terms with himself would be labour lost. So 
we leave Mr. Kirkman, his “ will,” and his “ philosophy without 
assumptions,” which cannot be considered an unassuming phi. 
losophy. 
From these arid regions it is a positive relief to turn to a 
paper on “ Sponges, their Anatomy, Physiology, and Classifica- 
tion,” by Mr. Thomas Higgin, which shows that some, at least, 
of the members of the Society are willing and able to produce 
valuable scientific work. 
%. 
Descriptive Catalogue of the Photographs of the United States 
Geological Survey. By W. H. Jackson. Photographer, 
Washington : Government Printing Office. 
If there still exists a man who entertains doubts concerning the 
splendid services which photography can render to all branches 
of natural science, let him look at the specimens accompanying 
this catalogue, and henceforth hold his peace. “ By no other 
means,” as the author with perfect truth declares, “ could the 
characteristics and wonderful peculiarities of the hitherto almost 
unknown western half of our continent be brought so vividly to 
the attention of the world.” No amount of description would 
tell the geologist one-half of what he can learn concerning the 
rock-formations of the regions illustrated by a mere glance at 
