446 
REVIEWS. 
work has been held for so many years after the death of the author, may in great mea¬ 
sure be ascribed to the concise yet explicit style of its composition, and to the judicious 
manner in which the various topics have been brought into greater or less prominence, 
in accordance with the extent of their claims upon the attention of the student. The 
work was originally intended as a student’s manual, and it is in this character that, it 
has continued to have so large a circulation. For several years past, however, it has 
hardly maintained its position as an exponent of modern chemistry, and it has been ne¬ 
cessary for students to refer to other works for explanations of many modern theories 
which have given a new aspect to the whole system of chemical science. The caution 
which has been observed in making a complete and comprehensive change from the old 
to the new system ought not to be complained of in a work of this description, for it 
would have been unwise to adopt the new views of enthusiastic investigators and theo¬ 
rists until they had stood the test of prolonged trial under various conditions, and re¬ 
ceived the sanction, slow but concurrent, of all classes of chemists. The time had come 
when it was necessary, in bringing out a manual of chemistry for the use of students, to 
adopt a notation and arrangement of subjects different from those used in the previous 
editions of this work. Mr. Watts, the well-known author of the ‘ Dictionary of Che¬ 
mistry,’ recently completed, has been associated with Dr. H. Bence Jones in preparing 
this edition, and certainly the work could not have fallen into better hands. That the 
extent of the work has been increased has resulted from the great accession of new matter 
which modern research has brought to light in this department of science. In its present 
form, Fownes’s Manual may be taken to represent the science of chemistry as it is now 
taught by the most eminent of its professors. To give it this character, it has been 
necessary to rewrite and rearrange a great part of the work as it had previously existed, 
but the former style and leading features have very generally been maintained, and we 
have no doubt it will continue to support its long-sustained reputation. 
The Ship Captain’s Medical Guide. Compiled by Harry Leach, Resident Medical 
Officer Hospital Ship “Dreadnought.” Second Edition. London: Simpkin, Mar¬ 
shall, and Co., Stationers’ Hall Court. 1868. 
The objects and scope of the compiler of this work are thus stated in the preface:— 
“ This work is written solely for the use of masters and mates of vessels at sea. It 
is confined strictly to a plain and brief description of accidents and diseases that occur on 
board ship; and much care has been taken to show as clearly as possible how these acci¬ 
dents and diseases can be best treated by a non-professional man. So little choice is given 
in the treatment of each malady, that the reader is urged to do absolutely all that is 
recommended, in the belief that no more than is here laid down can be accomplished 
safely without the assistance of a doctor.” 
After a careful inspection of this little work, we can speak highly of its merits. Its 
directions are clear, concise, and accurate, and given in simple non-tec.hnical language. 
No master or mate of a vessel should leave shore without taking a copy with him. 
Index to the Nature and Scientific Names of Indian and other Eastern Eco¬ 
nomic Plants and Products. Originally Prepared under the Authority of the 
Secretary of State for India in Council. By J. Forbes Watson, M.A., M.D., F.L.S., 
F.R.A.S., etc.. Reporter on the Products of India. London: Triibner and Co., 60, 
Paternoster Row. 1868. 
A work evidently of great labour and research, and indispensable to all who desire a 
complete acquaintance with Indian and other Eastern Economic Plants and Products. 
W T e trust to be able to notice it fully in a future number. 
Cabinet of Materia Medica for the “Modified Examination.” Published by 
Evans, Lescher, and Evans, London ; and Evans, Sons, and Co., Liverpool. 
This Cabinet, which has been specially arranged for students preparing to pass the 
“ Modified Examination ” of the Pharmaceutical Society, contains sixty-seven specimens 
of the principal drugs and chemicals of the British Pharmacopoeia, and the several 
plants required by the Board of Examiners. 
