REVIEWS. 
347 
as a mental exercise. Notwithstanding this and other defects 
of hut small magnitude, we believe that Dr. Williamson’s 
compact little manual will be read with pleasure and profit 
by chemical students of all classes. 
An Introduction to Scientific Chemistry^ ^c. By F. S. Barff, 
M.A., Assistant to Dr. Williamson, Professor of Chemistry 
in University College, London. London: Groomhridge 
and Sons. 
Mr. Barff has endeavoured to make, and what is more, 
has succeded in making, his excellent little book an intro¬ 
duction to the work by Professor Williamson that forms the 
subject of the preceding review. 
The non-metallic elements are alone systematically treated; 
some of the metals and their compounds are incidentally 
described, and no reference is made to organic chemistry. 
The work is divided into two parts ; in Part I no symbols 
are used, and no principles are elucidated, but the attention 
of the reader is directed solely to facts. In Part II, theo 
retical considerations are introduced, i. e. after it is supposed 
that the reader has possessed himself of a knowledge of the 
facts upon which those considerations are founded. This 
plan, which is an exceedingly good one, can be successfully 
carried out in a book, but it is not so easy of accomplishment, 
or so desirable in oral teaching. 
We cannot conclude without adverting to the admirable 
chapter entitled Advice to Candidates under Examination.” 
The remarks and directions given in this chapter are so 
sensible, substantial, and so good, that w^e hope to quote 
pretty freely from them on a future occasion, for the benefit 
of those of our readers who have to prepare for, and we trust 
pass, the ordeal through which they have to pass at our 
schools, and at the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. 
Mr. Barff’s book contains many illustrations, but we regret 
to say that these important auxiliaries to learning are not so 
well executed as they might be in an age like the present, 
when wood engraving has arrived at such a very high pitch 
of excellence. We moreover trust that in the event of a 
second edition being called for, Mr. Barff will remedy the 
defect to which we have just alluded. 
