REVIEWS, 
5 
to startle the majority of entomologists, accustomed to attribute a higher 
rank to that extensive group, in respect of the peculiar segmentation of 
the abdomen, and the wide range of variations which the composition of 
the tarsi undergoes, as well as the fore coxse and the propleuras. The 
definite conjunction, also, of the Scydmcenidoe with that family and the 
Pselaphidce , remains open to discussion, upon the data pre-existing, since 
the first fails to develope the new element of affinity which has been the 
cardinal motive of this essay. We leave our readers to form their own 
judgment of the proposed arrangement, contented with expressing our own 
conviction of the value of the comprehensive views to which these researches 
of Burmeister’s tend. 
Glaucus ; or, The Wonders of the Shore. By Charles Kingsley, 
Author of Westward Ho ! Hypatia, &c. Second Edition, 12mo., 
pp. 165. Cambridge: Macmillan & Co. 1855. Price 3s. 6d. 
“ The basis of this little book was an article which appeared in the 1 North 
British Review’ for November, 1854 so we learn from a prefatory note. 
It is a very difficult thing to write a good review, more especially on sub¬ 
jects of a scientific nature : the review must not be too learned, or it will 
have too few readers; it must not betray ignorance of the subject by the 
writer, or it is simply useless. “ Glaucus,” if considered as a review, shares 
both these faults ; it is much too learned, and at the same time reveals to 
us an alarming extent of ignorance in the writer on the subject of natural 
history. 
Yet, few works published during the past year have been more read than 
“ Glaucusgo where you will, talk to whom you will, every one has seen 
“ Glaucus,” and speaks approvingly of it; some, indeed, suggest, that it 
would have been better “if so and so had been omitted,” or object to a 
passage in this page or a sentence in that; but, taken as a whole, it is very 
seldom that a work receives so cordial a welcome. 
Now, what is the secret of this success ? Mr. Kingsley had acquired 
fame as a writer on other topics before he touched upon natural history; 
and though apparently very ignorant of this latter subject, still he brought 
all the trained skill of the author, and all the weight of a pen of no mean 
calibre, to bear upon the topic he chose to advocate. Imagine the excite¬ 
ment that would be caused if Macaulay or Dickens were to bring out a book 
on natural history • all the world would read it, to see what they could have 
to say on the subject; and we presume it has been with much the same 
motive that all the world has read Kingsley’s “ Glaucus.” 
