286 
EDITORIAL. 
systematic  introduction  of  the  best  processes  for  the  separation  and  quanti- 
tative estimation  of  metals  and  other  important  substances,  in  addition  to 
the  description  of  their  properties  and  reactions.  The  new  methods  of 
volumetric  analysis  are  detailed,  with  the  description  and  applications  in 
particular  of  Bunsen's  General  Method." 
The  subjects  particularly  treated  of  in  the  Supplement  are,  "  The  deter- 
mination of  the  most  important  physical  Constants,  viz. :  The  Mechanical 
Equivalent  of  Heat ;  the  relations  between  the  Chemical  and  Magnetic 
effects  of  the  Electric  Current,  and  the  reduction  of  its  force  to  Absolute 
Mechanical  Measure ;  also  the  measurement  of  the  Chemical  Action  of 
Light.  The  polarization  of  light  is  treated  of  in  sufficient  detail  for  the 
wants  of  the  chemical  student,  attention  being  especially  directed  to  the 
methods  of  Optical  Sacharimetry,  and  to  the  very  remarkable  relations 
between  Crystalline  form  and  Molecular  Rotatory  power,  discovered  by 
Pasteur." 
The  latest  ideas  in  reference  to  the  constitution  and  classification  of 
chemical  compounds  are  treated  of  according  to  the  views  of  Gerhardt's 
Unitary  System,  as  also  are  the  formation  and  reactions  of  the  principal 
classes  of  organic  compounds. 
"  The  last  portion  of  the  Supplement  contains  the  most  reeently  discovered 
facts  relating  to  the  non-metallic  elements  and  the  alkaline  and  earthy 
metals,  a  prominent  place  being  assigned  to  the  allotropic  modifications 
of  certain  elements,  viz. :  Boron,  Silicon,  Sulphur,  Selenium  and  Phospho- 
rus, and  to  the  methods  of  obtaining  the  alkalies  and  earths  in  a  free 
state."  The  whole  forms  a  volume  nearly  double  the  size  of  the  inorganic 
portion  of  the  old  edition.  Whether  Prof.  Graham  intends  to  give  another 
volume  on  Organic  Chemistry,  is  not  stated  ;  but  be  this  as  it  may,  the  pre- 
sent volume  is  complete  in  itself,  and  forms  the  most  recent  exposition  of 
Chemistry  published  in  English,  and  of  great  value  to  the  student. 
We  have  not  had  time  for  this  number  even  to  attempt  a  critical  exami- 
nation of  the  work,  and  perhaps  had  better  leave  the  task  for  abler  hands, 
but  we  cannot  but  express  our  gratification  at  the  completion,  thus  far,  of 
this  valuable  treatise,  and  hope  that  the  author  will  yet  do  for  the  organic 
part  what  has  been  done  for  the  inorganic  portion.  Judging  from  the  many 
references  to  the  Supplement  in  the  first  part  of  the  volume,  it  would  appear 
that  the  publishers  have  reprinted  the  entire  volume. 
The  typography  and  paper  are  excellent,  and  the  numerous  illustrations 
well  designed. 
The  Peninsular  and  Independent  Medical  Journal  devoted,  to  Medicine,  Surgery 
and  Pharmacy.  Edited  by  A.  B.  Palmer,  M.  D.,  Moses  Gunn,  M.  D.,  and 
Frederick  Stearns,  Pharmaceutist.    April,  1858.  Vol.  1.  No.  1. 
We  have  received  the  first  number  of  this  Journal,  of  which  our  friend 
Stearns  is  co-proprietor  and  co-editor,  and  have  directed  it  to  be  placed  on 
our  list  of  exchanges.   We  feel  confident  that  the  pharmaceutical  element 
