sciences which had a vital bearing upon the course of his large discussion. If Lord Amberly had concentrated himself upon some minor branch of his broad inquiry, and worked it out with deliberation, his cliances of recognition in the future would probably have been much more promising than they will be with his more ambitious undertaking.
The Radical Review. Issued quarterly. Edited by Benjamin R. Tucker. Pp. 204. Price, $5 per year. New Bedford, Mass.
The first number of this periodical vindicates its radical and independent character. Its object is stated to be "the thorough, fearless, and impartial discussion of all sides of all subjects pertaining to human welfare, whether social, economic, scientific, literary, æsthetic, or religious." It will show no partiality to any particular school or special system of belief, but the labor question and the organization of industry will receive a prominent share of attention. It opens with an able paper, by W. J. Potter, on "The Two Traditions, Ecclesiastical and Scientific," of which the following passage is a good example:
"But this scientific view of tradition—now commonly styled the doctrine of evolution—starts questions that concern religious and moral faith more vitally than any we have yet considered. The objection that the dignity of the human race is assailed, if man be thus linked in natural kinship with the brute animals, is becoming antiquated, and needs no consideration. To ridicule the theory, and oppose those who hold it with theological abuse, neither intimidates scientific men nor abolishes the facts upon which they claim that the theory rests. To ask if you want a monkey for an ancestor may raise a laugh among the bystanders; but Science is not answered by a laugh, and does not consult the caprice of human wishes so much as the purport of Nature's facts. But even if it were a question of the dignity of the human race, it might be replied that it is better to have risen from an ape than, according to the popular theological theory, to have fallen from an angel. It is more honorable to be climbing up than slipping down. And there are species of animals with whom we might more proudly claim cousinship than with some specimens of mankind. But this concern lest human dignity is to suffer from any earnestly advocated theory of science is puerile."
Lysander Spooner furnishes a very incisive and unsparing article entitled "Our Financiers: their Ignorance, Usurpations, and Frauds," which cleaves the question through to first principles. A fine poem is contributed by Mr. E. C. Stedman; and the department of current literature is ably treated. It contains a discriminating review of Mr. J. N. Larned's "Talks about Labor, and concerning the Evolution of Justice between the Laborers and the Capitalists." We like this periodical, all except its dismal pall of a cover.
Dynamics. By J. T. Bottomley. Pp. 140. New York: Putnams. Price, 75 cents.
The fundamental principles of "Dynamics," or theoretical mechanics, are here set forth and demonstrated as satisfactorily as it is possible to do so for the tyro in mathematical science. In cases where the subject-matter requires a higher degree of mathematical knowledge, the author contents himself with giving clear statements of propositions and of the meanings of formulas, reserving demonstrations for a time when the pupil will be better able to appreciate them.
Smithsonian Report. 1875. Pp. 422. Washington: Government Printing-office.
Besides the special annual report of the Secretary, Prof. Joseph Henry, this volume contains a number of memoirs and treatises on scientific subjects, both original and selected. Among the translated pieces are a "Eulogy on Alexander Volta," and De Candolle's "Report on the Transactions of the Geneva Physical and Natural History Society." Among the original contributions is a paper by Mr. Henry Oilman on "Ancient Man in Michigan;" and one by Dr. C. C. Abbott, on "The Stone Age in New Jersey." Both of these memoirs, and more especially the latter, are illustrated with numerous woodcuts.
Vegetable and Animal Cellulose. By Thomas Taylor. Pp. 8. From Field and Forest.
The author describes the method by which he detects the presence of cellulose in its various forms. This substance is, according to him, a constant ingredient in the organs and blood even of the higher animals, man included.
