phenomena, while no greater mistake can be committed than to endeavor to make the facts dependent upon the theory. With brief explanations of principles, descriptions are given, in an attractive style, of the elements and their more considerable compounds, and of the more important chemical processes. "The Chemistry of Life" is explained in the last chapter; and notes on crystallography and hints for the preparation of experiments are given in an appendix.
The Laws of Health. By Joseph C. Hutchison, M. D. New York: Clark & Maynard. Pp. 223.
A manual of physiology and hygiene, including a discussion of the effects of stimulants and narcotics, for educational institutions and general readers. It aims to present as clear and. concise an exposition of the subject as its elementary character will permit, and to introduce enough of; anatomy and physiology to enable the pupil to study intelligently the laws by which health may be preserved and disease prevented. In an appendix are given practical directions for dealing with poisons and meeting emergencies, and for general sanitation.
Systematic Mineral Record. By Edward M. Shepard, A. M. New York: A. S. Barnes & Co. Pp. 26.
This manual consists of directions for determining the properties of minerals, with explanations of the terms by which they are denoted, and a form of schedule for recording observations. Lists of chemicals, apparatus, minerals, and books are given.
Report of the United States Commissioner of Fish and Fisheries for 1880. Pp. 1,106. Ditto for 1881. Pp. 1,217. Washington: Government Printing-Office. 1884.
The report for 1880 covers the tenth year of the work of the commission. Besides the commissioner's report, this volume contains papers on the plan of the work of the commission; deep-sea research, with illustrations of apparatus; the sea-fisheries; economic research; natural history, including a long and copiously illustrated paper on the sword-fishes, propagation of food-fishes, and about 350 pages on oyster-culture, also copiously illustrated. The volume for 1881 contains papers on the construction and work of the steamer Fish-Hawk with figures of the steamer and its fittings; the mackerel, shad, and other fisheries; various biological researches; and the propagation of food-fishes.
Text-Book of Medical Jurisprudence and Toxicology. By John J. Reese, M. D. Philadelphia: P. Blakiston, Son & Co. Pp. 606. Price, $4.
This work has been prepared to meet the wants of students who desire something more convenient and manageable than the ponderous volumes in which the subject is more fully elaborated by the master-writers upon it. The author has endeavored to condense into a handy volume all of the essentials of the science, and to present the various topics in a simple and familiar style, giving larger prominence to those of the greatest practical importance. Special attention is given to the subject of toxicology, and fullness to the chapter on insanity.
Report of the Commissioner of Education for the Year 1882-'83. Washington: Government Printing-Office. Pp. 1165.
This report contains a vast amount of information in regard to the public schools and colleges of the United States, with some glances at foreign educational systems. The number of children in the country of school age, which in twenty-six States and Territories ended only with the twenty-first year, was 16,243,822; the enrollment in public schools was 10,013,826. The total expenditure for public schools reported was $91,158,039. The commissioner recommends an appropriation for the museum connected with the office, to enable it to collect and distribute the best illustrations of improved educational appliances; an appropriation for organizing an educational system in Alaska, which matter has since been attended to by Congress; and he renews recommendations as to the appointment of a Superintendent of Public Instruction for each Territory, and national aid to education from the public-lands money. The report contains a view and plans of the new building of the Harvard Medical School.
