tem which now exists in the United States. It endeavors to state the circumstances under which the various tariff acts were passed, the causes which made their enactment possible, and the changes of duty which they brought about—facts which may be familiar enough to old citizens who have not shut their eyes to them, but which can hardly be known to the younger Americans who have been taught that the protective policy is an essential part of our institutions and prosperity. The author has opinions of his own on the subject, which he has not concealed, but which he has tried not to allow to distort his statements of facts.
The History of the Surplus Revenue of 1837. By Edward G. Bourne. New York and London: G. P. Putnam's Sons. Pp. 161. Price, $1.25.
The proposition has been made within the past two years, instead of reducing our revenue, now too large for the legitimate needs of the Government, to continue collecting the surplus to form a fund for distribution among the States. A similar experiment was tried once before in the history of our country, with disastrous results; but men's memories are short in political and financial history, and the story has been forgotten except by students. Mr. Bourne's book appears opportunely to bring the lesson back to mind, and warn such persons as need the warning and would heed it. In the main it is a relation of facts, showing how the surplus was disposed of in the several States which shared in the distribution, and what came of the dispositions.
Proceedings of the Colorado Scientific Society. Vol. I, 1883 and 1884. Denver: Published by the Society, Whitman Cross, Secretary. Pp. 147, with Plate.
The Colorado Scientific Society was formed in December, 1882, "for the promotion of scientific intercourse, observation, and record in the State of Colorado." From the twelve original members it increased during the first year to a body of thirty-one members. The contents of the present volume of its proceedings are well described by Mr. S. F. Emmons, its first year's president, in his retiring address, as "interesting and instructive papers upon new methods in the chemical investigation of metals; on the geology and manner of occurrence of ores in Colorado mining districts, and the discovery of minerals not only new in this part of the world, but some new to science; upon glacial phenomena in Colorado; upon the geology and volcanic phenomena of the far-distant Dutch possessions in the East Indies; and suggestions with regard to the home question of the supply of water from artesian wells to be expected in Denver."
The Museum, Vol. I, Nos. 1 and 2, May and June, 1885. Philadelphia: William F. Fell & Co. Pp. 16 each number. Price, 15 cents; $1.50 a year.
The "Museum" is an illustrated monthly journal for collectors of all classes and young naturalists. The numbers before us bear the marks of good editing and efforts to secure original contributions from men whose names carry authority in their respective departments of research.
Symbolism and Science. By Lloyd P. . Smith. Philadelphia: Privately printed. Pp. 23.
This essay was originally read as a paper before the Germantown Science and Art Club. The author's purpose was to call attention, "rather by way of suggestion than otherwise," to the subject of the esoteric or symbolical method of teaching pursued originally in the East, and the pernicious effects it has had on the progress of true knowledge even down to our own time.
Lessons in Hygiene. By John C. Cutter, M. D. Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott Company. Pp. 180. Price, 50 cents.
This is an elementary text-book, adapted for common schools, on the maintenance of health, with the rudiments of anatomy and physiology, and the treatment of emergent cases, and lessons on the action of stimulants and sedatives on the brain and nervous system. It presents the essential facts concerning bathing, clothing, air, water, food, cooking, home-construction, mental work, physical exercise, eye-work, contagious disease, filth-disease, disinfection, tea, tobacco, chloral, alcoholics, etc., as bearing upon the maintenance of health and the prevention of disease. The practical is prominent throughout.
