Dr. G. Herbert Fowler contributes the sections Hydromedusæ and Scyphomedusæ, organisms which were recently grouped together under the name of Hydrozoa. This portion of the work is distinctly of a character that does not adapt itself to quotation in 'The Zoologist,' though in a biological sense it is none the less valuable on that account.
The Anthozoa have been entrusted to the care of Mr. G.C. Bourne. The true nature of Corals and Gorgonians was first discovered by the observational method, and was accomplished by Peyssonel, of Marseilles, "who made a number of observations on Corals on the coast of Barbary, and kept several forms alive in aquaria." We are reminded of the old, old story, when we read that "Peyssonel's observations were laid before the Academy of Sciences of France in 1727, but his views were strongly opposed by Réaumur, whose authority was sufficient to condemn them."
A most welcome feature of this volume is the adoption of the historical method. Terms are traced to their proposers; the men who first extended the boundaries of knowledge are brought in line with the more advanced workers of to-day, and in the appreciation of present results the pioneers of the past are not forgotten. The evolutionary principle is emphasized on every page, without the reiteration of personal theories, or the infliction of complicated terms which lack definition and reflect too frequently only personal opinion. Whilst the work of Haeckel is recognised, we know that the true evolutionary spirit is present.
Another excellent departure is the provision of an index at the end of each section, and this in the day when the Bible and Shakspeare are still published without that necessary adjunct.
It is no disrespect to this book to regard it largely as a very useful compilation. Of course any attempt to discuss the origin of the British or any other people can scarcely be divorced from the question of the derivation of Man himself. Mr. Macnamara does not shirk this responsibility. He is convinced "that no animal whose skull is ossified according to the method which
