14 MARCH 1896, Page 25

From Matter to Mind. By Marcus R. P. Dorman, M.A.

(Kegan Paul, Trench, and Co.)—We cannot examine in detail Mr. Dor_ man's book. The first part contains a condensed account of the development of matter into the conditions with which we are now acquainted, accerding to the theory of Evolution. He seems to us to take a goul deal for granted ; that the anthropoid apes, for instance, are our immediate anc2stors. Book II. is devoted to the "Development of Mind." Here we find ourselves differ- ing more widely from him. Miracles he considers to be impos- sible, and a future life to lie outside the province of reason. He dogmatises on these points with an almost amusing air of cer- tainty. His contempt, however, for those who think otherwise is always polite.