Another book which should serve as messen g er to the Macedon
of common ignoranee about the world we live . in is Chemistry in the World's Work, by Mr. Harrison E. Howe (Chapman and Hall. 15s.). What do we know of the Photo-electrie cell Which has recently been placid at the Service of the blind and the radio vacuum tube which is iron the deaf to hear, and of the marvellous alloys of !ton and alurninium- which have made our posSible ? Pasteur said of modern life " thideubtedly tiring daily discussion of politics seem to be our guide. Empty appear- ances I- What really lead us forward are a few scientific discoveries and their application." The final chapter of Mr. Howe's book, on " The Trend and Purpose of Modern Research," impresses on us that under Providence science is indeed " the living source of all progress." The book was obviously written for American readers, but it should find a good public here also, although we fear the title will not arouse the interest that it should. Any intelligent person who picks up Chemistry in the World's Work will be richly repaid. It is full of byways to eternity. We need " turn but a stone and start a wing." We need but follow the dance of the electrons to view :- " The traffic of Jacob's ladder Pitched between Heaven and Charing Cross."
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