29 APRIL 1893, Page 11

The Visible Universe. By J. Ellard Gore. (Crosby Lockwood and

Son.)—" The object of the following pages," writes Mr. Gore in his preface, " is not to propound any new hypothesis, but simply to explain and discuss theories which have been supported by well-known astronomers and other men of science." Perhaps the most interesting of these discussions is to be found in the chapter (viii.) which is devoted to the " Meteoritic Hypothesis" of Mr, Norman Lockyer. Few theories have received so much accep- tance; as few certainly have been worked out with more in- genuity. Mr. Gore carefully sums up the evidence and the arguments on both sides, and draws the conclusion that the evi- dence is, on the whole, against it. The book throughout is of the greatest value,—all the more so from the thoroughly impartial attitude which the writer maintains. Everything has its due weight given to it,—a habit of mind which it is difficult for the theorist to keep. The volume is furnished throughout with admirable illustrations.