3 MARCH 1928, Page 20

Hermes, or The Future of Chemistry, by Dr. T. W.

Jones (To-Day and To-morrow Series, Kegan Paul, 2s. 6d.), is not as attractive as some of this series of sparkling books ; but it is'a sound survey of modern chemistry, more especially with regard to that mysterious agent, the catalyst in its various forms, through which chemistry reaches up to and imitates living matter. Dr. Jones's prophecies are very sane and restrained. He is no Fat Boy as regards the future, but although he does not make our flesh creep he is never ' uninteresting.