Willi ant Harvey. By R. Willis, M.D. (C. Kegan Paul
and Co.)—The second title of this book is "A History of the Discovery of the Circu- lation of the Blood," and this better describes its contents. It is mainly a vindication of Harvey's great title to fame. This title has, as most of our readers are aware, been frequently questioned, especially in Italy, where claimants, who are supposed to have some sort of right on their side, have been put forward. The dis- covery is one of which it is easy to find apparent anticipations. That the blood moves in the body, it did not need a philosopher to discover. Harvey's merit was that be laid down the system of this motion. All this matter is fully discussed by Dr. Willis, who leaves nothing unsaid that is wanted to establish Harvey's claim of dis- covery. The great physician's personal life was not eventful, though it was passed in eventful times. He was present in attendance on the King at the battle of Edge Hill, where he is said to have sat reading under a hedge till the near approach of a cannon-ball suggested a removal. When the King's cause was hopelessly lost, he lived quietly in London, busied with study, and the exercise of his profession. In 1656 he made over his paternal estate to the College of Physicians, as an endowment, which now provides for the salary of a librarian and the delivery of the Harveian oration. In the following year he died, in his seventy-ninth year.
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