A Short Histor y of Natural Science. By. Arabella B.
Beckley. (John Murray.)—We have nothing but praise for this interesting book. Our elementary works on the sciences do not give the difficulties that have been overcome by unremitting toil and research, nor the hindrances which false theories have put in the way of truth. These can only take their place in the history of men of science. After a brief glance at the chief Greek and Mediaeval philosophers and the state of science at that time, the principal discoveries in chemistry, astronomy, optics, geology, biology, and electricity are traced in chronological order and explained, to which is added a biographical notice of the discoverers. Miss Buck- ley has the rare faculty of being able to write for young people. She can bring herself down to their level, and foresees the difficulties they experience when a complication of facts is presented to them, and by suitable and simple illustration render it clear tr their understanding. Another great merit is that the careful student of this book will have nothing to unlearn when he proceeds to higher special works. The authorities consulted by the authoress aro, for the most part, emi- nently trustworthy ; and she has not misrepros-nte I them, although a few statements here and there might be improve -1. that a transit of Venus does not occur, after a period of eighty years. for over one hun- dred, instead of two ; and "772 foot-pounds of force equals 1° Fair. of heat," which in its present form is unintelligible.
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