27 JUNE 1914, Page 12

Artificial Parthenogenesis and Fertilization. By Jacques Loeb. (Cambridge University Press,

for the University of Chicago Press. 10s. net.)—This translation (by Mr. W. 0. R. King) of Dr. Loch's account of his experiments on artificial parthenogenesis has been revised and considerably enlarged by the author. He showed in 1899 that the eggs of the sea- urchin could be developed without normal fertilization by treatment with certain chemicals—such as magnesium chloride—which cause a rise in osmotic pressure. This full account of his work up to the present time is of great importance to all who are studying the basic problems of life and heredity.