Germs: Dust and Disease. By Andrew Smart, M.D. (Macniven and
Wallace, Edinburgh).—These two lectures are well described as "two chapters in our life history." The first is a popular exposition of the "germ theory" of zymotio disease (Dr. Clark claims precedence as the discoverer of the "Rinderpest germ," first detected by him in September, 1865) ; the second deals with preventable causes of disease in those that follow certain occupations. The tables that are appended to this latter lecture are very striking. Among the facts stated in them are these :—" Steel-grinders" live on an average 404 years. Among " grindstone-makers " the mean duration of life is put down at 4.0 years, meaning, we suppose, the duration of life during the occupation. The return of the " paper-makers " is very unfavour- able, as low as 376 years. Candle makers, on the other hand, seem to be favourably situated, reaching as high as 62 years.
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