Priests of Progress. By G. Colmore. (Stanley Paul and Co.
65.)—This is a "novel with a purpose." The class is not a favourite, either with the critics or the public. Yet sometimes it demands attention. Charles Reade's work notably did so more than once. Miss Colmore attacks vivisection. In this matter a certain compromise has been made. Whether it is effective, whether the conditions are loyally observed, are questions which may have to be examined. She also attacks an alleged practice of performing surgical operations, not because the patients require thorn, but because the results have a scientific interest. One of the characters in this tale has the superior maxilla removed when the ailment was only a skin wound, and the author, who gives authority for all statements of importance, declares that such an operation took place within her knowledge. The book is powerfully written, and its subject demands attention ; but in saying this we must not be held to ho in any shape or form endorsing its conclusion. Again, we cannot undertake to open our columns to any discussion of the subject. Our own opinion is in favour of the present law and its maintenance. As to experimental operations, we do not doubt that they occasionally occur, but we expect that they are very rare in serious cases. When they do take place, sve should not be surprised to find that the patients are often willing, nay, anxious, to be experimented on. Nothing is commoner than for patients who understand, or think they understand, their cases to urge that this or that treatment, surgical or medicinal, should be tried,—no matter what the risks or however small the chance of a beneficial result.
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