[Book Reviews]

Abstract

IN this very acceptable addition to the well-known University Extension Series, we have a set of chapters which are not intended to form a text-book on physiography, but to serve as a book containing a certain amount of accurate and definite knowledge for the general reader. Such being the case, the author has not dealt fully with any of the various branches, but has treated, in a sketchy manner, some of the more striking phenomena of the earth. The earth as a planet is first referred to, then the materials of which it is composed, which include the composition of the lithosphere, of the atmosphere, and of the hydrosphere. Next are discussed the laws of energy, and the past history of the earth as gathered from its present aspects, while the last chapter is devoted to the evolution of the earth, with sections on spectrum analysis, and theories of planetary origin. To anyone wishing to obtain a general survey of this many-sided subject, physiography, these pages should be of great service. As has been said before, the information in many cases is brief, and in some cases too brief for explanatory purposes. This is, however, counterbalanced to some extent by a number of useful references at the end of each chapter. An appendix, which may prove handy to teachers, gives a list of suitable lantern slides for illustrating the subject-matter.

The Earth: an Introduction to the Study of Inorganic Nature.

By Evan W. Small. University Extension Series. (London: Methuen and Co., 1894)