(1) Geology of To-day (2) College Physiography

Abstract

THESE two books are professedly written for two different types of reader; but the college student may well read Prof. Gregorys “popular introduction” from end to end, while the lover of “simple language” will find nothing to alarm him in the work of the late Prof. Tarr. (1) Prof. Gregory has brought the latest results and the current discussions of geologists before every thoughtful person to whom the earth appeals. We possess a number of popular textbooks on geology, but “Geology of To-day” justifies its title, and stands entirely apart. The alarming illustration with which it opens, representing a statue of Louis Agassiz plunged head-downwards in the ground, is not symbolical of the tendencies of the text. The author traces the growth of geological philosophy without exulting over the imperfections of those who have gone before. The hardy old pièces justificatives are quoted, but are supplemented by observations of very recent origin. On p. 141, for instance, Day and Shepherds work on the volcanic gases of Hawaii is cited in refutation of the critical thesis so enticingly maintained by Brun; but how many of our current text-books have got so far as mentioning Brun? He certainly never shook Tarr's faith in the potency of steam as a volcanic agent ( “College Physiography,” p. 444), and Prof. Gregory's references are all the more welcome as recording a i eally memorable, if short-lived, controversy.

(1) Geology of To-day.

A Popular Introduction in Simple Language. By Prof. J. W. Gregory. Pp. 328. (London: Seeley, Service and Co., Ltd., 1915.) Price 5s. net.

(2) College Physiography.

By Prof. R. S. Tarr. Published under the editorial direction of Prof. L. Martin. Pp. xxii + 837. (New York: The Macmillan Co.; London: Macmillan and Co., Ltd., 1914.) Price 15s. net.