Abstract
THIS is a good introduction to geology, lucidly written and thoroughly up-to-date. The illustrations are simple, and are line-sketches only, but they convey their meaning. The authors rightly presume that those who read their chapters are prepared to be interested in the subject. There is no talking round about, in the hope of disguising what is going to be a lesson rather than a mere encouragement to learn. There is not much room for originality in the selection of the facts put forward; but the merit of this book lies in its accuracy and simplicity of statement. The old discussions that were at one time held to be necessary in every text-book, such as the evidence of earth-movement afforded by coral-reefs, are wisely left to larger treatises. The suggestions we have to make are merely trivial. It seems cumbrous nowadays to write the names of chemical elements and compounds with capital letters. On pp. 32 and 131 felspars and beryl are respectively described as of “very complex” composition; but, when the reader has learnt the use of chemical symbols, he will not find matters so alarming. On p. 33 “twinning” should be omitted or more exactly defined. Potash is as important in biotite as in muscovite (p. 35). It is not at all necessary for a limestone to be melted before passing into crystalline marble (p. 73). We are glad to note the recommendation of a bicycle to the young explorer in our islands. Fossils do not necessarily lie on the tracks of chars-à-bancs.
Every Boy's Book of Geology: An Introductory Guide to the Study of the Rocks, Minerals, and Fossils of the British Isles.
Dr.
Arthur E.
Trueman
W. Percival
Westell
By. Pp. 315. (London: R.T.S., n.d.) Price 6s. net.
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C., G. Every Boy's Book of Geology: An Introductory Guide to the Study of the Rocks, Minerals, and Fossils of the British Isles . Nature 106, 435 (1920). https://doi.org/10.1038/106435a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/106435a0