women, she proposes also the secondary object of pointing out the Connexion of the Physical Sciences.
'The progress of modern science, especially within the last five years, has been remarkable for a tendency to simplify the laws of nature, and to unite detached branches by general principles. In some cases identity has been proved where there appeared to be nothing in common, as in the electric and magnetic influences; in others, as that of light and heat, such analogies have been pointed out as to justify the expectation that they will ultimately be referred to the same agent; and in all, there exists such a bond of union, that proficiency cannot be attained in any without a knowledge of others.
'Although well aware that a far more extensive illustration of these views might have been given, the author hopes that enough has been done to show the Connexion of the Physical Sciences.'—Preface.
Although the general view which Mrs Somerville has given of the Physical Sciences well illustrates their connexion and mutual dependence, yet it does not form any part of her plan to establish the identity of particular branches of knowledge, or to trace any bond of union by which they may be mutually enchained; or to point out the means by which the cultivation of any one science may lead to the extension of another. Such a discussion, however interesting in itself, and important to the progress of science, would have led her beyond the sphere of a popular treatise, and would have frustrated the principal object which she had in view.
This interesting volume, of which we shall proceed to convey some idea to our readers, cannot fail to be perused with a high degree of interest by all who have made the physical sciences the subject of their study. Without entering into minute details of facts, or diffuse explanations of phenomena, or tedious deductions of general laws, Mrs Somerville has given a condensed and perspicuous view of the general principles and leading facts of physical science, embracing almost all the modern discoveries which have not yet found their way into our elementary works. In this rapid sketch, to which the limits of a small volume have confined her, the author evinces a profound and accurate knowledge of her subject; and the great diversity of topics which pass under her review, are treated with much discrimination and sagacity. The style is simple, energetic, and perspicuous; and when the author has occasion to refer to some of the more striking phenomena of the material world, she rises into an eloquence at once striking and impressive.
But while we regard this volume as an excellent manual for those who have entered upon the study of natural philosophy, we
