Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 33.djvu/871

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LITERARY NOTICES.
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opens with a fully illustrated description of the necessary apparatus, many of the special forms of which are the author's own invention; this is followed by directions for preparing the reagents. Methods are then given for determining all the elements likely to be found in pig-iron, bar-iron, or steel, also for slag and oxides, several processes usually being given for each substance. Under carbon, the determination of total carbon, graphitic carbon, and combined carbon, are described. Methods for the analysis of iron ores follow, also for the analysis of limestone, clay, slags, fire-sands, coal, coke, and gases. Tables of chemical factors, percentages of P and P2O5 for each milligramme of Mg2P2O7, of tension of aqueous vapor, and for reducing volumes of gases to the normal state, are appended. The volume is copiously illustrated, and its print is large and clear.

The Aryan Race: Its Origin and its Achievements. By Charles Morris. Chicago: S. C. Griggs & Co. Pp. 347. Price, $1.50.

An exhaustive treatment of the above subject would fill many thick volumes, but the purpose of the author of the present work has been rather to give a brief outline of the history of that race from which the most cultured and powerful nations of the modern world have sprung. Mr. Morris discusses the several theories as to where was the home of the Aryans, and in what order and by what routes the different divisions of the race streamed out over Europe and Asia. He then gives a sketch of their customs and religion in their ancient home, and traces the course of their political development and of the development of the Aryan languages. The Aryan literature, and some other Aryan characteristics, also receive attention. Mr. Morris assures us that "all the statements concerning questions of fact have been drawn from trustworthy authors." The style is popular, and the author hopes "that the work may prove of interest and value to those who simply desire a general knowledge of the subject, and may in some measure serve as a guide to those more ardent students who prefer to continue the study by the consultation of higher authorities."

The Present Condition of Economic Science, and the Demand for a Radical Change in its Methods and Aims. By Edward Clark Lunt. New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons. Pp. 114. Price, 75 cents.

The author assumes, that while the doctrines of political economy have at no period shared largely in the public confidence, lack of confidence has in recent times become increasingly prevalent. The disrepute is explained by reference to the many conceptions of the science that are afloat; the disputes of economists; the "dismal" aspect which discussions have been made to assume the "bias that has been given by personal interests to the discussions; and the mistakes that have been made." The English method is criticised and objected to as being too deductive, too absolute, overfond of competition, and too reliant upon the laissez-faire, or "let-alone." The "new school" is sketched on its positive side as making the use of history a leading feature; and the value of this feature, and the extent and qualifications under which it may be safely applied, are discussed. This school has a good title to novelty in merging economics in the general science of sociology; and makes an attempt to unite ethics with political economy, which is pronounced impracticable and perversive. Finally, the new school lacks the great essential of a reason for existing, and,"as for scientific method in economics, the time seems now to have arrived when discussion is uncalled for, and when the question may safely be left to settle itself."

A Text-Book of Biology. By J. R. Ainsworth Davis. Philadelphia: P. Blakiston, Son & Co. Pp. 462. Price, $4.

The author of this work is Lecturer on Biology in the University College of Wales. The book is designed for the use both of students who are studying alone, and those who are working under guidance. It is "divided into two parts, a botanical and a zoological, each of which deals with a number of types morphologically and physiologically, then briefly draws out the points of comparison between them, and ends with an outline of classification." A bibliography, and a set of examination questions, most of which are reprinted from the London Uni-