Geology for Students. Part I. By A. H. Green, M.A.,
F.G.S. (Daldy, Isbister, and Co,)—Geology may truly be called the mustard-seed of the sciences. No one could have predicted that the labours of Hutton and Smith would have laid the foundation of so extensive a branch of knowledge, nor Can any text-book give an adequate account of its
varied branches. It is necessary, however, to learn the rudiments of the science and the nomenclature it adopts, and we know of no book more fitted for the purpose than this of the Professor of the Yorkshire College of Science. Commencing with mineralogy, he lays down the geometrical forms of the crystals and enumerates and describes the principal kinds of rocks, giving their chemical composition. The sub. aerial forces which are the agents of geological change are next treated of, and then comes what may be termed geology proper, the classifica- tion of derivative rooks, and the mode of determining the physics.) condition of the earth at different epochs of its history, and how the rocks came into their present position. The closing chapter is an ex- ceedingly interesting one, on theoretical and speculative matters. Although intended in the main as a text-book for colleges and schools, it will be found an interesting manual for those who wish to make acquaintance with this fascinating subject. —We have also to notice The Geology of England and Wales, by Horace B. Woodward, P.O. S. (Longmans and Co.)—Field-geology is as essential to the student as laboratory practice to the chemist. After a little prelimimiry practice, be will soon obtain sufficient acquaintance with the more easily observed features to take a groat interest in the geological features of the dis- trict in which he resides, and make his holiday excursions afford him additional pleasure in the pursuit of practical knowledge of the geology of his own country. Tho work of Mr. Woodward will prove of great service to such students. Ho has given the geographies./ distributions of the systems, with lists of the principal fossils found in them, and the local objects of geological interest. So far as we have examined it, the work has been prepared with great care and from the best authorities, and several of the illustrations are from the author's own sketch-book.
Previous page
