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both as a compendium of information that can beimmediately utilised, and as a guide to selectingthe institutions which may most profitably bevisited with a view to studying the development.and application of special structural features.But the book has also a wider interest as show-

ing the general tendencies, as well as the local andnational influences, in modern asylum construction.From this point of view it is gratifying to observethat abroad, as in this country, it has become theaim of asylum architects to eliminate, as far aspossible, the prison-like character that used to bedistinctive of such institutions. Traces of theolder ideas, however, still persist, especially inthe designing of asylums for criminal and dan-gerous lunatics ; and some of the buildings ofquite recent date described in this volume-such,for instance, as the Festes Haus erected in 1913in connexion with Plagwitz Asylum-have moreresemblance to old-fashioned prisons than tomodern hospitals for the insane. Unless theproportion of desperately dangerous patients isvery much higher in German asylums than inthose of this country, it is difficult to believe thatsuch elaborate provision for security and restraintcan be either necessary or desirable. In pleasantcontrast with these survivals of the penal traditionin the treatment of insanity, we may note theadmirable lines on which the latest asylum in theRhine Provinces, that of Bedburg-Hau, near Cleves,has been planned. The description of this splendidasylum is one of the fullest and most interesting inthe book, and may be commended to the attentionof readers who desire to acquaint themselves withthe most modern ideas in asylum construction.

Lehrbtwh der Forensischen Psychiatrie. IVon Professor Dr. A. H. HuBNER, Oberarzt der Psychia-tr,ischeia und Nervenklinik in Bonn. Bonn : A. Marcusund E. Weber. 1914. Pp. 1066. Price, paper, 26 marks ;bound, 28 marks.

Professor Hiibner’s text-book of forensic psy-chiatry has naturally a restricted appeal in so faras its first half, of some 600 pages, is concernedwith the German and Austrian statutes that bearon criminal lunacy, accident compensation, the

responsibility of the mentally defective, dis-

ciplinary regulations in regard to military service,nullity of marriage, testamentary capacity, andkindred subjects. The second half of the book

supplies a series of long sketches of the varietiesof nervous and mental disease, where symptomsmay arise that may become of medico-legal im-portance. This section is amplified by the inclu-sion of a large number of illustrative cases, manyof which, especially perhaps those that exemplifyhysteria and epilepsy, are of considerable interest.We should think that a volume of such erudition

is sure to prove valuable to the neurologists andalienists in Germany and Austria, whose practicemust bring them into contact with such cases asare here described, and to whom a suitable workof reference is indispensable.

MISCELLANEOUS VOLUMES.

A NUMBER of text-books on biochemistry, organicchemistry, inorganic chemistry, physics, and chemical physio-logy have been received by us since a recent date, and thesemay be conveniently dealt with in juxtaposition.The valuable series of monographs on biochemistry,

published by Messrs. Longmans, Green, and Co., andedited by R. H. A. PLIMMER, D.Sc., and F. G. HOPKINS, i31.A., M.B., D.Sc., F.R.S., has recently been enriched by ’’

several volumes. Mr. GEORGE BARGER, M.A., D.Sc.,contributes an interesting volume on The S’int pler NaturalBases (London : Longmans, Green, and Co. 1914. Pp. 215.Price 6s. net), these being the basic substances of animalsand plants represented by the amines derived from protein,the betaines, choline and allied substances, the creatinegroup, adrenalin, and bases of unknown constitution-e.g.,spermine and vitamine. The appendix includes an accountof the practical chemical methods used in the separationof these bases. The work contains an admirable survey ofthe recent developments of this important branch of research.-Mr. WALTER JONES, Ph.D., has written a very instructivemonograph on the Nucleic Aeid8 (same publishers. Pp. 115.Price 3s. 6d. net). The appearance of this volume will bewelcomed, as the subject has not hitherto received exclusivetreatment. The chemical properties and the physiologicalaction of the nucleic acids (thymus nucleic acid and yeastnucleic acid, for example) are adequately described.-Aleoholie Fermentation, by ARTHUR HARDEN, Ph.D., D.Se.,F.R.S. (same publishers. Pp. 156. Price 4s. net), is a

new edition, issued to keep pace with the rapidprogress made in this field of inquiry. The modernviews of the process of fermentation are set forth clearly,and the subject shows most interesting developments, aboutwhich the author writes authoritatively.——76 Nature out

Enzyme Aetion, by Professor W. M. BAYLISS, D.Sc., F.R.S.(same publishers. Pp. 180. Price 5s.), has reached its thirdedition, the reissue being necessary on account of con-

tinual new discoveries in this field. The chapters onI reversibility " and on the combination" between enzymeand substrate illustrate well the trend of these dis-coveries. The sections are of extreme interest, thedevelopment of the subject leading to vital interpreta-tions of biological processes. There is no more fascinatingsubject than the behaviour of enzymes and co-bodies inregulating the great physiological processes inside andoutside the human machine.-The eighth edition of Pro-fessor W. D. HALLIBURTON’S Essentials of Chemical Physiology(same publishers. Pp. 324. Price 5s. net) has been issued,and here again the author has had to work hard in thedirection of revision in view of the great advances made inall branches of biochemistry. In this he has succeededwhilst keeping the volume within convenient limits. Avaluable feature of this new edition is the use of heavy typewhich serves to emphasise the importance of the practicalsections. It is an excellent guide to the student in the

laboratory, and possesses the advantage of presenting prac-tical details in clear terms.-Speat’l’um Analysis appliedto Biology and Medicine, by the late C. A. lVIACI2UNN (samepublishers. Pp. 112. Price 5s. net), brings together the valu-able researches of this author in the field indicated by the title.In spite of the disadvantages under which he laboured he haspresented results of considerable importance in the medicaland biological study of pigments, most of his work beingdone after a busy professional day and in an environmentremote from the help or encouragement of co-workers inscience. Vegetable, urinary, and blood pigments form thechief theme of the work, and it contains numerous

interesting disclosures in regard to the analytical power ofthe spectroscope in this region of study. The animal andvegetable pigments are well worth further attention whenthe importance and significance of their functions are con-sidered. The subject is unquestionably advanced by theissue of this volume.

The Viscosity of Liquids, by ALBERT ERNEST DUNSTAN,D.Sc., and FERDINAND BERNARD THOLE, B.Sc. (same pub-lishers. Pp. 91. Price 3s. net), is an interesting con-

tribution upon this question. If we accept, with theauthors, the view that viscosity stands out as an

eminent constituent property of the same order as

optical rotatory power and the solution absorption oflight, the measurement of this property becomes of

importance in elucidating chemical structure. The bookgives a short history of the subject and presents a workingformula and a description of the various apparatus used.-

’ Photo-electricity is the title of a monograph by H. STANLEY ALLEN, M.A., D.Sc. (same publishers. Pp. 220. Price

7s. 6d. net), which deals with,the liberation of electrons by, light, and in which evidence is given of the action of lightt which may easily assume medical significance. The action

, of light has been seriously studied of late, and though in a7General way we have known for long that light was essential

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to the well-being of the human organism, we are now gettinga closer view of its influences. Ultra-violet light, accordingto the many interesting observations recorded in this book, isthe most effective in bringing about chan ges in the stateof electrification of a body. Hertz was the first to noticethat when ultra-violet light fell upon a spark gap thedischarge took place more easily than when the gap wasnot illuminated. An ordinary flame will produce a similareffect. The liberation of electrons by light again is probablyat the loot of the phenomenon of fluorescence and phos-phorescence- The book presents the developments of thissubject in accurate and clear terms -Rays of PositiveElectricity and their Appliccction to Chemical Analyses, bySir J. J. THOMSON, O.M. (same publishers. Pp. 132. Price5s. net), contains an interesting chapter on the application ofpositive rays to chemical analysis, and one of the reasons forthe appearance of the book was the hope that its publication.might induce others, and especially chemists, to try thismethod of analysis. The author describes the method as

surprisingly sensitive, more so even than that of spectrumanalysis, while the amount of material required is infinitesimal.He is confident that many problems in chemistry couldbe solved with far greater ease by this than any other method.A gas is placed into a discharge tube and a photograph of thepositive rays is taken. From a study of the mechanism ofthe photographs it is possible to determine the different kindsof atoms and molecules in the discharge tube ; and, further,the atomic or molecular weight of the gases can also beascertained. This method has already indicated the presenceof a new element in the lighter constituents of the atmo-sphere, which Sir J. J. Thomson thinks is tri-atomic

hydrogen Hg. The book is a very interesting study of thevaluable work that is being done in the Cavendish Labora-tory under the direction of its distinguished professor.

Molecular P7cysies, by JAMES ARNOLD CROWTHER,M.A. (London: J. and A. Churchill. 1914. Pp. 167.Price 3s. 6d. net) evidences again the fruitful workdone in the region of physics at the Cavendish Labora-tory. Here again the analytical power of the positiverays is dealt with, and the illustrations are in fact reproduc- itions of Sir J. J. Thomson’s photographs, to whom theauthor expresses his acknowledgments. The book is

attractively and clearly written, and those who are desirousof acquainting themselves with the recent marvellousdevelopments in regard to our knowledge of the physics ofthe molecule, electrons, positive particles, and so forth, willread this account with unquestionable gain. -An importantbranch of the same subject is discussed in The Chemistry ofthe Radio-Elements, by FREDERICK SODDY, F.R.S. (London :Longmans, Green, and Co. 1914. Pp. 46. Price 2s net).The present issue is Part II. and is devoted to ’’ The Radio-Elements and the Periodic Law." The position is well

summed up in the following sentences : "Probably not oneof the numerous new radio-elements possesses a uniquechemical character unshared by others, and the chemistryof the 34 individuals now recognised becomes in

consequence the chemistry of a much smaller number-about ten in all-of types of elements Of thesefive were known long before radio-activity, and the otherfive have been subsequently recognised as the direct result ofthat discovery." It is further concluded that the figuresattached to the various families of the periodic table arerelative rather than absolute, and represent not so much theabsolute number of detachable electrons in the outer atomic

ring as the number which one atom will succeed in detachingfrom another, the absolute number present in the ring beingunknown. This view threatens to break down the boundaryhitherto thought to exist between energy and matter.From a medical point of view the most interesting questiondealt with in Incandeseent Lamps and their Applieation,by DANIEL H. OGLEY (same publishers. 1914. Pp. 108.Price 2s. 6d. net), is that of indirect lighting. Thebook is full of other interesting information in regardto the uses and properties of incandescent electric lamps.The author commends the inverted or indirect systemand rightly condemns any system of illumination whichmeans an offensive and painful glare to the eye. There aresome excellent reproductions of photographs illustrating thecharming effects of indirect lighting in the interior ofchurches, theatres, shop windows, workshops, and so forth.We are glad this subject is receiving considerable attention.For this movement a word of praise is due to the British

Thomson Houston Company for their excellent appliances,which secure artistic, soft, and efficient illumination.A Third Year Coecrse of Organic Chemistry, by T. P.

HILDITCH, D.Sc. Lond., F.I.C. (London : Methuen and Co.1914. Pp. 411. Price 6s.), is the sequel to First YearOrganic Chemistry," by Dr. A. E. Dunstan, and to Mr. F. B.Thole’s " Second Year Organic Chemistry," the former

dealing with the aliphatic (fatty) group of organic com-pounds, and the latter with the carbocyclic or benzene group.The present volume " completes the series by a survey ofthe heterocyclic compounds, followed by a study of certaingroups of aliphatic and carbocyclic substances which, byreason of their complexity, are omitted from detailed con-sideration by students in the earlier periods of their course."The sugars and polypeptides and the terpenes or hydro-aromatic compounds are thus included. The book deals

clearly with a complicated subject, and completes a series oftext-books on organic chemistry which are particularlyadapted for the use of students approaching the subject forthe first time.A series of useful practical chemical exercises for student

reading for the Diploma in Public Health are brought togetherin A Manual of Praetiacel Chemistry t’or Public HealthStudents, by A. W. STEWART, D.Sc. (London : John Bale,Sons, and Danielsson 1913. Pp. 76. Price 3s. 6d. net). Thesecover the experimental work connected with the analysisof air, water, foods and beverages, disinfectants, acidimetry,and alkalimetry. The paragraphs are brief, being confinedstrictly to practical analysis and examination. The testschosen are evidently those which are found to be trust-

worthy in practice and which offer no special difficultiesto the candidate.-In his Notes on Elementary lnorganiaChemistry (Cambridge University Press. 1914. Pp. 56.Price 3s. net) Mr. F. H. JEFFERY, M.A., has introduced alaboratory companion to a course of lectures on elementaryinorganic chemistry which presents the rudiments in simpleterms and in a sequence which is helpful to the youngstudent. In addition to setting forth well-known reao-

tions and tests there is a useful note on certain

examples of electrolysis. These notes possess the meritof simplicity, while they are written in conformity withmodern ideas.Amateur gardeners besides teachers and students of

horticulture should appreciate A 6’CMM6 of Practical Workin the Chemistry of the Garden, by D. R. EDwARnES-liEa,B.A., B.Sc. (London: John Murray. 1914. Pp. 40. Pricels. 6d. net). It contains four chapters on the chemistryof (1) plants, (2) soda, (3) manures and fertilisers, and

(4) sprays and washes. The experiments are describedin charmingly simple terms and each conveys a valuablelesson. The management of the garden can be efficientonly when a knowledge of the nutritive requirements of theplant is acquired, and this is supplied in this book. Thefacts about the nature of the soil and its active agents andthe r6le of manures amply justify a recommendation of thebook to the really systematic and interested gardener.

JOURNALS AND MAGAZINES.

I Aralcives or the Roentgen Ray.-We are glad to welcom-ethe first two numbers of vol. xix. of this periodical underits new publisher, William Heinemann. It is now printedthroughout on art paper, which gives additional clearness to,the diagrams and illustrations in the text. The Junenumber contains an important article on the AbsoluteMeasurement of the Biological Action of the X Rays andthe Gamma Rays, by Dr. B. Szilard. The method

adopted is that of ionisation, as being more free fromobjection than photographic, chemical, electrical, and othermethods. In the July number is a most important paperfrom Dr. J. T. Case, a Critical Study of Intestinal Stasis.This article is one that deserves serious study, andwithout doubt will give rise to no little criticism and con-troversy. Dr. Case has worked at his subject with character-istic thoroughness, and the view taken by Americansurgeons of ileal stasis and intestinal kinks differssomewhat from that entertained in this country. We woulddirect attention to the first of a series of articles on

diathermy, by Dr. E. P. Cumberbatch. This form ofelectrical application is becoming more widely used in

many London hospitals, and is attracting considerable