By Arthur M. Wellington, C.E. Price $2.00. New York city: Office of
the Railroad Gazette, 73 Broadway.
The author of this book is thoroughly conversant with his subject,
and his statement that the book has gradually grown from a few
notes into a volume may be accepted as an explanation of the
somewhat fragmentary character of the work. He asserts that "all
our railways are uneconomically located," and "in many cases these
errors are shockingly evident." If these statements are true, he
is right in stating that "there is something almost pitiful in
the waste of human labor enforced by such costly blundering." He
considers that other countries have made lamentable blunders in
locating their railroads, so that the suffering stockholders of
American lines may take comfort from the thought that others are
or may be as badly off.
FRUIT AND BREAD. A SCIENTIFIC DIET. By Gustav Schlickeysen. Translated
from the German by M. L. Holbrook, M.D. With an Appendix. Illustrated.
New York city: M. L. Holbrook & Co.
The author and translator of this little treatise are firm
believers in vegetarianism, and present in a highly attractive
form the main arguments which sustain them in their position. The
subject is most carefully and systematically treated, and although
the conclusions at which the author arrives are greatly at
variance with modern belief and practice, the book is nevertheless
entitled to proper and respectful consideration. Illustrations are
given of the teeth and stomachs of various animals, and these are
compared with the similar organs existing in man, so exhibiting
in a clear and satisfactory manner the perfect adaptedness of the
latter to a purely vegetable regimen, which is certainly something
more than merely accidental. Altogether the book is well worthy
of perusal by others than those more immediately interested in the
question of diet.
THEORETICAL NAVAL ARCHITECTURE: a Treatise on the Calculations
involved in Naval Design. By Samuel J. P. Thearle, F.R.S.N.A., etc.
Two Volumes; Text and Plates. New York city: G. P. Putnam's Sons.
This book is designed to meet the requirements of both those who
possess but a moderate amount of mathematical knowledge as well as
of those who are much further advanced. Numerous formulae and rules
clearly stated will enable the former to perform without much
difficulty the ordinary routine of the draughting office, while
ample opportunity is afforded the latter to trace back the
processes from which these rules have gone forth. The book is
divided into six parts. Part I. embraces the calculations relating
to the forms and dimensions of ships. II. those relating to the
weights and centers of gravity of ships. Part III. refers to the
strength of ships. IV. and V. to their propulsion by sails and by
steam engines; while Part VI. treats of the calculations relating
to steering. An excellent book of plates and tables accompanies
the text.
KEMLO'S WATCH REPAIRER'S HANDBOOK: being a complete guide to the young
beginner in taking apart, putting together, and thoroughly cleaning
the English lever and other foreign watches, and all American watches.
By F. Kemlo, Practical Watchmaker. With Illustrations. Price $1.25.
Philadelphia, Pa.: Henry Carey Baird & Co.
This work will prove of great value to all in whom the curious
mechanism of clocks and watches has excited more than a passing
interest. None but skilled followers of the art have been allowed
to contribute to its pages, so that the practical worth of the
information given can be fully relied upon. A concise history of
timekeepers is followed by a clear and exhaustive description of
the English lever watch, which in turn is followed by articles
on cleaning, putting together, and the conditions necessary to
produce a good English watch. American watches deservedly engage
considerable attention. Papers on repairing watches, cleaning and
repairing clocks, and a short description of the necessary tools
complete the book.
RECENT PROGRESS IN SANITARY SCIENCE. By A. R. Leeds. Salem, Mass.:
Printed at the Salem Press.
This is a reprint of a paper read at the Lyceum of Natural
History, October 9, 1876, by the well known Professor of Chemistry
at the Stevens Institute.
WILLIAMS' TOURIST'S MAP AND GUIDE TO COLORADO AND THE SAN JUAN MINES.
Price 50 cents each. New York city: H. T. Williams, 46 Beekman street.
Two well edited publications, deserving the attention of travelers and
emigrants.
* * * * *