The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-12-20
Tbe Rs6ieh.
thy name !

YEAR Book AGRIcULrURE FOR 1856 BY David A. Wells
A Nj. Philadelphia Chds & Peterson
This is the title of book that has just come
to hand, and is designed to occupy the same
channel in the agricultural world, that the
American Year Book of Facts, by the same
author, does in the scientific world
DR.. Wells has shown himself good caterer
for the public. His style is easy, and his taste
cultivated. The Introductory chapter, called the
Progress and Prospects Of agriculture, en-
braces well-digested mass of facts, in read
able form, that ought to be in the possession
of every one who desires not to be behind the
age in the subjects here discussed.
The work is divided into several depart
ments: l. Agricultural Mechanics, embracing
all the machinery and contrivances patented
or published during the year, worthy of note
2. agricultural Chemistry and Geology, show
ing the hidden treasures of the earth, and how
the garden and the field are made subservient
to our wants, our luxury, and our fancy. 3.
agricultural Botany, in which the author has
shown the skill of blending the beauties and
elegances of the nursery and the flower gar
est.
There are also heads of Horticulture, Agsi.
cultural Zoology, and Statistics. The work is
got up in excellent taste, and supplied with a
good sprinkling of wood cuts and colored ltho-
graphs, and well deserves a place on every par
lor table.
FAIR EXAMINATION AND CRITICISM ALL THE medical
SYSTEMS IN VOGUE. BY Alva Curtis, NJ d., Founder of
the first PhyscoAIedcal College in the World &c, &c.
Cincinnati: Printed for the Proprietor. 1855.
Another medical work. 1t is a compend of
extracts from numerous authors, on variety
of medical subjects, tending to show the uncer-
tainty there is in medical theories. The sub
jects he propounds as the topics of his discus
sion, are list. Medicine as it is in various
schools; I'd. Medicine as it should be Sd. The
contrast between them 4th. The answer to the
questions, what is science, and what is quack-
cry, or where may each be found2"
In prosecution of this object, he offers, as he
says: LIST. Proof that Allopathy and its kim
dred systems are not science; I'd. Proof that
their practice is not art Sd. Proof that their
| fundamental doctrines are false; 4th. Proof
that their particular practices are injurious
9th. The character and tendency of their prin-
| ciples; 9Th. The character and tendency of
| their remedies; 18th. What is true science I?
9Th. What is quackery?"
Without attempting to enter into the merits
of tAe discussion, there is one obvious remark
| to be made, as to the method adopted bv the
author, of quoting detached passages from vol
ures written on the subjects or kindred ones
alluded to. The quotations may be word for
word correct, and yet, taken out of their posi-
ton, may suffer from want of that which shows
an authors meaning. How far this may be the
case here, we do not pretend to say, but proba'
bly, the authors cited may think they have not
been Justly treated. The work, to us, appears
mainly valuable for the opportunity it affords
of comparing different views of different mindsI
but, whether the authors object will be reach
ed to turn the tables on those who pronounce
the Botanical practice quackery, we have no
means of Judging. 1t is amusing to note the
| manner in which DIR. Curtis has strung to-
gether his extracts, and how his own prejudices
and prepossessions peep out sometimes from
| the veil of candor he has cast over his course