The New York herald., 1869-05-02
LITERATURE.

The PHENOMENA AND LAWS OF HEAT. BY Achille
Cazin. Translated and edited by Eiihu Rich.
New York: Charles Scrtbner x Co.
This is the third volume OF their "Ilustrated
Library OF Wonders" that we have received from
the publishers, and the same praise which we gave
to the others must be accorded 10 this. NJ Cain
writes admirably, and his book save in a few iso-
lated particulars scarcely worthy Of MENTION is well
translated and edited. There is no subject In any
wise associated with the phenomena OF heat which
s not here discussed in that simple interesting style
which has made popular the works OF most french
scientific writers. Placed IN the hands OF scholar
we readily perceive how effective an educational
agent this book and all others Of the kind VIII be-
come. But 1t Is not school book only. AS
medium OF information 1t is valuable to all persons.
Every explanation OF the laws of heat is clear and
thorough. Writing "rrom the standpoint Afforded
by recent discoveries In physics" NJ Cazln mas
given us the latest most important, and therefore
most desirable facts connected with the subject.
While reading this book there naturally arose TINS
mental inqulry:-Why Is 1t that we are compelled TO
look TO England, Germany ana France Tor works
like thIs2 II scarcely be said that our scentnc
aS ea w iIu their brothers
And yet 1t is lamentabe fact that whle science ls
indebted to the citizens oil this republic Tor some Oh
the most wonderful and important discoveries we
have given to the world but few scientific WORKS;
and OF these few how many can be found In tue
hands of the intelligent massesP Foreigners utilize
the productions or American genius. We invent;
they construct for u.s. so long as This state OF aars
continues we cannot hope to build up peculiarly
American school OF letters.
THE MALAY ARCHIPELAGO, THE LAND OF TIE
ORANG-UTAN AND THE BIRD OF PARADISE.
Narrative Of Travel, with Studies OF Man ana
Nature. BY Alfred Russell Wallace. New York {:
Harper BrOthers.
While we scarcely think that Mr.. Wallace has told
us anything particularly new we are quite prepared
to admit large amount Of pleasure in the perusal
OF this volume. To those who take pleasure In
studying natural history the information afforded
here will be heartily welcomed. Mr.. Wallace de-
hae wi a
His pages full Of life, or interest and OF nsruc-
ton. The reader nowhere tires OF his stories Even
the repeated descriptions OF various species OF but
terfes and OF beetles do not weary one. The chap
ter devoted to the Birds Of Paradise is probably the
ornthology @ it Is valuable. Taken altogether the
wonders OF the Malay archipelago could scarcely
find more competent writer than Mr.. wallace 10
describe them.
TOMMY TRY AND WHAT HE DID IN SCIENCE. BY
Charles Ottley Groom Napier tof Merchiston, f.
G. s., &C., with forty-six Illustrations New York:
d. Appleton Co.
This is very pleasant work. The author runs
over the whole field OF science with such rapidity
almost to defy criticism. Everything is written in
| light spicy, entertaining manner with here and
| there touch OF sarcasm, which comes in quite
dpfopos. The authors iormidably long name and
the cabastic letters attached thereto had impressed
with the belief that his book was terribly learned
| dry and uninterestng. It Is refreshing to know
that "F. G. S." (what do the letters mean y can
write volume OF really readable matter
| WOMAN IN PRISON. BY Caroline II. Woods. New
York: Hurd & Houghton.
We cannot imagine what Influenced Mrs. or Miss
| Woods as the case may be) to publish this book.
"Woman in Prison" Is very poorly written account
of the writer's experience matron in Massachu-
sets penitentiary, the name location OF which ls
not given. 1t purports to tell OF il-treatment and
mismanagement. but gives only the most ordinary
occurrences OF acts of petty tyranny. 1t is stupid
book from beginning to end, with neat little pun
OF the authoress from beginning to end. She IS OF
course, the good angel OF the institution. Alas
| when will the ladies' OF Massachusetts be cured OF
their passion for rushing into prlntS
| THE SYMBOLISM OF FREEMAsoNRY: Illustrating and
| Explaining It's Science and Philosophy, its Le
gends, Myths and symbols. BY Albert &. Mackey,
| NJ D. New York: Clark Il Maynard
The purpose of this work is fully indicated in the
| title. Not being Mason we cannot pass judgment
the merits Of its contents 1t Is, however, hand
somey printed and bound
| THE WORKS OF GEORGE HERBERT IN PROSE AMI
| VERSE. Edited by the Rev. Robert Ars Wllinot
| New York: ID. Appleton Co.
| The PoET1cAL WORKS JOHN DRYDEN. New York:
| ID. Appleton Co.
| Both of these volumes belong to the "Globe Ed
ton' OF the standard British and other poets being
| published by the Messrs. Appleton They are botf
| handsomely printed and bound.
| SALTWATER DICK. BY May Mannering. Boston
| Lee 4 Shepard.
| DorrY DIMPLE AT SCHOOL, BY Sophie May Boston
| Lee & Shepard.
| These books are each excellent reading for chil
dren, The first is suited for boys and girls wei
advanced in their studies, the other for children
| beginning TO read. The stories they contain are
written In easy, simple style and will be fount
| quite interesting to the little ones
| ALIcE's ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND. BY Lewis
| CARROLL with forty-two Illustration by John Ten
| MEL Boston, Lee IL Shepard. 1859.
| Messrs. Lee Il Shepard have done the little ones
real service in publishing this book. 1t is mos
amusing work for children and will be by then
| with avidlty-if we can use the word The book Il
elegantly printed illustrated and bound.