New-York tribune., 1874-11-24
NEW PUBLICATIONS.

THB PHYSIOLOGY OF MAN BY AUSTIN FLINT, jL, d. VOL
V. 8yo. pp SIT. b. Appleton Il Co.
The great physiological work OF which the
final volume presented to the public Is the frut
OF more than eleven years Of assduous study exper
ment and research. DR.. Flint has aimed to exhibit the
organs and uses Of the human body viewed In the
light of modern physiological science but while avalng
himself of the important and manifold discoveries OF
nqurers he has largely added to the knoweuee
OF the subject by his own independent ana orgihai
labOrs. He has not been dazzled by the pres'eo
OF eminent names, he has taken nothing upon trust
he has verified every reference by consulting the og
nal works. and has hesitated to declare Ills own
opinions even when they have been opposed 10 hieh
authority large part OF the present volume Is de-
voted the hysology Of the special Senses thc SUI
ject OF general sensibility having been treaed III '
study OF the system In describing the dnereh'
organs of sensation Dr. Flint often combines MS teen
meal expostions with remarks of popular interest
which claim the attention OF the general reader as "e
as the professional student. Thus In explaining the
mechanism of vision, he afrms that, contrary To the
received opinion the eye is by no means perfect
optical instrument. considered from purely phy slcai
Ioiut OF view. In the first place, 1t Is not eh'rey
achronatic although in ordinary vision the dispersion
of cOors appreciated. There Is but single point
in the retina where vision is absolutely distinct. IL
Is upon this point that images are made 10 lal
when the ego Is directed toward any object But
the refractlng apparatus Is not exactly conferred
condition essential TO our most perfect opca lhstru-
ments. II the eye wero perfect oplca lhs'ruheh''
the line Of vision would coincide with the axis OF the
cornea. But tins Is the case. The visual line deV
aes the nasal sde forming an angle with the axis oi
the cornea The field Of distinct vision Is quite re-
strctcd but II it were larger the mind would probably
become confused with the variety OF the impressions.
Yet while distinctly but few objects at once the
area OF indistiuct vision is immense This Is not the
case with artificial Instruments Much also is gained by
the use OF two eyes that DR.. Flint concludes the
organ OF vision gains rather than loses in comparison
with the most perfect Instruments The phy slcs OF
sound the subject OF very elaborate discussion en-
bracng the laws OF musical combination and the results
OF the delicate experiments OF elmholtz which have
thrown fresh light on the principles OF harmony
The volume closes with an account OF the reproductive
functions, which subject treated from rlgldy sclen
tc point OF view. In completing his arduous task, Dr.
Flint may be congratulated on the construction Of
work which In perfect accordance with the intellect
ua tendencies OF the age No onesded partisan pro-
duclOn in any branch of inquiry now give satsfac-
ton the intelligent and reflective thinkers Ihey
demand a certain universally of view without which
the most ingenious disduisitons are impertnent. The
exclusive results OF speculative theory or of practical
research are regarded exhaustive OF any question
in science. The observation of facts and the eluci-
datlon Of principles must so hand in hand TO-
gether. Especially have the conclusions or phys-
ca inquiry become OF cardinal importance to the stu
dent philosophy. The most profound metaphysicians
OF the present day distinguished for their knowledge
OF the natural sciences Positive facts, to large ex-
tent have taken the place Of vague fancies Ii We do
not 90 the full length with certain medical prac-
TONER who pronounced OF our most eminent living
thinkers to be ignorant OF the principles of psychology
because he had never witnessed the dissection
of a brain, 1t must at least be admitted that
the most acute analysts OF the mental
functions are among the most devoted students
OF human physiology. The two streams OF life
commiugle as they flow. and knowledge of one often
serves for the illustration of the other. Dr. Flint has
thus made precious contribution to universal science
as well discharged the debt due to his profession by
aiding to place its principles upon a solid foundation
The fruits of his labors though inspired by limited
specalties will enure 10 OF general truth