The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1884-02-13

WoRLD-LIFE OR COMPARATIVE GEOLOGY By
Alexander Winchell. LID, Professor of &c
ology and Pal@ontology in the University of
Michigan. Second Edition. Svo., PIP. 642.
Chicago: S. G.. Griggs & Co. 1888.
The.fact that this work has already reached a
second edition is an evidence of its value and
popularity. Professor Winchell is one Of our
most earnest and conscientious scientists, and is
well known to our readers as the author of
Pre-Adamite Man." and several other works
which have attracted considerable attention
While we do not accept all his views, we are
compelled always to recognise his learning, his
ability, and his honest desire to get at the truth
The present work is on a most difficult and a
most interesting subject. The author aims to
place before the general reader a simple, yet
complete and connected account of the develop
ment of the world and the system of material
things around US. 81 desired" he saws "to
offer the reader portrayal of the grand system
of the universe, and leave him with a profound
impression of the omnipresence and supremacy
of One Intelligence" He aims further to in
duct the student " into the vestibule of celestial
mechanics" and to clear up the most serious
difficulties encountered by belief in the nebular
origin of our planetary system"
The chapters, in carrying out this programme,
discuss Meteors, Zodiacal Light, Comets, Satur-
man Rings, Nebule, Universal World-Stuff, etc.
Part II. treats of the Origin of the Solar System
and rebuts the objections to the Nebular Theory;
then of the General Cosmogenic Conditions of a
Cooling Planet; Of Special Planetology; of
Planetary Decay; of the Availability of other
Worlds. Part III. treats of the Fixed Stars.
Part ". OF Evolution of Cosmogenic Doctrine,
beginning with the opinions of the Greek Phil
osophers.
chapter which will interest many readers is
that on the Availability of other worlds-a cues
ton which has engaged the thoughts of many
spectators in other ages. Prof. Winchell
reaches the following conclusion: The earth,
so tar as we can reason, is in the middle of the
habitable zone of the Solar system; if our no.
tons are assumed as the criter on of habitabili
ty on either side the rigor of the physical con-
oltlons seems to proclaim our system voiceless
and lifeless desert But there are other
suns and other planetary systems, and other
worlds which possess the conditions of habita
bility. When we look on the hosts of stars,
and consider that if only one habitable planet
wanders about each sun, we understand that
the number of habitable worlds is countless"
Under the head of Special Planetology there
is very important and interesting discussion of
the date of the Glacial Epoch, to which we shall
recur hereafter. Prof. Winchell, from the OBJ
servations made on the Niagara Gorge the St.
Anthony Gorge, the Lake Michigan Bluffs,
and the Mississippi Delta reaches this conclu
SION "Theseivarious results are singularly &C
cordant, and point toward 5000 or 1000 years
as the most probable interval since the com
mencement of the food of post-glacial time"
The bearing of this on the antiquity of man
gives it its Importance, especially as it is the
opinion of an evolutionist and one of the best
biologists Of the country.