The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1886-11-27
Literature.

John Burroughs contributes to The Popu-
lar Science Monthly for December, under the
title of Science and Theology, review OF
Professor Drummond's "Natural Law in the
Spiritual World" and sharp critism of the
position taking by the author. Mr.. Bur
roughs does not contest the theological sound
ness of Prof. Dummond's views, nor the val
idity of theology within its own sphere, but
denies that it is subject to scientific demon
stration. DR.. Felix l., Oswald in Geological
Superstitions' cohtroverts a number OF ira
ditional beliefs that prevail about monkeys,
parrots, serpent charming, bats, joint.snakes,
and gluttons. In Energy Of Plant-Ce'ls,'
professor T. II. Mcbride relates some incl
dents illustrating the great power of pressure
and expansion developed by growing plants.
Professor J. p. Cooke describes "The New
Reouisitons for Admission to Harvard Col
lege"-which are much broader and more
liberal than the old ones. In "How to warm
our Houses" Mr.. l.. Y. Robbins objects to
stove and furnace heating and steam heating,
and all devices for warming the air, as I'M
natural and unhealthful, and make plea for
direct radiaiion--as from freplaces-so as to
warm objects and leave the air in its natural
condition Among the other articles are
"The Higher Education Of Women" "Life in
the South Sea Islands" "The Wings Of
Birds" measuring the Earth's Surface,
&c, making a very valuable number indeed
The editorial Significance of Virgins
says great deal in very little space:-
Once more Virgins has been put to shame,
or put to what any other man would regard
as shame; what guarantee have we that he
will not, after the lapse Of few months, don
his prophetic robes again and fill the land
with the noise Of his foolish babbings?
None: the probability is that we have not
heard the last of Mr.. Virgins by great
deal. Ii will show moderation on his part
on which we have no reason TO count, If he
withdraws altogether from the notice of a
public that is abundanty willing to forget
his past blunders, on the sole condition OF
his propounding new terrors in complete
disregard of all the principles Of science.
What we see and lament to see in this
whole business is, the evidence afforded of
the very slight extent to which true scientific
knowledge has as yet permeated the public
mind. Large portions Of our population are
al the mercy of charlatans of every profession
and of every type. Some Of these prey upon
their pockets, some upon their health, some
upon their emotions. There is knowledge in
the world tnat ought to be the heritage OF
all but that really is confined to few The
masses have no means Of distinguishing be
tween the man who speaks in the name OF
acquired and organized science and the man
who uses n scientific Technology, that he
himself only half understands, for the pur-
pose of getting himself talked about.
1t seems trite to say that what is wanted
is the more general diffusion of sound scen-
tifc knowledge; and yet, with the vast agen-
cies that are now being employed in popular
elucation it should not be impossible, one
would think, to do something to guard the
community at large against ridiculous and
hurtful decisions such as those which "Pro'
fessor" Virgins, with the aid Of the press
has been instrumental in creating. We dc
not see why, in our public schools, some eff
fective instruction might not be given in tn,
spirit and methods of science.
1t is hard to know where to begin in dis
cussng the beauties Of the Christmas mum
Der Of Jumpers Magazine. 1t is like the
long stuffed stockings of our childhood
which used to be full of all sorts Of unimag
Unable good things. There is an atmospher,
about this whole number that breathes tn,
fragrance of bounteous Christmas; like O
house that is filled with sweet-smelling hem
locks and greens hung about its walls
There is, in the first place, "The BoyhoOd o.
Christ" short sketch by Gen. Lew Wal
lace, adorned with some exquisite sketches
and then we have q most charming shor
story, polly: A Christmas Recollection,
by that very charming writer Thomas Mel
son Page. MIR. Howelrs new farce, "a
Mouse Trap" is none the less delightful fol
not being Christmas story, and no matter
what the season might be in which Mr.. Alb
bey's illustrations Of "Sally in Our Alley
appeared they would be source Of delight
Ali the regular serials have been omitted
from this number to make room for 81,
short stories, among which we notice on
from new writer, Harriet Lewis Bradley
Sarah Orne Jewett and d. l.. Parjeon writ
two of the others, ard Mr.. X. II. stoddar,
contributes q long poem, "The Legend o
Frey Bernardo with ILLUSTRATION frOr