The morning call., 1894-08-05
RECENT PUBLICATIONS

MATTER, ETHER AND MoTIoN.-This is
new edition, corrected and enlarged, OF
a work that has already brought reputa-
tion to its author. Professor A. E. Dol
bear. lin it will be found complete resume
of mechanical principles worked out
through all the departments of physics in
such a clear ana definite fashion as TO
bring Teoondits and complicated subject
within the grasp Of the average reader.
Principles are deduced, illustrated and ap-
piled with the felicity and facility that
mark ths master. and no modern book
will give the reader such clear views and
''up-to- date" knowledge of the general no.
tions and theories upon which modern
physics are based. The four factors of all
Dhenomena-matteT, ether. motion and
energy - are carefully investigated and
explained, and their action studied
in regard to heat. electricity, light,
chemistry. acoustics and life in gem
eral. The external space within
ed under the title of Physical FL eds"
and the exposition of mechanism and
machines is a real advance on the old
method of dealing with the mechanical
powers. The ultimate properties of matter
considered as modes Of motion marks the
marvellous progress of science, while the
TWO last chapters supply the reader with
the fundamental postulates of physics and
their application TO physical and psychical
phenomena. In this part of the book
many of the so-called spiritualistic won
ders are discussed, and while not denying
that such phenomena occur the author
clearly shows how on account of physical
energy being involved that they must be
ameuable to physical law.
,.,4 - -.
the particular subjects discussed in the
separate chapters. it will be sufficient to
say that the reader will find in brief COM
pass everything that is known on each
particular subject. Professor Dolbear
gives a new definition of matter, what
ever possesses the quality Of graVitatiVe
action" and the definition seems to be in
perfect accord with the present status of
scientific knowledge. His method Of
dealing with atoms, molecules, and the
diVlsiblllty and indestructibility.0 matter
is remarkably clear. nor does he hesitate
20 oppose the conclusion of Herbert
Spencer 10 his First Principles" that sit
is impossible to conceive the existence of
real atoms, bodies that cannot be divided"
The proofs showing the existence of ether
are skIlliully handled, and in dealing with
the origin OF matter the explanation
suggested by Sir William Thompson of
the vortex ring theory while not convinc-
ing, is very ingenious. seemingly probable
and certainly worthy of study. The
chapters devoted TO the phenomena of
heat. light, ETC., their origin and effects on
other bodies are evidences Of how much
information can by a masters hand be
compressed in small space so as to be clear
tosan untechnieal reader. Matter, Ether
and Motion" will undoubtedly meet a
warm welcome from the growing class of
students interested in the advance of
science. TBostop: Lee 81 Shepard. For
sale by the Bancroft Company.
Up AND Down THE NILE.-What boy
or girl is there who having read one OF
more of Oliver Optics works does not,
like Oliver Twist. cry for moreP TIE de.
sire for this kind of literary food is sup.
nlied by up and Down the Nile, OF Y Youne
Adventures in Africa" from the pen Of
this worId-famed writer. This is the third
volume of the second series OF the "All
Oyer-the- World Library" in which The
voyage Of "1he Guardian Mother" is tenn