Year: 1866




other religious commnrions, nor does be represent
the character Of the Archbishop in the spirit Of full
some adulation. HIS distaste for overstrained
effects may sometimes give the appearance OF cold
ness TO his language, but every intelligent reader
Will value the moderation, the ustness OF mind, the
truhiuness of description, and the eminent literary
ability which characterize the volume.


A TEXT BOOK OF ANATOMY. PHYSIOLOGY, AND


HYGIENE. BY JoHS c. DRAPER, NJ d. svo PIP. 300


Iiarpef Brotheu


The writer of this work has an hereditary claim
to the attention of the public on the subjects to
which its contents are devoted. Following the line
of thought which has been marked out by his dis
tinguished father, Professor John w. Draper be
presents view of the physiology Of the human
body, and the laws of health, for the most part,
adapted to popular comprehension, without aiming
at scientific profoundness and precision IN purely
technical statements. In treating the dinereh'
topics which come up for discussion, he haspor
only ayaled himself Of the researches of the most
eminent psychologists, but has illustrated them by
the resalts of his own experiments. On the ques-
tons which DIVIDE the opinions of scientific men in
regard TO the philosophy OF respiration animal





system and the functions Of nitrogenous and Do1-
nitrogenous food, the author takes sides WIN
Lebig and Professor Draper, in opposition TO Df'
Dalton and DR.. Flint and other recent inqurers,
although he does not treat them in controversial
manner. A prominent place is given to Professor
y. w. Draper's theory Of the circulation OF the
blood, which ascribes that movement to the force
of the capillary vessels and not to the action OF tho
heart-the function of that organ being TO keep the
arteries filed With blood that there may always be-
free supply Of fluid delivered to the capillaries
In general, the author gives lucid illustration OF
principles, although, in some cases, greater de-
gree Of diffuseness would be better adapted to tins
purposes of a work not intended for professional
use. We believe, however, there is no book before
the public at present, which combines such popu-
lar treatment of physiology with such accuracy {"
detail and strictncss of method.


The portion Of the volume devoted to hygiene II
full of instruction and although perhaps il presents
little novel matter to readers familiar with the
subject, it abounds with facts and statements, which
cannot be repeated too often and which are of vital
importance to the health of individuals and conf
munities. The author severely rebukes the careless
manner in which the children OF the atluent are IN
dulged in the pleasures of the table. When they
should be in the nursery partaking of pap, with Il
little meat and bread, they are gorged with such
viands as pork, lobster salad new potatoes, stale
fruit from the city stalls, cake, and pickles. The
effect is ruined constitution or premature death.
He is equally jealous in insisting on thorough ven
tiation. In spite Of all that has been written on
.l,o 4. Iu.;,
most people. The principle, however, on which is
is founded is perfectly simple, and readily applied
to any apartment. Warm air rises towards the
top of the room. where il should be permitted TO
escape through an opening for that purpose. An
other opening should be made in the lower part OF
the room for the admission OF fresh air TO take the
place OF the hot and vtiated air as itpasses out Of
the various methods Of warming houses, the wost
as regards its effects on ventilation, is the use oil
steam.pipes, which are so often employed in man
ufactories and other buildings in which steam-en.
gine is in operation. In that case the air OF the
room is never changed. II warmed over and over
again until it has been breathed so often that the
apartment is nauseated with foul odors. The best
method is by the hot-water or steam furnace, in
which the air is warmed in @ chamber filled with
pipes through which steam a hot water Is passing


The author makes several excellent suggestions
with regard 10 the observations of quarantine, and
other prophyactic measures. During the prevail
ence of cholera, he regards the use of vegetables
sold in the markets rs unsafe, and recommends
diet of bread and meat, with the addition Of mild
stimulants. In general, he is not in favor OF
any exclusive system of regimen, but advises per-
sons to consult their own tastes and constitution in
the choice of food and drink, though always within
the limits of moderation.