Annual Record of Science and Industry for 1877

Abstract

THE high opinion which we have previously expressed concerning this excellent annual is sustained by the present volume, which, however, is smaller than its predecessors, owing to a change that has been made in its character. Hitherto the “Annual Record ” has consisted of two distinct parts, a summary of scientific progress made during the year, and a series of abstracts of the more important papers and articles in the scientific journals. This dual character it has been found impossible to sustain, owing to the rapid increase in the number of scientific papers, and also probably to the larger range taken in by the contributors: hence the abstracts have been abolished and the summary alone retained. The change is a useful one, placing more space at the disposal of the editor and embarrassing the reader less. At the same time we regret the absence of references to the papers themselves, which might be added as footnotes, or incorporated in the text; and perhaps more distinction might be drawn between the longer researches, or more valuable memoirs of the year, and mere passing scientific observations. However, it is easier to criticise than to compile a work like the one before us. Our readers will form some idea of the comprehensive nature of this “annual record” by the following summary of its table of contents:—Astronomy, together with reports of the American observatories, contributed by Mr. Holden, of the United States Naval Observatory, Washington. Physics of the globe, followed by general physics, written by Prof. Barber, who also contributes the next section on chemistry. Mineralogy by Dr. Dana, and geology by Dr. Sterry Hunt. Hydrography and geography follow, the geography of North America being specially full. Microscopy, anthropology, zoology, and botany are contributed by able men in each department. Agriculture, engineering, technology, and industrial statistics are less full, and some of the abstracts given in technology would, we think, have found a better place under the head of physics, such, for example, as the telephone, phonograph, & c.

Annual Record of Science and Industry for 1877.

Edited by Spencer F. Baird. (New York: Harper Brothers. London: Trübner. 1878.)