Elementary Text-Book of Zoology

Abstract

PROF. CLAUSES “Elementary Text-Book of Zoology” has long been known as an excellent introduction to this branch of biology, and there was a certain charm in the way in which the introductory chapters, constituting the “General Part” of the work were written, that marked out the “Lehrbuch der Zoologie ” as something different from many of the text-books that had preceded it. Its well-merited success in parts of the Continent where German is spoken is a matter of congratulation, and Mr. Sedgwick has translated it “with a view of supplying the want which,” he tells us, “has long been felt by teachers as well as students in this country, of a good elementary text-book of zoology.” It appears to us a pity that with this local demand for a good introduction to zoology, there should be apparently no other way of supplying it than by translating the works of our illustrious neighbours. It is certainly not the way that the schools of the great Continental centres are supplied, nor do we believe that it is from any want of original power to supply the need among our own zoologists. This view of the subject apart, the English student of zoology will find this translation of Clauses “Lehrbuch” a very excellent introduction. It is true that he may now and then note that it was not written for him, that the illustrations of specific forms referred to are not always, even when they might have been, within his easy reach; that some of the contributions of his countrymen are referred to as if they had first appeared in a foreign tongue, and that many very important ones are overlooked, but these will be scarcely difficulties in his way; and if they are, on application to an intelligent teacher they will be soon got over.

Elementary Text-Book of Zoology.

General Part and Special Part, Protozoa to Insecta. By Dr. C. Claus. Translated and edited by Adam Sedgwick, M.A., Fellow and Lecturer of Trinity College, Cambridge, with the assistance of F. G. Heathcote, B.A., Trinity College, Cambridge. (London: W. Swan Sonnenschein and Co., 1884.)