Conditions of Life in the Sea A Short Account of Quantitative Marine Biological Research

Abstract

SINCE Hensen published, in 1887, the first account of his methods for the quantitative estimation of the plankton, an ever-increasing number of workers has entered the field of marine biological research. To quote from the author in the preface:—“It is characteristic of a really great idea in science that it should stimulate further discovery by the suggestion of new lines of research and new methods of investigation.” Already many results of the greatest interest have been obtained, and the lines on which modern research is being carried out are rich in promise. The absence of any adequate summary of these researches has been a serious gap in scientific literature, for on account of the diversity and inaccessibility of a great number of the memoirs, this subject still remains a terra incognita to the great majority of readers. To meet this demand in a satisfactory manner the range of the subjects that would have to be entered into is very considerable; and Mr. Johnstone is to be congratulated on the masterful manner in which he has carried out this task in writing “Conditions of Life in the Sea.” A clear and concise account of all the more important work is given in language devoid of unnecessary technicalities, and in dealing- with the more speculative problems the author states pro and con. with an impartiality which is quite refreshing.

Conditions of Life in the Sea. A Short Account of Quantitative Marine Biological Research.

By J. Johnstone. Pp. xiv + 332. (Cambridge: University Press, 1908.) Price 9s. net.