rotating frames. Natural Twin Crystals of Selenite, 5s. each. Whole-plates of Selenite and Mica combined, 12s. 6d. each. Crossed Selenite Triangles on a Mica Plate, 8s. 6d. each. NEWTON & CO., SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENT MAKERS TO THE ROYAL INSTITUTION OF GREAT BRITAIN, 3 FLEET STREET, LONDON. PROJECTING POLARISCOPES. University, £80. New Pattern, complete with square end Iceland Spar Polarizer, 2 inches OPTICAL LANTERNS AND SLIDES. Detailed Catalogues of Lanterns and Slides, and Special Apparatus for Scientific Projection, 4d. Wimhurst Influence [All Rights are Reserved. NALDER BROS. & CO., 16 RED LION STREET, CLERKENWELL, LONDON, E.C. OUR NEW CATALOGUE OF ELECTRICAL TESTING AND SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS IS NOW READY. Forwarded on Application. NALDER BROS. & Co. Machines THE SEA-LEVEL ANEROID (WHITESIDE-COOK'S PATENT). 2-inch ditto, 16-inch ditto, £4/10/ LECTURE TABLE MACHINES with MULTIPLE PLATES, from £6 10s. to £50. In the Press for Early Publication-GRIFFIN'S New CATALOGUE of ELECTRICAL, MAGNETIC, and GALVANIC APPARATUS, much Enlarged and fully Illustrated. Send Name and Address for Copy. JOHN J. GRIFFIN & SONS, L. 22 GARRICK STREET, LONDON, W.C. With this Aneroid, no sort of calculation or technical knowledge is required. It meets a long-recognized want. Every one is aware that the altitude affects the readings of the Barometer, but many people do not know exactly what correction to make. THE VICTORIA UNIVERSITY. THE EXTERNAL EXAMINERS OF THE UNIVERSITY. JAMES ADAM. M.A., Fellow and Tutor of Emmanuel College, Cambridge. Examiner in Greek. ARCHIBALD BARR, B. Sc.. Professor of Engineering in the University of Glasgow, Examiner in Engineering. MARCUS BECK, M.D., F. R.C.S., Professor of Surgery in University CLOVIS BEVENOT, M.A., Professor of French in Mason College, D. J. CUNNINGHAM, M.D., Professor of Comparative Anatomy in the Sir DYCE DUCKWORTH, M.D.(Edin.), F R.C.P., Lecturer on Clinical A. H. GREEN, M.A., F.R.S, Professor of Geology in the University of C. H. HERFORD, Litt. D., Professor of English Literature in University G. B. HOWES. F.Z. S., Assistant Professor of Biology, Royal College of Scie ice, London, Examiner in Zoology. ROBERT MAGUIRE, M.D., F.R.C.P., Lecturer on Pathology, St Mary's Hospital, London, Examiner in Pathology. GEORGE R. M MURRAY, F.L.S., Senior Assistant, Department of Natural History, British Museum. Examiner in Botany. Rev. T. L. PAPILLON, M.A., late Fellow and Tutor of New College' Oxford, Examiner in Latin. WILLIAM RAMSAY, Ph.D, F. R.S., Professor of Chemistry in University College, London, Examiner in Chemistry. CHARLES S. SHERRINGTON, M.B., Lecturer on Physiology in St. Thomas's Hospital, London, Examiner in Physiology. A. R. SIMPSON, M D., F.R.C. P., Professor of Midwifery in the University of Edinburgh, Examiner in Obstetrics and Diseases of Women. ARTHUR L. SMITH, M.A., Fellow of Balliol College, Oxford, Examiner in History. THOMAS STEVENSON, M.D., F.R.C.P., Lecturer on Chemical and Medical Jurisprudence. Guy's Hospital, London, Examiner in Forensic Medicine and Public Health. RALPH STOCKMAN, M.D.. Examiner in Materia Medica and Pharmacy and in Pharmacology and Therapeutics. (Eligible for re-election.) JAMES WARD. M.A., Sc.D., Lecturer on Philosophy in Trinity College' Cambridge, Examiner in Philosophy and Political Economy. The Examiners against whose names a dagger (†) is placed retire at the end of November. Applications are invited for the posts they now fill, which should be sent in on or before NOVEMBER 29. and may be accompanied by Testimonials (Copies only) or References, at the Candidate's discretion. The appointments will be for Three Years. Examiners who have served a full term are not eligible for re-election. TRINITY COLLEGE, OXFORD. NATURAL SCIENCE SCHOLARSHIPS AND EXHIBITIONS. A combined Examination for Natural Science Scholarships and Exhibitions will be held by the above Colleges, beginning on TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15. 1892. Three Scholarships and Two Exhibitions will be offered, the Scholarships being worth £80 a year.. The subjects for examination will be Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, but Candidates will not be expected to offer themselves in more than two of these. Particulars may be obtained by application to A. VERNON HARCOURT, Christ Church, Oxford. GLASGOW BOTANIC GARDENS. CURATORSHIP. The Town Council of Glasgow are prepared to receive Applications for the situation of CURATOR of the GLASGOW BOTANIC GARDENS. The Salary will be at the rate of £200 per Annum, with Free House in the Gardens and Coal and Gas. Applications marked "Botanic Gardens-Curatorship," stating Applicant's Age and Qualifications, and accompanied by Copies of Testimonials, must be lodged with the Subscriber on or before 10th proximo. J. D. MARWICK, Town Clerk. City Chambers, Glasgow, October 24, 1892. SCIENCE SCHOLARSHIPS. Special facilities are afforded by the extensive Laboratories of PENYWERN HOUSE MILITARY AND ENGINEERING COLLECE 2 PENYWERN ROAD, EARL'S COURT, S.W. Principal G. W. DE TUNZELMANN, B.Sc. (Lond. Univ.), M.I.E.E. UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF WALES, AGRICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. The Council are prepared to appoint an additional LECTURER in AGRICULTURE at a stipend of £200 per annum. Applications, together with Testimonials, should be sent in on or before NOVEMBER 8. to the REGISTRAR, at the College, from whom further particulars may be obtained. ASSISTANT ASTRONOMER.-The Post of ASSISTANT ASTRONOMER at the Dunsink Observatory is now VACANT. Salary, L203, with a Residence in the Observatory Grounds. Candidates for the appointment should send in their applications, with Copies of Testimonials, &c., on or before November 19, to Prof. ARTHUR A. RAMBAUT, Dunsink Observatory, Co Dublin. WANTED, Assistant Chemist to work under supervision, must be accustomed to QUICK and ACCURATE and Steel Works Analyses. State Experience, Age, and Salary required to Messrs. STEEL, PEECH, and TOZER, Limited, Ickles, near Sheffield. To Collectors and Buyers of Precious and Fancy Stones.-R. C NOCKOLD, Diamond and Oriental Stone Merchant, 12 Frith Street, S ho. W, has a very large assortment of Spec ́men Stones, cut and uncut. Inspection invited. RECENT SHELLS. HELIX FULTONI, Godwin-Ansten. Latest additions to stock. New species of Diplommatina and Opisthostoma from Borneo, including a most lovely little hell, Opisthostoma mirabile. A splendid consignment of Philippine land shells. GLASS-TOPPED BOXES, CARD TRAYS, &c. HUGH FULTON (Conchologist), 216 KING'S ROAD, LONDON, S.W. BIOLOGY. Specimens for Dissection. Finely-preserved Specimens of all the Types required for Science Courses -especially the London B. Sc. SPECIAL AT PRESENT:-Aurelia, Calcareous sponge, Holothurians Echinus, Uraster, Ascaris, Distomum, Nereis, Astacus, Apus, Lepas Haliotis, Sepia, Amphioxus, Seyllium, and fully 300 other forms for dis section. Also Chara, Vaucheria, Spirogyra, Fucus, Peziza, &c. MICROSCOPICAL SLIDES. Recent mounts include some very lovely expanded Zoophytes (Pennaria Endendrium, Obelia, Alcyonium, &c.); interesting Larval forms (eg. Lobster, Porcelain Crab, Ascidian, Squid, Goby, Comatula, &c., the rar Pelagic Worms (Syllis, &c.). Also many specially New and Beaut. Slides, such as Fruits of Selaginella and Chara, and Sections of Flowe and Fruit Buds, &c. Price Lists free on Application. J. SINEL, Biological Laboratory, JERSEY LIVING SPECIMENS FOR THE MICROSCOPE. Volvox globator, Vorticella. Hydra viridis, Stephanoceros Eichor Lophopus crystallinus, and other beautiful Specimens of Pond-Life: Amoeba, Protococcus, and other types for the Student of Biology. Speci Tube, is. Post-free. T. E. BOLTON, FARLEY ROAD, MALVERN LINK. Sale by Auction. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8. THE VALUABLE COLLECTIONS OF BRITISH AND EXOTIC LEPIDOPTERA AND COLEOPTERA, &C. MR. J. C. STEVENS will sell by Auction at his Great Rooms. 38 King Street, Covent Garden, on TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, at half-past 12 precisely, several valuable Collections of British and Exotic Lepidoptera and Coleoptera, containing many varieties. Exotic Lepidoptera in papers. received direct. British and Foreign Birds' Skins and Eggs, Animal Skins, Shells, Minerals, &c. Insect and other Cabinets. On View the Day prior. from 10 till 4. and Morning of Sale, and Catalogues had. ALBERT EDWARD JAMRACH (Late CHARLES JAMRACH), NATURALIST, 180 ST. GEORGE STREET EAST. Implements of Savage Warfare. Idols. Sacred Masks, Peruvian Pottery, Netsukis, China, Lacquer, Gongs, Shells, and other Curios. MINERALOGY. SAMUEL HENSON, 97 REGENT STREET, LONDON, W. ESTABLISHED 1840 Late 277 STRAND. Choice Mineral Specimens, Gem Stones, Carved Opals, Polished Agates, Rock Crystal Balls, Fossils, Rocks, and Rock Sections. LATEST ARRIVALS. Ruby and other Varieties of Cassiterite on Quartz, Australia, Beautiful Blue and White Calamine, Adamite, Laurium, Crystallized Brucite, Melanophlogite, Roscoelite with Gold, Apophyllite, Mexico, very Beautiful Doubly Terminated Vanadinite, Arizona, Phenacite on Quartz, Colorado. Large Crystal of Pyroxene, Pink Grossular, Ruby on Matrix, Burma, Diatomaceous Earth, Hakodati Japan. F. H. BUTLER, M.A. Oxon., Assoc. R. S. Mines. NATURAL HISTORY AGENCY, 158 BROMPTON ROAD, LONDON. Dealer in Rocks, Minerals, Fossils, and other Objects of Scientific Interest. NOW ON VIEW:-A large and varied assortment of Rock-specimens recently obtained from West Shropshire and North Wales, including numerous Diabases, variegated Volcanic Ash, Agglomerate, and Breccia, Quartzite from the Stiper Stones, Sported Schists, and Granitite; also, a Collection of exceptionally fine polished examples of Labradorite, Green Aventurine Quartz, Agate, Jasper, and other Ornamental Stones; Pyrite after Pyrrho. tite from Cornwall: Chalk Polyza from Kent; and a Consignment of Ostrich Eggs. COLLECTIONS OF MINERALS, ROCKS, OR FOSSILS, For the Use of Students, Science Teachers, Prospectors, &c., and to illustrate the leading Text-books, in Boxes, with Trays. 50 Specimens, 10s. 6d.; 100 do., 21s.; 200 do., 42s. New Price List of Minerals, Rocks, and Stratigraphical Series of Fossils Post Free. ROCK SECTIONS for the MICROSCOPE from 1s. 6d. each, Post Free CATALOGUES GRATIS. CABINETS, GLASS-CAPPED BOXES. TRAYS, HAMMERS, &c. always in Stock. THOMAS D. RUSSELL, 78 NEWGATE STREET, LONDON. E.C. JAMES R. GREGORY, MINERALOGIST AND GEOLOGIST. SPECIAL AND TYPICAL COLLECTIONS FOR STUDENTS, LECTURERS, MUSEUMS, &c.. As supplied to the Science and Art Department, South Kensington. EVERY REQUISITE FOR PRACTICAL WORK, Also, Museum Fittings, Cases, and all Materials for Display, &c.. of Specimens. OLLECTIONS OF MINERALS, FOSSILS, & ROCKS, To Illustrate all Elementary Works. SPECIAL COLLECTIONS FOR EACH WORK. NEW LISTS NOW READY, I may be had Post free on application at the Repository and Museum, 88 CHARLOTTE STREET, FITZROY SQUARE, LONDON. Edited by C. G. BARRETT, J. W. DOUGLAS, W. W. FOWLER, M. A., F.L.S. This Magazine, commenced in 1864, contains standard articles and notes on all subjects connected with Entomology, and especially on the Insects of the British Isles. Subscription-Six Shillings per Annum, post free. London: GURNEY & JACKSON (Mr. Van Voorst's Successors). N. B.-A Second Series was commenced with the Number for January 1890. THE ZOOLOGIST: A MONTHLY MAGAZINE OF NATURAL HISTORY. Taird Series. Edited by J. E. HARTING, F.L. S., F.Z.S., member of the British Ornithologists' Union; contains Original Articles by well-known naturalists in every branch of zoology; habits of animals; arrival and departure of migratory birds, occurrence of rare birds, distribution and migration of British fresh-water fish; new or rare marine fish; local aquaria; British reptiles; British land and fresh. water mollusca, with remarks on the haunts and habits of the species; and other matters of general interest to those who delight in natural history. Reports of the Linnean. Zoological, and Entomological Societies. Reviews of natural history books. Occasional translations from foreign zoological journals of important and interesting articles in various branches of zoology. There are occasional woodcuts. SIMPKIN, MARSHALL, & CO., Stationers' Hall Court. Just Published. Crown 8vo, 4s. 6d. PRACTICAL PHYSICS. An Introductory Handbook for the Physical Laboratory. In Three Parts. BY W. F. BARRETT, F.R.S.E., M.R.I.A., Professor of Experimental Physics, Royal College of Science, Ireland, &c. PART I.-Physical Processes and Measurements-The Properties of Matter. By W. F. BARRETT and W. BROWN. Just Published, Crown 8vo, 2s. 6d. net. NAKED-EYE BOTANY. With Illustrations and Floral Probleins. BY F. E. KITCHENER, M.A., Formerly Head Master of Newcastle High School, Staffordshire. KNOWLEDGE: A MAGAZINE OF SCIENCE, SIMPLY WORDED, Edited by A. COWPER RANYARD. The NOVEMBER NUMBER contains: THE DISASTER AT ST. GERVAIS. By the Rt. Hon. Sir EDWARD CATERPILLARS. By E. A. BUTLER. JOHN MICHELL, ASTRONOMER AND GEOLOGIST. By J. R. R. FRIEDLAENDER UND SOHN, NATURAL HISTORY AND NATURAL SCIENCE BOOKSELLERS, ESTABLISHED SINCE 1827. Largest Stock of the whole Literature of Natural History and the Just Published, the following Three Catalogues:- CONTENTS-Voyages round the World.-Arctic Voyages.-Antarctic BIRDS. 62 Pages, with 2200 Titles of Books and Papers. Most Complete Catalogue ever published of the Ornithological Literature, containing all important Works on the Classification, Anatomy, Biology, Embryology, Geographical Distribution of Recent and Fossil Birds. BOTANY. PART I. SYSTEMATIC BOTANY. Miscellaneous Writings. 66 Pages, with 2213 Titles. CONTENTS:-Botanical Periodicals.-Classification of Plants. -Elements of Botany.-Planta Nova.-Botanic Gardens.-Icones Selectæ Plantanum -Fossil Plants. Apply for our Catalogues (32-each one Special Department of Science), which will be sent GRATIS AND POST-FREE. ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATIONS MADE AT THE UNIVERSITY OBSERVATORY, OXFORD. JUST PUBLISHED, ROYAL 8vo, PAPER COVERS, PRICE 45. 6d. No. IV. Just Published, Medium 8vo, Cloth, Price 10s. 6d. net, Postage 6d. CASTOROLOGIA: OR THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS OF THE CANADIAN BEAVER. By HORACE T. MARTIN, F.Z.S., &c. An Exhaustive Monograph Popularly Written and Fully Illustrated. CONTENTS:-Chapter I. Mythology and Folk-lore.-Chapter II. Testimony of the Rocks.-Chapter III. Geographical Distribution of Castor F. -Chapter IV. Traditions from Europe.-Chapter V. Geographical Distribution of Castor Canadensis.-Chapter VI. Concerning American Relative Chapter VII Life History of the Canadian Beaver.-Chapter VIII. His Wonderful Engineering Accomplishments.-Chapter IX. Ethnological Cons: tions.-Chapter X. First Acquaintance with the "Pale Face."- Chapter XI. Experiments in Domestication.—Chapter XII. Anatomy, Osteology. dermy. Chapter XIII. Chemico-Medical Properties.-Chapter XIV. Importance in Trade, Commerce, and Manufacture.-Chapter XV. The Beaver Heraldry. London: EDWARD STANFORD, 26 and 27 Cockspur Street, Charing Cross, S.W. ON THE ORIGIN OF ELEMENTARY SUBSTANCES AND ON SOME NEW RELATIONS OF THEIR ATOMIC WEIGHTS. By HENRY WILDE, F.R.S. In English-French and in English-German. Quarto, Paper Covers, 45. London: KEGAN PAUL, TRENCH, TRÜBNER & CO., LTD., Charing Cross Road. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1892. THE UNIVERSITY COMMISSION. THE HE University Commission is sitting frequently and has heard witnesses representing nearly every interest and every shade of opinion which have a right to be represented before it. We have no knowledge of the effect which the evidence laid before them has produced upon the minds of the Commissioners; but we are sure that it must largely depend on the view which they have adopted as to the nature of their duties. They may regard themselves as entrusted with the task of finding the terms on which a heterogeneous crowd of colleges and mechanics' institutes may be huddled together, called a university, and allowed to confer degrees on such conditions as the rivalries of competing institutions may permit when tempered by the moderating influence of Crown nominees, county councillors, representatives of the School Board and of the learned societies, and any other assessors whom fancy may suggest. Such a solution might no doubt secure peace in the sense that, wearied out by long debate and hopeless of a satisfactory solution, those who are most nearly interested in the question might at last be compelled to make the best of a bad job. This, however, must be urged against it: That almost every teacher of eminence in London, together with a large number of those best qualified to represent the educational views of the provinces, have declared a priori that it would be unsatisfactory. The other view which the Commissioners may take is that they are charged with the responsible task of defining the ideal system which would best provide for the supply of the higher education in London. That having defined this ideal they are then to proceed to show by what means the closest approximation to it which present circumstances will allow can be made, and so to fashion the constitution of the University as to ensure in the future a closer approximation still. That this is the wider and more statesmanlike view is beyond question, and we sincerely hope that the Commission will adopt it. We may further hope that they will remember that although the new University should be able and willing to undertake all the multifarious duties which modern Universities have accepted as their own, the provision of the highest education and the doing all that in it lies for the advancement of learning must after all be the first and the highest duty of a University worthy of the name. As to the means which would best realize these ideals there cannot be a doubt. The present educational chaos must be reduced to order, the unwholesome rivalry between the London Colleges must be checked. On this point Prof. Rücker, in an address recently delivered at the Yorkshire College in Leeds, made some remarks which we cannot do better than quote in full: "The great provincial colleges are grouping themselves into greater Universities. In the north Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds have concluded a formal alliance. Negotiations are already in progress for the establishment of a similar confederation in Wales. The Midlands will no doubt follow suit. But if these afford, if in particular the north of England affords in the Victoria University, one of the happiest illustrations of the advantage of allowing free play to the tendencies which make for union no less than to those which encourage separation, we have, unfortunately, in London a striking instance of the harm which follows if the action of either the one or other is artificially restrained. "The northern colleges were indeed happy in that the tendency to union was called into play while they were still in a sufficiently early and plastic stage of their history to yield easily to its influence. In London difficulties, which seemed far more serious half a century ago than they do to most of us now, have unfortunately retarded all centralizing action, till the sentiment and traditions which accumulate round institutions that have long moved independently, have enormously increased the inertia which tends to keep them in their separate paths. "This is the more unfortunate, as if a new University of London is to be a really great teaching university, the relations between the London colleges must ultimately be closer than those which obtain between Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds. The principle of recognizing as colleges of the University institutions for the teaching and management of which the University is not responsible, has worked and is working admirably in the north of England. It does not follow that it would succeed in London. There |