Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 31.djvu/583

Rh chemistry, designed to fill more perfectly the place occupied by the atomic hypothesis. The solution of one problem, namely, that of the relation of equivalent weight to specific gravity in liquids and solids, which was necessary to a complete chemical philosophy, was wanting till 1886, so that in the present volume the author first presents as a whole his new basis for chemistry. The several parts of the theory are set forth largely in quotations from the author's earlier writings. Professor Hunt agrees in the belief that such matter as forms the substances called elements on the earth exists in stars and nebulæ in a still more elementary and tenuous form. From this primary matter he deems all known substances to be formed by greater or less degrees of condensation. He regards chemical combination as an interpenetration of masses, by which "the uniting bodies come to occupy the same space at the same time," and names solution as the type of such union. What we are accustomed to call the liquid and solid states of a substance, he regards as polymers of the corresponding vapor, whose equivalent weights are as much higher as their densities are greater than that of the vapor. He deems the atomic theory unnecessary for explaining the law of definite proportions, and, from its making combination consist in juxtaposition, untenable. His views are supported by his studies in mineralogy, which have shown that the hardness of isomeric species and their indifference to chemical reagents increase with their condensation.

, the only other country on the Western Continent approaching our own in extent, and with 13,000,000 inhabitants, is to us well worth knowing. Yet there are few people in the United States to whom the information in this volume would not have the charm of novelty. The author gained his acquaintance with Brazilian affairs and customs during a residence of three years in Rio Janeiro as United States consul-general. His pages teem with facts in regard to routes of travel, houses, markets, conveyances, religion, business customs, the emperor, special localities, climate, foreign commerce, education, government, literature, agriculture, animals, slavery, immigration, and a host of other topics. The impression which the book conveys is that Brazil is not an especially desirable country for an American to emigrate to. It is difficult for a stranger to procure desirable lands for agriculture or stock-raising, and foreigners who attempt professional careers must struggle with jealousy and suspicion, besides formidable competition. The seclusion of young women seems to be still practiced with almost Oriental strictness on the plantations, as witness the following extract:

Presently the senhora reappeared, leading one very modest looking damsel of about eighteen or nineteen years of age, and closely followed by three others, apparently somewhat younger. All appeared to be overwhelmed with intense shyness, and an almost hysterical desire to laugh. After a formal and separate introduction of each one—be it noted that the lady was here introduced to the gentleman—they all retired back again into the secret chamber, and their papa once more turned the key upon them. At this time we were ignorant of the custom, which I afterward found to be so general in these out-of-the-way parts, of keeping the women, or rather the daughters of the family, locked up like wild beasts.

order to more fully corroborate the views advanced in the body of this work, the author has added in this edition an appendix, consisting of extracts from "The Popular Science Monthly" and other periodicals, letters from cattle-breeders, etc, and a chapter in answer to objections.

this book the subject is considered from the æsthetic, sanitary, religious, historical, medico-legal, and economical points of view. The author is a warm advocate of cremation, and closes with a prediction that it will make more progress in the United States than in any other country of the world. The text is illustrated with several views and plans of crematoriums, urns, etc.