Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 59.djvu/608

598 writer. He was perhaps too fertile in ideas to have the lucidity that makes the good writer. Many of his sentences struggle through ponderous verbiage only to die in the folds of an ambiguous anacoluthon. But a picturesque phrase sparkles out here and there, as when in reference to some modern geological theories, he says, 'still the student of science is groping here, like a child after the silvery disc of the moon.' A sentence that an unkind critic might apply to some of the philosopher's own speculations.

Further illustrations of Nordenskiöld's many-sided character might be drawn from aspects of his life here scarcely referred to. Enough has been said to render intelligible the hero-worship of the Swedish people. Is the world too old for a Nordenskiöld myth to be possible? I doubt one is even now in the making among the remote homesteads in Scandinavian forests.

F. A. B.

the genial physiologist of the University of Turin, has written a pleasant and plausible little book about America, which has been praised in various places. He duly pats us on the back and tells of our strong and weak points. 'Hurry up' is our national motto, and we are a rampant plutocracy. We make inventions, but democracy is hostile to pure science. Our neurasthenic tendencies are duly described as also our 'spoils system.' Religious sentiment is growing, and we are turning towards the Roman Catholic Church. Our universities are not progressing, owing to sectarian control. All this will be found in the book; but perhaps it is scarcely fair to quote it, as there is much there besides. Now how does Professor Mosso know us so well? He spent a month or two here on the occasion of the decennial of Clark University, and though he can not understand an English sentence, he saw us from the windows of the railway train. The writer of the present note had the pleasure of meeting Professor Mosso when he was here. He threw his arms about him in a warm embrace. Then he produced a slip from his pocket and proved by documentary evidence that there were two Americans whom he should kiss on both cheeks and about a dozen whom he should cordially embrace. Professor Mosso said later that he wished to write a book about American universities. It was explained to him that midsummer was an unfortunate time, the only university carrying on its sessions being Chicago. He asked: "Where is Chicago? Is there a university there?" The position of Chicago on Lake Michigan was described. He then said: "Can I see the University of Chicago to-day and be back in Worcester this evening?" These little anecdotes are told in the most kindly spirit by one who really admires Professor Mosso. But I must protest against his argument that there is no fundamental difference between an American and an Italian. K.