Few of those who find pleasure in frequenting bookstores can have failed to come across one or more of the profusely¹ illustrated² volumes in which M. Louis Figuier has sought to render dry science entertaining to the multitude. And of those who may have casually³ turned over their pages, there are probably none, competent to form an opinion, who have not speedily perceived that these pretentious⁴ books belong to the class of pests and unmitigated nuisances in literature. Antiquated⁵ views, utter lack of comprehension of the subjects treated, and shameless unscrupulousness as to accuracy of statement, are faults but ill atoned⁶ for by sensational⁷ pictures of the “dragons of the prime that tare⁸ each other in their slime,” or of the Newton-like brow and silken curls of that primitive⁹ man in contrast with whom the said dragons have been likened to “mellow music.”

Nevertheless, the sort of scientific reputation which these discreditable performances have gained for M. Figuier among an uncritical public is such as to justify¹⁰ us in devoting a few paragraphs to a book13 which, on its own merits, is unworthy of any notice whatever. “The To-morrow of Death”— if one were to put his trust in the translator’s prefatory note — discusses a grave question upon “purely scientific methods.” We are glad to see this remark, because it shows what notions may be entertained by persons of average intelligence with reference to “scientific methods.” Those — and they are many — who

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