A CENTURY'S PROGRESS IN ASTRONOMY. BY HECTOR MACPHERSON, JUN., Member of the Société Astronomique de France; Member of the Société "Mr Macpherson has already given proofs of a wide knowledge of current astronomy and astronomers in his biographical work on the Astronomers of To-day.' The book now before us shows that he is not less fully equipped in the older history of the science. He has 'taken stock,' as it were, of the advances made during the last century, both in the astronomy of observation and the astronomy of interpretation. He knows all about the workers who have given their nights to the watching of the skies and their days to the perfecting of their calculations. And he can tell in clear and orderly style of the contributions each has made to the topography of stellar space and the solution of the physical problems it presents.......A Century's Progress' is well planned, well written, and well produced. For its size it is remarkably full; and though condensed it is always readable and often fascinating. The author is plainly a lover of his subject, but he is sane and sure of his facts; he is no undevout astronomer."" - Principal MACALISTER of Glasgow University in The Bookman. "There is no science which appeals more strongly to the lay reader than astronomy. Thus a wide audience should be found for the excellent and interesting brief history of its amazing advance during the past century which has been published by Mr Hector Macpherson, jun. His book may be safely placed in the hands of every one, young or old, who wishes to make some advance towards the comprehension of that wondrous universe in which we occupy an inconspicuous corner of a secondary system."Spectator. "We have not space here even to enumerate a tenth part of the items of astronomical progress in the last century. But we can confidently recommend any one who wishes for a painstaking survey of all the most interesting of these to procure Mr Macpherson's new work."—Athenæum. This is an amazing book-amazing not only on account of the inconceivable magnitudes it deals with, but by reason of the multitude of observers in all European countries, and in America and India, who have had a share in forwarding the science during the past century; and not least amazing are the labour and skill which have been expended in amassing and arranging the vast amount of material here brought together."British Weekly. WM. BLACKWOOD & SONS, EDINBURGH AND LONDON. Crown 8vo, 3s. 6d. net. BOOKS TO READ AND HOW TO READ BY HECTOR MACPHERSON. "Not only is it full of excellent sound sense, but it is also a convenient bird's-eye view of literature."-H. B. MARRIOTT WATSON in The Daily Mail. "A strenuous and stimulating programme of self-culture.”— WILLIAM ARCHER in The Morning Leader. "Mr Macpherson's book should receive a very hearty welcome. Men who wish to read are very often at a loss to know what to read.......As a wide, impartial, and introductory survey of English literature, it would not be easy to surpass Mr Macpherson's volume. Even well-read men will find that he has gone beyond them in various directions, and that they can receive guidance from him towards a fuller knowledge."-Professor MARCUS DODS in The British Weekly. "Such a guide as this is much needed, and it is so well done as to deserve a wide circulation."-Manchester Guardian. WILLIAM BLACKWOOD AND SONS, |