Cctober 1870 THIS number of the Quarterly Journal of Science brings to a close a series which has for seven years been conducted under one management, and as the periodical now passes out of the hands of its present Editor, he craves permission to say a few words concerning his stewardship. Of the status which the Journal has acquired, it will be the most becoming to say but little. The list of publications regularly acknowledged in each number as having been received from authors and learned societies in all quarters of the civilized world, sufficiently indicates that it has found readers in every clime and nationality, whilst the best criterion of its scientific value is its list of contributors. Amongst those who have from time to time communicated to its pages the fruits of their labours or the result of their reflections are the well-known names of ANSTED, CARPENTER, CROOKES, DAUBENY, FAIRBAIRN, FRANKLAND, GEIKIE, GLADSTONE, HERSCHEL the Elder, HUGGINS, HULL, HUNT, LACAZE DUTHIERS, The LANKESTERS (father and son), MALLET, CHALMERS MORTON, NASMYTH, ODLING, PENGELLY, PHILLIPS, RAMSAY, ROLLESTON, SCOTT RUSSELL, SCLATER, ANGUS SMITH, SORBY, Balfour StewART, WILLIAM TURNER, ALFRED WALLACE, and others hardly second to those in reputation. Some of the foregoing, along with other earnest, sound, scientific writers, have from quarter to quarter chronicled the progress of scientific discovery, each in his particular branch, and only once or twice during seven years does the Editor recollect having received a remonstrance for unfair criticism. But the experience acquired during the past history of the Journal clearly points to the necessity for a change in its management. The names of CHURCHILL and LONGMAN are sufficient guarantees that all has been done that was possible to make the Journal a permanent contribution to our scientific literature. One defect, however, has been the absence of its Editor from the centre of English intelligence, and that will be henceforward removed. In the interests of science only, the present Proprietors and Editor have transferred the property and management of the Journal to a gentleman whose name has been conspicuous on its title-page from its commencement. MR. WILLIAM CROOKES, F.R.S., Editor of the 'Chemical News,' of 3, Horse-shoe Court, Ludgate Hill, will henceforward be the sole Proprietor and Editor of the QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF SCIENCE.' He is a valued friend of the present Editor, who will continue to give him his cordial and earnest support, and who now solicits for his successor the same kind consideration as he has himself received from his collaborateurs and from the readers of the Journal. THE EDITOR. CONTENTS OF No. XXV. I. LIGHT AND SOUND: an Examination of their reputed Analogy. By W. F. Barrett, F.C.S., Natural Science Master at the London International College, &c. With Coloured Plate and Woodcuts PAGE V. ON IDIOCY. By P. Martin Duncan, M.B. Lond., F.R.S., &c. Habit and Intelligence, in their connection with the Laws of Matter and Force: a Series of Scientific Essays. By from the usual Construction of Plants. By Maxwell T. Masters, M.D., F.L.S. (Ray Society) With Proceedings of Learned Societies, and Recent Scientific Literature. 2. ARCHEOLOGY (PRE-HISTORIC), and Notices of Recent Archæ- I. MEGALITHIC STRUCTURES OF THE CHANNEL ISLANDS: IV. ON "TROPHIC NERVES." By George Rolleston, M.D., V. RECENT OBSERVATIONS ON UNDERGROUND TEMPERATURE, OR THE CAUSES OF VARIATION IN DIFFERENT LOCALITIES. By Edward Hull, M.A., F.R.S., Director of the Geolo- gical Survey of Ireland. With Woodcut |