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PREFACE
THE necessity to write a few lines by way of Preface to the present volume reminds us that Science-Gossip has been in existence for eighteen years. That period includes, perhaps, the most important epoch in the history of Natural Science. The doctrines of Evolution and Natural Selection have practically arisen, so as to influence scientific research in every direction, within the space of time our journal has been in existence. Zoology, Botany, Geology, and Microscopy especially have assumed new aspects, or started on fresh lines of inquiry. And, notwithstanding the immense number of new subjects which have sprung up, it cannot be denied that all tend to unify our knowledge of Nature, rather than to perplex us.
We flatter ourselves that the volumes of Science-Gossip which have appeared during this historical period will be found well to the front in recording new discoveries, in popularising them, as well as partaking in the active scientific world of the time.
The contents of the present volume will be found of equal value to any of its predecessors, If challenged, we should point to the series of articles on "Fossil Botany," "The Schizomycetes" (or Bacteria, &c.), the "Freshwater Mites," "Microscopical Drawing," the "Natural History of Jersey," and many others too numerous to mention, as illustrations of original research, as well as of popular expositions of important scientific matters.
New confrères are springing up around us, all animated by an excellent spirit, and their call into existence is an indication of the active spirit of inquiry abroad, as well as of its extension.
