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THE EXPRESSION OF THE EMOTIONS in Man and Animals. By Charles Darwin, M.A., F.R.S., etc. With photographic and other Illustrations. 12mo, cloth; pp. 367. Price, $ 2.00. New York: D. Appleton & Co.

The distinguished advocate of the doctrine of evolution appears before the world in this new volume in a character quite distinct from that which his previous writings have given him. Here he appears as the close observer and critic of the movements and gestures of animals in their presumed relation to mental states, and also as the analyst of expression in man. In the outset, he acknowledges much indebtedness to Sir Charles Bell, the celebrated author of "The Anatomy and Philosophy of Expression," * and also mentions other writers who have given more or less attention to the subject in their published works. Mr. Darwin has succeeded in making a very interest ing book, especially by weaving into the texture of his discussions numerous sketches and anecdotes of the traits and habits of animals, particularly those domesticated, and furnishing also many engraved illustrations. He has classified the expressions of animals under three heads: First, the principle of serviceable associated habits; second, of antithesis; third, of actions due to the constitution of the nervous system. The first class is illustrated by the well-known force of habit. The second by the fact that certain states of the mind lead to certain movements of a definite and understood character; but when a directly opposite state of mind is induced, there is a tendency to the performance of movements of a directly opposite character. The third class or principle is illustrated, among other things, by the loss of hair or color, which Mr. Darwin states is sometimes the consequence of extreme terror or grief.

A considerable part of the book is taken up by a discussion of the nature of Blushing, which the author finds only prevalent in man, and affirms to be a peculiarity chiefly inheritable. What application Mr. Darwin makes of his de ductions from the expressions of man and animals, with reference to his theory of their co-descent from a common stock, we regard as more ingenious than convincing, and we commend his modesty in not often obtruding his views in that respect upon his reader. While his volume, on account of the multiplicity of its data, is highly entertaining, we do not see that in the chapters more especially devoted to human expression, he has improved much on Sir Charles Bell; rather, he appears to lack that delicate and æsthetic refinement of criticism which so distinguished the baronet, and we certainly regard the illustrations of the latter as more effective in their portrayals of passion and emotion.

*Published at this office.