SOURGEONS in Her Majesty's navy are favoured beyond most men in the possession of abundant leisure and freedom from many of the common cares of life. But in spite of the frequent changes of scene which they enjoy, or endure, and their unique opportunities for pursuing scientific researches, and in spite of their early acquaintance with elementary treatises on several branches of science, it is only at rare intervals that naval surgeons appear as observers or investigators. The unusual occasionally happens, and in the work by Mr. Guppy on the Solomon Islands we have an admirable example of what may be accomplished by an energetic observer alive to his advantages. The Solomon Islands: their Geology, General Features, and Suitability for Colonization. By H. B. Guppy late Surgeon R. N. (London: Swan Sonnenschein, Lowrey, and Co., 1887.)