Antedated Books

Abstract

THE writers who have called attention to this point in NATURE will have rendered an important service to students if they obtain an amendment in the lax system often followed in this country. But it is to be hoped that the reform may be made complete. It is perfectly easy to have the exact date of issue and the number and letters of the sheets contained in the part stamped on the wrapper or cover, and then by binding these wrappers with the parts, an exact reference to the date is always at hand. This is done with praiseworthy exactness by some of the foreign societies. For instance, I receive this morning a part of the Annales de la Soc. Entomologique Belgique, the wrapper of which bears “Tome dixneuvième, fasc. i., signatures 1 à 13 et a à f. Paru le 16 Septembre, 1876,” This it will be seen leaves nothing to be desired. Even in Spain, which we flatter ourselves is so far behind us, they manage this point accurately. The Annales de la Soc, Esp, de Hist. Nat. bears on the wrapper of each cuaderno the exact day of publication. Now that attention has been called to this point, let us hope that each society will instruct its secretary or editor, to see that the exact day of publication, and a summary of its contents, be stamped on the wrapper of every part issued.