First Impressions

This week's competition, in which you have to identify a book from its opening sentence, is from a meditation on death by a physician:

"In the deep discovery of the Subterranean world, a shallow part would satisfie some enquirers; who, if two or three yards were open about the surface, would not care to rake the bowels of Potosi and regions towards the Centre."

* Entries, including postal address, should be sent to First Impressions, The Times Higher, Admiral House, 66-68 East Smithfield, London E1W 1BX, faxed to 020 7782 3300 or emailed to theschat@thes.co.uk

The winner receives a £25 book voucher. The closing date is November 21.

The winner of last week's competition, who identified Charles Lyell's Principles of Geology , (first volume, 1830), is Charles Withers, professor of historical geography at the Institute of Geography, Edinburgh University THES (TSL Education Ltd) and its associated companies may from time to time wish to process, or disclose your data to approved third-party companies, in order to monitor our service and send you future promotions. If you do not wish us to do this, please notify us by writing 'No promotions' on your entry.