PEEFACE. 



In the opening number of this magazine the object of its publi- 

 cation is thus set forth by the editor : " ' The Popular Science 

 Monthly ' has been started to help on the work of sound public edu- 

 cation, by supplying instructive articles on the leading subjects of 

 scientific inquiry. It will contain papers, original and selected, on 

 a wide range of subjects, from the ablest scientific men of different 

 countries, explaining their views to non-scientific people. A maga- 

 zine is needed here, which shall be devoted to this purpose, for, 

 although much is done by the general press in scattering light arti- 

 cles and shreds of information, yet many scientific discussions of 

 merit and moment are passed by. It is, therefore, thought best to 

 bring this class of contributions together for the benefit of all who 

 are interested in the advance of ideas and the diffusion of valuable 

 knowledge. 



"The work of diffusing science is, however, as yet, but very 

 imperfectly organized, although it is clearly the next great task of 

 civilization. But the signs are promising. Schools of science are 

 springing up in all enlightened countries, and old educational estab- 

 lishments are yielding to the reformatory spirit, modifying and 

 modernizing their systems of study. There is, besides, a growing 

 sympathy, on the part of men of science of the highest character, 

 with the work of popular teaching, and an increasing readiness to co- 

 operate in undertakings that shall promote it. There is, in fact, grow- 

 ing up a valuable literature of popular science not the trash that 

 caters to public ignorance, wonder, and prejudice, but able and in- 

 structive essays and lectures from men who are authorities upon the 

 subjects which they treat. But the task of systematically dissemi- 

 nating these valuable productions is as yet but imperfectly executed, 

 and we propose to contribute what we can to it in the present publi- 

 cation." 



