APPLEGATE & CO.'S PUBLICATIONS. 



PETEESON'S FAj^ILIAK SCIEiMCE; 

 Or, the Scientific Explanation of Common Things. 



Edited by R. E. Peterson, Member of the Academy of Natural Sciences^ Phila- 

 delphia. 18mo., neatly bound in cloth. 



From the Masonic Review. 

 This is a work of rare merit. It furnishes an immense amount of valuable inform- 

 ation in relation to matters and things that are constantly presented to the mind, and 

 which are so common that they are overlooked. We have not seen a work in a long 

 time that we deem of so much value as the book before us. It should be in every 

 family, for more information can be gained from it, than from half the books afloat. 

 We most heartily commend it to the public. 



From the Odd Fellows' Literary Gazette. 



How often have we heard parents rebuke a child for asking what they term " silly 

 questions," when they were unable to answer their artless inquiries. The desire for 

 knowledge is ever leading children into asking questions, which, from their novelty, 

 are set down as foolish, when, in reality, they can be answered on scientific principles. 

 This little work is designed to explain many of these things ; it contains much useful 

 and practical scientific knowledge, in a very pojDular and entertaining form, suffi- 

 ciently plain to be understood by a child, and yet affording instruction to persons of 

 mature years. 



It is divided into parts, each part treating of a separate subject. A copious index 

 is added to the work, thus readily enabling the reader to find any particular question 

 he may wish to solve. The work is arranged in the form of questions and answers, 

 with all the important words italicized, thus adapting it either to schools or the fire- 

 side. We regard this as a very valuable work, and most cordially recommend it to 

 all as the most complete scientific explanation of common things that we have ever 

 examined. 



From the Parlor Magazine. 

 The above manual of science should be in the hands of every youth in the land — 

 for while it is scientific, it is yet so plain that any child may comprehend its simple 

 and useful lessons. It is by encouraging such popular books, that the Americans 

 have distinguished themselves in reducing to practice so many of the theories of 

 philosophy. The person who masters this little volume will be enabled to converse 

 with fluency on most scientific subjects, and thus escape the errors into which many 

 fall by knowing nothing of science and philosophy. 



From Wm. S. Clavenger, Principal of Grammar School, Philadelphia. 

 The pages of "Familiar Science" are its best recommendation. The common 

 phenomena of life are treated of in a simple and intelligible manner, which renders it 

 both pleasing and instructive. In the family circle, as a text book, it will form the 

 basis of an hour's interesting conversation, and in the hands of the pupil, it will be 

 a valuable aid in the acquisition of useful knowledge. 



From T. S. Arthur, Editor of the Home Gazette. 

 " Familiar Science, or the Scientific Explanation of Common Things," is one of 

 the most generally useful books that has lately been printed. This work, or a por- 

 tion of it, came first from the pen of the Rev. Dr. Brewer, of Trinity Hall, Cam- 

 bridge ; but, in the form it first appeared from the English press, it was not only 

 unsuited to the American pupil, but very deficient in arrangement. These defects, 

 the editor has sought to remedy. To give not only to the parent a ready means of 

 answering inquiries, but to provide a good book for schools, is the object of this 

 volume. About two thousand questions, on all subjects of general information, are 

 answered in language so plain that all may understand it. 



