,j CONTENTS. 



be nearly in proportion to the number of observers. Various illustrations of these positions. 

 Geology, its multifarious objects and desiderata. Natural History, how it may bv improved, 

 and its range extended. Meteorology, imperfection of our knowledge in regard to many 

 of its objects, thunder-storms, aurora borealis, meteoric stones, &c. Astronomy, deside 

 rata in reference to, which remain to he ascertained. Illustration taken from Jupiter, 

 with four different views of this planet. Venus, mode by which the time of its rotation 

 may be determined illustrated by a figure. Comets, fixed stars. Moon, plan by which 

 our knowledge of the scenery of this globe may be extended. Discoveries which have 

 been made in the heavens by accident. Prospects presented when knowledge shall be 

 more generally diffused. Chymistry, its objects, and the means of its improvement. 

 Futility of framing hypotheses importance of observing facts general remarks and 

 reflections ..............33 



SECTION IV. 



ON THE PLEASURES CONNECTED WITH THE PURSUITS OF SCIENCE. 



Pleasures of sense and of intellect. The enjoyments of the ignorant and of the man of 

 intelligence contrasted, and particularly illustrated. Pleasure annexed to the gratification 

 of the principle of curiosity. Scientific facts illustrative of this subject. Number of effects 

 produced by a single principle in nature. Surprising resemblances in operations where 

 we should least of all have expected them. Grand and sublime objects which science 

 presents before us. Variety of novel and interesting objects it exhibits. Illustrated from 

 mechanics, hydrostatics, magnetism, optics, chymistry, &c. Instruments connected with 

 optics. Figure of the Aerial Telescope. Pleasure in tracing the steps by which dis 

 coveries have been made, and the experiments by which they are illustrated. Beneficial 

 tendency of scientific pursuits on the heart, and on social and domestic enjoyment. Mis 

 cellaneous reflections and remarks .......-. 



SECTION V. 



ON THE PRACTICAL INFLUENCE OF SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE, AND ITS TENDENCY 

 TO PROMOTE THE COMFORTS OF GENERAL SOCIETY. 



I. A knowledge of science would render mechanics, &c. more skilful in their ?espectivr 

 employments illustrated from the arts of dying, calico printing, bleaching, brewing, 

 tanning, agriculture, &c. Chymistry essentially requisite to surgeons and apothecaries. 

 Utility of practical Geometry, illustrated by a diagram. Utility of Mechanics. Of Hydro 

 statics and Hydraulics, illustrated with various figures. Hydrostatical paradox, mode of 

 conveying water, hydrostatical press, perpendicular pressure of water, and the accidents 

 it may occasion. Application of these facts to engineering and hydraulic operations. 

 Disaster occasioned by want of attention to hydrostatic principles. Practical utility of 

 Pneumatics anecdote illustrative of. Mode of curing smoky chimneys, illustrated by 

 figures. Utility of an acquaintance with Optics. Explanation of the nature of a 

 telescope, and the mode of its construction. Mode of constructing a compound 

 microscope, with illustrative figures. Burning lenses, Sir D. Brewster s Polyzonal Lens, 

 reflecting concave mirrors for light-houses, &c., with illustrative figures. Utility of 

 Electricity and Galvanism. Mode of directing lightning as a mechanical power. 

 Practical applications of Magnetism, and late discoveries in Magnetized masks, &c. 

 Practical utility of Geology. Utility of Natural History. Application of steam steam 

 navigation steam carriages. Carburetted hydrogen gas. Utility of science to day- 

 labourers, house-keepers, kitchen-maids, &c. Instance illustrative of the advantages 

 of chymical knowledge - - -.- - . - . - - - -60 



II. Scientific knowledge would pave the way for future inventions and improvements in the arts. 

 Circumstances which led to the invention and subsequent improvement of the telescope, 

 with a figure of the first telescope. Fraunhofer s telescope Guinand s experiments on 

 the composition of flint glass Description of an achromatic object-glass, with a figure, &c. 

 H : storical sketches of certain inventions steam engine mariner s compass galvanic 



