PREFACE. 



promise of English aid by the eession of Cyprus and the pledge of internal lie. 



forms. For these important changes, see the articles EASTERN QUESTION TURKEY, 



LAMA, SEKVIA, CYPRUS, GREECE, BULGARIA, and the map of Turkey. The 



woeful change of rulers in France and the rapid advance of its republicanism ; 



the civil struggles in Germany to withstand the growing weight of the empire ; 



the frightful internal disorders threatening Kussia ; the demise of the venerable 



Pius IX., and the peaceful inauguration of his successor, with the declaration of 



his policy, are fully described under the appropriate titles. 



A complete view of the various departments of internal commerce and the 

 commercial prosperity of the country, and the astonishing development of its 

 manufacturing industry, will be found under the title COMMERCE, INTERNAL, 

 while the vast agricultural crops of the respective States are noticed under the 



title of each. t 



The advance in astronomical and chemical science, and the inventions and 

 improvements in other branches, as the electric light, the megaphone, microphone, 

 etc., etc., are fully and carefully set forth, with numerous illustrations. 



The article on the United States Life-saving Service (see SERVICE), with 

 illustrations of every important step, is by Mr. William D. O'Connor, Assistant 

 General Superintendent of that service, and has been read and approved by the 

 General Superintendent, Mr. S. I. Kimball. 



The article on METEOROLOGY is from the pen of Professor C. Abbe, a member 

 of the Signal Service Department. 



The great engineering enterprises of the world in progress are fully de- 

 scribed, and also numerous mechanical improvements. 



The narrative of geographical discoveries in the different parts of the world 

 is very complete ; also under the title EARTH are presented summaries of the 

 large divisions of the globe according to the latest statistics. 



The record of Literature and Literary Progress in the United States and in 

 each of the countries of Europe is extensive and important. 



The results of the World's Exhibition at Paris are presented in a summary 

 but very complete manner. 



As Turkey has been for centuries the recognized leader of Mohammedanism, 

 the late Eastern war has dealt a severe blow to that religious belief. Its recent 

 history, present condition, and the progressive decay apparent, have been de- 

 scribed. 



Special articles on the great religious divisions and denominations constitute 

 probably the only religious history of the year now accessible in the English 

 language. 



In the biographical department is a full sketch of the new President of the 

 French Republic, and obituary notices of eminent persons of all countries de- 

 ceased during the year. 



Abstracts of important legal decisions in various States are herein given. 



Besides numerous illustrated articles, the volume contains steel portraits of 

 William Cullen Bryrant, Professor Joseph Henry, and Queen. Yictoria. 



All important documents, messages, orders, and letters from officials and 

 others, have been inserted entire. 



