

SCIENTIFIC TRA.CTS. 



NUMBER VI. 



HEAT. 



INTRODUCTION. 



IF the indispensable utility of any branch of science, 

 constitutes a sufficient reason for its universal dissemina- 

 tion among the great mass of our people, a knowledge of 

 the nature and effects of heat, would seem to claim a pre- 

 eminence over all the various branches, which in the phi- 

 lanthropic spirit of the day, it is deemed highly necessary 

 to disseminate among our farmers, mechanics, and la- 

 borers, as essential to their comfort, happiness and suc- 

 cess in their various callings. 



Heat animates, vivifies, and adorns the animal part of 

 creation ; it brings forth, embellishes, and matures the 

 vegetable world ; it contributes in a very great degree to 

 the domestic comforts of man but few of the arts and 

 trades are carried on without the aid of this important 

 agent. It is by the agency of heat, that stone and brick 

 are prepared for the builder's hand ; the ship cannot be 

 built without its assistance ; and whether she perform her 

 distant journeys by the aid of steam or wind, both are pro- 

 duced by the same cause. In fine, there is no occupation 

 of man, in which the laws of heat may not enlighten and 

 aid him in the prosecution of his labors. 



All mankind receive heat and light from the sun, all 

 feel the genial influence of these blessings ; and yet how 

 few understand the peculiar laws by which the effects are 

 produced. The laws and effects of heat are less studied 

 than many other more difficult branches of science ; and 

 yet what wonderful effects have been produced on the 

 civilization of the human race by the elucidation and 

 application of its laws. The steam engine is a proud 

 monument of the triumph of learning and research over 



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