viii CONTENTS. 



BOOK TWO. 



MATTER AND ENERGY. 



CHAPTER IV. 



A CENTURY OF CHEMISTRY. 



(From Lavoisier to Mendelejeff.) 



PAOR 



Search for the Elements. — The Theory of Combustion and 

 the Conservation of Matter. — The Atomic Theory. — 

 Developments of the Atomic Theory. — Development of 

 Organic Chemistry. — The Periodic Law. — Co-operation 

 of Chemistry and Physics. — The Problem of Chemical 

 Affinity. — Circulation of Matter. — Physiological Chem- 

 istry : Fermentation.— Influence of Chemistry 70 



CHAPTER V. 



THE PROGRESS OF PHYSICS. 



Introductory.— The Newtonian Foundation.— Conserva- 

 tion of Energy. — Heat as a Mode of Motion. — Kinetic 

 Theory of Gases. — Undulatory Theory of Light. — Theory 

 of Electricity.— Theories of Matter.— Theory of the 

 Ether 131 



CHAPTER VI. 



ADVANCE OF ASTRONOMY. 



From Copernicus to Newton. — Applications of the Gravi- 

 tation Formula.— The Study of the Stars.— Extension 

 and Intensifying of Observation.— Physical and Chem- 

 ical Problems.— Spectrum Analysis.— The Evolution 

 Idea in Astronomy. — A Note on Mathematics and In- 

 struments. — An Indication of the Influence of As- 

 tronomy 179 



