PREFACE. xi 



absurdity ! You seek at a distance that which lies close 

 to your hands, as if the Everyday Objects above, beneath, 

 and around, were unworthy of the science you profess. 



But here we must pause. Upon the principles thus laid 

 down by M. Hoefer, have been founded the two unpretend- 

 ing companion volumes, of which the second is now submitted 

 to the lenient judgment of the public. 



W. H. DAVENPORT ADAMS. 



