V PREFACE. 



physical science hare been passed over, or briefly noticed ; 

 such as the theory and application of the mechanical powers, 

 the polarization of light, crystallography, &c. Those who 

 are desirous of possessing a more complete and elaborate 

 work, arranged in the form of question and answer, em- 

 bracing the whole subjects of Natural Philosophy, Organic 

 and Inorganic Chemistry, the applications of science to the 

 .Industrial Arts, Geology, *fcc., are referred to a work by the 

 'author of the present volume, entitled " Wells's Familiar 

 Science" and to u Wells's Natural Philosophy," in both of 

 which special reference is made to the application of the 

 principles of physical science to the useful arts and necessi- 

 ties of every-day life. 



In the preparation of the " Science of Common Things " 

 especial care has been taken to render the facts and prin- 

 ciples given, full, complete, and accurate, and in strict con- 

 formity with the very latest results and researches of modern 

 science. 



XEW TOEK, May, 1857. 



