PREFACE 



THIS book is intended to offer a scientific explanation for 

 the many and varied experiences which pupils of high school 

 age have had and to create a desire for further knowledge of 

 scientific subjects. There is a growing desire among science 

 teachers to have a general introductory course in which the 

 fundamental principles of science and of scientific study are 

 presented in such a way that pupils will acquire the desire for 

 a systematic study of the special branches of science. There 

 are also many high schools in which only a year or so can be 

 devoted to the subject of science. In these a general course 

 giving an explanation of the pupils' experiences with sugges- 

 tions of how to acquire further information will be most val- 

 uable. In many city high schools a number of courses are 

 offered in which no science subject is required. Many of the 

 larger cities are now adding a half-year of general science to 

 these courses in which special science subjects are not required, 

 thus giving such pupils as in the commercial courses an 

 understanding of every-day phenomena and some idea of the 

 laws of health. This book is intended to meet these various 

 needs. 



After having taught various phases of science, including 

 General Science, for several years and having experimented on 

 the order of arrangement of the subject-matter and the method 

 of presentation, the author has concluded that the arrangement 

 of the material as presented in this book is most effective in 

 securing the following results: 



First. A desire to grow strong in body and mind and to 

 remain free from disease and to avoid the use of stimulants 

 and narcotics is created. Successful work on the part of many 

 boys and girls is dependent upon this desire becoming strong 



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