PREFACE AND GUIDE. 



THIS book is an assemblage of striking and interesting scientific 

 facts, arranged so as to be of immediate use to men who require 

 ti suggestive topic, a forcible analogy, a cogent symbol, or a 

 suitable illustration. 



It may also be pleasant reading to busy lovers of Nature who 

 are glad to spare half-hours from time to time in contemplating 

 the marvels of Creation. 



Anecdotes have long been used to illustrate moral truth ; but 

 scientific facts are often preferable. Clergymen and ministers 

 are finding out that their hearers are somewhat tired of such of 

 the former as are drawn chiefly from the sentimental side of life 

 and do not rest upon reliable historical foundation. 



Scientific facts being revelations of Nature herself, are not 

 open to cavil. Nature is a parable ; and if we listen with reverent, 

 loving ears, and look with sincere, eager eyes where she invites 

 us, we receive eternal truths. Every pond, and every star, has 

 its distinctive lesson ready for the man who will learn it. 

 Professor H. Drummond in his suggestive work speaks of 

 "natural law in the spiritual world." From my point of view 

 these terms should be reversed. Spiritual law is the one and 

 only law. The universe is merely the mirror thereof. 



As regards the mechanical arrangement of the present volume, 

 it is such as should render rapid reference to every part quite 

 easy. All kindred topics are grouped throughout its pages 

 together. Besides this, there is at page 407 an alphabetical 

 index of all the general topics; and on page 416 an index of 

 natural objects, technical terms, places, things, and creatures. 



