viii 



PREFACE 



learned men and women, as well as the most ignorant school- 

 boy or girl. 



The reason, probably, why scientific knowledge is so 

 distasteful to the general public is that it is usually pre- 

 sented, either verbally or in books, in a form so complex 

 and involved that it is not readily understood, and therefore 

 fails to interest the public mind. I think that if our boys 

 and girls can be taught to take a real live interest in the 

 Creator's handiwork, they will grow up truly and genuinely 

 reverent. 



Nearly, if not all the ideas which have led to discoveries 

 have been gained by the observation and study of the 

 marvellous works of God upon the world, and in the heavens. 



In the degree that we profited by such study, so in that 

 degree have we risen superior to the adverse forces which 

 threatened to overwhelm us. 



This world is a great book — the Book of Nature. In its 

 bosom is stored up the history of the past. Upon its 

 surface are the results of that wonderful law through which 

 God perfects His works. We term it the law of Evolution. 



It is necessary for the moral, spiritual, and physical 

 health that the individual should take up the intelligent 

 study of some mind-developing subject, apart from the 

 ordinary routine of life. The man or woman who is wholly 

 absorbed in his or her trade or profession becomes, in time, 

 incapable of taking an intelligent interest in anything else. 

 Such people become mentally dwarfed. The human 

 brain is very complex, and unless the various parts are 

 systematically exercised, they become more or less atrophied, 

 as do those muscles which are rarely, if ever, used. 



I wish it distinctly understood that this volume is a book 



