The Sciences: A Reading Book for Children, Astronomy, Physics Heat, Light, Sound, Electricity, Magnetism Chemistry, Physiography, Meteorology. E-book. Formato PDF Edward S. Holden   -  Forgotten Books, 2017  - 

The object of the present volume is to present chapters to be read in school or at home that shall materially widen the outlook of American school children in the domain of science, and of the applications of science to the arts and to daily life. It is in no sense a text-book, although the fundamental principles underlying the sciences treated are here laid down. Its main object is to help the child to understand the material world about him. All natural phenomena are orderly; they are governed by law; they are not magical. They are comprehended by some one; why not by the child himself? It is not possible to explain every detail of a locomotive to a young pupil, but it is perfectly practicable to explain its principles so that this machine, like others, becomes a mere special case of certain well-understood general laws. The general plan of the book is to waken the imagination; to convey useful knowledge; to open the doors towards wisdom. Its special aim is to stimulate observation and to excite a living and lasting interest in the world that lies about us. The sciences of astronomy, physics, chemistry, meteorology, and physiography are treated as fully and as deeply as the conditions permit and the les sons that they teach are enforced by examples taken from familiar and important things. In astronomy, for example, emphasis is laid upon phenomena that the child himself can observe, and he is instructed how to go about it. The rising and setting of the stars, the phases of the moon, the uses of the telescope, are explained in simple words. The mystery of these and other matters is not magical.

Sir William Herschel: His Life and Works. E-book. Formato PDF Edward Singleton Holden   -  Forgotten Books, 2017  - 

A life of herschel which shall be satis factory in every particular can only-be writ 'ten after a full examination of the materials which are preserved at the family seat in England but as two generations have passed since his death, and as no biography yet exists which approaches to completeness, no apol ogy seems to me to be needed for a conscientious attempt to make the best use of the scanty material which we do possess. This study will, I trust, serve to exhibit so much of his life as belongs to the whole pub lic. His private life belongs to his family, until the time is come to let the world know more of the greatest of practical astronomers and of the inner life of one of its most pro found philosophers, — of a great and ardent mind, whose achievements are and will re main the glory of England.