NATURAL SCIENCE.
Elements of Physics.
A Text-book for High Schools and Academies. By Alfred P. Gage, A.M., Instructor in Physics in the English High School, Boston. 12mo. 424 pages. Mailing Price, $1.25; Introduction, $1.12; Allowance for old book, 35 cents.
This treatise is based upon the doctrine of the conservation of energy, which is made prominent throughout the work. But the leading feature of the book—one that distinguishes it from all others—is, that it is strictly experiment-teaching in its method; i.e., it leads the pupil to “read nature in the language of experiment.” So far as practicable, the following plan is adopted: The pupil is expected to accept as fact only that which he has seen or learned by personal investigation. He himself performs the larger portion of the experiments with simple and inexpensive apparatus, such as, in a majority of cases, is in his power to construct with the aid of directions given in the book. The experiments given are rather of the nature of questions than of illustrations, and precede the statements of principles and laws. Definitions and laws are not given until the pupil has acquired a knowledge of his subject sufficient to enable him to construct them for himself. The aim of the book is to lead the pupil to observe and to think.
C. F. Emerson, Prof. of Physics, Dartmouth College: It takes up the subject on the right plan, and presents it in a clear, yet scientific, way.
Wm. Noetling, Prof. of Rhetoric, Theory and Practice of Teaching, State Normal School, Bloomsburg, Pa.: Every page of the book shows that the author is a real teacher and that he knows how to make pupils think. I know of no other work on the subject of which this treats that I can so unreservedly recommend to all wide-awake teachers as this.
B. F. Wright, Supt. of Public Schools, St. Paul, Minn.: I like it better than any text-book on physics I have seen.
O. H. Roberts, Prin. of High School, San Jose, Cal.: Gage’s Physics is giving great satisfaction.
Introduction to Physical Science.
By A. P. Gage, Instructor in Physics in the English High School, Boston, Mass., and Author of Elements of Physics, etc. 12mo. Cloth. viii + 353 pages. With a chart of colors and spectra. Mailing Price, $1.10; for introduction, $1.00; allowance for an old book in exchange, 30 cents.
The great and constantly increasing popularity of Gage’s Elements of Physics has created a demand for an equally good but easier book, on the same plan, suitable for schools that can give but a limited time to the study. The Introduction to Physical Science has been prepared to supply this demand.
Accuracy is the prime requisite in scientific text-books. A false statement is not less false because it is plausible, nor an inconclusive experiment more satisfactory because it is diverting. In books of entertainment, such things may be permissible; but in a text-book, the first essentials are correctness and accuracy. It is believed that the Introduction will stand the closest expert scrutiny. Especial care has been taken to restrict the use of scientific terms, such as force, energy, power, etc., to their proper significations. Terms like sound, light, color, etc., which have commonly been applied to both the effect and the agent producing the effect have been rescued from this ambiguity.
Recent Advances in physics have been faithfully recorded, and the relative practical importance of the various topics has been taken into account. Among the new features are a full treatment of electric lighting, and descriptions of storage batteries, methods of transmitting electric energy, simple and easy methods of making electrical measurements with inexpensive apparatus, the compound steam-engine, etc. Static electricity, which is now generally regarded as of comparatively little importance, is treated briefly; while dynamic electricity, the most potent and promising physical element of our modern civilization, is placed in the clearest light of our present knowledge.
In Interest and Availability the Introduction will, it is believed, be found no less satisfactory. The wide use of the Elements under the most varied conditions, and, in particular, the author’s own experience in teaching it, have shown how to improve where improvement was possible. The style will be found suited to the grades that will use the book. The experiments are varied, interesting, clear, and of practical significance, as well as simple in manipulation and ample in number. Certain subjects that are justly considered difficult and obscure have been omitted; as, for instance, certain laws relating to the pressure of gases and the polarization of light. The Introduction is even more fully illustrated than the Elements.
In General. The Introduction, like the Elements, has this distinct and distinctive aim,—to elucidate science, instead of “popularizing” it; to make it liked for its own sake, rather than for its gilding and coating; and, while teaching the facts, to impart the spirit of science,—that is to say, the spirit of our civilization and progress.
George E. Gay, Prin. of High School, Malden, Mass.: With the matter, both the topics and their presentation, I am better pleased than with any other Physics I have seen.
R. H. Perkins, Supt. of Schools, Chicopee, Mass.: I have no doubt we can adopt it as early as next month, and use the same to great advantage in our schools. (Feb. 6, 1888.)
Mary E. Hill, Teacher of Physics, Northfield Seminary, Mass.: I like the truly scientific method and the clearness with which the subject is presented. It seems to me admirably adapted to the grade of work for which it is designed. (Mar. 5, ’88.)
John Pickard, Prin. of Portsmouth High School, N.H.: I like it exceedingly. It is clear, straightforward, practical, and not too heavy.
Ezra Brainerd, Pres. and Prof. of Physics, Middlebury College, Vt.: I have looked it over carefully, and regard it as a much better book for high schools than the former work. (Feb. 6, 1888.)
James A. De Boer, Prin. of High School, Montpelier, Vt.: I have not only examined, but studied it, and consider it superior as a text-book to any other I have seen. (Feb. 10, ’88.)
E. B. Rosa, Teacher of Physics, English and Classical School, Providence, R.I.: I think it the best thing in that grade published, and intend to use it another year. (Feb. 23, ’88.)
G. H. Patterson, Prin. and Prof. of Physics, Berkeley Sch., Providence, R.I.: A very practical book by a practical teacher. (Feb. 2, 1888.)
George E. Beers, Prin. of Evening High School, Bridgeport, Conn.: The more I see of Professor Gage’s books, the better I like them. They are popular, and at the same time scientific, plain and simple, full and complete. (Feb. 18, 1888.)
Arthur B. Chaffee, Prof. in Franklin College, Ind.: I am very much pleased with the new book. It will suit the average class better than the old edition.
W. D. Kerlin, Supt. of Public Schools, New Castle, Ind.: I find that it is the best adapted to the work which we wish to do in our high school of any book brought to my notice.
C. A. Bryant, Supt. of Schools, Paris, Tex.: It is just the book for high schools. I shall use it next year.
Introduction to Chemical Science.
By R. P. Williams, Instructor in Chemistry in the English High School, Boston. 12mo. Cloth. 216 pages. Mailing Price, 90 cents; for introduction, 80 cents; Allowance for old book in exchange, 25 cents.
In a word, this is a working chemistry—brief but adequate. Attention is invited to a few special features:—
1. This book is characterized by directness of treatment, by the selection, so far as possible, of the most interesting and practical matter, and by the omission of what is unessential.
2. Great care has been exercised to combine clearness with accuracy of statement, both of theories and of facts, and to make the explanations both lucid and concise.
3. The three great classes of chemical compounds—acids, bases, and salts—are given more than usual prominence, and the arrangement and treatment of the subject-matter relating to them is believed to be a feature of special merit.
4. The most important experiments and those best illustrating the subjects to which they relate, have been selected; but the modes of experimentation are so simple that most of them can be performed by the average pupil without assistance from the teacher.
5. The necessary apparatus and chemicals are less expensive than those required for any other text-book equally comprehensive.
6. The special inductive feature of the work consists in calling attention, by query and suggestion, to the most important phenomena and inferences. This plan is consistently adhered to.
7. Though the method is an advanced one, it has been so simplified that pupils experience no difficulty, but rather an added interest, in following it; the author himself has successfully employed it in classes so large that the simplest and most practical plan has been a necessity.
8. The book is thought to be comprehensive enough for high schools and academies, and for a preparatory course in colleges and professional schools.
9. Those teachers in particular who have little time to prepare experiments for pupils, or whose experience in the laboratory has been limited, will find the simplicity of treatment and of experimentation well worth their careful consideration.
Those who try the book find its merits have not been overstated.
A. B. Aubert, Prof. of Chemistry, Maine State College, Orono, Me.: All the salient points are well explained, the theories are treated of with great simplicity; it seems as if every student might thoroughly understand the science of chemistry when taught from such a work.
H. T. Fuller, Pres. of Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, Mass.: It is clear, concise, and suggests the most important and most significant experiments for illustration of general principles.
Alfred S. Roe, Prin. of High School, Worcester, Mass.: I am very much pleased with it. I think it the most practical book for actual work that I have seen.
Frank M. Gilley, Science Teacher, High School, Chelsea, Mass.: I have examined the proof-sheets in connection with my class work, and after comparison with a large number of text-books, feel convinced that it is superior to any yet published.
G. S. Fellows, Teacher of Chemistry, High School, Washington, D.C.: The author’s method seems to us the ideal one. Not only are the theoretical parts rendered clear by experiments performed by the student himself, but there is a happy blending of theoretical and applied chemistry as commendable as it is unusual.
J. I. D. Hines, Prof. of Chemistry, Cumberland University, Lebanon, Tenn.: I am very much pleased with it, and think it will give the student an admirable introduction to the science of chemistry.
Horace Phillips, Prin. of High School, Elkhart, Ind.: My class has now used it three months. It proves the most satisfactory text-book in this branch that I have ever used. The cost of apparatus and material is very small.
O. S. Wescott, Prin. North Division H. Sch., Chicago: My chemistry professor says it is the most satisfactory thing he has seen, and hopes we may be able to have it in future.
Laboratory Manual of General Chemistry.
By R. P. Williams, Instructor in Chemistry, English High School, Boston, and author of Introduction to Chemical Science. 12mo. Boards. xvi + 200 pages. Mailing Price, 30 cents; for Introduction, 25 cents.
This Manual, prepared especially to accompany the author’s Introduction to Chemical Science, but suitable for use with any text-book of chemistry, gives directions for performing one hundred of the more important experiments in general chemistry and metal analysis, with blanks and a model for the same, lists of apparatus and chemicals, etc.
The Manual is commended as well-designed, simple, convenient, and cheap,—a practical book that classes in chemistry need.
W. M. Stine, Prof. of Chemistry, Ohio University, Athens, O.: It is a work that has my heartiest endorsement. I consider it thoroughly pedagogical in its principles, and its use must certainly give the student the greatest benefit from his chemical drill. (Dec. 30, 1888.)
Young’s General Astronomy.
A Text-book for colleges and technical schools. By Charles A. Young, Ph.D., LL.D., Professor of Astronomy in the College of New Jersey, and author of The Sun, etc. 8vo. viii + 551 pages. Half-morocco. Illustrated with over 250 cuts and diagrams, and supplemented with the necessary tables. Introduction Price, $2.25. Allowance for an old book in exchange, 40 cents.
The object of the author has been twofold. First and chiefly, to make a book adapted for use in the college class-room; and, secondly, to make one valuable as a permanent storehouse and directory of information for the student’s use after he has finished his prescribed course.
The method of treatment corresponds with the object of the book. Truth, accuracy, and order have been aimed at first, with clearness and freedom from ambiguity.
In amount, the work has been adjusted as closely as possible to the prevailing courses of study in our colleges. The fine print may be omitted from the regular lessons and used as collateral reading. It is important to anything like a complete view of the subject, but not essential to a course. Some entire chapters can be omitted, if necessary.
New topics, as indicated above, have received a full share of attention, and while the book makes no claims to novelty, the name of the author is a guarantee of much originality both of matter and manner.
The book will be found especially well adapted for high school and academy teachers who desire a work for reference in supplementing their brief courses. The illustrations are mostly new, and prepared expressly for this work. The tables in the appendix are from the latest and most trustworthy sources. A very full and carefully prepared index will be found at the end.
The eminence of Professor Young as an original investigator in astronomy, a lecturer and writer on the subject, and an instructor of college classes, and his scrupulous care in preparing this volume, led the publishers to present the work with the highest confidence; and this confidence has been fully justified by the event. More than one hundred colleges adopted the work within a year from its publication.
Young’s Elements of Astronomy.
A Text-Book for use in High Schools and Academies. With a Uranography. By Charles A. Young, Ph.D., LL.D., Professor of Astronomy in the College of New Jersey (Princeton), and author of A General Astronomy, The Sun, etc. 12mo. Half leather. x + 472 pages, and four star maps. Mailing Price, $1.55; for Introduction, $1.40; allowance for old book in exchange, 30 cents.
Uranography.
From Young’s Elements of Astronomy. 12mo. Flexible covers. 42 pages, besides four star maps. By mail, 35 cents; for Introduction, 30 cents.
This volume is a new work, and not a mere abridgment of the author’s General Astronomy. Much of the material of the larger book has naturally been incorporated in this, and many of its illustrations are used; but everything has been worked over, with reference to the high school course.
Special attention has been paid to making all statements correct and accurate as far as they go. Many of them are necessarily incomplete, on account of the elementary character of the work; but it is hoped that this incompleteness has never been allowed to become untruth, and that the pupil will not afterwards have to unlearn anything the book has taught him.
In the text no mathematics higher than elementary algebra and geometry is introduced; in the foot-notes and in the Appendix an occasional trigonometric formula appears, for the benefit of the very considerable number of high school students who understand such expressions. This fact should be particularly noted, for it is a special aim of the book to teach astronomy scientifically without requiring more knowledge and skill in mathematics than can be expected of high school pupils.
Many things of real, but secondary, importance have been treated of in fine print; and others which, while they certainly ought to be found within the covers of a high school text-book of astronomy, are not essential to the course, are relegated to the Appendix.
A brief Uranography is also presented, covering the constellations visible in the United States, with maps on a scale sufficient for the easy identification of all the principal stars. It includes also a list of such telescopic objects in each constellation as are easily found and lie within the power of a small telescope.
Plant Organization.
By R. Halsted Ward, M.D., F.R.M.S., Professor of Botany in the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, N.Y. Quarto. 176 pages. Illustrated. Flexible boards. Mailing Price, 85 cents; for Introd., 75 cents.
It consists of a synoptical review of the general structure and morphology of plants, clearly drawn out according to biological principles, fully illustrated, and accompanied by a set of blanks for written exercises by pupils. The plan is designed to encourage close observation, exact knowledge, and precise statement.
A Primer of Botany.
By Mrs. A. A. Knight, of Robinson Seminary, Exeter, N.H. 12mo. Boards. Illus. vii + 115 pp. Mailing Price, 35 cents; for Introd., 30 cents.
This Primer is designed to bring physiological botany to the level of primary and intermediate grades.
Outlines of Lessons in Botany.
For the use of teachers, or mothers studying with their children. By Miss Jane H. Newell. Part I.: From Seed to Leaf. Sq. 16mo. Illus. 150 pp. Cloth. Mailing Price, 55 cents; for Introd., 50 cents.
This book aims to give an outline of work for the pupils themselves. It follows the plan of Gray’s First Lessons and How Plants Grow, and is intended to be used with either of these books.
A Reader in Botany.
Selected and adapted from well-known Authors. By Miss Jane H. Newell. Part I.: From Seed to Leaf. 12mo. Cloth. vi + 209 pp. Mailing Price, 70 cents; for Introd., 60 cents.
This book follows the plan of the editor’s Outlines of Lessons in Botany and Gray’s Lessons, and treats of Seed-Food, Movements of Seedlings, Trees in Winter, Climbing Plants, Insectivorous Plants, Protection of Leaves from the Attacks of Animals, etc.
Little Flower-People.
By Gertrude Elisabeth Hale. Sq. 12mo. Illus. Cloth. xiii + 85 pp. Mailing Price, 50 cents; for Introd., 40 cents.
The aim of this book is to tell some of the most important elementary facts of plant-life in such a way as to appeal to the child’s imagination and curiosity, and to awaken an observant interest in the facts themselves.