Chapter I: Front Matter

WONDERS OF PHYSICAL SCIENCE

=Readable Books in Natural Knowledge=

Globe 8vo.

WONDERS OF PHYSICAL SCIENCE. By
E. E. FOURNIER, B.Sc.

TILLERS OF THE GROUND. By Marion
I. NEWBIGIN, D.Sc.

THREADS IN THE WEB OF LIFE. By
Professor J. ARTHUR THOMSON, M.A., and
MARGARET R. THOMSON.

_And others to follow._

MACMILLAN AND CO., LTD., LONDON.

=Readable Books in Natural Knowledge=

WONDERS OF PHYSICAL SCIENCE

MACMILLAN AND CO., Limited
LONDON • BOMBAY • CALCUTTA
MELBOURNE

THE MACMILLAN COMPANY
NEW YORK • BOSTON • CHICAGO
ATLANTA • SAN FRANCISCO

THE MACMILLAN CO. OF CANADA, Ltd.
TORONTO

WONDERS OF
PHYSICAL SCIENCE

BY

E. E. FOURNIER, B.Sc.
ASSOCIATE OF ROYAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE, LONDON

To try things oft, and never to give over, doth wonders.--BACON.

MACMILLAN AND CO., LIMITED
ST. MARTIN’S STREET, LONDON
1910

PUBLISHERS’ NOTE

SO much attention is now given to the practical and systematic study of science in schools that the valuable influence of descriptive scientific literature is apt to be overlooked. An intimate knowledge of the simplest fact in Nature can be obtained only by personal observation or experiment in the open air or the laboratory, but broad views of scientific thought and progress are secured best from books in which the methods and results of investigation are stated in language which is simple without being childish.

Books intended to promote interest in science must differ completely from laboratory guides, text-books, or works of reference. They should aim at exalting the scientific spirit which leads men to devote their lives to the advancement of natural knowledge, and at showing how the human race eventually reaps the benefit of such research. Inspiration rather than information should be the keynote; and the execution should awaken in the reader not only appreciation of the scientific method of study and spirit of self-sacrifice, but also a desire to emulate the lives of men whose labours have brought the knowledge of Nature to its present position.

These are the objects of the series of Readable Books in Natural Knowledge to which the present volume belongs. Each volume will endeavour to stimulate interest in the studies with which it is concerned, and to present natural phenomena and laws broadly and attractively. It is hoped that the books will provide the reading matter urgently required in connection with the science work in schools and will appeal also to a wide circle of other readers. The series should be of service in directing attention to the nobility of scientific ideals and the ultimate value of results obtained by careful and faithful work.

CONTENTS

CHAP. PAGE

1. ARCHIMEDES 1

2. THE WISE MEN OF ALEXANDRIA 11

3. ARABIAN DAYS 22

4. DR. GILBERT OF COLCHESTER 34

5. GALILEO 50

6. THE BAROMETER 65

7. THE AIR-PUMP 80

8. THE INVENTOR OF THE STEAM-ENGINE 88

9. ELECTRIC SPARKS 100

10. THE ELECTRIC CURRENT 113

11. THE ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH 124

12. THE TELEPHONE 136

13. ELECTRIC LIGHT 149

14. MICHAEL FARADAY 159

15. TELEGRAPHING WITHOUT WIRES 170

16. THE NEW RAYS 178

17. AIR-SHIPS AND FLYING MACHINES 190