Chapter I: Preface

This book, a reprint of a successful English publication, has been so enlarged as to be to all intents and purposes new. It has been carefully revised by a Reverend gentleman, who for some time filled the chair of Physics and Chemistry in one of our colleges.

Recent inventions and improvements are described in a simple, popular style, so as to be easily understood by all, and short notices are given of prominent inventors and scientists. The paragraphs relating to doctrinal matters conform in every respect to the teachings of the Church.

A feature which will commend the book to every teacher is the definitions of difficult words and terms, following the paragraphs in which such words occur.

Technical language is avoided as much as possible, so as to enable young pupils to become familiarly acquainted with the various phenomena of nature, the leading characteristics and general history of the objects of the animal, vegetable, and mineral kingdoms, and the fundamental truths of the arts and sciences.

The illustrations are of a superior order, and a very complete Index, which will be appreciated by every teacher, supplements the book. In a word, no pains have been spared to enhance the value of the work, and render it an important auxiliary in the dissemination of useful and entertaining knowledge.

The publishers beg to acknowledge their obligations to the Sisters of Mercy, Loretto, Pa., to whose kindness they are indebted for many valuable suggestions.

In the hope that the book may be found suited to the accomplishment of its aim, it is respectfully submitted to schools and instructors of youth, who are the best judges of its merits.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER

I. Dew, Water, Rain, Snow, Hail, Atmosphere, Wind, Lightning,
Thunder, Electricity, Twilight, and the Aurora
Borealis

II. Corn, Barley, Pearl Barley, Oats, Rye, Potatoes, Tea,
Coffee, and Chocolate

III. Calico, Cotton, Cloth, Wool, Baize, Linen, Flax, Hemp,
Diaper, Holland, Canvas, and Flannel

IV. Cocoa, Toddy, Cherries, Bark, Cork, Cochineal, Cloves,
Cinnamon, and Cassia

V. Bombazine, Crape, Camlet, Cambric, Lace, Silk, Velvet,
and Mohair

VI. Currants, Raisins, Figs, Rice, Sugar, Sugar Candy, &c.,
Sago, Millet, Ginger, Nutmeg, Mace, Pimento or Allspice,
Pepper, and Cayenne Pepper

VII. Glass, Mirrors, Earthenware, Porcelain, Needles, Pins,
Paper, Printing, Parchment, and Vellum

VIII. Capers, Almonds, Oranges, Lemons, Citrons, Limes, Olives,
Oils, Melons, Tamarinds, and Dates

IX. Hats, Stockings, Shoes, Gloves, Leather, Furs, and Ink

X. Asbestus, Salt, Coal, Iron, Copper, Brass, Zinc, and Lapis
Calaminaris

XI. Yams, Mangoes, Bread-Fruit, Shea or Butter Tree, Cow
Tree, Water Tree, Licorice, Manna, Opium, Tobacco,
and Gum

XII. Spectacles, Mariner's Compass, Barometer, Thermometer,
Watches, Clocks, Telescope, Microscope, Gunpowder,
Steam Engine, and Electro-Magnetic Telegraph

XIII. Soap, Candles, Tallow Tree, Spermaceti, Wax, Mahogany,
India Rubber or Caoutchouc, Sponge, Coral,
Lime, Carbon, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Gas, Hydrogen,
Chalk, and Marble

XIV. Gold, Silver, Lead, Tin, Platina, Sulphur, Gems or
Precious Stones--as Diamonds, Rubies, Emeralds,
Turquois, Pearls, Mother-of-Pearl, and Ivory

XV. Starch, Arrow-root, Tapioca, Isinglass, Caviare, the
Vine, Wine, Gin, Rum, Brandy, Vinegar, Indigo,
Gamboge, Logwood, Tar, Pitch, Camphor, Musk,
Myrrh, Frankincense, and Turpentine

XVI. Bricks, Mortar, Granite, Slate, Limestone, or Calcareous
Rocks, Steel, Earths, Volcanoes, and Earthquakes

XVII. Architecture, Sculpture, Use of Money, and Navigation

XVIII. Music, Painting, Poetry, Astronomy, Arts and
Sciences, Art of Writing, and Chemistry

XIX. Attraction, Tides, Gravity, Artesian Wells, Air,
Aneroid Barometer, Ear-Trumpet, Stethoscope,
Audiphone, Telephone, Phonograph, Microphone,
Megaphone, Tasimeter, Bathometer, Anemometer,
Chronometer

XX. Light, Lime Light, Magnesium Light, Electric Light,
Rainbow, Prism, Spectrum, Colors, Photography,
Camera Obscura, Stereoscope, Kaleidoscope

XXI. Electricity, Electric Currents, Electric Battery, Electrotyping,
Stereotyping, Telegraph, Ocean Cable,
Lightning Rod, The Gulf Stream, The Mt. Cenis
Tunnel, The Suez Canal, Suspension Bridges, Eminent
Americans

A CATECHISM

OF

FAMILIAR THINGS.