Science in Short Chapters

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Williams, W. Mattieu (William Mattieu), 1820-1892.

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource : multiple file formats

Place of Publication:

Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg,

Summary:

"Science in Short Chapters" by W. Mattieu Williams is a collection of essays on scientific topics written in the late 19th century. The book aims to engage general readers who are interested in practical science but may lack the time or inclination for more formal studies. The author presents his reflections on a variety of subjects, from solar phenomena to the origins of coal, all while striving for clarity and simplicity in his explanations. The opening of the book introduces the first essay, "The Fuel of the Sun," which presents a preliminary argument regarding the nature of the Earth's atmosphere and its implications for understanding solar energy. Williams critiques established theories about atmospheric limits, specifically addressing Dr. Wollaston's finite atmosphere concept. Through his examination, the author asserts that the atmosphere is likely infinite in extent and suggests that this could radically change our understanding of solar heat and light. The chapter sets the stage for the author's broader exploration of scientific topics throughout the collection, inviting readers to reconsider long-held beliefs in light of new evidence and reasoning. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Contents:

The fuel of the sun

Dr. Siemens' theory of the sun

Another world down here

The origin of lunar volcanoes

Note on the direct effect of sun-spots on terrestrial climates

The philosophy of the radiometer and its cosmical revelations

On the social benefits of paraffin

The solidity of the earth

A contribution to the history of electric lighting

The formation of coal

The solar eclipse of 1871

Meteoric astronomy

The "great ice age" and the origin of the "till"

The barometer and the weather

The chemistry of bog reclamation

Aerial exploration of the arctic regions

The limits of our coal supply

"The Englishman's fireside"

"Baily's beads"

The coloring of green tea

"Iron filings" in tea

Concert-room acoustics

Science and spiritualism

Mathematical fictions

World-smashing

The dying trees in Kensington Gardens

The oleaginous products of Thames mud: where they come from and where they go

Luminous paint

The origin and probable duration of petroleum

The origin of soap

Oiling the waves

On the so-called "crater necks" and "volcanic bombs" of Ireland

Travertine

The action of frost in water-pipes and on building materials

The corrosion of building stones

Fire-clay and anthracite

Count Rumford's cooking-stoves

The "consumption of smoke"

The air of stove-heated rooms

Ventilation by open fireplaces

Domestic ventilation

Home gardens for smoky towns

Solids, liquids, and gases

Murchison and Babbage

Atmosphere versus ether

A neglected disinfectant

Another disinfectant

Ensilage

The fracture of comets

The origin of comets.

Credits:

Produced by Chris Curnow, Charlie Howard, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)

Notes:

Reading ease score: 50.6 (10th to 12th grade). Somewhat difficult to read.

Release date is 2017-09-25