In preparing this volume, every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the most recent authorities have been consulted, and it is believed that a faithful view is presented of the various sciences embraced, as far as they are at present developed. It is the intention of the author to keep his book up to the times by constant revision, and to make such alterations and additions as the progress of discovery may require. Two styles of type are used in the text; a larger size for leading principles, a smaller size for descriptions of apparatus and experiments, explanatory illustrations, etc. By confining a class to the former when the saving of time is an object, a brief yet complete course may be taken. Questions at the bottom of each page facilitate the examiner's duty, and afford the pupil a means of testing his preparation before reciting. At the end of such chapters, easy practical examples are provided, to illustrate the rules and principles set forth. An important feature of this work is its adaptation to use with or without apparatus. The majority of schools have few facilities for experimental illustration. The wants of these are here met by a free use of engravings, full descriptions of experiments, and explanations of their results. An Alphabetical Index closes the volume. Chapters include: (1) Matter and Its Forms; (2) Properties of Matter; (3) Mechanics (Motion, Momentum, Striking Force); (4) Mechanics (Laws of Motion); (5) Mechanics (Gravity); (6) Mechanics (Centre of Gravity); (7) Mechanics (The Motive Power, The Resistance, The Machine, Strength of Materials); (8) Mechanics (The Mechanical Powers); (9) Mechanics (Wheelwork, Clock and Watchwork); (10) Mechanics (Hydrostatics); (11) Mechanics (Hydraulics); (12) Pneumatics; (13) Pyronomics (The Steam Engine); (14) Optics; (15) Acoustics; (16) Electricity (Frictional, Voltaic, Thermo-Electricity); (17) Magnetism; (18) Astronomy; and (19) Meteorology. [Adapted to use with or without apparatus, and accompanied with full descriptions of experiments, practical exercises, and numerous illustrations.]