Part 19

THE WONDERS OF OPTICS.--By F. MARION.

Illustrated with over seventy engravings on wood, many of them full-page, and a colored frontispiece. One volume, 12mo. Price $1 50

For specimen illustration see page 31.

In the Wonders of Optics, the phenomena of Vision, including the structure of the eye, optical illusions, the illusions caused by light itself, and the influence of the imagination, are explained. These explanations are not at all abstract or scientific. Numerous striking facts and events, many of which were once attributed to supernatural causes, are narrated, and from them the laws in accordance with which they were developed are derived. The closing section of the book is devoted to Natural Magic, and the properties of Mirrors, the Stereoscope, the Spectroscope, &c., &c., are fully described, together with the methods by which "Chinese Shadows," Spectres, and numerous other illusions are produced. The book is one which furnishes an almost illimitable fund of amusement and instruction, and it is illustrated with no less than 73 finely executed engravings, many of them full-page.

CRITICAL NOTICES.

"The work has the merit of conveying much useful scientific information in a popular manner."--Phila. North. American.

"Thoroughly admirable, and as an introduction to this science for the general reader, leaves hardly anything to be desired."--N.Y. Evening Post.

"Treats in a charming, but scientific and exhaustive manner, the wonderful subject of optics."--Cleveland Leader.

"All the marvels of light and of optical illusions are made clear."--N.Y. Observer.

=Thunder and Lightning.=

THUNDER AND LIGHTNING. By W. DE FONVIELLE.

Illustrated with 39 Engravings on wood, nearly all full-page. One volume. 12mo $1 50

For specimen illustrations see page 14.

Thunder and Lightning, as its title indicates, deals with the most startling phenomena of nature. The writings of the author, M. De Fonvielle, have attracted very general attention in France, as well on account of the happy manner in which he calls his readers' attention to certain facts heretofore treated in scientific works only, as because of the statement of others often observed and spoken of, over which he appears to throw quite a new light. The different kinds of lightning--forked, globular, and sheet lightning--are described; numerous instances of the effects produced by this wonderful agency are very graphically narrated; and thirty-nine engravings, nearly all full-page, illustrate the text most effectively. The volume is certain to excite popular interest, and to call the attention of persons unaccustomed to observe to some of the wonderful phenomena which surround us in this world.

CRITICAL NOTICES.

"In the book before us the dryness of detail is avoided. The author has given us all the scientific information necessary, and yet so happily united interest with instruction that no person who has the smallest particle of curiosity to investigate the subject treated of can fail to be interested in it."--N.Y. Herald.

"Any boy or girl who wants to read strange stories and see curious pictures of the doings of electricity had better get these books."--Our Young Folks.

"A volume which cannot fail to attract attention and awaken interest in persons who have not been accustomed to give the subject any thought."--Daily Register (New Haven).

=Heat.=

THE WONDERS OF HEAT. By ACHILLE CAZIN.

With 90 illustrations, many of them full-page, and a colored frontispiece. One volume, 12mo $1 50

For specimen illustration see page 15.

In the Wonders of Heat the principal phenomena are presented as viewed from the standpoint afforded by recent discoveries. Burning-glasses, and the remarkable effects produced by them, are described; the relations between heat and electricity, between heat and cold, and the comparative effects of each, are discussed; and incidentally, interesting accounts are given of the mode of formation of glaciers, of Montgolfier's balloon, of Davy's safety-lamp, of the methods of glass-blowing, and of numerous other facts in nature and processes in art dependent upon the influence of heat. Like the other volumes of the Library of Wonders, this is illustrated wherever the text gives an opportunity for explanation by this method.

CRITICAL NOTICES.

"From the first page to the very last page the interest is all-absorbing."--Albany Evening Times.

"The book deserves, as it will doubtless attain, a wide circulation."--Pittsburgh Chronicle.

"This book is instructive and clear."--Independent.

"It describes and explains the wonders of heat in a manner to be clearly understood by non-scientific readers."--Phila. Inquirer.