Imatges de pàgina
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Something congenial in Light and repulsive in Darkness-Different theories of Light-Curious Experiment, in which two sounds produce silence-Mosaic Narrative of the Creation-Nebulous Matter-Faith in the word of God-General Properties of Light-Substances neither perfectly transparent nor opaque-Shadows-Cowper's Winter Morning Walk-Light moves in straight lines-Velocity of Light

CHAPTER V.

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39

Angle of Reflection-Burning Mirrors of Archimedes-Modern Experiments-Reflection of Light-Illusions of Ancient Times-The Phantom Box-Advantages of Science-The Holy Scriptures-Light on the Water-The blue appearance of the Sky-The Twinkling of the Stars 53

CHAPTER VI.

The Atmosphere the medium of Light-Its Refractive Power illustrated
-Spectral Illusions-The Mirage-Appearance of Water in Africa-
Remarkable Spectacle at the Pharo of Messina-Another in France-
Gigantic Figure on the Hartz Mountains-Effect of a Fog

CHAPTER VII.

Effect of Light of only one Colour-Curious Experiment-Beauty of Flowers The Plumage of Birds-Colours of the Dolphin-Diversity in Human Complexion-The Rainbow-Visions of the Apostle JohnSingular Appearances-Experiments of Sir Isaac Newton-Decomposition of Light.

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CONTENTS.

V

CHAPTER VIII.

Absorption of Light-Transparent Bodies-Transmission of Light-Colours of thick plates-Mother-of-Pearl-Iris ornaments-Inability to distinguish colours

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96

CHAPTER IX.

Admirable structure of the Eye-Its Humours-The Retina-Astonishing sensibility of the organ of sight-Care of the Great ArtificerMotions of the Eye-Its use-Curious Experiment-Modern Discoveries-Interesting Fable

104

CHAPTER X.

Effect of Experience on sight-Various auxiliaries in judging of objectsAccount of a boy couched by Cheselden-Range of sight-Effect of Comparison-Circle of Light-The Thaumatrope-Anecdote of Dr. Darwin-False impressions produced by disease-Wonders of Vision -Expression of the Eye-The Brazen Serpent

119

CHAPTER XI.

Effects of Lenses-The Camera Obscura-The Magic Lantern-The An-
gle of Vision-Invention of the Telescope-Galileo-Father Zucchius
-Reflecting Telescopes-Sir Isaac Newton-Labours of Sir William
Herschel-Obstacles to Vision from the dispersion of the coloured rays

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CONTENTS.

Page

-Structure of the Achromatic Telescope-Efforts of John DollondSketch of Guinand-Microscopes-Wonders exhibited by such instruments-Experiments on the Fibres of Flax and Cotton-Importance of such researches-Contrast between the Works of God and of Man 136

CHAPTER XII.

Value of artificial Light-Ancient Bronze Lamps-Experiments of M. Argand-Dangers of Miners-Evils of Sin-Efforts of Sir Humphrey Davy-Revelation an infallible Safety Lamp-Gaseous Exhalations in India, Persia, and China-Springs charged with Gas in New YorkModern Manufacture of Gas anticipated-Useful and important Discoveries long delayed-History of Gas-lighting-Cooking by Gas.

160

CHAPTER XIII.

The Privation of Light a proof of the Divine care-Its effect on inferior creatures-The Slumber of Vegetables-Anecdote of Linnæus-Results of Plants growing in the dark-The Respiration of Plants-Discoveries of Dr. Priestly-Experiment of M. de Candolle-Sunset on Lakes, in India, and in America-Lustre of the Moon in Africa-Refreshment of Sleep-Morning and Evening Prayer-There is no night in Heaven

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