IREASON W HY: GENERAL SCIENCE. A CAREFUL COLLECTION OF MANY HUNDREDS OF REASONS FCR THINGS WHIICH, THOUGIt GENERALLY BELIEVYD, ARE IMPERFECTLY UNDERSrOOD. A BOOK OF Condensed Scientific Knowledge fe: the Million. BY TIIE AUTHOR OF "INQUI B WITHIN'," TIlEf BIBLICAL REASON WHY," a TIlE REAC.OF W'HY: NATT'R L. H1STORY," "THiAT'S IT. OR PLAIN TEACHING," "TlE COINfER.'UI'Bc ABD.' This collection of useful information on " Common Things" is put ir:' — intercsting form of " Why and Becaust," and comprehends a familiar explanatlon of -lany slih-. jects which occupy a large space in the philosophy of Nature, relatit.g to vi ania:lls, atmosphere, caloric, chemistry, ventilation, materia medica, meteurollr, qc'tci.. s electricity, light, zoology, etc. NEW YORK: PICK & FITZGERALD, PUBLISIIERk' No. 18 ANN STREET. PREFACE. Wu are all children of one Father, whose Works it should bi oux aelight to study. As the intelligent child, standing by his narent's knee, asks explanations alike of the most simple phenomena, and of the most profound problems; so should man. turning to his Creator, continually ask for knowledge. 1Not because the profession of letters has, in these days. become a fashion, and that the man of general proficiency can nest work out his success in worldly pursuits; but because knowledge is a treasure which gladdens the heart, dignifies the mind, and ennobles the soul. The occupation of the mind, by the pursuit of knowledge, is of itself a good, since it diverts from evil, and by elevating and refining the mind, and strengthening the judgment, it fortifies us for the hour of temptation, and surrounds us with barriers which the powers of sin cannot successfully assail. It is not contended that the mere acquisition of knowvedvc will either ensure a good moral nature, or convey religous truth. But both religion and morals will find in the diffusion ot knowledge a ground work upon which their loftier temples may discover an acceptable foundation. The man who comprehends the order of Nature, and the immutability of Divine law, must of necessity bring himself in some deg -cee into accordance with that order, and under submission tc the law: hence the tendency of knowledge will always be found to harinonise the fragment with the mass, and to subTrrt tb evil to the goci 1v PREFACE. The troubles of the world have arisen from the want of know. ledge, not frcm the possession of it. And in proportion as man becomes an intelligent and reflective being, he will be a better creature in all the relations of life. If these benefits, vast and incalculable as they are, be the real tendency and result of knowledge, why is ignorance allowed to remain, and why is the world still distracted by error? It is because the moral and intellectual qualities of man are, like all creations and gifts of God, the subjects of development, whose law is pl ogression. We can aid human improvement, but we cannot unduly hasten it. Whenever man has sprung too rapidly to a conclusion, he has alighted upon error, and has had to retrace his steps. The greatest philosophers have been those who have clung to the demonstrative sciences, and have held that a simple truth well ascertained, is greater than the grandest theory founded upon questionable premises. Newton made more scientific revelations to mankind than any other philosopher; and his discoveries have borrie the searching test of time, because he snatched at nothing, leaped over no chasm to establish a favourite dogma; but, by the slowest steps, and by regarding the merest trifles, as well as the highest phenomena, he learnt to read Nature correctly. He disccvered that her atoms were letters, her blades of grass were words, her phenomena were sentences, and her complete volume a grand poem, teaching on every page the wisdom and the power of an Almighty Creator. When he observed an apple fall to the ground, he asked the "Reason Why;" and in answer to that enquiry, there came ore of the grandest discoveries that has ever been recorded upon the book of science. With that discovery a flood of light burst upon the human mind, illustrating in a far higher degree than had ever previously been conceived, the vastness of Almighty Power. Why shonld not each of us enquire the "Reason Why" regardill everything that we observe? Why should we mon. PREFACE. v tally grope about, when we may see our way? When addressed in a foreign tongue, we hear a number of articulated sounds to which we can attach no meaning; they convey nothing to the mind, make no impression upon the indwelling soul. When those sounds are interpreted to us, in a language that we can understand, they impart impressions of joy, hope, surprise, or sorrow, because the words convey to us a meaning. In like manner, if we fail to understand Nature, its beauties, its teachings are lost. Everything speaks to us, but we do not understand the voices. They come murmuring from the brook, trilling from the bird, or pealing from the thunder; but though they reach the ear of the body, they do not impress the listening spirit. Every flower, every ray of light, every drop of dew, each flake of snow, the curling smoke, the lowering cloud, the bright sun, the pale moon, the twinkling stars, speak to us in eloquent language of the great Hand that made them. But millions lose the grand lesson which Nature teaches, because they can attach no meaning to what they see or hear. "THE REASON WHY" is offered as an interpreter of many of Nature's utterances. Great care has been taken that these interpretations may be consistent with the latest knowledge, obtained from the highest sources. If the author finds that his work is accepted for the good of those who seek not only to know, but to understand, he will make it his constant care to read the Book of Nature, and to add to the pages of this volume whatever interpretations the progress of enquiry and discovery may demand and supply. INDEX, AND INDEX LESSONS.' The numbers refer to the Qustiows. The Indc Lmssons do seo eop respon.d with the Chapters, but are designed to bring together in their alpha. betical connection, all the Questions and Answers upon each particula. subject included in the swork. LESSON L LESSON II.l Acids, vegetable, whence are they Air, which is heavier, dry or va. obtained...........1256 porised............ 697 Actinism, what is it......... 552 Air-pistol (or pop-gun), why does Actinism, what effect has it upon pressure applied to the handle vegetation............ 559 propel the cork......... 854 Actinism, at what season of the Air-pistol, why must the handle be year is it most abundant 660 drawn out before the cork is Aerial spectra, what is the cause of 527 placed in............ 855 Atfility, what is the attraction of 777 Air, why does fresh impart a Air, why do we breathe it...... 4 healthy appearance.... 915 Air, what is the composition of it 12 Albumen, what is it.. 899 Air, what is its state after it has Alkalies, what are they. 36 been breathed 13 Amber, or electrum, what is it... 564 Air, is that sent from the lungs Animals, how is their greater light or heavy... 14 warmth in winter provided for 168 Air, is it a good or bad conductor Animal forms, why are there so of heat..... 150 many........... 1029 Air, why is a still summer said to Animal furs, why do they become be sultry....171 thicker in the winter.....1035 Air, why does it feel cooler when Animals, why have carnivorous, in motion, than when still... 175 long pointed teeth... 1038 LESSON II. LESSON IV. Air, when is it hot enough to des. Animals with long necks, why troy life............ 179 have they large throats...... 1049 Air, why is it often excessively Animals, why cannot flesh-eaters hot in chalk districts...... 219 live upon vegetables... 1071 Air, is it heated directly by the Animals, why can ruminating sun's rays............ 221 recover the food from their Air, why does it ascend the chim paunches............ 1089 ney 240 Animals, why can ruminating Air, why does it fly through the keep the chewed from the undoors and windows towards the chewed food in their stomachs 1090 fire place............ 241 Animals, why do the smaller Air, what does the motion of it animals breed more abundantly in our rooms illustrate...... 242 than the larger ones...... 1094 Air, why does it become charged Animals, domestic, why may with watery vapour...... 346 change of weather be expected Air, when is it said to be saturated when they are restless...... 1107 with vapour......... 430 Animals, plants, and minerals, itr, what proportion of water is what are the differences between air capable of holding in the them..............114 form ofvapour......... 481 Animals that graze, why do they &ir what is its weight relative to ~ crop thetenderblades but leave that of wer......... *7 the tall gras......... 1 will QUESTIONS FORMING A COMPLETE INDEX. LESSON V, LESSON VII. Animals, distribution of..... 1326 Barometer, why does its rise deArms and hands, why do we see note the approach of finue blue marks upon them...... 896 weather............ 701 Arms and legs, why does it require Barometer, how does it enable us the influence of the will to set to calculate the height of the them in motion......... 947 mountains.......... 701 Arms and legs, why are they made Barometer, when does it Btand subject to the will...4... 99 highest 704 Ascending, what is the cause of Barometer, when does it stand bodies... 775 lowest... 705 Atmosphere, how is it heated 232 Barometer, what effect has heat Atmospheric humidity, why does upon the......... 7 it sometimes form clouds, at Barometer, what effect has cold othersformdews, fogs,mists, &c. 409 upon the......... 708 Atmospheric pressure, how high Balloons, why do they ascend in will it raise water...... 652 air.......... 830 Atmosphere, what is the... 639 Balloons, why do air balloons Atmosphere, to what height does become inflated...... 831 it extend............ 639 Balloons, why do they sometimes Atmosphere, what is the amount burst when they reach a high of its pressure........ 641 altitude... 83. Atmosphere, what is the propor. Bat and ball, what principles of tion of watery vapour in the... 642 natural philosophy are illusAtmosphere, why are its upper trated in the play...... 867 regions intensely cold...... 444 Bats, why have they hooked Atmosphere, what is the greatest claws in their wings...... 1079 height ever reached in the... 648 Bats, why do they fly by night... 1080 LESSON VI. LESSON VIII. Atmospheric pressure, what is the Bats, why do they sleep during total amount on the earth's winter... 1081 surface.......... 644 Beds, why should they be raised Atmosphere, what is the amount two feet from the ground... 15 of its pressure upon the human Bed-room windows, why are they body...643 sometimes covered with ice Atmosphere, why do we not feel crystals............ 814 its pressure....... 46 Beer, why will it not run out of Atmosphere, to what extent may a cask until a hole is made at its pressure vary......... 702 the top............ 660 Attractive agent, what is an... 6 BIeer, why does it get flat...... 80(5 Attraction, what is it.... 72 Bees, why have they stings... 11ol Attraction, how many kinds are Bees, why may we expect fine there............ 773 weather when bees wander far Aurora Borealis, what is the cause from their hives......... 1114 of............... 590 Beetles, why are they called "coleoptera"......... 1319 Bananas or plantains, where are Beetles, why have they hard horny they cultivated......... 120 wing-eases......... 1320 Bark Peruvian, where is it pro- Beetles, why have many of them duced.1228 hard horns... 1321 Barometer, what is a... 691 Bile, why does it separate nutriBarometer, why does it indicate tious from innutritious matter 88& the pressure of the atmos- Birds, why have water-fowls I here.... 692 feathers of a close and smooth Barometer, why is it also called a texture....1033 " weather-glass"... 693 Birds, why are they covered with Barometers, why are they con- feathers....1030 structed with circular dials... 694 Birds, why does black down grow Barometer, why does the hand under their feathers on the change its position when the approach of winter...... 103 mercury riss or flls.... 95 Birds, why. have they hard beaks 1040 Barometer, why does tapping its Birds, why are their beaks face cause the hand to move... 696 generally long and sharp... 1041 Barometer, why does its fall de- Birds, why are their bones hollow 103C note the approach of rain... 699 Birds, why do they!igegg... 1 QUEBTIONS FORMING, COMPLETE IN DR. LESSON IX. LESSON XIL. Birds, why have those with long Bones, why are those of the arms legs short tails........1052 and legs formed into long shafts 9 Birds, why have aquatic web Bones, why are those of the feet feet...............1059 and hands numerous and small 9g. Birds, why have those that swim Botanical geography......1208 and dive short legs....1060 Brain, why is it placed withinthe Birds, why have some deep rough skull... 928 notches on the under surfaces of Bread-fruit trees, where are they their feet............ 1061 natives of... t... Birds, why have they gizzards... 1072 Breathing, is it a kind of combusBirds Mf prey why have they no tion............ I gizzards............108 Breaths, have people ever been Birds, why may wet and thunder poisoned by their own...... 2 be expected when they cease to Breezes, why are summer said to sig..........1121 be cool............ 170 Birds of passage, why, if they Breezes, what is the cause of sea arrive early, may severe weather and land...235 be expected............1121 Bubbles, why do they ascend in Birds, geological distribution of... 1326 the air... 236 Birds, tameness of in unfrequented Bubbles, why do they fail, after countries......... 1327 having ascended...... 237 Birds, why are birds of song not Bubbles, why do they display also remarkable as birds of nra'.bow colours 499 plumage...... 1328 Bubbles, why are they round..82. Birds, what are the velocities of Bubbles, why are they elongated their flights.......... 1329 when being blown... 826 Birds, what is the cause of their Bubbles, why do they close, and migrations.........1330 become perfect spheres when Black, why should parts of kettles shaken from the pipe...... 827 and saucepans be allowed to re- Bubbles, why do they change main.....204 their colours in the sunshine... 828 Blood, in what proportions are the Bubbles, why do they burst... 582 gases found in it........ 39 LESSON XL LESSON XL. Burning or supporting combusBlood, what is venous. 41 tion, what is the difference... a Blood, what is arterial...... 42 Burning-glasses, why do they Blood, what is the constitution of appear to set fire to substances &; the............ 899 Butterflies, why do they lay their Blood, what quantity does the eggs upon cabbage-leaves... 109', human body contain...... 90 Butterflies' eggs, why do they lie Blood, how frequently does the dormant in the winter......1288 whole quantity pass throughthe Butterflies, why do they fly by system... 922 day...............129 Blowing upon tea, why does it cool it 174 Calms, why do they prevail at the Bow, why does it propel the equator 671 arrow..... 847 Caloric, whatis it.... V Bow and arrow, whatlinedes the Caloric, what is the source of it... 78 arrow describe... 848 Caloric, what are the effects of it 74 Bow and arrow, what forces 1-end Caloric, why is it called a repulsive to arrest tile arrow... 8...49 agent 73 Bow and arrow, why are. there Calotic. how may it be excited to Bownv and ardow, why area there..... 79 feathers at the ends of arrows... 850 develope heat. 79 nesho matnyae there in the Caloric, is there any in ice, snow,!iones, how many are there in the water, marble, &C. 8U human body...... 923 oBl-s, of what substances are they Caloric, how do we measure the composed.... 924e quantity of in any substance... 829 co l............. Caloric, how does it travel... 32 Bones, what are the uses of the... 925 Caloric, how do we know that it is Bmlnes, why are those of the back caloric which fuses metals... hollowed out...... 927 Calves and lambs, why have they Bones, why are those of the skull no horns...... 109 arched...... 930 Camel, why has its stomach a Bones, why are those of the skull number of distinct bags...... 105 diviled by small st-tures 931 Candles, why do tallow require >-"es wy are thy I ollow... 934 l snuffing........... 1" QsTTQUESTIONS FORMING& A COMPLETB INDEX. LESSON X1II. LESSON XV. Candles, why do composite and Charcoal fires, why do they not wax not require snuffing... 265 give flames............ 107 Candle, what Becomes of it after Charcoal, what is it... 273 it is burnt...... 269 Charcoal, why does it act as a Capillary blood-vessels, why are disinfectant........... 809 they found in every part of the Chicory, what is it......' 196 system............ 919 Chimney, why does it cease smok(capillary attraction, what is it... 780 ing after the fire has been lighted C;al, onic acid gas, how is it a little while... 60 formed......... 9 Carbonicaridgaswhat 9Meg Wit 10 Chimney, why does a long one Carbonic acid gas, is it heavier or create a better draught than a lighter than air...h ne......1 Carbonic acid g as, what t Chimneys, why do some smoke chief sources of e......e 16in Carbonic acid gas, what is its... 6a Chimneys that stand under neffect upon the human systemom 1 elevated objects, why do they Carbonic acid gas, what becoms smoke......s... e of that formed by combustion 59 Chimneys, y do sooty smoke... 67 Carbonic acid gas, what propor- Chimneys, why ty s it... 617 tion is dangerous to life... 60 Chimneys, why do they smoke in Carbonic acid, what is it...... 798 damp and gusty weather... Carbonic acid, where does it Chimney, why does it smoke chiefly exist... 799 when first lighted... 679 Carbonic acid, what are its pure Chocolate, what is it... 1194 states.............. 800 Circulation, why are the venous Carbon, what is it..18 blood and chyle sent to the Carbon, will it produce flame lungs....... 887 when burnt in oxygen...... 106 Circulation, what is the course of Carbon and hydrogen, what dif- the arterial blood........ 888 ferences characterise the corm Circulation, why does the blood buastion of........... 268 impart vitality......... 891 LESSON XIV. LESSON XVI. Carbon, what is the purest form Circulation, how do we know the of it.....277 blood is alive......... 892 Card, why do the ix;.:;ges on each Circulation, why does the blood side blend while a card is re- circulate.893 volving........ 846 Circulation, how is the body Caterpillars, why do they appear renewed by the blood... 894 in the spring......... 1289 Circulation, how does the blood Caterpillars, why do they eat vora- return to the lungs after it has ciously...... 1290 reahlled the extremities... 895 Caterpillars, why do they pass Circulation, why are the veins into the state of the chrysalis... 1291 more perceptible than the (aterpillars, why do they become arteries.......... 897 torpid in the chrysalis... 1292 Circul:ltion, why when we prick Caterpillars, why do they attach the flesh does it bleed... 898 themselves to the leaves of Circulation, what occurs during plants when in the chrysalis... 1294 the........... 899 Cats, &c., why do they see in the Circulation, what becomes of the dark.............. 981 matter collected by the blood... 901 Cats' eyes, why are the pupils of Circulation, how is the blood pronearly closedby day.....982 pelled through the arteries... 916 Cats, tc., why have they whiskers 1096 Circulation, why are the capillary m!attle, why if they run roube in vessels capable of receivi:lg the pmeadows may t1under be e- quantity of blood sent through pected...........1122 l vs ls 91 Ceiling, how did Mr. Sands walk larger vessels 917 on the o.......664 Cinnalmon, where is it produced.. 12'9 Chamiagnae, why does it effer- Cleanliness, why does it promote Resce.......... 806 health............1015 Champagne, why do bubbles rise Clothes on fire, why shuld perfrom it in two or three colunlis 07 sotls throw themselves downl... 62 Charcoal, why is it danger. us to Cloth' ig, why do some artie',s bvrn it in rooms..... fe.'.ld. and others warm, 1S QUESTIONS FORMH WO A CoJMPLETE INDEX IESSON XVII. LESSON XIX. Clothing, are conductors or non- Cc ffee, what is it... 119X conductors the warmer... 121 Coffee, where is it cultivated... 1224 Clothing, why are white andlight. Cohesiong whatisthe attraction of 77( coloured articles cool...... 218 Clothing, why are dark-coloured Coke-fires, why do they not give dresses worn in winter, and light flames10 ~in summer.~230 Coke, what is it...... 271 Cloummeds, what are they... 23073 Cold, when is a hody saitl to be 78 Cltouds, why do we not see them Cold, what is the cause ot thee senascend.....sation.... 7 Clouds, why are they invisible Cold, does it radiate...... 20)7 when they rise but become Colour, why is a substance white 461i visible when they have ascended 376 Colour, why is a substance black 468 Clouds, why do they not descend Colour, why is a roe red. 48 to the earth... 377 Colour, why is a lily white... 469 Clouds, at what altitudes do they Colour, why is a primrose yellow 470 f............... 378 Colour, why are there so many Clouds, how many descriptions varieties of colour aid tint in are there... 379 nature.... 471 Clouds, what produces their Colours, remarks upon... 501 various shapes... 380 Combustion, what takes place Clouds, what are their dimensions 381 during......... 48 1louds, how are they affected by Combustion, how manly kinds are winds..3. 82 there......... 93:louds, what do Cirrus foretell... 389 Conductors of heat, what sub-.louds what do Cumulus foretell 390 stanc, s are good......... 11l Cloutsd, what doStratus foretell... 391 Condue )rs of heat, why do bad Clouds, what do Nimbus foretell 392 condi. tors readily ignite... 295 Clouds, what do Cirro-cumulus Combuscion, what is spontaneous 311 foretell............ 393 Combustibles used for lighting, Clouds, what do Cirro-stratus fore- which vitiates the a4r most... 62 tell....... 394 Conduction of heat, what is the 113 Clouds, what do Cumulo-stratus Convectionl, what is the chief effect foretell............ 395 of the law of......... 24 LESSON XVIII. LESSON XX. Clouds, why are cloudy days Cork, what is it... 1271 colder than sunny days... 396 Cork-tree, why does it shed its Clouds, why are cloudy nights own bark............1272 warmer than clear nights... 397 Corns, why when they ache may Cloudy days and nights, why are rain be expected... 1115 they not always wet.... 432 Corn, why does the young ear louds, why are they white.. 531 come up enfolded in two leaves 1167 Clouds, why are they sometimes Cotton, what is it......... 1199 yellow............ 533 Cough, why do we...... 1023 l1ouds, what developes the elec-: Crickets, why do they make a tricity in the...... 581 chirping noise... 1126 Zlouds, why do they sometimes Cross-bills, why do their manmove towards each other from dibles overlap each other... 1136 opposite directions...... 778 Cup in a pie, why does it become Zlouds, whydo they gather around filled with juice......... 661 mountain tops......... 781 Cup in a pie, does it prevent the Cloves, where are they produced 1231 juice from boiling over.... 662 Coal, what is it... 271 Coal, why do we know that it is Dates, what are they produced by 1221 of vegetable origin... 273 Death-watch, why does it make a Coal, what are the chemical com. ticking noise........ 1301 poents of... 2... 74 Dew, what is it...... 345 Coals, why do they produlceyecllow Dew, what meuses the decline of fleavne............... 279 temlperature which produces it 347 Cockles, why have they stiff nus- Dew, why is there little or none, cular tongues........1087 when the nights are cloudy.. 349 Cocoa, what is it 1191 1 ew, why does it form most abun-'ocoaz, wnat tree produces it... 1221 dantly on cloudless nights.. 341 Coff