THE AURORA BOREALIS IN THE ARCTIC REGIONS.
A
CATECHISM
OF
FAMILIAR THINGS;
Their History, and the Events which Led to
Their Discovery.
WITH A SHORT EXPLANATION OF SOME OF THE PRINCIPAL
NATURAL PHENOMENA.
FOR THE USE OF SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES.
Enlarged and Revised Edition.
New York, Cincinnati, and St. Louis:
BENZIGER BROTHERS
PRINTERS TO THE HOLY APOSTOLIC SEE.
Copyright, 1881, by BENZIGER BROTHERS.
PREFACE.
This book, a reprint of a successful English publication, has been soenlarged as to be to all intents and purposes new. It has beencarefully revised by a Reverend gentleman, who for some time filledthe chair of Physics and Chemistry in one of our colleges.
Recent inventions and improvements are described in a simple, popularstyle, so as to be easily understood by all, and short notices aregiven of prominent inventors and scientists. The paragraphs relatingto doctrinal matters conform in every respect to the teachings of theChurch.
A feature which will commend the book to every teacher is thedefinitions of difficult words and terms, following the paragraphs inwhich such words occur.
Technical language is avoided as much as possible, so as to enableyoung pupils to become familiarly acquainted with the variousphenomena of nature, the leading characteristics and general historyof the objects of the animal, vegetable, and mineral kingdoms, and thefundamental truths of the arts and sciences.
The illustrations are of a superior order, and a very complete Index,which will be appreciated by every teacher, supplements the book. In aword, no pains have been spared to enhance the value of the work, andrender it an important auxiliary in the dissemination of useful andentertaining knowledge.
The publishers beg to acknowledge their obligations to the Sisters ofMercy, Loretto, Pa., to whose kindness they are indebted for manyvaluable suggestions.
In the hope that the book may be found suited to the accomplishment ofits aim, it is respectfully submitted to schools and instructors ofyouth, who are the best judges of its merits.