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     "THE AURORA BOREALIS IN THE ARCTIC REGIONS."
 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.

     Decorative Image

 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 so enlarged as to be to all intents and purposes new. It has been carefully revised by a Reverend gentleman, who for some time filled the chair of Physics and Chemistry in one of our colleges.
     Recent inventions and improvements are described in a simple, popular style, so as to be easily understood by all, and short notices are given of prominent inventors and scientists. The paragraphs relating to doctrinal matters conform in every respect to the teachings of the Church.
     A feature which will commend the book to every teacher is the definitions of difficult words and terms, following the paragraphs in which such words occur.
     Technical language is avoided as much as possible, so as to enable young pupils to become familiarly acquainted with the various phenomena of nature, the leading characteristics and general history of the objects of the animal, vegetable, and mineral kingdoms, and the fundamental 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 a word, no pains have been spared to enhance the value of the work, and render it an important auxiliary in the dissemination of useful and entertaining knowledge.
     The publishers beg to acknowledge their obligations to the Sisters of Mercy, Loretto, Pa., to whose kindness they are indebted for many valuable suggestions.
     In the hope that the book may be found suited to the accomplishment of its aim, it is respectfully submitted to schools and instructors of youth, who are the best judges of its merits.
 CONTENTS.

  Chapter Page     I   Dew, Water, Rain, Snow, Hail, Atmosphere, Wind, Lightning, Thunder, Electricity, Twilight, and the Aurora Borealis 13 II   Corn, Barley, Pearl Barley, Oats, Rye, Potatoes, Tea, Coffee, and Chocolate 23 III   Calico, Cotton, Cloth, Wool, Baize, Linen, Flax, Hemp, Diaper, Holland, Canvas, and Flannel 28 IV   Cocoa, Toddy, Cherries, Bark, Cork, Cochineal, Cloves, Cinnamon, and Cassia 34 V   Bombazine, Crape, Camlet, Cambric, Lace, Silk, Velvet, and Mohair 40 VI   Currants, Raisins, Figs, Rice, Sugar, Sugar Candy, &c., Sago, Millet, Ginger, Nutmeg, Mace, Pimento or Allspice, Pepper, and Cayenne Pepper 46 VII   Glass, Mirrors, Earthenware, Porcelain, Needles, Pins, Paper, Printing, Parchment, and Vellum 53 VIII   Capers, Almonds, Oranges, Lemons, Citrons, Limes, Olives, Oils, Melons, Tamarinds, and Dates 61 IX   Hats, Stockings, Shoes, Gloves, Leather, Furs, and Ink 70 X   Asbestus, Salt, Coal, Iron, Copper, Brass, Zinc, and Lapis Calaminaris 76 XI   Yams, Mangoes, Bread-Fruit, Shea or Butter Tree, Cow Tree, Water Tree, Licorice, Manna, Opium, Tobacco, and Gum 85 XII   Spectacles, Mariner's Compass, Barometer, Thermometer, Watches, Clocks, Telescope, Microscope, Gunpowder, Steam Engine, and Electro-Magnetic Telegraph 94 XIII   Soap, Candles, Tallow Tree, Spermaceti, Wax, Mahogany, India Rubber or Caoutchouc, Sponge, Coral, Lime, Carbon, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Gas, Hydrogen, Chalk, and Marble 105 XIV   Gold, Silver, Lead, Tin, Platina, Sulphur, Gems or Precious Stones—as Diamonds, Rubies, Emeralds, Turquois, Pearls, Mother-of-Pearl, and Ivory 118 XV   Starch, Arrow-root, Tapioca, Isinglass, Caviare, the Vine, Wine, Gin, Rum, Brandy, Vinegar, Indigo, Gamboge, Logwood, Tar, Pitch, Camphor, Musk, Myrrh, Frankincense, and Turpentine 133 XVI   Bricks, Mortar, Granite, Slate, Limestone, or Calcareous Rocks, Steel, Earths, Volcanoes, and Earthquakes 144 XVII   Architecture, Sculpture, Use of Money, and Navigation 156 XVIII   Music, Painting, Poetry, Astronomy, Arts and Sciences, Art of Writing, and Chemistry 174 XIX   Attraction, Tides, Gravity, Artesian Wells, Air, Aneroid Barometer, Ear-Trumpet, Stethoscope, Audiphone, Telephone, Phonograph, Microphone, Megaphone, Tasimeter, Bathometer, Anemometer, Chronometer 201 XX   Light, Lime Light, Magnesium Light, Electric Light, Rainbow, Prism, Spectrum, Colors, Photography, Camera Obscura, Stereoscope, Kaleidoscope 207 XXI   Electricity, Electric Currents, Electric Battery, Electrotyping, Stereotyping, Telegraph, Ocean Cable, Lightning Rod, The Gulf Stream, The Mt. Cenis Tunnel, The Suez Canal, Suspension Bridges, Eminent Americans 210     Index 219      
 A CATECHISM
 OF
 FAMILIAR THINGS.