THE present volume is, like its predecessors, "Science from an Easy Chair" (Series I and Series II) and "Diversions of a Naturalist"—mainly a revision and reprint—with considerable additions—of articles published in daily or weekly journals. The first chapter appeared originally in "The Field." The Chapters VI, XX, XXI, and XXII were published in the "Illustrated London News," under the title "About a Number of Things." The rest are some of the articles which, as "Science from an Easy Chai...

THE splendour of our Sussex Weald, with its shady forests and lovely gardens, around which rise the majestic Downs sweeping in long graceful curves marked by the history of our race, has charmed me during these sunny days of June. The orchids, the water-lilies, the engaging and quaintly named "petty whin," and the pink rattle are joined with the tall foxgloves and elder-blossoms in my memory. And for some reason—perhaps it is the heat—I am set thinking of very different scenes—the great, c...

The delight which is experienced by those who discover new things in the various branches of science is, no doubt, very great. To reveal to other men processes, properties, existences in the natural world hitherto unsuspected, or, if suspected, yet eluding the grasp of man, is to do something which gives to him who does it a sense that he is of value in the world—a sense which will uphold him and enable him to endure adversity, and even persecution, with equanimity. But there is, perhaps, ...

It has become more and more a matter of conviction to me—and I believe that I share that conviction with a large body of fellow students both in this country and other civilized states—that the time has arrived when the true relation of Nature to Man has been so clearly ascertained that it should be more generally known than is at present the case, and that this knowledge should form far more largely than it does at this moment, the object of human activity and endeavour,—that it should be...

I am writing in early September from Interlaken, one of the loveliest spots in Europe when blessed with a full blaze of sunlight and only a few high-floating clouds, but absolutely detestable in dull, rainy weather, losing its beauty as the fairy scenes of a theatre do when viewed by dreary daylight. It is the case of the little girl of whom it is recorded that "When she was good she was very good, and when she was not she was horrid." This morning, after four days' misconduct, Interlaken ...

This volume consists of brief notes in plain language on a variety of scientific matters. I speak of new discoveries, real or so-called by mistake; of old well-established facts and explanations of strange occurrences which are more familiar to men of science than to people who have not had the time and opportunity to ascertain what is, and what is not proved and known about Nature and her ways. I do not address my reader from the professor’s chair, but from an easy chair. Just as in the c...

In "Nature and Man," Edwin Ray Lankester embarks on an intricate exploration of the interdependence between humanity and the natural world. Written in an accessible yet erudite literary style, the book deftly weaves together scientific observations with philosophical reflections, emphasizing the biological foundations of human existence and the moral implications of our relationship with the environment. Lankester employs a rich narrative, punctuated by vivid descriptions and a staunch adv...

With its wry portrayal of a shallow, materialistic 'leisure class' obsessed by clothes, cars, consumer goods and climbing the social ladder, this withering satire on modern capitalism is as pertinent today as when it was written over a century ago.

This vintage book contains a fascinating essay on the most important of all matters of human concern – the human mind. Written in clear, accessible language and full of interesting exposition and thought-provoking ideas, this volume will appeal to those with an interest in the entirety of the human condition and civilization, and it would make for a worthy addition to any personal collection. The chapters of this volume include: 'On the Purpose of This Volume', 'Three Disappointed Methods ...

Join Arthur Hubbard on an immersive journey into the history of civilization. Written over a century ago, this book is still just as relevant today. Indeed, it was featured in a 2012 documentary titled "Four Horsemen" about civilization and economics.The book is relatively short and divided into two main parts. The first lays ground to the elements of the rise of civilization. It raises questions like the role of ethnic diversity in the rise or fall of society. Is there a perfect r...

The first of these two types of mind, and it is, I think, the predominant type, the type of the majority of living people, is that which seems scarcely to think of the future at all, which regards it as a sort of blank non-existence upon which the advancing present will presently write events. The second type, which is, I think, a more modern and much less abundant type of mind, thinks constantly and by preference of things to come, and of present things mainly in relation to the results t...

In "Enfranchisement of Women," Harriet Taylor Mill argues fervently for the political and social rights of women, situating her discourse within the broader context of liberal thought and utilitarian philosophy. The work is characterized by its lucid style and a compelling blend of moral reasoning and empirical evidence, reflecting the emerging feminist movements of the 19th century. Mill challenges existing societal norms while articulating a vision of equality that is both radical and re...