Abstract
THE title of this book at once recalls Dr. Paris' “Philosophy in Sport made Science in Earnest.” The author, however, tells us in his preface, that the reason he has adopted so similar a title is that his original design was to re-edit Dr. Paris's well-known, but now antiquated, book; finding, however, that mere patchwork would not bring the book into harmony with the present state of science, he determed to treat the subject afresh, and the volume before us is the result of that determination. The inversion of the title is, we think, wise, though some will object to the use of the word philosophy in the sense meant by the author, and will contend that the term physics should have been employed. The graver question is whether, under any circumstances, science should be taught by sugar-sticks. Our own opinion is decidedly against all books of this kind, and there can be little doubt intelligent children prefer not being trapped into the study of any subject, but like work openly and honestly put before them. Such books as the original editions of Mrs. Marcet's “Conversations in Chemistry,” or the altogether admirable “Chapters on Sound,” and other little books by Miss C. A. Martineau, are the best kind of reading to put into the hands of children who wish to learn the rudiments of natural knowledge. Nevertheless, Mr. Routledge has done his work extremely well. Those who like science and a story running together, will here find a trustworthy, clear, and accurate introduction to the study of physics.
Science in Sport made Philosophy in Earnest.
R.
Routledge
Edited by (London: Routledge and Sons, 1877.)
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B., W. Science in Sport made Philosophy in Earnest . Nature 15, 134 (1876). https://doi.org/10.1038/015134a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/015134a0