Abstract
As the German term “Erdkunde,” or its literal rendering, “Earth-Knowledge,” signifies something different from an elementary treatment of the fundamental laws of physics and chemistry, such as Mr. Harrison's book provides, his title is a little incorrect and likely to be misleading. At the same time the author gives what is on the whole a satisfactory introduction to science, such as is included in Section I. of the syllabus in physiography of the Science and Art Department and in the schedule of requirements for pupil-teachers, issued by the Education Department. The book is distinctly attractive, being clearly printed and well illustrated. But certain blemishes have revealed themselves in examining the contents more carefully. We have looked in vain for any reference to the anomalous expansion of water when heated, and no method of determining the temperature at which it possesses its maximum density seems to be given. As so much attention is bestowed upon the construction of thermometers, and the reasons for the employment of mercury are duly tabulated, this omission is rather a grave one. In explaining reflection and refraction of light no reference is made to the simple pin methods of demonstration which are so useful in enabling students to deduce the laws for themselves. The chemistry section would have been improved if a more rational plan of treatment had been adopted.
First Steps in Earth-Knowledge; being an Introduction to Physiography (Section I.).
J. A. Harrison W. J. Harrison, vi + 290 pp. (London: Blackie and Son, Ltd., 1899.)
Article PDF
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
First Steps in Earth-Knowledge; being an Introduction to Physiography (Section I). Nature 61, 317 (1900). https://doi.org/10.1038/061317b0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/061317b0