Whenever a drawing would illustrate a fact, and make its application plainer, it has been made; but by far the best illustrations of hundreds of facts, explained in the text, will be found in the world around us, and the attention of both pupil and teacher should always be directed to this reliable and never-ending source. In presenting these Familiar Lessons in Natural Philosophy to the youth of our country, it is with the earnest hope that it may make them better acquainted with the natural objects surrounding us; that it may lead them to observe the order, the harmony, and the beauty in nature everywhere; and that it may help to turn their thoughts more and more to Him, who is the Creator and Ruler of all things. J. C. M. [Illustration: Decoration] [Illustration: CONTENTS] PAGE CHAPTER I.—Astronomy. 9 The Earth and other Planets 9 The Moon 14 Eclipses 18 CHAPTER II.—Light. 22 Color 22 Refraction of Light 32 Reflection of Light 34 The Eye 38 CHAPTER III.—Heat. 42 Sources of Heat 42 Expansion by Heat 46 Conduction of Heat 54 Convection of Heat 59 Liquefaction 61 Latent Heat 63 Ebullition 65 Vaporization 66 Evaporation 69 Radiation 71 Reflection 73 Absorption 74 CHAPTER IV.—The Air. 77 Winds 96 CHAPTER V.—Water. 99 Springs and Streams 104 Fogs and Clouds 106 Dew 109 Frost 112