¶ Hitherto there have been few, if any, really popular works touching the historical growth of the various great branches of knowledge. The ordinary primer leaves unexploited the deep human interest which belongs to the sciences as contributing to progress and civilization, and calling into play the faculties of many of the finest minds. Something more attractive is wanted. ¶ The above need in literature has now been met. Each volume in _The History of Sciences_ is written by an expert in the given subject, and by one who has studied the history as well as the conclusions of his own branch of science. The monographs deal briefly with the myths or fallacies which preceded the development of the given science, or include biographical data of the great discoverers. Consideration is given to the social and political conditions and to the attitudes of rulers and statesmen in furthering or in hindering the progress of the given science. The volumes record the important practical application of the given science to the arts and life of civilized mankind, and also contain a carefully-edited bibliography of the subject. Each volume contains from twelve to sixteen carefully-prepared illustrations, including portraits of celebrated discoverers, many from originals not hitherto reproduced, and explanatory views and diagrams. The series as planned should cover in outline the whole sphere of human knowledge. ¶ Science is to be viewed as a product of human endeavor and mental discipline, rather than taken in its purely objective reference to facts. The essential purpose has been to present as far as practicable the historical origins of important discoveries, also to indicate the practical utility of the sciences to human life. G. P. Putnam’s Sons New York London A History of the Sciences Each volume is adequately illustrated, attractively printed, and substantially bound. _16mo. Each, net, 75 cents. By mail, 85 cents. 12 illustrations_ History of Astronomy By George Forbes, M.A., F.R.S., M.Inst. C.E. Formerly Professor of Natural Philosophy, Anderson’s College, Glasgow I thank you for the copy of Forbes’s _History of Astronomy_ received. I have run it over, and think it very good indeed. The plan seems excellent, and I would say the same of your general plan of a series of brief histories of the various branches of science. The time appears to be ripe for such a series, and if all the contributions are as good as Prof. Forbes’s, the book will deserve a wide circulation, and will prove very useful to a large class of readers.—_Extract from a letter received from Garrett P. Serviss, B. S._ History of Chemistry By Sir Edward Thorpe, C.B., LL.D., F.R.S. Author of “Essays in Historical Chemistry,” “Humphry Davy: Poet and Philosopher,” “Joseph Priestley,” etc. _12 illustrations. Two vols. Vol. I—circa 2000 B.C. to 1850 A.D. Vol. II—1850 A.D. to date_