Excerpt from The Nature of Matter and Electricity: An Outline of Modern Views

Something must be said in explanation of the arrange ment of the book. It consists of two parts, the first giving a rapid survey of the entire subject, outlining the fundamental conceptions and emphasizing their most significant applications only, While the second retraces the same general field in a slower and less connected way, in order to consider details omitted in the more cursory treatment. The second part is divided into fifty six sections, each of which is numbered and referred to by its number in the appropriate connection in Part I.

The book may be read in various ways according to the purposes or pleasure of the reader. If he is interested only to acquaint himself with the fundamentals of the modern theory through a quick, general sketch he may read Part I continuously and omit Part II altogether. If, on the other hand, he is already familiar with these essentials he may prefer to reverse the procedure and omit Part I. Part II although definitely divided by topics nevertheless forms a fairly continuous discussion. In general, however, the best method of using the book will probably be to read both of the sections in parallel, refer ring to each Section in Part II as its number appears in the text of the first part. It is believed that this method of study will encourage the type of attitude whichlis tequired to give the subject the greatest clearness in the reader's mind. It is obvious that the structure of Part II permits its ready use for purposes of Special reference, such as may arise, for example, in connection with school courses in elementary physics and chemistry.

The basis of Part I is to be found in a series of articles contributed in 1911 by D. F. Comstock to the Science Conspectus, the journal of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Society of Arts. Somewhat to his surprise, there was a Wide demand from various sources for fur ther copies of these articles, and hence it seemed worth while to publish them in book form, together with a more complete discussion of the same subject. The articles have been amplified and brought up to date by their original author.

About the Publisher

Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com

This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.