Conversation, with the habit of explaining the meaning of words, and
the structure of common domestic implements, to children, is the sure and
effectual method of preparing the mind for the acquirement of science.
Edgeworth's Practical Education.

BY THE REV. J. JOYCE.

A NEW EDITION,

WITH NUMEROUS CUTS AND OTHER ADDITIONS
AND IMPROVEMENTS.

LONDON: PRINTED FOR BALDWIN AND CRADOCK;
AND R, HUNTER, ST. PAUL'S CHURCH-YARD.

C. Baldwin, Printer,

New Bridge-street, London.

TO THE HONOURABLE

CHARLES BANKS STANHOPE*

AND TO THE HONOURABLE

JAMES HAMILTON STANHOPE.

GENTLEMEN,

I Am desirous of prefixing your names to these volumes, in token of the affectionate attachment to which, from me, you are peculiarly entitled. And I am happy in the opportunity which this publication affords me of bringing to your recol

*This young man, the second son of the late Earl Stanhope, chose at an early period the profession of arms. In the year 1807 he was appointed aide-de-camp to General Moore, whom he accompanied to Sicily, and afterwards to Sweden. In the latter end of the year 1808 he was, as major, appointed to the command of the 50th regiment, then in Spain, at the head of which he was shot through the heart, at Corunna, on the 16th of January, 1809,

lection subjects, in the study of which you successfully engaged at a very early period of life, and which are of acknowledged importance in the pursuits of every well educated youth.

In perusing this little work you must bear in your minds, that it is not intended for proficients in philosophical knowledge, but for noviciates in science :-not for yourselves in the present advanced stage of your progress, but for those young persons who are unacquainted with the rudiments of natural and experimental philosophy.

I am too well acquainted with the excellence of your dispositions to suppose it necessary for me to apologize for laying before you a work that has no extraordinary claim to your acceptance. You will, I am sure, appreciate its value, not so much by its intrinsic contents, as by the good-will with which it is presented.

Before I conclude this short address, permit me to say, that my own happiness will

ever be much augmented, by the assurance of the happiness and distinguished usefulness of those with whom I have spent so many years of my life, and to whose permanent interest, I am sure, you will acknowledge I have never been inattentive.

Sincerely wishing you, Gentlemen, all the felicity which the honourable exercise of distinguished talents and virtuous minds can

I suscribe myself,

Your very affectionate Friend,

and obedient Servant,

Clapton, May, 1800.

THE AUTHOR.