Conversations on Natural Philosophy
In Which the Elements of that Science Are Familiarly Explained and Adapted to the Comprehension of Young Pupils

This 1819 introduction to physics and astronomy served as one of the first scientific textbooks for young people, especially girls.

Jane Haldimand Marcet (Author)

9781108067010, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 23 January 2014

488 pages, 23 b/w illus.
21.6 x 14 x 2.8 cm, 0.62 kg

An author of educational works intended especially for young women, Jane Haldimand Marcet (1769–1858) sought to combat the notion that technical topics were unsuitable for female students. Inspired by conversations with the famous scientists she entertained, she wrote textbooks in the lively form of discussions between a teacher and her two female pupils. Published anonymously at first, they found broad popularity: Michael Faraday, as a young bookbinder's apprentice, credited Marcet with introducing him to electrochemistry. The present work, an introduction to physics, astronomy and the properties of matter, sound and light, was Marcet's first, though it remained unpublished until 1819. Her other works include Conversations on Chemistry (1805), Conversations on Political Economy (1816) and Conversations on Vegetable Physiology (1829), all of which are reissued in this series. Never professing to be original, Marcet's work is noted nonetheless for its thoroughness and clear presentation of concepts.

Preface
1. On general properties of bodies
2. On the attraction of gravity
3. On the laws of motion
4. On compound motion
5. On the mechanical powers
6. Astronomy
7. On the planets
8. On the earth
9. On the moon
10. Hydrostatics
11. Of springs, fountains, etc.
12. Pneumatics
13. On wind and sound
14. On optics
15. On the angle of vision, and the reflection of mirrors
16. On refraction and colours
17. Optics
Index.

Subject Areas: History of science [PDX]