Philosophy in Sport Made Science in Earnest
Being an Attempt to Illustrate the First Principles of Natural Philosophy by the Aid of the Popular Toys and Sports

Originally published in 1827, this three-volume work is a book of science for children, intended 'to blend amusement with instruction'.

John Ayrton Paris (Author), George Cruikshank (Illustrated by)

9781108057394, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 18 April 2013

340 pages, 35 b/w illus.
21.6 x 14 x 1.9 cm, 0.43 kg

John Ayrton Paris (1785–1856), writer and physician, became a member of the Linnean Society in 1810, and served as president of the Royal College of Physicians from 1844 until his death. Intended for children and originally composed for the author's family, this three-volume work about science was first published in 1827. Dedicated to the writer Maria Edgeworth (1768–1849) and with illustrations by George Cruikshank (1792–1878), it aims 'to blend amusement with instruction', since youth, as Paris writes, 'is naturally addicted to amusement'. Topics covered in Volume 1 include momentum, geometry, elasticity and rotatory motion; the science behind these is demonstrated using a yo-yo, a jack-in-the-box and a slingshot, among various other toys and games. A fascinating and popular text in the history of science education, the engaging narrative seeks to prove 'how profitably, and agreeably, the machinery of fiction may be worked for the dissemination of truth'.

1. Tom Seymour's arrival from school
2. Mr Twaddleton's arrival, and reception
3. On gravitation
4. Motion
5. A sad accident turned to good account
6. Elasticity
7. The vicar's interview with Major Snapwell
8. The subject of rotary motion continued
9. Miss Kitty Ryland's departure for London
10. Miss Kitty Ryland's adventures in London.

Subject Areas: Philosophy & theory of education [JNA]