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)

9781108057417, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 18 April 2013

220 pages, 4 b/w illus.
21.6 x 14 x 1.3 cm, 0.29 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 3 include optical illusions, centrifugal forces and the compound nature of white light; the science behind these is demonstrated using concave mirrors, Catharine wheels and a thaumatrope (which Paris is sometimes credited as having invented). 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. A communication
2. The vicar's sermon
3. A short dialogue
Additional notes to Volume 1
Additional notes to Volume 2
Additional notes to Volume 3.

Subject Areas: Philosophy & theory of education [JNA]