654 Broadway, New York,

HAVE JUST COMMENCED THE PUBLICATION OF

=The Illustrated Library of Wonders.=

This Library is based upon a similar series of works now in course of issue in France, the popularity of which may be inferred from the fact that

OVER ONE MILLION COPIES

have been sold.  The volumes to be comprised in the series are all written in a popular style, and, where scientific subjects are treated of, with careful accuracy, and with the purpose of embodying the latest discoveries and inventions, and the results of the most recent developments in every department of investigation.  Familiar explanations are given of the most striking phenomena in nature, and of the various operations and processes in science and the arts.  Occasionally notable passages in history and remarkable adventures are described.  The different volumes are profusely illustrated with engravings, designed by the most skilful artists, and executed in the most careful manner, and every possible care will be taken to render them complete and reliable expositions of the subjects upon which they respectively treat.  For THE FAMILY LIBRARY, for use as PRIZES in SCHOOLS, as an inexhaustible fund of ANECDOTE and ILLUSTRATION for TEACHERS, and as works of instruction and amusement for readers of all ages, the volumes comprising THE ILLUSTRATED LIBRARY OF WONDERS will be found unexcelled.

The following volumes of the series have been published:—­

=Optical Wonders.=

THE WONDERS OF OPTICS.—­By F. MARION.

Illustrated with over seventy engravings on wood, many of them full-page, and a colored frontispiece.  One volume, 12mo.  Price $1 50

For specimen illustration see page 31.

In the Wonders of Optics, the phenomena of Vision, including the structure of the eye, optical illusions, the illusions caused by light itself, and the influence of the imagination, are explained.  These explanations are not at all abstract or scientific.  Numerous striking facts and events, many of which were once attributed to supernatural causes, are narrated, and from them the laws in accordance with which they were developed are derived.  The closing section of the book is devoted to Natural Magic, and the properties of Mirrors, the Stereoscope, the Spectroscope, &c., &c., are fully described, together with the methods by which “Chinese Shadows,” Spectres, and numerous other illusions are produced.  The book is one which furnishes an almost illimitable fund of amusement and instruction, and it is illustrated with no less than 73 finely executed engravings, many of them full-page.

CRITICAL NOTICES.

“The work has the merit of conveying much useful scientific information in a popular manner.”—­Phila.  North.  American.

“Thoroughly admirable, and as an introduction to this science for the general reader, leaves hardly anything to be desired.”—­N.Y.  Evening Post.