moons with the same precision.  Now is there anything to be compared with this?  But if astronomy led to no other end than the mere gaining of knowledge, or the assistance of commerce, it would take a far lower stand than it is really entitled to.  As the great object of the science is the correction of error and the investigation of truth, it necessarily leads all those that feel an interest in it to a higher appreciation and desire for truth; and you will easily perceive that a man having a knowledge of all these vast worlds, so much more extensive than our own, must be capable of forming a far higher estimate of that Almighty Being who created all these wonders, than one who knows nothing more than the comparatively trifling things that surround us on earth.

I send you 3 pounds, with which you are to get the following books for yourself and the girls: 

Dr. Lardner’s Museum of Science and Art, in six double volumes:  1 pound 1 shilling.

Chambers’ Mathematics, Parts 1 and 2, and Chambers’ Mathematical Tables, each:  3 shillings 6 pence.

A Nautical Almanac for next year:  2 shillings 6 pence.

The Art of Reasoning, or the Principles of Logic, by Samuel Niel:  4 shillings 6 pence.

Twelve planispheres, forming a guide to the stars for every night in the year, with an introduction:  6 shillings 6 pence.

Lardner’s Museum of Science and Art is one of the best books that has ever been written.  It includes a general knowledge of nearly everything you can think of; and will be as useful to Bessy and Hannah as to you.

Chambers’ Mathematics, contain all that you are likely to require in that branch, with the exception of Euclid and Algebra, both of which you must get, unless you have them.  You will need some one to assist you and explain points in the mathematics and algebra, otherwise your progress will be very slow.  But remember that whenever you have puzzled over a problem for some time, and cannot understand it, do not give it up altogether, but leave it for a few days or weeks and then try it again.  It will then, very likely, appear quite simple, and you will be astonished that you did not make it out before.  You will find the Nautical Almanac very useful, not only in giving you an idea of astronomical problems, but also for ascertaining the particulars of any strange stars you may see, or where to look for the different planets, etc.  With the help of the twelve maps you will soon be acquainted with all the principal fixed stars.

You should carefully study the Art of Reasoning, as it is what most people are very deficient in, and I know few things more disagreeable than to argue, or even converse with a man who has no idea of inductive and deductive philosophy.  After getting the books I have mentioned, you may spend the balance in any others you please, but remember, they must be scientific ones.  If you write to Walton and Maberley, 27