(b) Closely associated with Geology are Mineralogy, the Science of the Constitution and Structure of Rocks and of Mineral and Metallic substances; Vulcanology, the Science of Volcanoes, and of earth disturbances in general; and the Science of Mining, which has several branches, and forms the basis of enormous industrial developments.
It is manifest, as before said, that the reader must be his own best judge as to the precise order in which to take up the perusal of the volumes in which this immense mass of scientific knowledge is presented. But, where there is no predisposition to choose one subject rather than another, or where there is a desire to follow, as nearly as may be, the natural line of development of human knowledge, it would be well to take first, after the history, the volume on astronomy, a science that from the beginning has had a peculiar power to awaken intellectual curiosity; then that on anthropology; then the various so-called "natural history" subjects, leaving the mechanical and the more technical subjects for the last.
Or, the reader might first take up the subjects of personal importance to every human being—Medicine, the Science of Health; Physiology, the Science of the Human Body; Psychology, the Science of the Mind—every one of which is essential to the proper care and preservation of life; and afterward study the other branches in the order already suggested.
Garrett P. Serviss
CHAPTER I
HISTORY OF SCIENCE
The romantic history of science shows how the discoveries of the greatest human minds, slowly operating since the remotest times, have made possible our present-day civilization. Few studies are worthy of greater attention; no other department of knowledge affords more real pleasure. Whoever clearly understands the history of science possesses intellectual advantages over those who are ignorant of the causes that have led to the establishment of the basic principles of our modern industrial arts and applied sciences. Standards of comparison are furnished by the history of science which illuminate many of the wonders of to-day, develop alertness of mind, and afford a never-ending train of suggestions for thought.