Project Gutenberg
2020-04-10
Public domain in the USA.
185
Lankester, E. Ray (Edwin Ray), Sir
1847
1929
Lankester, Edwin Ray, Sir
Lankester, Ray, Sir
Lankester, Sir E. Ray (Edwin Ray)
From an Easy Chair
Science and the study of nature -- The desire to know the world of nature -- Scares and wonders -- Work at the Pasteur Institute -- The sea serpent -- Giraffes and the okapi -- The great geologists of last century -- Experiments with precious stones -- Diamonds -- Science and fisheries -- Discoveries as to malaria -- Malta fever -- A cure for sleeping sickness -- Tsetse-flies and disease -- Monkeys and fleas -- The jigger flea -- Public estimate of the value of science -- The common house-fly and others -- Cerebral inhibition -- Colour-photography and photographs of Mars -- Origin of names by errors in copying -- False news as to extinct monsters -- Mistletoe and holly -- The cattle show -- The experimental method -- Hypnotism and an experiment on the influence of the magnet -- Luminous owls and other luminous animals and plants -- Reminiscences of Lord Kelvin -- The so-called jargon of science -- Rats and the plague -- Ancient temples and astronomy -- Alchemists of to-day and yesterday -- A story of sham diamonds and pearls -- The nature of pearls -- A king who was a zoologist -- The transmission to offspring of acquired qualities -- Variation and selection among living things -- The movement, growth, and dwindling of glaciers -- Votes for women -- Tobacco and the history of smoking -- Cruelty, pain, and knowledge.
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"From an Easy Chair" by Sir E. Ray Lankester is a collection of essays written in the early 20th century. The work presents a series of discussions on various scientific issues and reflections, aimed at a general audience rather than experts, making complex topics accessible and engaging. The overarching theme revolves around the importance of science in understanding nature and its relevance in everyday life, addressing everything from discoveries in biology to the fascination with extinct animals. At the start of the volume, Lankester establishes his intention to engage readers in a friendly, conversational manner, reminiscent of discussions one might have in a social setting. He emphasizes the joy of cultivating curiosity about the natural world and explores the role of science in dispelling myths and misunderstandings about everything from sea monsters to the significance of tiny organisms. The opening chapters outline his belief that science is not simply a collection of facts but rather a dynamic pursuit that enhances our understanding of the universe and improves human welfare through accurate knowledge and innovation. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Reading ease score: 52.2 (10th to 12th grade). Somewhat difficult to read.
en
Science
Natural history
Q
Text
Category: Essays, Letters & Speeches
Category: Science - Biology
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