This Book is Dedicated ΤΟ HER DEAR CHILDREN, BY THEIR AFFECTIONATE MOTHER, MARY SOMERVILLE. Florence, Nov. 1, 1859. b PREFACE. IN bringing another edition of the Connexion of the Physical Sciences' before the public, I have endeavoured to show the progress they have made, and the great changes that experimental philosophy has introduced of late years into the history of physico-mathematical research. In consequence of my residence abroad, I have been deprived of much assistance and information from my scientific friends in England, which would have proved most useful and available under other circumstances. From the same cause I may not have explained certain subjects with all the clearness I might otherwise have done. Perhaps it may be considered that I have adopted certain views and new principles before they had been sufficiently established: if so, I must plead as my excuse, the conviction that they will ultimately take the rank I have assigned to them in the history of science. Florence, Nov. 1, 1858. |
