MADAM, TO THE QUEEN. IF I have succeeded in my endeavour to make the laws by which the material world is governed more familiar to my countrywomen, I shall have the gratification of thinking, that the gracious permission to dedicate my book to your Majesty has not been misplaced. I am, With the greatest respect, YOUR MAJESTY'S Obedient and Humble Servant, MARY SOMERVILLE. Royal Hospital, Chelsea, Jan. 1, 1834. PREFACE TO THE EIGHTH EDITION. In order to keep pace with the progress of discovery in various branches of the Physical Sciences, this book has been again carefully revised. |