! AGS Gb 1831 PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION. THE First Edition of the following work, having met with a more flattering reception among its Patrons, than the most sanguine hopes of the Editor allowed him to anticipate, he has been encouraged to attempt several improvements in this edition. In making these improvements, the Editor has endeavored to render the plan of the work more simple-has erased such portions as appeared devoid of interest, or utility, and substituted therefor more than sixty pages, original matter, on topics, which, it is believed, will be found important in the view of those for whose benefit the work is designed. It has been the object of the Editor from the first to proceed upon the principle of selection and utility-to embrace so few subjects, as to enable him to enlarge upon them, according to their relative importance; and to treat of them in so plain and practical a manner, as to render the work intelligible and useful. By this means, he has been enabled, he trusts, in a measure to avoid a serious obJection, which has sometimes been made to the portable Encyclopedias extant, that they embrace so great a variety of articles, as to render them little more than Dictionaries. A different course has been here adopted; and it gives the Editor pleasure to know that it has the sanction of a large portion of his patrons. To the friends, who have aided him, and lightened his task, he takes occasion to renew the expression of his thanks, especially to the author of the article on Horticulture. In respect to that article, the Editor is requested to say, that it is chiefly an abridgement of Cobbett's excellent system of gardening. And in relation to several other parts of the work, he can claim no other merit, than that of presenting to his readers a condensed and faithful compilation. The nature of the work has precluded him, in many instances, from giving credit to the several authors of whose labors, he has availed himself. It belongs to this place, therefore, to express his obligation to Guy's Pocket Encyclopedia, Edinburgh Encyclopedia, Mitchel's Pocket Encyclopedia, Library of Useful Knowledge, Library of Entertaining Knowledge, Godman's Natural History, Goldsmith's Natural History, Hooper's Medical Dictionary, Family Physician, American Farmer, New England Farmer, Complete Grazier, Loudon's Encyclopedia of Agriculture, Clater's, Hind's and Mason's Farming, White on the Diseases of Cattle, Bigelow's Technology, Allen's Mechanics, Tegg's Book of Utility, American Almanac, &c. &c. CONTENTS. NATURAL HISTORY, STRUCTURE, &c. p. 14—29. Varieties of the Human Species-Intellectual capacity-Difference of Form, Stature, and Complexion-Origin of the North American Indians-Human Struc- ture, viz. Bones-Teeth-Muscles-Flesh-Skin-Absorbents-Cartilages-Mem- brane-Gland-The Brain-Cerebrum-Cerebellum-The Spinal Marrow-The Thorax, or Chest-Respiration-The Windpipe-The Lungs-The Heart-An Ar- tery-A Vein-Air-The Blood-Thoracic Duct-The Abdomen-The Liver-The Bile The Spleen, or Milt-The Stomach-Of Digestion-The Gastric Juice-The Intestines-The Kidneys-The Senses, viz.-The Eye-Feeling-The Nose-The OF THE MIND AND ITS FACULTIES. p. 29--35. The Mind-Sensation-Memory-Imagination-Genius-Reason-The Will- Ghost-Knowledge-The Passions. Bread-Starch-Sugar-Tea-Coffee-Chocolate-Rice-The Yam-The Plan- Oranges-The Citron-The Lemon-Olive-The Almond-Tamarinds-Prunes -The Cacao Nut-The Cocoa Nut-The Pomegranate-The Fig-The Banian, or Indian Fig Tree-Raisins-Dates-Pine Apple-Apple-Plum-Peach-Nectarine Water-Wine-Method of Making and Fining Wine-Currant Wine-Method of making Currant Wine-Cider-Method of making Cider Vinegar-Method of making Vinegar-Alcohol-Rum-Brandy-Geneva, or Gin-Arrack-Ale-Malt Domestic Animals, See Agriculture-The Lion-The Tiger-The Puma, or Cou- gar-Domestic Cat-The Dog-The Camel-Llama-The Giraffe-Rein Deer- Moose-American Elk-Elephant-Method of taking the Elephant-Gigantic, RULES AND HINTS FOR THE PRESERVATION OF LIFE, HEALTH, &c. P, 127-156. Rules of Sir R. Philips-Of Dr. Boerhaave-Experience of Howard-Hints to Students-Quantity of Food-Abstinence-Exercise-Friction-Air-Sleep-Sleep- Apartments-Beds-Cleanliness-Bathing-Contagion--Purifying and Disin- fecting Agents-Tobacco-Dr. Rush's View of the Effects of certain Liquors upon the body and minds of men-Of Opium and Laudanum-Of Wounds cut with sharp Instruments Of Poisoned Wounds-Mode of Treatment-Strains or Sprains -Treatment of Frozen Limbs--Burns and Scalds-Dress of Children-Diet of Children-Sleep-Exercise-Washing and Bathing of Children-Teething-- CONTENTS. SECTION II. OF POISONS-SUSPENDED ANIMATION. p. 156-164 Different kinds of Poisons-Symptoms, and Remedies-Stomach Pump-Poison SECTION III. FAMILY DISPENSATORY. p. 164-168. Weights and Measures used by Apothecaries, and the signs by which they are PART IV. OF MANUFACTURES, AND THE MECHANIC ARTS. p. 168-240. |