We believe that the mother of a family might derive much assistance in her domestic rule, and might be a gainer in many ways, did she possess a knowledge of certain natural laws, and the consequences resulting from either violating or obeying them. It is surprising how little scientific knowledge is possessed by women; yet it is most essential for the ruler of a small kingdom such as that of the family, to know the various awful powers of nature which affect life, health, or, at the very least, domestic comfort, and which are always acting in the midst of the dear circle of beloved beings to whom she would fain be as a guardian angel. It is terrible to think that her ignorant love may be actually injuring those whom she would willingly die to serve; yet such is too often the case. The following pages are meant to explain a few scientific matters which ought to be known to everybody. They will, we trust, be of service in showing the reason why certain things should be done or avoided, and also why so many circumstances occur to mar our home comfort in the most useless and foolish manner.

Natural laws will be stated in plain and unscientific language. It is hoped that the subject may awaken sufficient interest in the minds of those readers to whom it may be in any way new, to induce them to study natural science in works devoted to it.

We shall begin with the mighty power, without which our life itself would cease.