As the object of all study, and the end of all wisdom, is practical utility, so a collection, of the most approved Receipts, in all the arts of Domestic and Social Life, may be considered as a volume containing nearly the whole of the wisdom of man, worthy of preservation. In truth, the present volume has been compiled under the feeling, that if all other books of Science in the world were destroyed, this single volume would be found to embody the results of the useful experience, observations, and discoveries of mankind during the past ages of the world.
Theoretical reasonings and historical details have, of course, been avoided, and the objects of the compilers have been to economize space, and come at once to the point. Whatever men do, or desire to do, with the materials with which nature has supplied them, and with the powers which they possess, is here plainly taught and succinctly preserved; whether it regard complicated manufactures, means of curing diseases, simple processes of various kinds, or the economy, happiness, and preservation of life.
The best authorities have been resorted to, and innumerable volumes consulted, and wherever different processes of apparently equal value, for attaining the same and have been found, they have been introduced.
A general, rather than a scientific, arrangement has been adopted, because the object of the work is popular and universal, and, though likely to be useful to men of science, it is more especially addressed to the public at large. In like manner, as far as possible, technical and scientific language has been avoided, and popular names and simple descriptions have been preferred.
Every care has been taken in the printing to avoid errors in quantities, as well as to select the best receipts of each kind.
The matter has been carefully digested from standard authorities, the scientific journals, and from the practical knowledge of the Editors and contributors. The Editors have to acknowledge valuable assistance from gentlemen eminent in the departments of Agriculture, Horticulture, Wine-making, Perfumery, Cements, Engraving, Photography, Angling, Tanning, etc. Among other distinguished contributors, we may name the following:
Professor of Chemistry in the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia. PROF. JAMES C. BOOTH,
Chemist, Melter, Refiner, and Assayer, United States Mint, and Late Professor of Chemistry in Central High School, Philadelphia, and the Franklin
Institute, of Philadelphia. |
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JOHN SARTAIN, ESQ.
(Mezzotint Engraving,) Philadelphia.
THEO. D. RAND, ESQ;
MESSRS. HINSHELLWOOD & MAIGNELLE,
JOHN FREAS, ESQ., |
The work, it is believed, will be found more reliable and thorough than any one of its class now in print. The miscellaneous department contains much valuable and interesting information. Some matters properly belonging under other heads, but received too late, have been transferred to it. The reader is especially requested to refer to the index when seeking information.
