University of Virginia Library

“This work is composed of philosophical conversations, in which are familiarly
explained the causes of many daily-occurring natural phenomena; edited by Mr.
Bailey, who has added notes and questions for review. From an examination of this
useful book, we should think it better adapted to the capacity of youthful learners,
than other familiarizing essays of the kind which have fallen under our notice. The
conversational style is pleasing, and matter conveyed in this way becomes most accurately
impressed on the minds of learners. It is difficult to make children interested
in natural science; and a work like this, which renders it attractive, and which is at
the same time perfectly correct, should be unhesitatingly adopted by parents and
teachers.”

“We have taken more than usual pains to examine this book, and find it worthy
of all commendation. The explanations of natural phenomena are given in a dialogue
so spirited and lively, and the methods of illustration are so happily adapted to the
capacity and tastes of young persons, that we should think a boy beginning to peruse
this book would find himself almost as much interested in it as in Sandford and Merton
or the History of Robinson Crusoe.”

“In these Conversations many natural phenomena of daily occurrence are explained
in a manner highly useful and instructive to the juxvenile mind. It is exceedingly well
adapted to schools and private families.”

“Bakewell's delightful Conversations have been much improved by the judicious
adoption of questions for review, which must greatly facilitate the study of this interesting
and much approved work.”

“Bakewell has succeeded in producing a work filled with so many interesting
descriptions and experiments, that the favorable opinion of the young reader will
speedily be enlisted in its favor. Every thing that has puzzled his inexperienced
mind, from the falling of snow, or the use of the thermometer, to the generation of
steam, or the refraction of light, is explained in so perspicuous a manner, that he
cannot fail to go along with his author. The conversational style which has been
adopted, and the employment of numerous diagrams to illustrate the text, also greatly
assist in facilitating the communication of the writer's ideas.”