Elementary astronomy

Front matter

SLEMENTARY ASTRONOMY :

MPANIED BY

SIXTEEN COLORED MAPS,

Preface

The object of the following pages, and the accompanying maps, is the introduction of the sublime study of Astronomy into the Domestic Circle, the Lyceum, the Lecture Room, and the Primary Schools of the country. That this laudable work has already been attempted by others, and with a measure of success, is freely admitted ; but at the same time it cannot be denied that, comparatively speaking, very little has been effected. While it is almost universally acknowledged, on the one hand, that no department of science is so well calculated to arouse and expand the intellect, enlarge the field of thought, awaken a thirst for knowledge, and improve the heart ; it may be affirmed without hesitancy, on the other hand, that no important branch of study is so generally neglected in primary education, as is that of Astronomy. For this there must be somewhere a sufficient reason — an adequate cause.

Of the practical advantages of this noble science, there can be no rational doubt. It is of immense utility in Geography, in Navigation, in Agriculture, in Chronology, in the propagation of Religion, and in the dissipation of Superstitious Notions. It unfolds to us the most striking displays of the perfections of Deity ; it exhibits the grandeur and extent of God's universal empire ; its disclosures afford subjects of the most sublime contemplation, and thus tend to elevate the soul above vicious passions and grovelling pursuits; it tends to moderate the pride of man, and thus to prepare the soul for the employment of a future state. Such, then, is the obvious practical importance of vi Preface,

this study, that it must sooner or later be regarded as an essential branch of popular education ; and we apprehend the time has already come when an attempt to introduce it generally into the Primary Schools of the land, will receive the hearty co-operation of every friend of Youth.

The method, adopted by the author is the one in general use in other departments of science. Black-boards, diagrams, outline maps, and visible illustrations, are now considered indispensible in the school-room. i; Whenever instruction can be conveyed through the eye," says Professor Smith, " that one of the external senses through which the impressions conveyed to the mind are the most vivid and permanent, it must surely be best to employ it." :t The eye" says another distinguished teacher, "is the only medium of permanent impression." These doctrines are constantly verified by experiment. In his successful career in this country, as a scientific lecturer, Dr. Lardner constantly depended upon diagrams to illustrate his public discourses. Especially were they found necessary in the department of Astronomy, his favorite study.

As a further testimonial in regard to the value of maps and diagrams, take the following from Professor Olmsted's Treatise on Astronomy :

"Diagrams for public Recitations. — As many of the figures of this work are too complicated to be drawn on a black-board at each recitation, we have found it very convenient to provide a set of permanent cards of paste-board, on which the diagrams are inscribed on so large a scale, as to be distinctly visible in all parts of the lecture room. The letters may be made with a pen, or better, procured of the printer, and pasted on. The cards are made by the bookbinder, and consist of a thick paper board about 18 by 14 inches, on each side of which a white sheet is pasted, with a neat finish around the edges. A loop attacked to the top is convenient for hanging the card on a nail. Cards of this description, containing diagrams for the whole course of mathematical and philosophical recitations, [including Astronomy of course] have been provided in Yale

PREFACE. Vii

College, and are found a valuable part of our apparatus of instruction."

These cards, it will be seen, are only one sixth as large as the maps accompanying this work, and yet they are considered a valuable part of the apparatus of Yale College. But their value is estimated by their utility, and not by their cost.

In regard to the claims of the Elementary Astronomy and the accompanying maps, it is the opinion of the author, of course, that they possess decided advantages over all other works upon this subject now before the public. Nor is this said to disparage or make war upon them. By no means. Many of them are doing good service, and we rejoice in their labors. But as we have adopted a new method, it is neither censorious nor immodest to consider it one of superior utility.

But it may be due to the reader to state frankly what those distinguishing features are, relying upon which, we venture to put forth another elementary work upon this subject :

1. As already intimated we have the most abundant and striking illustrations, presented in an attractive form, and upon a scale sufficiently ample to be visible in every part of the largest school-room, by day or by night. Sixteen maps each three by three and a half feet, and containing respectively from ten to fifty distinct figures, all devoted to the illustration of one general subject, afford scope sufficient to do it good justice. Besides, many of these drawings are entirely original, and in the opinion of competent judges, better calculated to convey a correct and permanent idea to the mind, than any that have heretofore appeared.

2. The plan of the book, and consequently the order of the maps, is also original. It not only gives the facts of the science, but it gives them in a manner admitting of illustration ; and in such order and connection as that they can hardly fail to be understood and remembered, when once read and illustrated. a Science," says Lord Brougham, " is knowledge systematically arranged, so as to be vin PREFACE.

conveniently taught, easily learned, and readily applied." If this definition be correct, (and we certainly think it is,) it follows that it is not every book that is filled with facts upon a particular subject, that should be considered scientific. Quite as much depends upon the arrangement as upon the style of the author, or the facts themselves. With a view to convenience in teaching, facility in learning, and tenacity in remembering, the matter of this Treatise has been arranged upon an entirely new plan ; and one, in the opinion of the author, more in accordance with the demands of philosophical classification, than some methods heretofore pursued. The student begins his inquiries at home, or with the Solar System, and ends them in the more distant heavens. The Earth is considered where she properly belongs, namely, among the Primary Planets, and the Moon where she belongs, or among the Secondaries. Eclipses and Tides are afterwards considered in distinct chapters, as phenomena not necessarily connected with a description of either the primary or secondary planets.

3. Each class of facts respecting the heavenly bodies, — their names, distances, magnitudes, periodic times, density, &c. — is drawn out in brief and succinct tables, and arranged in Lessons in a manner well calculated to aic the memory, to encourage the pupil onward, and to present, within narrow limits, a comprehensive view of the whole subject. The work is written for beginners, or as a Text Book of Astronomy for Common Schools and Academies; and the author has aimed less at the production of a profound and elaborate work, than at conciseness and practical utility. It is believed that with this Treatise in his hands, and the maps spread out before him, a pupil may possess himself of all the leading facts of the science even without the aid of an instructor. It is intended to be, as its title imports, an " Elementary Astronomy" adapted to the present state of the science in this country, and to the wants of the public at large. Such a work, it is thought, has not heretofore been published. " It is seldom," says a

PREFACE. LX

late writer, " that men who have arrived at great distinction in their favorite pursuit, have condescended to write a plain and simple treatise, suited to the wants of those who have just passed the threshold of science." Men who are conscious of superior abilities are sometimes fond of appearing learned in their productions ; and moreover, as Bakewell observes, i; he who attempts to make a scientific subject familiar, runs the risk of being decried as superficial : a plentiful share of dullness, combined with a certain degree of technical precision, is regarded as essential proof of profundity."

4. This work is the only one before the public that contains any thing respecting the two New Planets \ namely Astrea, and Leverrier ; or that embodies the recent discoveries of Lord Ross, respecting the Nebulae.

5. The Book is a concise and cheap work, and consequently adapted to general circulation. The Maps can be purchased for schools with public moneys, so that the purchase of one of these Keys, costing the individual learner but a few shillings, opens the whole field, as well to the children of the poor, as to the more favored offspring of the rich.

Such are some of the improvements upon which we base our claims to public patronage, in sending forth a new elementary work upon the subject of Astronomy. In its preparation for the press, the author has availed himself of all the helps within his reach. He has consulted all the books upon the subject that were available in this country, as well as many practical teachers, and gentlemen of acknowledged scientific abilities. But while on the one hand he has used books as writers generally use them, namely, as sources of knowledge, and has advised with men of learning and experience in regard to many particulars, the author feels bound, in justice to himself, to claim for his work a good degree of originality ; and to say that whether good or bad it is his own, and not the work of another.

It is only necessary to add that the statistics in the

X PREFACE.

tables are generally given in round numbers, and according to what was considered the highest authorities.

Should any errors be discovered that have escaped notice, they will be promptly corrected in future editions \ and should the work be found wanting in adaptation in any respect, either for city or country schools, it will at once undergo the requisite modifications, as we are determined to furnish a work of the greatest possible utility, at the least possible expense.

New-York, February ', 1847.

RECOMMEADATIONS. 4

From the Osicego Palladium.

It is but too true that the study of Astronomy has been too much neglected by all classes, and especially by the youth in our common schools, into which the subject has rarely ever been introduced 4 owing, doubtless, in a great measure, to a mistaken notion (arising from the want of an appropriate text-book) that the subject is intricate, and a knowledge of it difficult to be acquired. A well digested and properly arranged treatise on the science, therefore (such as we presume the one in question to be), one which will so simplify the subject as to render it easy of comprehension by youthful minds, will be a desideratum of no trifling importance ; and the publication of such a work, and its introduction into our common schools as a text-book, are objects deserving of encouragement and success ; and he who engages in the undertaking, will render a real service to the cause of education.

We have had the pleasure of a hasty examination of the Maps which are to accompany this work ; and, so far as we are enabled to judge, they are admirably adapted to the purpose which they are intended to subserve.

From the Northern Christian Advocate. ***** The facts of the science are classified in a manner altogether original, and in our opinion well calculated to facilitate their acquisition, and to fasten them permanently in the mind. * * After an examination of the work above described, we are decidedly of opinion that it must go into very general use, where districts and academies will feel themselves able to purchase it. And yet, considering its extent and execution, the price is by no means disproportionate to its real worth. Though it is hardly yet from the press, it has already been adopted in several counties^ and commended by impartial and competent judges.

From the Rochester Daily Advertiser.

These Maps, with the accompanying work, seem admirably calculated to make the study of Astronomy not .only an agreeable but an easy one. Every school and academy in the country should be provided with them.

RECOMMENDATIONS.

From the Hon. Ira Mayhew, Superintendent of Public Instruction for the State of Michigan.

Monroe, Jan. 16, 1847.

Rev. H. Mattison ;

Dear Sir, — The first seventy-two pages of your forthcoming •" Elementary Astronomy," has been received and read. Although 1 have not seen the Maps, nor any portion of the Second Part of the work, yet I think it cannot fail to be eminently useful.

Your plan is, so far as I have the means of knowing it, good and well executed. The manner in which you treat of the laws that govern the Solar Bodies seems better calculated to arrest the attentian and inform the mind of the student than any other treatise on that subject with which I am acquainted.

Hoping to see the entire work soon, and wishing you success in the prosecution of your noble undertaking, I remain, Dear Sir,

Yours truly

IRA MAYHEW.

Extract of a Letter from Prof. Smith, of the Wesley an University.

Dr. Olin and Prof. Johnson have both expressed themselves favorably in reference to the utility of the series of maps which you propose publishing. * * * Of the plan you have in view I cannot doubt the efficiency. Whenever instruction can be conveyed through the eye, that one of the external senses through which the impressions conveyed to the mind are the most vivid and permanent, it must surely be best to employ it. By the series of maps you propose, many notions will be conveyed to the young mind which could hardly be communicated in any other way, and far more correct ones on almost all the points capable of visible illustration. Such a series I must therefore regard as exceedingly useful.

From Rev. E. E. E. Bragdon, A. M., Principal of the Mexico Academy, Mexico, N. Y.

Messrs. Huntington & Savage : — Having tastily examined a part of the work entitled " Elementary Astronomy," which is now being issued from your press, I take pleasure in stating that I am much pleased with the design and execution of the work. Astronomy is confessedly a very important science, and must be regarded as constituting an essential part of every good educational system. Any work, which is calculated to elicit a more general interest in this interesting department of nature, and, at the same time, bring the study of it within the reach of all classes of community, must be considered highly beneficial to the cause of sound education. Such we regard the " Elementary Astronomy," by Rev. H. Mattison. It is Astronomy simplified and made plain — well adapted to the capacities of the young. The author, having omitted the long and tedious mathematical demonstrations and formulas, which are essential for those to understand who may wish to push their investigations into the more recondite and difficult parts of the science, has seized upon the most interesting and important parts, and beautifully illustrated them by means of sixteen large and elegant maps, bringing the whole panorama of the heavens before the learner, and rendering the sublime study of Astronomy pleasing pastime. We think the work eminently adapted to the uses of our public schools and academies, and doubt not that it will secure that amount of favor from a discerning public which its merits may seem to demand.

E. E. E. BRAGDON.

Mexico, Nov.U, 1846.

I fully concur in the above recommendation.

JOHN SAWYER, Pastor of the M. E. Church, Mexico, JV. F.

From the Faculty of Union Academy, Red Creek, N. Y.

Union Academy, Red Creek, Nov. 17, 1846. Rev. H. Mattison :

Dear Sir, — Having witnessed, last evening, an exhibition of your Astronomical Maps, we are fully persuaded that they are calculated to create a new and lively interest in the sublime study of Astronomy. They will supply a desideratum which has long been felt, in communicating, clearly and intelligibly, knowledge on some of the intricate subjects connected with this important study.

Their introduction into our institutions of learning will greatly relieve the teacher, by affording important illustrations, without which no student can acquire a thorough understanding of the science.

Please send to this Institution twenty-five copies of your " Elementary Astronomy," and one set of your best Maps.

HUGH B. JOLLEY, A. M., Principal, and Prof, of Mathematics and Astronomy. JOHN W. PRATT, A. M.,

Prof, of Languages.

Report adopted by the Teachers' Institute of Orleans County, N. Y., Oct. 1846.

The committee, to whom was submitted for examination the Astronomical Charts of Rev. H. Mattison, ask leave to offer the following report :

In point of fitness for the popular wants on this subject, they are second to none within our knowledge. Among other excellencies, they possess the advantage over every other work of the kind, of combining strict accuracy with a plainness of arrangement easily comprehended by those least familiar with the subject ; and we do most confidently and cordially recommend them to the attention of the Trustees and Teachers of the different districts in our county, as worthy of introduction into every school.

Any teacher, however unacquainted he may be with the interesting science of Astronomy, need feel no hesitancy in attempting to instruct a class of pupils from these Charts. Each successive step prepares the way for the next, in so plain and obvious a manner, as cannot fail- to be both interesting and instructive. They have our decided approbation.

JAMES C. CROSS,

CORNELL MOREY, J> Committee.

WILLIAM ORTON,

WM. M. MILLER,

Resolutions of the Tompkins County Teachers* Institute, held at Ithaca, N. Y.,Oct. 1846.

The undersigned, a committee appointed by the Teachers' Institute of the County of Tompkins, for the examination of Mr. Mattison's Astronomical Maps, &c, do report as follows :

Having examined said Maps, we consider them well calculated for the promotion of the science of Astronomy, inasmuch as they are adapted to the capacity of the youthful mind, and present to the understanding a familiar and well-arranged series of illustrations that can hardly fail to combine interest with instruction.

S. D. CARR, Principal of Ithaca Academy.

E. A. TOMPKINS, DANIEL WELLER, J. S. McCREA, J. D. THATCHER.

Ithaca, Oct. 23, 1846.

The above report was unanimously adopted by the Institute.

S. ROBERTSON, Co. Sup't.

Resolutions of the Greene County Teachers' Institute for 1846.

At the Fall Session of the Greene County Teachers' Institute held in the village of Cairo, N. Y., 1846, on motion of Wm. F. Terhune, County Superintendent, seconded by Albert D. Wright, Principal, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted :

Resolved, That the grateful thanks of the members of this Institute are due, and are sincerely tendered, to the Rev. H. Mattison, for his instructive illustrations and explanations of the Astronomical Maps of which he is the author ; that we regard those Maps as a valuable accession to the cause of science ; and that we heartily wish him entire success in the laudable efforts he is now making to introduce the study of the sublime science of Astronomy more extensively in our common schools.

Resolved, That we regard the study of Astronomy, by the advanced scholars of our district schools, as being conducive to the improvement, expansion, and elevation of their minds, enabling them to comprehend the stupendous machinery of nature, and impressing them with awe and reverence for nature's Great Architect.

WM. F. TERHUNE, Pres't.

From Prof. S. R. Sweet, and others, members of the Temporary Normal School, Redfield, N. Y.

At a public meeting of the citizens of Redfield, and the members of the Temporary Normal School, convened for the purpose of hearing a lecture on Astronomy from the Rev. H. Mattison, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted:

Resolved, That the thanks of the citizens, and the members of the Institute, be tendered to the Rev. H. Mattison, for his remarkably interesting and instructive lecture on the science of Astronomy.

Resolved, That the ingeniously conceived and admirably executed plan of presenting the more important principles and facts of Astronomy to the eye, by means of outline maps, merits our warmest approbation and encouragement ; and as an evidence of our sincerity, we hereby order a set of the Maps at. once, for the public school in this village, and pay for them in advance.

S. R. SWEET, Prin. Tern. N. School.

From the Delaware Express.

On the whole, after examining the plan of the author, and the Maps in particular, we do not hesitate to pronounce them of a superior order, splendidly got up, and certainly very reasonable in price. We hope to hear of their introduction into the schools of our county.

From Alexander M. Baker, Esq., County Superintendent of Oswego County.

I have examined with much care Mr. Mattison's u Elementary Astronomy," with the accompanying Maps, and hail them as one of the greatest improvements of the day. Every practical school teacher has seen and felt the want of some elementary treatise on this subject, that should be adapted to the capacities of children and youth ; and this, I think, is just the work that has long been needed ; and one which I hope ere long to see introduced into all our Schools and Academies.

A. M. BAKER.

Sandy Creek, Nov. 9, 1846.

From H. A. Brewster, Esq., Chairman of the Library Committee of the Board of Education of the City of Rochester.

Rochester, Oct. 30, 1846.

Rev. H. Mattison :

Dear Sir, — I have examined your Astronomical Maps and method of teaching Astronomy, with a great degree of interest, and am decidedly of the opinion that it is the best method yet adopted for giving a correct impression upon that subject to the mind of the young.

The manner in which you introduce it is so simple and plain, that it will be easily apprehended by the smallest pupil ; and yet, pursuing the illustrations by the system you have adopted, he is cartied regularly forward, with great facility, to a complete knowledge of the whole science.

I think the Maps should be placed in all our schools and seminaries of learning, and that no better use can be made of the funds appropriated by the State to educate the rising generation, than by applying a sufficient sum to place a set in every school-house in the land. With great respect, your obedient servant,

H. A. BREWSTER.

From the Roman Citizen.

We had the pleasure of learning from Mr. Mattison, while in Rome, something of the character of this publication, and would bespeak for it in advance the favorable attention of the friends of education. To public lecturers, academies, schools, and in the family circle, we are confident it will prove a valuable acquisition. This sublime and truly ennobling study is too much neglected. We hope to see Mr. Mattison's work generally introduced into our schools, being persuaded that it will do much towards rendering the study of Astronomy attractive and easy.

From Rev. Eltas Bowen, D. D., of Ithaca, N. Y. To Messrs. Huntington & Savage, Publishers, New- York :

From a partial examination of the work of Rev. H. Mattison, entitled " Elementary Astronomy," &c, with the accompanying Maps, and designed for common schools, I am clearly of opinion that it will supply a desideratum which is beginning very sensibly to be felt in that department of our great educational system. Passing over the mathematical demonstrations, or the process by which the truths of the science are discovered, it adapts itself to the juvenile mind with great readiness, by a very natural and clear embodiment of facts, which fall as much within the comprehension of the incipient scholar as those of common Geography. The very interesting and useful method of teaching by illustration is here employed, in a series of Maps explanatory of the phenomena of the science, with the happiest effect.

ELIAS BOWEN.

From the Borne Sentinel.

This work is eminently original, and from its utility in studying the science of Astronomy, we believe it will meet the approbation of every student, teacher, and public lecturer in the country. Mr. Mattison, the author, is learned in the science of Astronomy, and has for a long time applied himself with great industry in getting up this work.

The plan he has adopted will furnish facilities for a thorough acquaintance with this science in the common schools of our country, where it has never been taught to any extent or with much profit and improvement to the learner. We hope to see it introduced into our common schools, academies, and higher institutions of learning.

From the Genesee Evangelist.

After giving the title of the work, the editor says : We have had the pleasure of examining the greater part of the Maps which are to accompany this work, and for correctness of design, boldness of appearance, and simplicity and harmony of arrangement, we have never seen them excelled. They are admirably adapted in giving a clear and ready view of the science that they are designed to explain and teach. Astronomy has ever been an intricate study, requiring long and patient investigation. But the mode pursued by Rev. Mr. Mattison in teaching it, will render it interesting, beautiful, and inviting, and will throw a charm on every ascending step, exciting the mind to loftier flight, till the whole field is surveyed. The author has certainly rendered an essential service to science, and will no doubt be amply remunerated in the ready sale which will attend his work, and the new interest which will be imparted in investigating the variety, extent, and position of the heavenly bodies.

SUGGESTIONS TO TEACHERS.

1. It is recommended that Teachers who are not familiar with the subject of Astronomy, should review this branch, in connection with the Maps. This may be done in a short time, by taking the book, and a map or two home with them every night. Indeed a teacher who has never studied Astronomy to any great extent, can in this way keep ahead of his school, and qualify himself in the most effectual manner to interest them, as they follow on and explore the ground over which he has so recently travelled.

2. It is not expected that more than from fifteen to twenty minutes each day can be devoted to this subject ; and the best time will probably be near the close of the school, as the exercise will be a sort of relaxation from severer studies.

3. It is deemed of the first importance that when the time for studying Astronomy arrives each day, the whole school should join in the exercise at the same time. When one or more of the maps are hung up to view, and especially when the questions and answers upon the lessons begin, it will be found difficult to confine a scholar to any other study in the same room. Let every thing else then be laid aside for a short time each day, and let the whole school advance together through the successive lessons. Even small scholars, or those who are only tolerable readers, may thus get a general knowledge of Astronomy, without in the least interfering with their Reading, Writing, Arithmetic, Geography , or Grammar.

4. Instead of one book only in the school, as a key to the Maps, and that in the teachers hands, it is indispensably necessary that eveiy scholar pursuing the study, should have a copy of the book. It was in view of this necessity, thai the subject was compressed within narrow limits, and the book got up in the cheapest possible form.

5. When the time for studying Astronomy arrives, the school will lay aside all other studies and take their books upon that subject. The Teacher will inquire what Maps are necessary to illustrate the lesson, to which the school will answer by naming the number referred to at the head of the lesson. The map, will then be hung up. Let the pupil understand that the left hand side of the map is East, the right AVest, the top North, and the bottom South. When, therefore, they can be hung in the south part of the school-

Xll SUGGESTIONS TO TEACHERS.

room, the pupil will refer every thing to the right point of compass, without the aid of the imagination.

6. The Map being hung up, the school will devote some ten or fifteen minutes to studying the lesson, occasionally Looking at the map for illustration, as the thing to be learned is there pictured out. The oral exercise will then begin. If the lesson contains an important table, or list of names like lessons VII., VIII., XIV., XVIIL, XXL, &c, such table or list should be recited in concert. If it be of less moment, and withall somewhat extended, it may be passed by being carefully studied over, and then reviewed orally, according to its character, and at the discretion of the Teacher. In many other cases where the lessons are like those from I. to VI. inclusive, they should only be studied, without committing to memory ; and the Teacher should ascertain the knowledge thus acquired by extemporaneous questions, at the same time illustrating what may still appear obscure to any pupil, and correcting any mistakes into which individuals have fallen.