The universal instructor and general encyclopedia...

Front matter

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V

Preface

/jfoHIS work is presented to the public as meeting a practical want in the ^ various relations of life. In the modern world, a knowledge of let¬ ters—the ability to read and understand the meaning of written and printed words and characters—is the rule rather than the exception with the people. The prevalence of this degree of knowledge implies that it should be put to the best use; and while it is made useful in imparting instruction in history, in ethics, and upon current events, it should be made more directly to benefit the whole people by affording them a means of becoming readily informed upon topics inseparably connected with their daily life, habits, comfort and happiness. And this is the design and purpose of the present work.

The world has been flooded with books on theology, history, literature, politics, and the thousand and one hobbies that afflict mankind, to say nothing of an infinity of professional text books on law, medicine, etc. But it is only within the past few years that the press has been brought into requisition as the instructor of the people on the more practical affairs of life. Many works addressed to the popular understanding on practical topics have latterly made their appearance, and the unconsidered opinion may be that there are already enough of them. But compared with the number of books extant on other subjects, the list of popular practical works is not as one to a hundred. The ready market that the few works of this character have found shows that they have ministered to a general want;, and the very fact that some of them of but slight value have enjoyed a large sale, proves the extent of the demand, and that an inferior article will be accepted because the better is not in supply.

Without seeking to disparage other works, it is enough to say that Merwin’s Universal Instructor has been written and compiled with especial reference to its practical value, and it is believed that no one book

IV

PREFACE.

ever published has contained as large an amount of general information and instruction adapted to all classes of people. It contains over 10,000 valuable recipes and useful facts adapted to the wants of every house¬ hold in the land. The author has given his undivided personal attention to its preparation, aided by a corps of competent assistants, and in placing the work before the public he feels confident that no other work can be found, so valuable, so instructive, and furnished at so low a price; many single recipes being worth a hundred times more than the cost of the book.

Part I, relating to health and the treatment of disease, is written in plain language, avoiding all technical terms, and the formulas and methods of treatment are chosen from those best approved in modern practice. Many of them have been tested and proved by the author in a medical prac¬ tice of over twenty years, and are now for the first time given to the public. As a whole, it is believed that this department of the work will be found superior to any similar book extant.

The work differs from any other one extant in this, that its topics are treated in familiar essays, followed by formulas and Tecipes in immediate connection.

It would be impracticable, in a preface, to give any general summary of the contents of the work. This must be learned from an acquaintance with it. A glance at the index, however, will readily suggest its general char¬ acter. This is especially full, with a continuous alphabetical classification referring directly to the page of the work where any particular subject matter is found.

The illustrations are by one of the best designers in New York (Mr. Thomas Fleming), and their execution is by the marvelous photo-engraving process, one of the modern wonders, and which is fast superseding the old methods of engraving.

ILLUSTRATIONS

FULL PAGE ENGRAVINGS.

Page

Author’s Portrait.

Frontispiece.

Robust Health Defies Disease. 9

The Grim Mower with his Miasmatic Scythe. 59

Malignant Foes of Childhood. 70

Yosemite—California. 78

Treatment of Cancer—The Two Methods.116

Physiclan, Nurse and Patient.. 155

Take Good Care of the Children. 174

Accidents—“We Walk Amid Dangers.”.192

Old People.241

The Family Meal. 281

The Household Culinary. 290

Bounteous Nature Rewards Industry and Thrift.407

Farm Scenes—Domestic Animals.434

The Horse, the Noblest of Animals.439

Fruits of the Vine. 492

“Write Me a Letter From Home ”. 533

Measuring Altitudes. 597

Masonic and Other Funeral Rites. 608

Farm Scene—The Tiller. 623

Illustrative Index Frontispiece.632

MINOR ILLUSTRATIONS.

Page

Bathing. 23

Hay Fever. 69

Female Invalid. 154

Recipes . 239

Neglect .259

Birds . 274

Supplies.287

Page

The Ox. 291

Cakes . 346

Carpets . 383

Rabbit and Doves .406

Barrels and Casks .511

Leopards . 656