More Science from an Easy Chair

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

27015

Title

More Science from an Easy Chair

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Sir Ray Lankester presents a collection of entertaining scientific essays exploring diverse natural phenomena, from Alpine flora and extinct beasts to the mechanics of horse galloping and human digestion. Written with wit and clarity, this volume bridges the gap between complex science and general readership, offering fascinating insights into biology, geology, and the history of scientific thought.

Summary up to 500 words

In *More Science from an Easy Chair*, Sir E. Ray Lankester presents a revised collection of essays originally published in the *Daily Telegraph*, offering a charming and precise exploration of diverse scientific topics. The volume opens with a vivid account of a day in the Oberland, Switzerland, where Lankester examines the unique crystalline structure of glacier ice, the behavior of marmots, and the geological evolution of the Rhone glacier. He then turns his attention to motion, utilizing instantaneous photography to debunk centuries-old artistic misconceptions regarding the galloping horse. Through Muybridge's work, Lankester reveals that the legs of a galloping horse never fully extend in the air as previously depicted, correcting a persistent error in art and illustration. The book delves into paleontology with examinations of elephant evolution, fossil skeletons, and the extinct rat-toothed goat. Lankester also addresses physiological curiosities, such as the decay of credulity regarding magical toadstones, the mechanics of digestion, and the role of smell in attraction. Further chapters explore primitive beliefs about reproduction, the physical characteristics of pygmy races, and the impact of human activity on nature, including the extinction of great animals like the bison and whales. The essays conclude with reflections on the nature of museums, the persistence of disease carriers, and misconceptions about science itself. Throughout, Lankester emphasizes the importance of observation, the power of photographic evidence, and the enduring value of scientific inquiry in dispelling myths and understanding the natural world.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Science
• Natural history