very simply and evenly, '_My_ Charlotte.'"

* * * * *



NOTES OF A READER.




KNOWLEDGE FOR THE PEOPLE.

Part VII.--_Mechanics._


We quote a few articles from the Introductory portion, illustrating the
general principles of Mechanical agencies.

Why are we said to know of nothing which is absolutely at rest?

Because the earth is whirling round its axis, and round the sun; the sun is
moving round his axis, and round the centre of gravity of the solar system;
and, doubtless, round some more remote centre in the great universe,
carrying all his planets and comets about his path. One of the grand laws
of nature is, that all bodies persevere in their present state, whether of
motion or rest, unless disturbed by some foreign power. Motion, therefore,
once began, would be continued for ever, were it to meet with no
interruption from external causes, such as the power of gravity, the
resistance of the medium, &c. Dr. Arnott adduces several familiar