based upon a similar series of works now in course of
issue in France, the popularity of which may be inferred from the fact
that

OVER ONE MILLION COPIES

have been sold. The volumes to be comprised in the series are all
written in a popular style, and, where scientific subjects are treated
of, with careful accuracy, and with the purpose of embodying the latest
discoveries and inventions, and the results of the most recent
developments in every department of investigation. Familiar explanations
are given of the most striking phenomena in nature, and of the various
operations and processes in science and the arts. Occasionally notable
passages in history and remarkable adventures are described. The
different volumes are profusely illustrated with engravings, designed by
the most skilful artists, and executed in the most careful manner, and
every possible care will be taken to render them complete and reliable
expositions of the subjects upon which they respectively treat. For THE
FAMILY LIBRARY, for use as PRIZES in SCHOOLS, as an inexhaustible fund
of ANECDOTE and ILLUSTRATION for TEACHERS, and as works of instruction
and amusement for readers of all ages, the volumes comprising THE
ILLUSTRATED LIBRARY OF WONDERS will be found unexcelled.

The following volumes of the series have been published:--

=Optical Wonders.=

THE WONDERS OF OPTICS.--By F. MARION.

Illustrated with over seventy engravings on wood, many of them
full-page, and a colored frontispiece. One volume, 12mo. Price $1 50

_For specimen illustration see page 31._

In the _Wonders of Optics_, the phenomena of Vision, including the
structure of the eye, optical illusions, the illusions caused by light
itself, and the influence of the imagination, are explained. These
explanations are not at all abstract or scientific. Numerous striking
facts and events, many of which were once attributed to supernatural
causes, are narrated, and from them the laws in accordance with which
they were developed are derived. The closing section of the book is
devoted to Natural Magic, and the properties of Mirrors, the
Stereoscope, the Spectroscope, &c., &c., are fully described, together
with the methods by which "Chinese Shadows," Spectres, and numerous
other illusions are produced. The book is one which furnishes an almost
illimitable fund of amusement and instruction, and it is illustrated
with no less than 73 finely executed engravings, many of them full-pag