This textbook presents basic science to children during two or three consecutive years with an increasing number of facts and a progressive elevation of ideas. Special knowledge of things and the general development of the mind are attained by this method of repetition, but avoids monotony. The author has tried to keep clear of this danger by giving to the book a more elementary and at the same time more practical character. In the present translation only such changes and additions have been made as were necessary to Americanize the book and adapt it to the requirements of public and private schools in the U.S. [Translation by T. W. Gilson.]