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Wonders of Creation (Volcanoes) ~ Free

On May 18, 1980, Mount Saint Helens erupted. We covered this event in our free unit on volcanoes. This free eBook, Wonders of Creation: A Descriptive Account of Volcanoes and Their Phenomena, is a perfect addition!

The book was first published in 1877 by Thomas Nelson, so you will not find the more recent volcanic events such as Mount Saint Helens. However, many will find it a fascinating look at:

How volcanoes were named.
The characteristics of lava.
The volcanoes of Iceland.
Mount Vesuvius.
The remains of Pompeii.
Etna.
Description of craters.
The great eruptive forces.
Strange looking crater fish.
Volcanic cones.
Volcanoes of Hawaii.
Volcanic rainbows.
Volcanic whirlwinds.
Mount Erebus found by Captain Ross.
Eruptions with hurricanes.
Air volcanoes.
Underground sounds.
Extinct volcanoes.
Much, much more!

Interestingly, the unknown author includes relevant literary passages and many historical asides that keep the book very engaging.

BEING intended for the Young, this work treats of Volcanoes only in a popular way. Scientific details and philosophical speculations are accordingly avoided. Nevertheless, a perusal of the following pages may so stimulate the curiosity of youthful minds, that some, on attaining to riper years and more mature understanding, may be inspired with a longing to inquire more deeply into this interesting subject. They may be stimulated to investigate, in a philosophical spirit, all the marvellous facts and phenomena connected with volcanic agency, and to speculate on their causes and modes of operation….

Apart from these considerations, a perusal of this work may enable the young mind to form a more lively idea of the tremendous energy of the forces which are imprisoned in the bowels of the earth. Such a vivid conception will naturally lead to a higher appreciation of the wisdom and power of Him who guides the operation of those forces by his laws, and has set bounds to their activity which they cannot overpass.

Wonderful book to add to your science collection. And free!

Free eBook

Suggestions

There are 14 chapters. By covering one chapter each week you will have a half year of science studies.
Keep a volcano notebook. Add narrations for each chapter.
Illustrate something interesting from each chapter and describe it.
There are so many rabbit trails included in the book. Find one to follow to its satisfactory completion.
Many places all over the globe are referenced. Include these on a map.