Conversations on Natural Philosophy : In Which the Elements of that Science Are Familiarly Explained and Adapted to the Comprehension of Young Pupils

Inspired by conversations with the famous scientists she entertained, Jane Haldimand Marcet (1769–1858) wrote a series of textbooks in the form of discussions between teacher and pupils. Published in 1819, this introduction to physics and astronomy served as one of the first scientific primers for young people, especially girls.

An author of educational works intended especially for young women, Jane Haldimand Marcet (1769–1858) sought to combat the notion that technical topics were unsuitable for female students. Inspired by conversations with the famous scientists she entertained, she wrote textbooks in the lively form of discussions between a teacher and her two female pupils. Published anonymously at first, they found broad popularity: Michael Faraday, as a young bookbinder's apprentice, credited Marcet with introducing him to electrochemistry. The present work, an introduction to physics, astronomy and the properties of matter, sound and light, was Marcet's first, though it remained unpublished until 1819. Her other works include Conversations on Chemistry (1805), Conversations on Political Economy (1816) and Conversations on Vegetable Physiology (1829), all of which are reissued in this series. Never professing to be original, Marcet's work is noted nonetheless for its thoroughness and clear presentation of concepts.