This is a collection of essays on scientific subjects and natural phenomena by Richard A. Proctor. With topics ranging from the mysteries of the Aurora and the Earth's magnetic field to the geological forces behind earthquakes and the Great Tidal Wave, this book offers a glimpse into the wonders of the natural world. It also provides insight into technological innovations like the Safety lamp and the Topographical Survey of India, as well as intriguing subjects like photographic ghosts and the influence of marriage on the death rate.