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The Boy's Playbook of Science
The Boy's Playbook of Science

Chapter XXVI

Chapter 26 of The Boy's Playbook of Science is here in full — 63 sentences across 13 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/12 · 5 lines
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THE INFLECTION OR DIFFRACTION OF LIGHT.
In this part of the subject it is absolutely necessary to return to the theory of undulations with which the present subject was commenced.
The inflection of light offers a third method by which rays of light may be decomposed and colour produced.
The phenomena are extremely beautiful, although the explanation of them is almost too intricate for a popular work of this kind.
The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Boy's Playbook of Science

Chapter XXVI

Chapter 26 of The Boy's Playbook of Science is here in full — 63 sentences across 13 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/12 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
THE INFLECTION OR DIFFRACTION OF LIGHT.
/ðə ˌɪnˈflekʃən ɔːr dɪˈfrækʃən ʌv laɪt/
Line 2
In this part of the subject it is absolutely necessary to return to the theory of undulations with which the present subject was commenced.
Line 3
The inflection of light offers a third method by which rays of light may be decomposed and colour produced.
/ðə ˌɪnˈflekʃən ʌv laɪt ˈɔːfərz ə θɜːrd ˈmeθəd baɪ wɪtʃ reɪz ʌv laɪt meɪ biː ˌdiːkəmˈpoʊzd ənd ˈkʌlər prəˈduːst/
Line 4
The phenomena are extremely beautiful, although the explanation of them is almost too intricate for a popular work of this kind.
/ðə fəˈnɑːmənə ɑːr ekˈstriːmli ˈbjuːtəfəl ˌɔːlˈðoʊ ðə ˌekspləˈneɪʃən ʌv ðem ɪz ˈɔːlmoʊst tuː ˈɪntrəkət fɔːr ə ˈpɑːpjələr wɜːrk ʌv ðɪs kaɪnd/
Line 5
The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.
/ðə ˈkeɪsəz wer ˈkʌlər ɪz prəˈduːst baɪ ˌɪnˈflekʃən ɑːr mɔːr ˈnuːmərəs ðæn maɪt æt fɜːrst biː səˈpoʊzd ðʌs ɪf wiː lʊk æt ə ˈɡæslaɪt ɔːr ðə ˈsetɪŋ sʌn θruː ə ˈwaɪər ɡɔːz blaɪnd prəˈtektɪŋ ðə aɪ wɪð ə ˈlɪtəl tæŋk ʌv daɪˈluːt ɪŋk ə moʊst ˈbjuːtəfəl ˈkʌlərd krɔːs ɪz əˈperənt/

Learner Dictionary

These definitions explain words found in the current reading and keep every example grounded in its original sentence.

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, and audio.

decomposed verb US /ˌdiːkəmˈpoʊzd/

past form of “decompose” — separate (substances) into constituent elements or parts

From this reading “The inflection of light offers a third method by which rays of light may be decomposed and colour produced.”

diffraction noun US /dɪˈfrækʃən/

when light passes sharp edges or goes through narrow slits the rays are deflected and produce fringes of light and dark bands

From this reading “THE INFLECTION OR DIFFRACTION OF LIGHT.”

dilute verb US /daɪˈluːt/

lessen the strength or flavor of a solution or mixture

From this reading “The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.”

gaslight noun US /ˈɡæslaɪt/

light yielded by the combustion of illuminating gas

From this reading “The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.”

gauze noun US /ɡɔːz/

(medicine) bleached cotton cloth of plain weave used for bandages and dressings

From this reading “The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.”

inflection noun US /ˌɪnˈflekʃən/

a change in the form of a word (usually by adding a suffix) to indicate a change in its grammatical function

From this reading “THE INFLECTION OR DIFFRACTION OF LIGHT.”

intricate adjective US /ˈɪntrəkət/

having many complexly arranged elements; elaborate

From this reading “The phenomena are extremely beautiful, although the explanation of them is almost too intricate for a popular work of this kind.”

phenomena noun US /fəˈnɑːmənə/

plural of “phenomenon” — any state or process known through the senses rather than by intuition or reasoning

From this reading “The phenomena are extremely beautiful, although the explanation of them is almost too intricate for a popular work of this kind.”

Word partnerships in these lines

English keeps certain words together, and knowing the pair is worth more than knowing each word alone. Every partnership below was counted across our whole published library, and earns its place by appearing far more often than two unrelated words of the same frequency would.

Shown as this reading writes them, with the form the library counts, what kind of pairing it is, and how often it occurs.

absolutely necessary adverb + adjective

In this reading “In this part of the subject it is absolutely necessary to return to the theory of undulations with which the present subject was commenced.”

setting sun noun + noun

In this reading “The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.”

most beautiful adverb + adjective

In this reading “The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.”

look at verb + particle

take into consideration for exemplifying purposes

In this reading “The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.”

extremely beautiful adverb + adjective

In this reading “The phenomena are extremely beautiful, although the explanation of them is almost too intricate for a popular work of this kind.”

produced by verb + particle counted as “produce by”

In this reading “The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.”

All words in this reading · 79

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

adeterminerUS /ə/

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading The inflection of light offers a third method by which rays of light may be decomposed and colour produced.

absolutelyadverbUS /ˌæbsəˈluːtli/

completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers

From this reading In this part of the subject it is absolutely necessary to return to the theory of undulations with which the present subject was commenced.

almostadverbUS /ˈɔːlmoʊst/

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading The phenomena are extremely beautiful, although the explanation of them is almost too intricate for a popular work of this kind.

althoughconjunctionUS /ˌɔːlˈðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading The phenomena are extremely beautiful, although the explanation of them is almost too intricate for a popular work of this kind.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading The inflection of light offers a third method by which rays of light may be decomposed and colour produced.

apparentadjectiveUS /əˈperənt/

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading The phenomena are extremely beautiful, although the explanation of them is almost too intricate for a popular work of this kind.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading The inflection of light offers a third method by which rays of light may be decomposed and colour produced.

beautifuladjectiveUS /ˈbjuːtəfəl/

delighting the senses or exciting intellectual or emotional admiration

From this reading The phenomena are extremely beautiful, although the explanation of them is almost too intricate for a popular work of this kind.

blindnounUS /blaɪnd/

people who have severe visual impairments, considered as a group

From this reading The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The inflection of light offers a third method by which rays of light may be decomposed and colour produced.

casesnounUS /ˈkeɪsəz/

plural of “case” — an occurrence of something

From this reading The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.

colouradjectiveUS /ˈkʌlər/

having or capable of producing colors

From this reading The inflection of light offers a third method by which rays of light may be decomposed and colour produced.

colouredadjectiveUS /ˈkʌlərd/

having color or a certain color; sometimes used in combination

From this reading The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.

commencedverbUS /kəˈmenst/

past form of “commence” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading In this part of the subject it is absolutely necessary to return to the theory of undulations with which the present subject was commenced.

crossverbUS /krɔːs/

travel across or pass over

From this reading The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.

decomposedverbUS /ˌdiːkəmˈpoʊzd/

past form of “decompose” — separate (substances) into constituent elements or parts

From this reading The inflection of light offers a third method by which rays of light may be decomposed and colour produced.

DIFFRACTIONnounUS /dɪˈfrækʃən/

when light passes sharp edges or goes through narrow slits the rays are deflected and produce fringes of light and dark bands

From this reading THE INFLECTION OR DIFFRACTION OF LIGHT.

diluteverbUS /daɪˈluːt/

lessen the strength or flavor of a solution or mixture

From this reading The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.

explanationnounUS /ˌekspləˈneɪʃən/

a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.

From this reading The phenomena are extremely beautiful, although the explanation of them is almost too intricate for a popular work of this kind.

extremelyadverbUS /ekˈstriːmli/

to a high degree or extent; favorably or with much respect

From this reading The phenomena are extremely beautiful, although the explanation of them is almost too intricate for a popular work of this kind.

eyenounUS /aɪ/

the organ of sight

From this reading The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.

firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The phenomena are extremely beautiful, although the explanation of them is almost too intricate for a popular work of this kind.

gaslightnounUS /ˈɡæslaɪt/

light yielded by the combustion of illuminating gas

From this reading The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.

gauzenounUS /ɡɔːz/

(medicine) bleached cotton cloth of plain weave used for bandages and dressings

From this reading The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.

InprepositionUS /ɪn/

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading In this part of the subject it is absolutely necessary to return to the theory of undulations with which the present subject was commenced.

INFLECTIONnounUS /ˌɪnˈflekʃən/

a change in the form of a word (usually by adding a suffix) to indicate a change in its grammatical function

From this reading THE INFLECTION OR DIFFRACTION OF LIGHT.

inknounUS /ɪŋk/

a liquid used for printing or writing or drawing

From this reading The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.

intricateadjectiveUS /ˈɪntrəkət/

having many complexly arranged elements; elaborate

From this reading The phenomena are extremely beautiful, although the explanation of them is almost too intricate for a popular work of this kind.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading In this part of the subject it is absolutely necessary to return to the theory of undulations with which the present subject was commenced.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading In this part of the subject it is absolutely necessary to return to the theory of undulations with which the present subject was commenced.

kindadjectiveUS /kaɪnd/

having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

From this reading The phenomena are extremely beautiful, although the explanation of them is almost too intricate for a popular work of this kind.

LIGHTadjectiveUS /laɪt/

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading THE INFLECTION OR DIFFRACTION OF LIGHT.

littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.

lookverbUS /lʊk/

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.

maymodal verbUS /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading The inflection of light offers a third method by which rays of light may be decomposed and colour produced.

methodnounUS /ˈmeθəd/

a way of doing something, especially a systematic way; implies an orderly logical arrangement (usually in steps)

From this reading The inflection of light offers a third method by which rays of light may be decomposed and colour produced.

mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.

moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.

mostadverbUS /moʊst/

used to form the superlative

From this reading The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.

necessaryadjectiveUS /ˈnesəseri/

absolutely essential

From this reading In this part of the subject it is absolutely necessary to return to the theory of undulations with which the present subject was commenced.

numerousadjectiveUS /ˈnuːmərəs/

amounting to a large indefinite number

From this reading The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.

OFprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE INFLECTION OR DIFFRACTION OF LIGHT.

offersnounUS /ˈɔːfərz/

plural of “offer” — the verbal act of offering

From this reading The inflection of light offers a third method by which rays of light may be decomposed and colour produced.

ORconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading THE INFLECTION OR DIFFRACTION OF LIGHT.

partnounUS /pɑːrt/

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading In this part of the subject it is absolutely necessary to return to the theory of undulations with which the present subject was commenced.

phenomenanounUS /fəˈnɑːmənə/

plural of “phenomenon” — any state or process known through the senses rather than by intuition or reasoning

From this reading The phenomena are extremely beautiful, although the explanation of them is almost too intricate for a popular work of this kind.

popularadjectiveUS /ˈpɑːpjələr/

regarded with great favor, approval, or affection especially by the general public

From this reading The phenomena are extremely beautiful, although the explanation of them is almost too intricate for a popular work of this kind.

presentverbUS /ˈprezənt/

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading In this part of the subject it is absolutely necessary to return to the theory of undulations with which the present subject was commenced.

producedverbUS /prəˈduːst/

past form of “produce” — bring forth or yield

From this reading The inflection of light offers a third method by which rays of light may be decomposed and colour produced.

protectingadjectiveUS /prəˈtektɪŋ/

shielding (or designed to shield) against harm or discomfort

From this reading The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.

raysnounUS /reɪz/

plural of “ray” — a column of light (as from a beacon)

From this reading The inflection of light offers a third method by which rays of light may be decomposed and colour produced.

returnverbUS /rɪˈtɜːrn/

go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading In this part of the subject it is absolutely necessary to return to the theory of undulations with which the present subject was commenced.

settingnounUS /ˈsetɪŋ/

the context and environment in which something is set

From this reading The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.

subjectnounUS /səbˈdʒekt/

the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading In this part of the subject it is absolutely necessary to return to the theory of undulations with which the present subject was commenced.

sunnounUS /sʌn/

the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.

supposedadjectiveUS /səˈpoʊzd/

required or under orders

From this reading The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.

tanknounUS /tæŋk/

an enclosed armored military vehicle; has a cannon and moves on caterpillar treads

From this reading The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading THE INFLECTION OR DIFFRACTION OF LIGHT.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The phenomena are extremely beautiful, although the explanation of them is almost too intricate for a popular work of this kind.

theorynounUS /ˈθɪri/

a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world; an organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a variety of circumstances to explain a specific set of phenomena

From this reading In this part of the subject it is absolutely necessary to return to the theory of undulations with which the present subject was commenced.

thirdnounUS /θɜːrd/

one of three equal parts of a divisible whole

From this reading The inflection of light offers a third method by which rays of light may be decomposed and colour produced.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading In this part of the subject it is absolutely necessary to return to the theory of undulations with which the present subject was commenced.

throughprepositionUS /θruː/

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.

thusadverbUS /ðʌs/

(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result

From this reading The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.

toparticleUS /tuː/

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading In this part of the subject it is absolutely necessary to return to the theory of undulations with which the present subject was commenced.

tooadverbUS /tuː/

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading The phenomena are extremely beautiful, although the explanation of them is almost too intricate for a popular work of this kind.

undulations

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In this part of the subject it is absolutely necessary to return to the theory of undulations with which the present subject was commenced.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading In this part of the subject it is absolutely necessary to return to the theory of undulations with which the present subject was commenced.

wepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.

whereconjunctionUS /wer/

in or at the place that

From this reading The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading In this part of the subject it is absolutely necessary to return to the theory of undulations with which the present subject was commenced.

wirenounUS /ˈwaɪər/

ligament made of metal and used to fasten things or make cages or fences etc

From this reading The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading In this part of the subject it is absolutely necessary to return to the theory of undulations with which the present subject was commenced.

workverbUS /wɜːrk/

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading The phenomena are extremely beautiful, although the explanation of them is almost too intricate for a popular work of this kind.

Chapter 26 of The Boy's Playbook of Science by John Henry Pepper holds 63 sentences, grouped into 13 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 26 of The Boy's Playbook of Science contain?

Chapter 26 holds 63 sentences of The Boy's Playbook of Science, unabridged, divided into 13 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 26 of The Boy's Playbook of Science by John Henry Pepper exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 63 sentences, grouped into 13 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 26 of The Boy's Playbook of Science?

Work through the 13 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 13 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 26 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 26 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

Questions about reading The Boy's Playbook of Science

Common questions about reading The Boy's Playbook of Science by John Henry Pepper on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Boy's Playbook of Science?

Yes. All 4206 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #41839 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Boy's Playbook of Science is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #41839, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Boy's Playbook of Science take to read?

About 350 minutes of reading across 842 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Boy's Playbook of Science section by section

How to work through The Boy's Playbook of Science section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 31 chapters of The Boy's Playbook of Science to begin.

  2. Read one section

    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

    Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.

Vocabulary met early in The Boy's Playbook of Science

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Boy's Playbook of Science, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Chemical
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Boy's Playbook of Science; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Philosophical
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Boy's Playbook of Science; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Apparatus
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Boy's Playbook of Science; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Required
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Boy's Playbook of Science; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.