Science in Short Chapters

"Science in Short Chapters" by W. Mattieu Williams is a compilation of essays exploring diverse scientific subjects from the 1800s for casual readers wanting to learn about science, but who may not have any formal training. The book presents the author's thoughts on several topics such as understanding where coal comes from to understanding the Sun's characteristics, and all explanations are simplified to be very clear. The first essay of the collection, "The Fuel of the Sun," discusses the characteristics of Earth's atmosphere and its usefulness in the understanding of solar power. Williams critically examines theories related to the Earth's atmosphere and its constraints, most specifically, a concept from Dr. Wollaston pertaining to it being finite. Through this analysis, the author proposes that the atmosphere is possibly unlimited, and that concept alone could shift our understanding of solar energy as a whole, beckoning the audience to rethink established theories.