Knowledge for the People: Or, the Plain Why and Because: Familiarizing Subjects of Useful Curiosity and Amusing Research : Zoological Series

Knowledge For The People: Or, The Plain Why And Because: Familiarizing Subjects Of Useful Curiosity And Amusing Research : Zoological Series by John Timbs. Knowledge for the People is a nineteenth-century primer in natural history presented in a question-and-answer format, covering mammals, birds, amphibians, fishes, worms and insects. This work explains basic classifications (such as warm-blooded mammals, vertebrates vs invertebrates), anatomy, and the habits of animals, with concise explanations and memorable examples. It blends short, accessible science with anecdotal notes from authorities like Blumenbach and Home, and aims to cultivate curiosity and practical knowledge of nature for a general audience. The reader is guided through general topics (instinct vs intelligence, digestion, respiration, and domestication) and into detailed surveys of Quadrupeds, Birds, Amphibia, Fishes, Worms, and Insects, making complex zoological ideas approachable for laypersons.