Transcriber’s Notes
Reading edition
Misspellings and inconsistent, unusual and archaic spelling (also in botanical, zoological and proper names and in other languages than English) have not been changed, except as mentioned below. Not all of the calculations given are correct as given; these have not been corrected unless given below.
The differences between the Table of Contents and the chapter and section headings have not been rectified. The use of large and small font sizes in section headings, and the use of large initial capitals is inconsistent, as it is in the source document.
Depending on the hard- and software used to read this e-text and on their settings, not all elements may display as intended. Extremely long words and names in particular may cause display issues.
(See page 35.) changed to (See page 95.)
Page 91: the line under London on the envelope (This letter was delivered 64 yrs. late) is illegible in the source document.
Pages 108 and 115: the largest known prime number is given as 2¹¹⁷ - 1 (illustration on page 108) and as 2¹²⁷ - 1 (text on page 115); the actual prime numbers differ between the two versions as well.
Page 114, ...as indicated by a figure of 2,000,0001 digits: the final digit is probably erroneous.
Page 145, ...a statuary fine of $75...: possibly an error for ...a statutory fine of $75....
Page 158, paragraph starting “Barney” is 43 years old...: there is a quote mark missing or in excess.
Changes made
Text in a dotted box under an illustration is not present in the text as such, but is a transcription of the text in the illustration, with an approximate indication of the relative positions of the parts of the text.
References that are not meaningful in this e-text (e.g., opposite page) have been hyperlinked to the appropriate place.
In some places a line of stars has been inserted where it was lacking in the source document to clarify the transition from one subject to the next.
Page 76: Par paresse d’ésprit,... changed to Par paresse d’esprit,....
Page 83: Qu’est ce que ça? changed to Qu’est-ce que ça?
Page 86: ...oesters that grew on trees; crabs that climbs their branches...fish that wor a coat of mail... changed to ...oysters that grew on trees; crabs that climb their branches...fish that wore a coat of mail....
Page 96: ... and the Courrier Medical of France changed to ... and the Courrier Médical of France.
Page 99: Liu Ch’ung, or Liu Min,... changed to Liu Ch‘ung, or Liu Min,... as in illustration.
Page 113: CAN YOU CHANGE FIVE DOLLARS! changed to CAN YOU CHANGE FIVE DOLLARS?
Page 123: closing quote mark inserted after ...that his opinion was wrong.
Page 132: Gazette Medicale de Paris changed to Gazette Médicale de Paris.
Page 172: The largest salary every received... changed to The largest salary ever received....