Nature's Teachings

Natures Teachings: Human Invention Anticipated by Nature by Rev. J. G. Wood M.A. F.L.S. etc. explores the close connection between Nature and human inventions. The book reveals how almost every human invention has its prototype in Nature with examples like the steam engine and electricity being childs toys for centuries before becoming significant inventions. Wood provides parallels of Nature and Art illustrating with over 750 figures. The book covers various topics such as nautical inventions like rafts oars paddles and screws as well as war and hunting tools architecture and optics. Wood highlights the use of natural boats by water-snails sea-anemones and insects like the water-boatman. The book also delves into the principles of propulsion using oars paddles and screws drawing parallels between human inventions and natural mechanisms like fish tails otter tails and seal movements. Wood discusses the self-feathering paddle-wheel sculling a boat and the screw principle in nature and art emphasizing the efficiency and ingenuity of natural mechanisms in inspiring human inventions.