# Collier's Cyclopedia of Commercial and Social Information

Collier's Cyclopedia
OF
COMMERCIAL AND SOCIAL INFORMATION
AND
TREASURY OF USEFUL AND ENTERTAINING KNOWLEDGE
ON ART, SCIENCE, PASTIMES, BELLES-LETTRES, AND MANY OTHER SUBJECTS OF INTEREST IN THE AMERICAN HOME CIRCLE.
COMPILED BY
NUGENT ROBINSON.
This Edition has been carefully Revised to Date.
New York:
PETER FENELON COLLIER, PUBLISHER.
Copyright, 1882, By P. F. COLLIER.
T no period in the history of the United States has the necessity for a cheap but perfect Cyclopedia of Useful Knowledge been so imperative.
So keen is the competitive spirit of the age, that the advantage of knowledge in the struggle for advancement is apparent to all.
A good education is the best legacy we can leave to our children. It is the best investment we can make for ourselves, The educated man, in every walk of life, carries with him his own capital—a capital unaffected by. monetary crises—an investment whose interest is not regulated by the success of speculation—a legacy which none can dispute, and of which none can deprive him.
This is essentially a practical book. Its aim and object is to enable people to educate themselves. The ambition of the Publisher is to place in every American home this treasury of knowledge, invaluable as a manual of study and a work of reference; and while it is simple, progressive and interesting in style, is a veritable power, from the manner in which it enforces education. A reference to the list of contents will show, that under various heads are included those numerous branches of study essential to the varied walks of life, while its social forms convey those instructions which so qualify persons of both sexes for appearing to the highest advantage in society.
Collier’s Cyclopedia and Veritable Treasury or Knowledge contains a complete digest of Mercantile Law, together with forms of Legal Documents, Government Bonds, and a dictionary of law terms, enabling every man to become his own lawyer. The newest and best system of Phonography is copiously rated. Bookkeeping in all its branches; arithmetic and algebra, together with a lightning calculator, form prominent features in this invaluable work. ​
The Complete Letter Writer is a gem in its way; and the selections of English prose and verse, from the works of the most renowned authors, are as chaste as they are elegant and classical. A very important section in this Treasury of Knowledge is the self teaching of French and German, and the self instructor—illustrated—for the Piano and the singing voice.
The Golden Rules of Etiquette will prove invaluable to those desirous of entering into, and shining in society; and the indoor games, parlor magic, etc., will serve to render the winter nights “bright as day;” while the outdoor, comprising gymnastics, riding, driving, ete. cannot fail to work the most beneficial and healthful results to those who are enabled to profit by the instruction.
The laws of health also form a portion of the Cyclopedia; nor have the all important items of agriculture or gardening been omitted. A glance at the Index will convey some slight idea of the numerous and varied subjects which the compiler has dealt with.
Never within the scope of any one volume have so many subjects been so. skilfully compressed, each of which is handled in so able a manner as to render its study a source of intense enjoyment, while affording the most advanced information.
The Publisher has spared no expense in editing and illustrating, while the volume, for beauty, finish and cheapness, is a marvel of taste and progress.
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