Introductory note on Michael Faraday (Volume 30, Harvard Classics)

Two sticks, a table, and a pail were the commonplace implements used by Michael Faraday to demonstrate great scientific truths. (Volume 30, Harvard Classics)

Faraday sends "Experimental Researches" to Royal Society, Nov. 6, 1845.

Introductory note on Sir Thomas More (Volume 36, Harvard Classics)

A divorce always means trouble for some one. So with Sir Thomas More when he refused to agree with King Henry over the king's separation. More was made to pay one of the highest prices ever paid for a difference of opinion. (Volume 36, Harvard Classics)

Introductory note on Pierre Corneille (Volume 26, Harvard Classics)

Polyeucte, an Armenian noble, wanted to become a Christian. If he were baptized, he would have to give up his high position, his wealth and his pagan wife. Was the heavenly crown worth this sacrifice? (Volume 26, Harvard Classics)

Introductory note on Pliny the Younger (Volume 9, Harvard Classics)

Pliny sought the advice of the Emperor Trajan for dealing with the Christians who were alarmingly on the increase. He casually relates how he had tortured two Christians. (Volume 9, Harvard Classics)

Introductory note on Dante Alighieri (Volume 20, Harvard Classics)

Dante recorded the awful scenes of a journey through the pits of the underworld, and wrote in such a vivid, realistic way that men tremble at the terrors depicted. (Volume 20, Harvard Classics)