Author
Charles Frederick Holder
1851-1915
Charles Frederick Holder (1851-1915) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaBooks by Charles Frederick Holder
The ivory king : $b A popular history of the elephant and its allies
"The Ivory King: A Popular History of the Elephant and Its Allies" by Charles Frederick Holder is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This work explores the fascinating history, natural biology, and socio-economic significance of elephants, detailing their relationships with humans throughout time and across cultures. It examines not only the current status of elephants but also provides insights into their ancestors, such as the mammoth and mastodon, emphasizing the urgent need for conservation efforts. The opening of the book sets the stage by presenting the elephant as the "true king of beasts," highlighting its impressive history and the challenges it faces due to habitat loss and poaching. Holder discusses the past prominence of elephants in various civilizations, using poignant examples to illustrate their role in warfare and industry. He draws attention to the alarming rate at which elephants are being hunted for ivory, urging readers to consider the consequences of their impending extinction. The preface establishes a framework for the subsequent chapters, which promise a detailed exploration of elephants' natural history, intelligence, and interactions with humans and the environments they inhabit.
Half hours with the lower animals : $b protozoans, sponges, corals, shells, insects, and crustaceans
"Half Hours with the Lower Animals" by Charles Frederick Holder is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. The book aims to provide an engaging introduction to various forms of animal life, particularly lower animals such as protozoans, sponges, and crustaceans. It serves as both a general guide and a supplemental reader for students, participating in broader nature studies and emphasizing the interconnectedness of animal life and its relevance to humanity. The opening of the book sets the stage for an enlightening exploration of microscopic life, beginning with inhabitants of a drop of water. It highlights the incredible diversity found within a microscopic ecosystem, showcasing organisms like the Amœba and various ciliated infusoria that inhabit still water environments. Holder illustrates how these small creatures engage in complex behaviors such as movement, feeding, and reproduction, despite their minuscule size. The text emphasizes the significance of these lower animals in the broader context of life and their vital role in ecosystems, inviting readers to develop an appreciation for the hidden wonders of the natural world.
Living lights : $b A popular account of phosphorescent animals and vegetables
"Living lights : A popular account of phosphorescent animals and vegetables" by Charles Frederick Holder is a popular natural history book written in the late 19th century. It explores the phenomenon of bioluminescence across the animal and plant kingdoms (and even minerals), with special emphasis on marine life, presenting vivid observations, experiments, and travel reports to engage curious readers and young naturalists. The opening of the book lays out the author’s aim to entice young people into outdoor observation through the marvels of natural light, noting that while luminous organs are well described, the true cause of animal phosphorescence remains unknown. It then surveys bioluminescence at sea: the teeming, star-like glow of Noctiluca at the surface; the “meteors” of jellyfish and ctenophores such as Venus’ girdle; and fixed “lights” like sea anemones, corals, sea-fans, and sea-pens that can illuminate whole underwater “forests.” Next come deep-sea echinoderms—brilliant starfish and ophiuroids dredged from great depths—followed by luminous worms, from earthworms and rotifers to flamboyantly glowing marine polychaetes. The narrative turns to mollusks, from the lamp-like Pholas to wing-footed pteropods (Cleodora) and the striking, transparent Phyllirhoë, with notes on possible glow in squids. It concludes this opening stretch by introducing lightning-bugs, blending field anecdotes (including Jamaican fireflies) with clear descriptions of their light organs and behavior.