Editor’s Note: This article previously appeared in a different format as part of The Atlantic’s Notes section, retired in 2021. The toilet is the ultimate venue of control. It’s where you start to ...

One of my favorite books of all time is “Oranges” by John McPhee. When I tell people this, they ask me what it’s about. “Oranges,” I say. “No, seriously; what’s it about?” “Oranges.” This is when they ...

THESE books deal with elementary physics. The first is intended for pupils to read in class, lesson by lesson, after they have attended an explanatory and experimental demonstration from the teacher ...

THIS manual is, the preface informs us, “designed primarily to meet the requirements of the Education Department in the Class Subject of Domestic Economy, as laid down in the Code for 1897.” It will ...