Diagram from page 163 of the 1922 volume The Science of Common Things depicting how coal ignites and burns in a stove. Arrows illustrate the movement of air through the stove. The reactions between oxygen, carbon, nitrogen, and hydrogen are highlighted to demonstrate the process of combustion.

The Science of Common Things is a junior high school/high school-level textbook on science with topics including air; food; water; weather; fire; heating, lighting and electricity within homes; clothing and microscopic organisms. Begins with a foreword to the teacher with subsequent content including scientific projects and experiments. End of book contains a bibliography of children's books on science as well as as list of equipment needed for text teachings. Scientific diagrams and illustrations can be found throughout the text including printed photographic reproductions of students conducting experiments and lab equipment setups for experiments.