Diagram from page 191 of the 1922 volume The Science of Common Things depicting the movement of warm and cool air through a home to demonstrate the functionality of a furnace. Labels indicate heating components such as a hot air pipe, galvanized iron casing, fire pot, grate, cold air pipe, and hot air register. Arrows demarcate the path of warm and cold air emerging from the furnace.

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.