This manual by English author and antiquary, John Timbs was presented to the public with the objective of correcting the past by the light of that time, and directing their attention to many chief matters of Knowledge for the Time. Throughout the work, the author, John Timbs, has attempted to benefit himself from the most reliable views of leading writers on events of that time; and by grasping new points of knowledge and sources of information, to present, in a classified form, a collection of facts and opinions, and assist in the formation of an excellent general judgment, or direct still further a-field. The author has avoided making the work unnecessarily wordy to save the readers' time and thoughts. This concise manual covers the following topics: Historico-Political Information; progress of Civilization; Dignities and Distinctions; Changes in Laws; Measure and Value; Progress of Science; Life and Health; Religious Thought.