The Root of the Matter
The Root of the Matter is a novel by Grant Allen that explores themes of science and religion. The story follows two characters, Dr. George Winterbourne and his daughter, Ethel, who are both scientists. As they investigate the mysteries of life and death, they come to realize that there may be more to existence than what can be explained through scientific means alone. Through their journey, Allen explores the tension between science and religion, ultimately suggesting that a balance between the two is necessary for a full understanding of the world around us.
By Grant Allen · First published 1890 · Genre: Science, Educational, Non-fiction · 1,151 words
First lines
EVERY Girton girl (_vice_ Macaulay's schoolboy, retired from overwork)-every Girton girl knows that a well-conducted British oak "spreads its roots as far and wide through the soil beneath as it rears its boughs above toward the air of heaven. " Every Girton girl is probably also of opinion that the British oak does this mainly or solely in order to fix itself by firm anchors in the soil-to withstand the battling winds and the constant pull of hostile gravitation. But what every Girton girl does not, perhaps, quite so confidently know is this-that, on the whole, the tips of the roots and the tips of the branches correspond roughly in situation with one another, so that if you were to unearth and expose the entire tree you would find it composed of two tolerably similar domes or hemispheres-one erect and aërial, and one inverted and earth-bound, each occupying approximately equal areas, and each circumscribed by fairly equal circles.
What this Textopian page supports
The Root of the Matter is listed on Textopian as a short story by Grant Allen, dated 1890 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Grant Allen
- Date: 1890 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science, Educational, Non-fiction, Nature, Essay
- Length: 1,151 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Root of the Matter by Grant Allen
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Root of the Matter?
- How does this short story by Grant Allen fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Science first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Science by Charles Kingsley
- The Fount Of Science by Charles Kingsley
- The Tree Of Knowledge by Charles Kingsley
- Madam How And Lady Why by Charles Kingsley
- Wonders Of The Sea Or Daily Miracles by Charles Kingsley
- A Parable From Liebig by Charles Kingsley
Genres
- Science — The text provides a detailed explanation of botanical processes, focusing on the structure and function of tree roots and branches.
- Educational — The content is informative and aims to educate the reader about plant biology and water management in trees.
- Non-fiction — The work is factual and based on scientific observations rather than fictional storytelling.
- Nature — The focus is on natural elements, specifically trees and their interaction with the environment.
Tags
science · botany · nature · philosophy · humanity · exploration · knowledge · inquiry · discovery · environment · ethics · society