For 1899 this US chemistry book is suprisingly modern and readable. It also places a strong emphasis on safety (which given the toxicity of many chemicals is vitally important today but was hardly considered back in the 19th Century) and for that reason alone is to be credited. This author may have drawn on existing texts for inspiration but his writing style and practical details are suprisingly modern. It is hard to believe it was written in 1899. This is an author who should be remembered for his contribution to chemistry teaching.
For more Victorian chemistry texts look up George Samuel Newth or G S Newth.

Yes, this book is a gem! Many of the experiments are just as relevant now, sometimes needing only a tweak to modern naming. And though in the current era we probably wouldn't direct typical undergraduate students to "throw a piece of sodium upon the surface of water," experiments like that are great to read about in this work.