THE NATIONAL PHYSICAL LABORATORY. 



127 



possible to find either the exhibit of a particular firm or the apparatus 

 of a particular class. This was printed in German, English and 

 French, and issued freely to visitors. Dr. Drosten, the representative 

 of the exhibitors in charge, or one of his assistants, was ever ready to give 

 information and advice. To one who wished, as I did, to see the most 

 modern forms of German apparatus, the exhibit was a very real help. 

 Let me quote a few lines from the catalogue : 



At the commencement of the nineteenth century, the French and English 

 makers of scientific instruments were far in advance of the Germans. True, 

 the eighteenth century had its prominent mechanics in Germany, yet at the 



Plan of Grounds. 



beginning of the nineteenth century French and English makers took the lead, 

 so as to almost supply the world's entire demand in scientific instruments. 

 This predominance had the further consequence of causing young Germans to 

 emigrate to France or England in order thoroughly to master their subject. 

 Many a German mechanic to-day owes to French or English masters a sub- 

 stantial portion of his knowledge. And then in Germany it is only 

 within the last twenty or twenty-five years that the state has espoused the in- 

 terests of the home industry, but such have been the efforts and the results 

 that the position has at a blow, as it were, changed in favor of Germany. 

 The greatest share of the impetus given to the manufacture of scientific instru- 

 ments is due to the Reichsanstalt. A characteristic feature of this trade 

 is the unity of its aims, which is traceable to the history of its development and 

 its intimate connection with pure science. During the year 1898 the value of 

 German exports of scientific instruments was about a quarter of a million 

 sterling. It had trebled within ten years; while nearly 14,000 people were 

 employed in it. 



