348 Dr George Wilson on the Early History of the 



instruments, and it is a matter of regret that these have not 

 been preserved intact, as they would now form a collection of 

 undoubted interest."* From this statement it is plain that 

 we may fear the worst. None, however, of the present cura- 

 tors, or members of the Royal Society, nor their predecessors, 

 for more, probably, than a century, are responsible for the 

 disappearance of Boyle's air-pump, if in truth it is lost. Nor 

 would it be fair, when all things are considered, to blame 

 Boyle's contemporaries, or immediate successors, or to ac- 

 cuse them of indifference or neglect. 



The instrument was presented to them, not as a curiosity 

 or relic, but as a machine to be freely used for the perform- 

 ance of experiments. The following extracts, made verbatim 

 from the first volume of Birch's History of the Royal Society, 

 will prove how highly it was prized by the members. The 

 earlier references shew the interest taken in the air pump 

 before it came into the Society's possession. 



166t- Jcinuary 2. Mr Boyle was likewise requested to bring 

 in his cylinder, and to shew, at his best convenience, 

 his experiment of the air (p. 8). 

 February Vdth, The Danish Ambassador visited the So- 

 ciety, being introduced by Mr Evelyn, and was enter- 

 tained with experiments on Mr Boyle*s air-pump, &c. 

 (p. 16). 

 1661. March ISth. Mr Boyle was requested to remember his 

 experiment of the air (p. 19). 

 March 27th. Mr Boyle was desired to hasten his intended 



alteration of his air-pump (ibid.). 

 May Ibth. Mr Boyle presented the Society with his en- 

 ^ gine(p.23). 

 1660* January 29th. The Genoese Ambassador gave the So- 

 ciety a visit, and was entertained with the sight of Mr 

 Boyle's air-pump (p. 75). 

 February 12th. Dr Wren proposed to try a watch in Mr 



Boyle's engine (p. 76). 

 April 30th. The experiments, agreed on for the next 



* History of Royal Society, vol. ii., p. 43. 



