406 Froceedings of the Society of Arts, 



1723 ; and a thrashing machine appeared in 1735. After a 

 considerable interval, the operation of a reaping machine was 

 exhibited by its inventor, Peter Williamson, in 1763, whose ' 

 romantic history as a captive with the American Indians is 

 well known. It was curious to follow the progress of the arts, 

 and the obstacles opposing them, — from poverty and otherwise. 

 Earlier in the century, a public contribution was required to 

 purchase mathematical instruments for the University. Be- 

 tween 1750 and 1760 a great impetus was given to improve- 

 ment by the " Edinburgh Society for Encouragement of Arts, 

 Sciences, Manufactures, and Agriculture," which sometimes 

 offered 120 premiums annually. Individuals also lent their 

 aid. One year Sir Gilbert Elliot of Stobs contributed 100 

 guineas to promote the Society's objects. Many advantages 

 ensued ; inventions and improvements originated everywhere 

 progressively over Scotland. Among others, the principal 

 improvements of that powerful auxiliary, the steam-engine, 

 is due to this country. At length the institution of our " So- 

 ciety for Encouragement of the Useful Arts" has given more 

 systematic patronage to genius, — as evinced on former oc- 

 casions, and as would appear in the award of premiums which 

 it was that evening his pleasing duty, as President, to bestow 

 upon the successful candidates. 



The following communications were made : — 



1. An exposition of Electrotype was given by Andrew Fyfe, M. D., 

 F. E. S. E. (744.) 



The Society having resolved to give occasional experimental illustra- 

 tions of subjects occupying much of the public attention, at the request of 

 the President and Council Dr Fyfe undertook an exposition of Electro- 

 type. After making a few general observations on the nature of the sub- 

 stances employed in the process, he illustrated experimentally the action 

 by which metals may be deposited from a state of solution, and made to 

 assume the form of the object 09 which the deposit takes place. He after- 

 wards explained the different methods followed, and exhibited the appara- 

 tus by which this is effected, and by which the Electrotype process is now 

 generally conducted ; pointing out, at the same time, the circumstances to 

 be attended to so as to secure success. 



A small medal, connected with the Electrotype apparatus, and exposed 

 in solution of blue vitriol, was shewn, and from it the metallic deposit was 

 removed, so as to afford the members an opportunity of judging of the ease 

 with which the process is conducted. 



