IXVENTIOXS AT PANAMA. 155 



use of explosives, then, an analogy exists between the Alpine and 

 Panama undertakings. The introduction of nitro-glycerine proved in 

 both cases of great advantage. At Suez, on the other hand, the 

 occurrence of rock was rare, and blasting was resorted to only in 

 exceptional cases. 



While from such points of view analogies may be apportioned 

 among the enterprises — two railroad and two ship-canal enterprises — 

 which occupy us, it may not be denied that the work at Panama and 

 machinery used for it bear a special resemblance to those at Suez. 

 Nor may we lose sight of the fact that from an extra-scientitic point 

 of view, one individuality, one firm resolve, have, rather than other 

 human agencies, accomplished in each case whatever has been done. 

 As regards the enterprise first carried through, we have considered 

 some of the advances made in the engineering and mechanic arts. To 

 say that these have contributed to the feasibility of the work at 

 Panama is to say but little. They alone, perhaps, have rendered it 

 possible. But for them, the Paris Congress might not have been held ; 

 the Panama work might not have been even begun, still less in process 

 of execution. 



We come, finally, to the question of inventions in immediate con- 

 nection with Panama. These seem to consist, thus far, chiefly in an 

 increase in the size and power of the machines, whether dredges or 

 excavators, employed. But ingenuity may at any time supply any 

 need that develops itself, and it has effected part of what has been 

 done already. An opinion formulated by the French Academy of 

 Sciences in 1880, regarding inventions in connection with such work, 

 has been quoted. Lieutenant N. B. Wyse, of the French Navy, whose 

 plan for a sea-level canal was adopted by the Paris Congress, has also 

 touched upon this point. He refers to objections urged against a sea- 

 level canal. The plan involved either a huge tunnel or a huge open 

 cut ; in either case the work would be much in excess of any of a like 

 character hitherto attempted. He says, " The course of events, ex- 

 perience based upon precise observation, will undoubtedly suggest 

 new processes, or processes scarcely caught sight of at the present day, 

 so as to conquer the difticulties indicated."* 



Such anticipations have not been entertained without cause. The 

 major part of the excavation has not yet been done, but already the 



* " Eapports sur les Etudes de la Commission Internationale d'Exploration de I'lsthme 

 Americain, par Lucien N. B. Wyse," p. 5G. Whatever the services of Lieutenant Wyse 

 in the surveys of the Isthmus, between 1876 and 1879, it should be remarked that his 

 work, published last year, " Le Canal de Panama," is not to be read without allowances. 

 The rupture which occurred between himself and De Lesseps in 1880, due to the fact that 

 Wyse, as he himself tells us, expected to be appointed director-peneral of the work, and 

 was not so appointed, has led to acrid criticisms on his part upon the company. That 

 part of his work which relates to his surveys — the larger part — possesses not a little in- 

 terest, and is not perhaps open to much criticism ; but, as regards his strictures upon the 

 company, the fact referred to is to be kept in mind. 



