M. Arago's Biographical Memoir of James Watt. 285 



the public library, and the Collection of Works of Science 

 which Watt had presented to the establishment during his 

 lifetime. This building has already cost L.3500, to which Mr 

 James Watt has liberally contributed. A fine colossal sta- 

 tue in bronze, placed upon a beautiful pedestal of granite in 

 George's Square, Glasgow, demonstrates to every one how 

 proud this capital of Scottish industry is of having been the 

 cradle of Watfs discoveries. Finally, the portals of West- 

 minster Abbey have been opened at the voice of an imposing 

 union of subscribers ; and there stands a colossal statue of 

 Watt in Carrara marble, the chef-d'ceuvre of Chantrey 

 (bearing an inscription by Lord Brougham),* and one of the 

 principal ornaments of the English Pantheon. There is un- 

 questionably much art in thus uniting the illustrious names of 

 Watt, Chantrey, and Brougham, upon the same monument. 

 But far be it from me to make this a ground of blame. Happy 

 rather that people who thus avail themselves of opportunities 

 to honour their illustrious dead. 



We have thus given an account of five grand statues which 



* We subjoin the inscription : — 



Not to perpetuate a name 



wliich must endure while the peaceful arts flourish, 



but to shew 



that mankind have learnt to honour those 



who best deserve their gratitude, 



the King, 



liis Ministers, and mauy of the Nobles 



and Commoners of the Realm, 



raised this Monument to 



JAMES WATT, 



who directing the force of an original genius, 



early exercised in philosophical research, 



to the improvement of 



the Steam Engine, 



enlarged the resources of his coimtry, 



increased the power of man, 



and rose to an eminent place 



among the illustrious followers of Science, 



and the real benefactors of the world. 



Born at Greenock MDCCXXXVI. 



Died at Heathfield in Staffordshire, MDCCCXIX. 



VOL, XXVII. NO. HV, 0CT0BF.K 1839. U 



