412 On the Merit- of the Ancients , csV. 
Etching, engraving, mezzotinto, and aqua- 
tinta are all of modern invention, and of great 
utility. They deliver down to us accurate 
copies from the works of eminent men at a 
fmall expence and diffufe abroad the bright 
flame of fcience, fo that even thofe, who are 
far diftant from the centre of the arts, may 
roufe their fouls to a&ion, and enlighten that 
fpark of genius, which might hitherto have lain 
dormant. From thefe meritorious, and in¬ 
genious improvements, we can judge, with great 
certainty, of the various merits of an artiil, and 
every part, but the colouring, may be critically 
examined. 
The ftile of the Italian, Flemilh, or French 
fchools, may be pointed out by thefe copies, 
and frequently the very manner of pencilling, 
by particular artifts, is faithfully reprefented. 
Thefe arguments are not meant to depreciate 
the antiques, they will always engage our admi¬ 
ration, and moft highly merit it. 
The advantages, received by the moderns, 
from ftudying the ancients, are freely acknow¬ 
ledged. It is no uncommon thing to hear fome 
people lament the decay of genius, and the de¬ 
cline of arts, in thefe times, when compared with 
the Auguftan age. However that may be, the 
moderns have a right to claim their full portion 
of fame, in many arts in which the ancients 
could not inftrudt them. 
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