On disclosing the Process of Manufactories. 29{) 



knowledge with which it is conducted : but how is the last 

 to be enjoyed without resources to ap])ly to? and how much 

 more easily would it be obtained it" science could regulate 

 and simplify the combinations of the manufacturer ! — To 

 these may be added, that if to accomplish by every thing 

 employed its utmost possible use, nay, if even to draw 

 advantage from the very waste and refuse of every mauu- 

 factory be a favourite principle \\ ith the conductors of each, 

 to take the most accurate and powerful mean to cfl'ect it 

 ought certainly to be as strong an object with them. Is it 

 not also obvious, that to discard all mystery and quackery, 

 and fairly to disclose each process, is to invite the attention 

 of men of science and research to extend any advantage 

 gained by chance or otherwise, and discover vet greater 

 powers of utility, in the various substances employed ? — 

 The origin, progress, present state, and hints for the im- 

 provement of our " arts of life," would certainly be worthy 

 the contemplation of our most able chymists, and are sub- 

 jects that have appeared of such importance to a neigh- 

 bouring nation, that many of their most eminent men have 

 been employed in such a work ; and sdme volumes of the 

 Encyclopedie Methodique are dedicated to such infor- 

 mation, with plates too, in many cases, displaying even 

 the most minute work-tools employed in each. 



The history and detail of manufactories conducted in 

 each place, ought, I presume, to form a principal object 

 with the writers of local histories; yet very few of these 

 gentlemen are enabled to obtain such accounts as they can 

 depend on, from the selfish and monopolizing spirit of ma- 

 nufacturers in general. 



To these various advantages an objection may be oflTercd, 

 that display is placing objects of taxation in the hands of 

 ministers. — Be it so. — Display will make it easier to collect 

 the tax ; — will make it more certain, and, it may be, less 

 oppressive. If to these be added the above advantages, it 

 may fairly be presumed that discovery, \vhich may lead to 

 improvement, is the most advantageous track to be pursued. 

 — But, my dear Sir, I beg your pardon: on tiiis subject I do 

 not mean to offer my own opinion, so much as to solicit 

 information from that of others. 



I am truly yours, 



John Clennei.. 



P. S. IIow far literary pursuits are compatible with the 

 duties of the commercial man, or the nianufacturcr, seems 

 a question so completely decided in the athrnntive, in the 



1> -i first 



