^6 On 071 old Method of marking Dales on MS. Books. 



living the value of any discoveries in nature or in science, because 

 their application to useful purposes may not be immediately ob- 

 vious. How greatly would the heroes and statesmen of antiquity 

 have despised the I'aijours of that man who devoted his life to 

 investigate the properties of the magnet ! Little could they anti- 

 cipate that this humble mineral was destined to change the very 

 form and condition of human society in every quarter of the globe. 

 Let us bear in mind, that the magnet was known nearly two thou- 

 sand years before it was applied to any purpose of practical uti- 

 lity. During that time«he ocean was a fearful and trackless 

 abyss, and voyages were confined to short excursions along the 

 shore. The wanderings of Ulysses, which took ten years to ac- 

 complish, did not exceed in extent and difficulty the voyage from 

 Dublin to London. When magnetic polarity was applied to the 

 aid of navigation, mankind seemed to have acquired a new sense; 

 guided by this mysterious power, Vasco de Gama and Columbus 

 led the way to the eastern and the western world, and a fresh 

 impulse was given to the human mind, which had been slum- 

 bering for centuries. There is not a country inhabited by man 

 where the influence of this discovery has not been felt ; it has 

 been the parent of our naval and commercial greatness, and has 

 obtained for ustlie commanding rank we hold among the nations 

 of Europe. The history of the magnet should teach us not to 

 despise any discovery in science because its utility cannot be im- 

 mediately perceived. Some discoveries are unproductive, until 

 the progress of science in a future age directs their application to 

 purposes of eminent utility. Such discoveries may be compared 

 to the acorn, which may remain for a time buried in an arid soil, 

 until, stimulated by the genial rains of heaven, it strikes its roots 

 into the earth, and springs forth to day — humble indeed in its 

 first appearance, and slow in its progress to maturity; but destined 

 at lensith to become a mightv oak, stretching its arms amid the 

 skies ; the ornament, the strength, and the glory of the forest. 



June 21, 1819. 

 13, Tavistock-street, Bedford-square. 



VIIL On an old Method of marking Dates on Manuscript 

 B( uks. Bij Gavin Inglis, Esq. 



To Mr. Tilloch. 



Dear Sir, — Ioome time ago a collector of rare and curious 

 volumes brought me an old manuscript Prayer Book, beautifully 

 written on vellum, and partially illuminated, and requested I would 

 do him the favour to look it over and see if I could trace any 

 thing like a date^ or mark by which its age might be ascertained, 



which 



