286 On Coins and Medals. 



events, but as gratifying the ardent wish of posterity, to look 

 back into remote times, and thus to obtain the most important 



aids to history. 



No adequate conception can be formed by persons who have 

 paid no attention to the subject, how highly subservient medals 

 may be made to the gratification of private taste, to the perpetua- 

 tion of the memory of objects of personal history, of domestic en- 

 dearment, and individual honor ; to the illustration of the success 

 of well laid plans of public enterprize, to the commemoration of 

 marriages and births, to perpetuating the knowledge of new in- 

 ventions, and of the memory of men eminent for learning and 

 talent, and for public as well as private virtues. 



As medals are the least perishable of all the materials upon 

 which the artist displays his powers, they continue current on 

 the tide of time when the productions of all other arts have sunk 

 into oblivion. 



A desire to possess modern as well as ancient medals exists, at 

 present, in the most distinguished academies, and among individ- 

 uals of all enligtened countries: medals are eagerly sought for 

 public libraries, and museums, and governments employ the mint 

 in striking medals and coins to heighten the splendor of the exist- 

 ing administration and to extend and perpetuate their civil and 

 military renown. 



Another source of pleasure and amusement which attends the 

 study of medals, is the finish and beauty displayed in their work- 

 manship, by the designers and engravers. 



We have already remarked that the states of Italy were the 

 first after the revival of Hterature to commence the study and 

 striking of medals. 



The papal medals form a magnificent scries. Germany pos- 

 sesses many cabinets of coins and medals and many books which 

 have been written on the subject in that country. 



Russia and Sweden have each a series of medals in honor of 

 national victories. Holland has a similar series, commemo- 

 rating her struggles for liberty, and her final emancipation from 

 the Spanish yoke. France has an immense national collection. 

 England, till lately, was behind the continent in her medallic his- 

 tory. Several fine medals were struck by the celebrated Simon, 

 in CromwelPs time ; and a very excellent series by Crocker to 

 celebrate the victories of Marlboroueh, in the reign of Queen Ann- 



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