42 OBJECTS, ADVANTAGES, AND 



Cation of mathematical, mechanical, and chemical truths. Arkwright 

 devoted many years, five at the least, to his invention of Spinning jen- 

 nies, and he was a man perfectly conversant in every thing that relates 

 to the construction of machinery : he had minutely examined it, and 

 knew the effects of each part % though he had not received any thing 

 like a scientific education. If he had, we should in all probability have 

 been indebted to him for scientific discoveries as well as practical im- 

 provements. The most beautiful and useful invention of late times, 

 the Safety-lamp, was the reward of a series of philosophical experiments 

 made by one thoroughly skilled in every branch of chemical science. 

 The new process of Refining sugar, by which more money has been 

 made in a shorter time, and with less risk and trouble, than was ever 

 perhaps gained from an invention, was discovered by a most accom- 

 plished chemist,* and was the fruit of a long course of experiments, in 

 the progress of which, known philosophical principles were constantly 

 applied, and one or two new principles ascertained. But in so far as 

 chance has any thing to do with discovery, surely it is worth the while 

 of those who are constantly working in particular employments to ob- 

 tain the knowledge required, because their chances are greater than 

 other people's of so applying that knowledge as to hit upon new and 

 useful ideas : they are always in the way of perceiving what is want- 

 ing, or what is amiss in the old methods ; and they have a better 

 chance of making the improvements. In a word, to use a common 

 expression, they are in the way of good luck ; and if they possess the 

 requisite information, they can take advantage of it when it comes 

 to them. This, then, is the second great use of learning the sciences : , 

 it enables men to make improvements in the arts, and discoveries in I 

 philosophy, which may directly benefit themselves and mankind. 



Now, these are the practical advantages of learning ; but the third 

 benefit is, when rightly considered, just as practical as the other two 

 the pleasure derived from mere knowledge, without any view to our 

 own bodily enjoyments ; and this applies to all classes, the idle as well 

 as the industrious, if, indeed, it be not peculiarly applicable to those 

 who have the inestimable blessing of time at their command. Every 

 man is by nature endowed with the power of gaining knowledge, 

 and the taste for it : the capacity to be pleased with it forms equally a 

 part of the natural constitution of his mind. It is his own fault, or 

 the fault of his education, if he derives no gratification from it. There 

 is a satisfaction in knowing what others know in not being more 

 ignorant than those we live with : there is a satisfaction in knowing 

 what others do not know in being more informed than they are. 

 But this is quite independent of the pure pleasure of knowledge of 

 gratifying a curiosity implanted in us by Providence, to lead us towards 

 the better understanding of the universe in which our lot is cast, and 

 the nature wherewithal we are clothed. That every man is capable of 

 being delighted with extending his information upon matters of science 

 will be evident from a few plain considerations. 



Reflect how many parts of the reading, even of persons ignorant of 

 all sciences, refer to matters wholly unconnected with any interest or 



* Edward Howard, brother of the Duke of Norfolk. 





