WILLIAM SIEMENS, F.R.S. 2Q1 



disappointment teaches an important lesson, and that by taking 

 tln'sit lessons to li<-;irt without swerving from his purpose he would 

 soon find himself possessed of a power exceeding his most sanguine 

 expectations. 



Success in life depends in fact much more upon diligence and 

 steadiness of purpose than upon the more brilliant qualities 

 possessed by an individual ; but in order to give force and 

 direction to the sterling qualities within him, it is most important 

 that means should be brought within his reach of enriching his 

 stock of useful information. The Birmingham and Midland 

 Institute, counting its 2688 students of various degrees, of both 

 sexes, has accomplished this important object in a manner never 

 before dreamt of ; but not content with this splendid result, the 

 Council has made provision for a further extension of its beneficial 

 action through the erection of the magnificent lecture hall, which 

 has been inaugurated so impressively this morning under the 

 presidency of your Mayor. 



PRICE'S RETORT FURNACE. 

 To THE EDITOR OF " THE ENGINEER." 



SIR, Although I noticed in your journal of the 21st ult. a 

 letter from Mr. William Price, finding fault with my observations 

 on Colonel Maitland's paper, read at the last meeting of the Iron 

 and Steel Institute, I did not think it necessary to trouble you 

 with any reply, considering that Mr. Price is evidently not well 

 informed on what I did say, and will before long be in possession 

 of the paper, and of my observations upon the same. 



In your issue of last week I observe a further letter from Mr. Price, 

 written in the challenging style, and calling attention to the points 

 of difference between his furnace and the regenerative gas furnace 

 of usual construction, which I admit are very great. 



When Mr. Price sees the complete account of the meeting, he 

 will find that I did not criticise his furnace, but stated the diffi- 



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