The Evolution of Electric and Magnetic Physics. 165 



what is called the natural world namely, the incalculable spirit of 

 man. The inventor arrives. In the laboratory of the investigator, 

 the workshop of the mechanic, the managing office of an industry, or 

 in the quiet library of a student, a thought, an idea is born. If the 

 time be ripe or the environment favorable, the idea may modify, or even 

 revolutionize, a science ; or may be embodied in a machine or device 

 that will revivify a waning industry or found a new one. But, alas ! 

 the time is not always ripe nor the environment favorable ; then, though 

 the spirit do its work never so well, the thought, the idea, seems to perish, 

 like useless variations in the evolution of nature. But, though useless 

 at its birth, and perhaps during the life of its originator, it may in the 

 fullness of time be found the one thing wanting in the thought or 

 work of the world. A striking instance is found in the case of Thomas 

 Davenport, a Vermont blacksmith, who died thirty-two years ago. 

 We have now just become used to riding upon electric cars. In 1835 

 Davenport made and described electric motors embodying the es- 

 sential features of the motors now in use. He exhibited several speci- 

 mens within the next two years, running a miniature car upon a small 

 circular track. But there was no adequate source of electricity to 

 drive large motors ; the dynamo did not exist. Davenport died poor 

 and disappointed. To-day his thought, his idea, is serving us in all 

 the manifold applications of electric power. 



But for those who fail or fall in trying to make the world richer, more 

 commodious, more beautiful, to make mankind better and happier, and 

 for all of us, there remains the faith of the true evolutionist in the 

 abiding quality, the permanence, of every true and good bit of work, 

 whether in the realm of science, art, industry, or ethics. 



The robust poet who left us a year ago thus sings through the voice 

 of Abt Vogler, the inventor of a wondrous musical instrument, whose 

 harmonies have entranced his spirit : 



" There shall never be one lost good ! What was shall live as before ; 

 The evil is null, is naught, is silence implying sound ; 

 What was good, shall be good, with, for evil, so much good more." 



MR. T.C.MARTIN: 



Mr. Martin said that the discussion of electricity in the series on 

 evolution, at Christmas time and on the threshold of the New Year, was 

 very happy and appropriate. The mission of electricity as a force and 

 agent directly affecting human welfare was to promote peace on earth 

 and good-will among men ; its motto was : " Behold I make all things 

 new." Electricity had been one of the principal means in bringing in- 

 dividuals and peoples together. Everything which broke down the 



