310 Additional Notes. 



logous to that which the mechanical arts derive from the divi- 

 sion of labour. As in these arts, the exertions of an unin- 

 formed multitude are united by the comprehensive skill of the 

 artist, in the accomplishment of effects astonishing by their 

 magnitude, and by the complicated ingenuity they display ; 

 so, in the sciences, the observations and conjectures of ob- 

 scure individuals on those subjects which are level to their ca- 

 pacities, and which fall under their own immediate notice, 

 accumulate for a course of years ; till at last some philosopher 

 arises, who combines these scattered materials, and exhibits, 

 in his system, not merely the force of a single mind, but the 

 intellectual power of the age in which he lives. " — Elements 

 of the Philosophy rf the Human Mind> Chap. iv. Sect. 8. 



I agree with the Professor in thinking, that '* the influence 

 which printing is likely to have on the future history of the 

 world, has not been examined, by philosophers, with that at- 

 tention which the importance of the subject deserves." But 

 he has only presented the fair side of the picture. Experience 

 proves, that this precious art is not devoted to laudable pur- 

 poses alone; and that in estimating its future influence on hu- 

 man happiness, we must take into the account the abuses 

 to which it is liable, as well as the advantages which it tends 

 to produce. 



END OF THE FIRST PART. 



