356 Additional Notes. 



industry, by treasuring them up as materials for the future 

 examination of more enlightened inquirers. In this respect 

 the press bestows upon the sciences an advantage somewhat 

 analogous to that which the mechanical arts derive from the 

 division of labour. As in these arts the exertions of an un- 

 informed 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 dis- 

 play; so, in the sciences, the observations and conjectures of 

 obscure individuals on those subjects which are level to their 

 capacities, 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 sj^stem, not merely the force of a single mind, but the 

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

 ttf the Philosophy of the Human Mind, chap, iv, sect. 8. 



I agree with the professor in thinking, tnat "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 t» 

 produce. 



