1799.] THE EOYAL INSTITUTION. 139 



little prospect of these difficulties being removed until 

 a centre of action can be fixed, to which persons may 

 apply for examples, for models, and for engravings 

 accompanied by printed instructions, without being 

 any longer compelled implicitly to rely on the talents, 

 the docility, and the conscientious moderation of the 

 different tradesmen who may be employed to make and 

 sell them. 



6 A convenient house was proposed for the purpose of 

 lectures and experiments, and for a public exhibition 

 of all such new and useful inventions and improve- 

 ments as are applicable to the common purposes of life, 

 and especially those which tend to increase the con- 

 veniences and comforts of mankind, and to promote 

 domestic economy and useful industry. In the priority 

 of introduction it was proposed that regard should be 

 had to the degree of public utility, and particularly as 

 they might benefit the general mass of the people. 



' Of the subjects of the lectures there are few which 

 appear peculiarly to apply to the poor. Such as those 

 on heat, on the principles of the warmth of clothing, 

 and on the effects of the different temperatures of the 

 air on the human body. 



'The models and inventions in which the poor are 

 most immediately concerned will be those which may 

 promote economy in food and fuel, and tend to correct 

 and purify the air in cottages and workhouses, and 

 which may supply means and instruments of industry 

 on a cheap and simple construction. 



' Thus the models to be exhibited will consist of 

 improved fire-places and kitchens, and of flues and 



