292 THE EARLY HISTOKY OF [CHAP. V. 



into effect.' 12,5001. was subscribed, but a small part 

 only was wanted, as very few proprietors accepted the 

 composition which was offered to them. The actuary 

 of the Westminster Life Office estimated the value 

 of each life proprietor's share of 1001. at 4:21. 



On March 3 Davy gave a lecture on the 'Plan 

 which it is proposed to adopt for improving the Royal 

 Institution and rendering it permanent.' It was 

 printed by desire of the managers. As a record of the 

 Institution in its earlier and in its existing state, and 

 as a reflection of Davy in his full power, this lecture is 

 of surpassing interest. He said : 



* The first plan of the Royal Institution was that of 

 a school for promulgating the knowledge and use of 

 important mechanical inventions, for connecting the 

 views of men of science and artisans, and for the 

 application of the sciences to the arts of life. The 

 great feature of the establishment was to be a 

 collection of models of things used for the common 

 purposes of life, and to teach their use and relations to 

 science by lectures. Hence the instruction of manu- 

 facturers and workmen was of equal importance with 

 the promotion of the useful arts. 



6 Soon after the foundation of the Royal Institution, 

 a request was made to one of the greatest practical 

 mechanical philosophers of the age * that he would 

 examine the details of the establishment, and become 

 in some way connected with the body. His refusal 

 was prompt and his expression of disapprobation strong. 

 "Your object," says he, "is one that every practical in- 

 1 Probably Mr. Boulton Birmingham. 



