THE PROGRESS OF SCIENCE 



18371887 



/ [1887] 



TIN-: most obvious and the most distinctive fea- 

 ture of the History of Civilisation, during the last 

 fifty years, is the wonderful increase of indus- 

 trial production by the application of machinery, 

 the improvement of old technical processes and 

 the invention of new ones, accompanied by an 

 even more remarkable development of old and 

 new means of locomotion and intercommunication. 

 By this rapid and vast multiplication of the 

 commodities and conveniences of existence, the 

 general standard of comfort has been raised ; the 

 ravages of pestilence and famine have been checked; 

 and the natural obstacles, which time and 

 offer to mutual intercourse, have been reduced in 

 a manner, and to an extent, unknown to former 

 ages. The diminution or removal of local ignor- 

 ance and prejudice, the creation of common 



