44 WORKING TO EXTEND THE SPAN OP LIFE. 



and reliable apparatus for the better ventilation of public 

 and private buildings that the subject rapidly gained favour 

 with architects, and assumed the aspect of a distinct branch 

 of scientific engineering. So far as one can trace the history 

 of ventilation in a practical and scientific form, it appears 

 that Robert Boyle and his son are entitled to take a foremost 

 place as pioneers of such progress as we can now boast. Refer- 

 ring to their labours in this direction, Industry, in its 

 " biographical sketches of eminent men," says : " The Messrs. 

 Boyle, as founders of the profession of ventilating engineers, 

 have raised the subject to the dignity of a science." They 

 grappled with the difficulties of the subject and faced the 

 characteristic apathy of the nation in matters of public 

 health, in the true spirit of philanthropy. 



Where men with narrow views might have fallen back 

 faint-hearted, they were strengthened in their work by a 

 higher aim than mere trade. It was a glorious prospect for 

 the contemplation of the practical philanthropist the 

 prospect of adding a year or two to the span of life of 

 thousands nay, tens of thousands of fellow-beings. Here, 

 indeed, was a noble legacy to leave to future generations. 

 Others might strive to snatch the honour and dispute the 

 service j but truth finds its way on the page of history 

 and finds a chink to shine more brightly through the unclean 

 rubbish of falsehood. 



