SIR WILLIAM THOMSON'S OPINION. 47 



action, presented Mr. Boyle with the following testimonial : 

 " I have seen several different forms of Mr. Boyle's Air- 

 Pump Ventilator in actual operation, and have much 

 pleasure in testifying to their efficiency. They thoroughly 

 realise the favourable anticipations which I formed from 

 experiments on models shown to me by Mr. Boyle. 

 Having one fitted up in my yacht, I find it has caused 

 a very decided improvement in the draught." This 

 opinion, from one of the most eminent scientific men of the 

 day, and whose inventions have revolutionised almost every 

 department of science, was essentially of the greatest value 

 to Robert Boyle, for the practical knowledge and scientific 

 attainments of Sir William Thomson render his opinion a 

 power, and no one was more competent to judge of the 

 value of such an invention. Sir William Thomson possessed 

 too high a reputation to be lightly compromised by any 

 hasty or uncertain conclusions, and hence public confidence 

 was largely increased in Robert Boyle's simple ventilator, and 

 the work of ventilating buildings received a new impulse. 

 He was invited by the Royal Society to explain his 

 invention to the members, who unanimously approved it, 

 and orders were given through the Architect, Mr. Charles 

 Barry, to have it at once applied to the laboratory of the 

 Society at Burlington House. 



It might certainly be looked upon as a good omen for 



