COMMISSIONED BY II. M. HOARD OF WORK.S. 75 



of the day, including Professor Faraday and Dr. Ure, was 

 appointed to examine and report upon the ventilation, it was 

 reported to be the worst-ventilated building in London, and 

 to have the foulest atmosphere. This report specially 

 referred to the Long Room, said to be the largest room in 

 the world. Many attempts had been made to ventilate the 

 building; and afterwards the highest scientific and engineer- 

 ing talent in the country was engaged in endeavouring 

 to remedy the evil. Thousands of pounds were expended 

 in the different attempts without success, and the most 

 elaborate appliances employed. It was the old story 

 of complication and failure. At last the case became 

 desperate. The health and constitutions of the clerks were 

 injured by breathing the pestiferous air, and the authorities 

 decided to seek the advice of Mr. Boyle. He received 

 instructions from Her Majesty's Board of Works to examine 

 the Long Room and furnish a report, submitting a scheme of 

 ventilation. Having examined the room and sent in a report 

 and plan, Mr. Boyle was asked to meet Mr. John Taylor, 

 head of Her Majesty's Office of Works, who plainly pointed 

 out the difficulties which would have to be faced, and with 

 some scepticism assured him that he was entering upon an 

 undertaking in which eminent engineers and scientists had 

 failed. Mr. Boyle replied that he had perfect confidence 

 in the system he proposed to apply and was prepared to- 



