782 Prospectus of the Royal Institution. 



and the mutual connection between the theory of 

 mechanics and the experimental knowledge of the 

 materials, — requisites which do not often accompany 

 each other, though of the utmost necessity. Under 

 the division of General Mechanics will be shown the 

 advantages we derive from those happy expedients 

 which abridge the labour of man in the culture of the 

 ground, the preparation of food and clothing by mills, 

 looms, and other engines ; and the improvements still 

 possible in the wonderful arts of writing and printing, 

 the effects of which arts have already carried the intel- 

 lectual operations of society to a height they could by 

 no other means have attained without them. 



The comprehensive science of modern chemistry 

 will be taught, and elucidated in the most simple and 

 perspicuous manner. The processes of the laboratory 

 will be employed to disengage and exhibit those sub- 

 stances which, with regard to the present extent of our 

 knowledge, are considered as the elements of other 

 bodies. Their compounds will be shown ; and the 

 history of their connection with the structure of the 

 earth, and their application to useful purposes, will be 

 explained. This elementary knowledge, so desirable, 

 and even indispensable, to the intelligent manufacturer, 

 will then be connected with the great operations of 

 the arts. The nature of soils, the effects of tillage, of 

 manures, and of the air and water of the atmosphere, 

 will also present themselves as subjects of research 

 and elucidation. From the first produce, or raw mate- 

 rials, we shall be led to the various processes they are 

 afterwards made to undergo. The making of bread, 

 the brewing of beer, the making of wine and other 

 fermented liquors; the distillation of ardent spirit; 



