PREFACE. xl 
bosom of cities; and, above all, propelling against the currents, 
the winds, and the waves, of the ocean, those stupendous ves- 
sels, which combine speed with certainty, and establish upon the 
bosom of the deep the luxuries and accommodations of the land. 
"The successful execution of this magnificent design was first 
effected by Fuiton and witnessed upon the waters of the Hud- 
son, but is now imitated in almost every civilized country; and 
it remains to be seen whether steam will be applied in war. 
“The mechanical inventions of this country are numerous ; 
many of them are ingenious, and some are highly important. 
In no way can a knowledge of them be so readily and exten- 
sively diffused as in a scientific journal. 'T'o this object, there- 
fore, a part of our labors (should there be a call for it) will be 
devoted, and every necessary aid will be given by plates and de- 
scriptions. 
“Science and art mutually assist each other ; the arts furnish 
facts and materials to science, and science illuminates the path 
of the arts. 
“Geometry, and mathematics both pure and mixed, can never 
cease to be interesting and important to man, as long as the rela- 
tions of quantity shall exist, as long as ships shall traverse the 
ocean, as long as man shall measure the surface or heights of the 
earth on which he lives, or calculate the distances and examine 
the relations of the planets and stars; and as long as the iron 
reign of war shall demand the discharge of projectiles, or the 
construction of complicated defenses. . 
“In a word, the whole circle of physical science is directly ap- 
plicable to human wants, and constantly holds out a light to the 
practical arts; it thus polishes and benefits society, and every 
where demonstrates both supreme intelligence, and harmony and 
beneficence of design in the Crearor.” 
Such was the pledge which, on entering upon our editorial labors 
in 1818, we gave to the public, and such were the views which 
we then entertained, regarding science and the arts as connected 
with the interests and honor of our country and of mankind. In 
the retrospect, we realize a sober but grateful feeling of satisfac- 
tion, in having, to the extent of our power, discharged these self- 
