434 The Philosophical Instruments at the Paris Exhibition. 



preserve the human and other bodies. The preparations are 

 life-size, and so .little changed by the process, that they can 

 be used for anatomical purposes, nor are they affected by time 

 or insects. A committee of the Paris Academy of Sciences 

 has been appointed to examine and report on Dr. Brunettes 

 invention, with the view of purchasing the secret of his pro- 

 cess, should it be found to be valuable. 



In conclusion, we may remark, that although no just com- 

 parison can be made between the merits of foreign philosophical 

 instrument makers and those of our own country, in conse- 

 quence of the absence from the Exhibition of many of our 

 most eminent makers, there is no doubt that in this depart- 

 ment, as well as in many others, continental nations show great 

 progress. We have, indeed, only to examine the foreign 

 mechanical products to be made aware that the excellent 

 and comprehensive practical education afforded throughout 

 the greater part of the continent, and especially in Prussia, 

 has already borne valuable fruit ; and if we desire to keep up 

 in the race of progress, we must be at more pains to dissemi- 

 nate technological education among skilled artisans. 



The philosophical instruments lately exhibited in Paris 

 were not, it is true, remarkable for any great novelty, but 

 they were highly remarkable for their general excellence; and 

 this was often to be found in instruments made in countries 

 which a few years ago did not produce an ordinary barometer. 

 It was also a very noticeable feature that the foreign instru- 

 ments are much more moderate in price than the English, 

 which is principally due to the lower rate of wages paid to 

 continental workmen. 



To the philanthropist who desires to see the advance of 

 mankind, this progress is extremely gratifying. " The intro- 

 duction of noble inventions," says Lord Bacon, " seems to 

 hold by far the most exalted place among all human actions. 

 This," he adds, "was the judgment of the ancients, who ac- 

 corded divine honours to inventors." And by the improvement 

 of existing, and construction of new philosophical instruments, 

 we have every reason to believe that the prosperity and hap- 

 piness of the great family of mankind is largely advanced. 



