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PROSPECTUS 
OF 
THE EMPORIUM 
OF 
ARTS AND SCIENCES, 
In the present state of society, it would, beyond a 
doubt, be considered a work of supererogation, to point 
out the connexion of human happiness with an extension 
of knowledge. If knowledge be thus eminently benefi- 
cial, is it not our interest, as it assuredly is our duty, to 
promote its diffusion amongst us ? It is a fortunate cir- 
cumstance, that we rarely find so great a degree of igno- 
rance in our extensive territory, as exists in many regions 
much older in the annals of history ; on the contrary, it 
is remarkable, that notwithstanding the scattered state of 
our population, our citizens are better informed and have 
fewer prejudices than any people upon the globe. Liber- 
ty, the surest pledge of free inquiry, is one prime source 
of the advantages we enjoy. Unfettered in our press- 
unshackled in our conscience, man here possesses means 
of happiness as perfect as is consistent with his nature. 
From the same cause, no doubt, in part arises that inge- 
nuity which is so conspicuous in the American character. 
Few nations can boast of more improvements in labour- 
saving machinery, than have been discovered in the pro- 
gress of the mechanical arts amongst us. We are, how- 
ever, but young in practical information on numerous 
