for Light-Houses and for Burning Glasses . 169 
could not much exceed L. 300 * *, and we tire confident that the 
public spirited individual who should advance such a sum for 
the interests of science, would do more for its progress, and ac- 
quire more reputation, than if he were the author of the most 
splendid discovery. 
Art. XXV . — Account of the recent successful Ascent of Mont 
Blanc , by Mr F. Clissold. 
The following interesting account *f* of Mr Clissold's ascent 
of Mont Blanc, was transmitted to us by our friend Professor 
Pictet, through the hands of Mr Clissold himself, who has ac- 
companied it with some important corrections. 
We are glad to learn, that Mr Clissold has resolved, contrary 
to his original intention, to draw up a short account of his ascent, 
and we trust he will enter into the minutest details on a subject 
so extremely interesting. Mr Clissold has very handsomely re- 
solved to transmit to Professor Pictet, any profits that may arise 
from the publication of his narrative, for the benefit of the fa- 
milies of the three guides who perished in the unsuccessful at- 
tempt of 1820. 
“ Since the unfortunate ascent in which three g.uides of Cha- 
mouny perished, on the 18th of August 1820, not far from the 
summit of Mont Blanc, being precipitated and buried in a cleft by 
an avalanche of snow, nobody had attempted this enterprise, which 
is as dangerous as it is useless, till a young English gentleman 
(Mr F. Clissold) came from London to Chamouny with the firm 
resolution of attempting it. After having spent the first half of 
August at the foot of this formidable mountain, in expectation of 
favourable weather, he at last executed the ascent, on the 19th 
of August, with a success, and, above all, a celerity, of which 
none of the nine preceding ascents afford an example. He has 
transmitted some particulars of his expedition, in a letter to his 
banker, who has had the goodness to communicate it to us, and 
which the author himself, whom we have had the satisfaction of 
* Parker’s solid lens of 32 inches, now in the possession of the Emperor cf 
China, cost L. 700. 
* Printed in the Bibliotke<juc Universdle , Septembre 1822. 
