have come and are coming frankly and numerous consideration. The sole object of a general meeting, ly into the scheme of comprehensive steam naviga- was to provide the funds, and to elect a trusty committee tion. Bristol alone proffers a hundred thousand pounds, for their management.

score.

MR. GREENLAW observed, that he understood some

if the scheme be a good one. Now, I would ask, are CAPTAIN HARINGTON thought the question was conthe men engaged in this undertaking, people who would fined within very narrow limits. The entrusting of 14 or cast their money into the sea, or incur certain personal 15 thousand pounds to the committee appointed in loss merely for the sake of promoting a beneficial London, was the sum total of the whole, and he did not intercourse between Great Britain and India? I will think that any objection could be raised on that venture to say that they will do nothing so Quixotic, and if we cannot confide in them as friends, which God forbid we should not! we may safely confide in them as merchants and men of business. But if my friend Mr. thing had been said touching the expediency of buildCragg and others, here assembled, have read the ing some of the steamers here, and of requiring of the correspondence our committee has had with Mr. Curtis, parties at home that it should be done. He, of course, they will not have forgotten how our assurance on from his infirmity, could not exactly know what had behalf of the British Indian Public, (an assurance here been said; but as the subject had been adverted to, he happily and proudly realized) was worded. We ex- would observe, that he had long thought, on the whole, pressed our conviction that the Indian public would that it would be better to build the vessels in England; joyfully acquiesce in any scheme for a quick and but the late examination of the Forbes, after ten years' constant communication between the two countries by service, when she might with truth be said to be nearly way of the Red Sea, which should, in the opinion of the as good as the day she was launched, had caused a opinion. He now thought London Committe, afford the fair prospect of a moderate thorough change in his return upon the capital invested. Mr. Cragg adverts that all the Indian Steamers should be built here; but to the expediency of building a couple of the steamers as we can scarcely, in all India, subscribe even a third in India, and assigns what appear to me excellent of the whole amount, we could not controul the acts of reasons for the measure. I have not so good a mercantile the parties in England; therefore, all that we could do, head as my friend, but I will venture to say, that the was to furnish the parties at home with the fullest possible London Company will be composed of men who properly information; to suggest and recommend, leaving to them understand the value of a pound stirling, and neither to adopt such of our suggestions as they might think of fools nor spendthrifts. To such men, I repeat, we proper; and we might confidently rely on their doing may safely confide this matter, as well as others, with a The resolution was then put in the form suggested full assurance that if it is better and more profitable to build the Steamers adverted to in India, they will by Mr. Clarke, and carried unanimously. so be built. Thus much speaking of the concern as CAPTAIN TAYLOR moved the following resolution. a merely mercantile speculation, we may confide in Resolved. That this meeting, feeling anxiously our friends at home, we may confide in the interests which will be embarked in it there, as giving us assur-desirous to co-operate with the conditional subscribers, in ance that there will be at least every reasonable pros- every measure testifying the unabated desire existing in pect of its success in a gainful point of view. But the country for the speedy establishment of the compre as we have a higher and dearer interest at stake than that involved in a few rupees, more or less, of profit upon our shares, so have we higher and nobler motives than ordinary for confidence in the London Committee. They have shown themselves true, staunch, and indefatigable friends to our great cause,-friends deserving of our most unqualified trust. Again, therefore, let me express my anxious, my earnest hope, that this meeting will testify, by its proceedings, the most implicit reliance, and the most entire confidence, in those whose names are a guarantee for their honor, and whose past exertions demand our warmest gratitude (cheers).

CAPTAIN THOMPSON hoped there would be no jobbing in this case, as there was in many others, (hear, hear, and some laughter). He saw no reason why the funds should not be retained and steamers built here. The Indian built vessels he thought far better adapted to these seas than any that could be constructed in Eng. land; he, therefore, strongly recommended the adoption of the measure, and hoped there would be no jobbing. CAPTAIN TAYLOR said, that so long as the funds remained here, interest could be obtained upon them, and he, therefore, thought the money might be allowed to remain until required in England.

that which would be most beneficial

hensive scheme, do recommend to the public at large, to adopt all measures which may be most likely at this juncture to shew the unceasing interest with which this vital question is regarded by Her Majesty's subjects in India.

No particular remark was called for in support of his resolution; for in this part of India it was fully admitted, that the comprehensive scheme would alone answer. Therefore, all that he would urge on the public, was to be unanimous in their support of the cause, and to pay down the money, which was now the only thing wanted to ensure success.

The above resolution having been seconded by Prosonno Coma Tagore, was carried nem. con.

CAPTAIN TAYLOR would call the attention of the meeting to one particular, which had not yet been taken into consideration on the present occasion; this was the delay and difficulty of crossing the Isthmus; but he would assure the meeting, that means had become available, by which these obstacles could be successfully surmounted. The power of camels in draft had lately been tried and found to be very great indeed. He had not long ago witnessed the success of this in the Upper Provinces; and he felt convinced that by this means one might easily go across the Isthmus with his wife, children and all, comfortably, and in the short space of 12 hours: indeed this journey appeared to him capable of being rendered as easy as a trip hence to Barrackpoor.

After CAPT. TAYLOR had sat down, Mr. CLARKE stated that he thought the word required in the resolution objectionable. This made it imperative on the Commit. tee to send the money to England, no matter what might Mr. CLARKE, adverting to the interest which Mr. occur. He would move, as an amendmendment, that the word authorized be inserted. This would vest the Cockerell had always evinced in the cause of steam Committee with a discretion, and it could not be placed communication between England and India, and to the in better hands. The method of managing the funds support his firm had now given to it, proposed the usual should never be discussed at public meetings; for the vote of thanks to him as the chairman on the occa. greater the number, the greater would be the diversity sion; after which the meeting was dissolved.-Hurk., of opinions, and the less opportunity for deliberate April 17.

MEETING OF THE MECHANICS' INSTITUTION.

About six hundred individuals, assembled at the Town Hall last Tuesday night, to hear Mr. G W Johnson deliver the introductory lecture to the Me chanics' Institution; but there were very few ladies present. A little after half past seven, Mr. Johnson made for its own sake, for the sake of the contemplation of Science, then, might justly be loved and pursued his appearance, and, in the absence of the President, those harmonious, mutually dependant, and illuminating was introduced to the meeting by the Revd. T. Boaz truths, from the contemplation of which every well the assembly. After order had been restored, be de-regulated mind derives an elevating and unselfish delight. livered the following very instructive lecture.

The result could not be otherwise, for, in proportion as an individual (and nations are but aggregates of indivi- If any one among our friends, possessing a mind not duals) acquires a taste, a love for reading, for literature, sufficiently elevated to comprehend the more refined for science, so in proportion does he become less prone pleasures and remoter benefits of science, enquires, what to more vicious and more degrading sources of amuse- good proceeds, what practical advantage can be derived ment. In proportion as a man is attached to the quiet from such pursuits, we have ready answers, by refer and enduring pleasures of life, so much the more domes-ring him to the cotton manufactory of England; to the tic does he become, and never did he who loves his home prove either a bad citizen, or a disturber of that state which contains the spot, with which are associated all his unregretted pleasures.

But the gifts of science to us have been countless, and although time will not permit me to mention more "Knowledge", says one who was deeply versed in our than a few others which can prominently be traced to nature, "knowledge expands the mind, exalts the her beneficent hand, yet it is not too much to maintain, faculties, refines the taste of pleasure, and opens innu-that it is owing to science alone that all the arts have

advanced, within these few years, so rapidly towards perfection.

raised himself, by his ardent pursuit of science, to be ranked with the aristrocracy of his native land, and to the still more enviable dignity of being one of the first among her most talented sons. The discoveries which he made in almost every branch of chemistry, are too various to be here enumerated; but if I were asked to put my finger upon the most worthy discovery given to us in the present century, it would be extended to Davy's safety-lamp. That blessing to the miner was no result of accidental observation, but arose from a beautiful series of inductive reasoning, sustained by accu rate experiments, which may be proudly quoted as an example of the progress we have made in experimental philosophy.

Such being the pleasures and advantages to be derived from science, it was suggested to the intelligent artisans of Glasgow, that if they sought instruction in that field of knowledge, they could not fail speedily to appreciate the importance of pursuing its cultivation. From a mere school class, they gradually increased to such an array of numbers, that they determined to form a society, to appoint their lecturers, and to have a Library, Museum, and Laboratory of their own. They carried out this determination, and have the satisfaction, and the enduring fame, of having established the first and most flourishing of Mechanics Institutes. London followed the example, and there are now hundreds had long been known and deplored, and it was fearfully The effect of the explosion of fire damp in coal-mines, of similar societies in England and Scotland -some few even in Ireland and France, and a still greater frequently, in proportion to the daily extended progress anticipated that these explosions would occur more number in America. They have fulfilled the expecta of the miner in his subterraneous operations. By one tions which suggested their formation. They have improved the mental, the moral, and, consequently, the explosion in a Newcastle colliery, no less than 101 physical condition of the manufacturing classes. They the accumulated misery which consequently devolved miners perished in an instant, and no words can describe have made these classes not only happier as men, but have added strength to the state, by rendering them upon the hundreds constituting their ruined families. more useful citizens, not only by making them more mine-fiend, and tracing out, step by step, in a series of Urged by the heart-rending cry, Davy grappled with this attached to their father-land, but by aiding the genius of researches beset with danger, the secrets of his nature and his power, he was at length presented by our fluttering and furious, but disarmed within a cage. fellow countryman to the astonished and grateful miner

of invention which characterises them as a class.

"Che

rish," says M. de Boufflers," the genius of invention in a country, and there you will establish an imperishable prosperity. Every discovery and invention will exalt it among its competitors, and its superiority will increase exactly in proportion as the blessings of philosophy and peace are spread over the world."

The foregoing illustrations are taken from Chemistry, but let it not be supposed that Science is so limited in her power to benefit the arts, as to possess but that Coinciding in this opinion, anxious by every means to has done much in teaching us where to search for single lens through which to impart her light. Geology aid the numerous societies already founded, all having minerals, for serviceable stones, and for water, without one common object (the improvement and elevation of this country) we have united to form this "the Calcutta a chance of disappointment. Had the Geologist been Mechanics Institute." Of its ultimate success, Gentle previously consulted, the thousands of pounds which men, I have no doubt, we shall only require in the were lost in searching for coals in Sussex, might have been saved. He could have readily shewn that a remembering that success is to the diligent, and that regular coal-bed is not to be found in the Hastings' sand. union is strength.

commencement of our career, to be active and united

to preserve,

Astronomy would have wrought her measure of bene. fit to the arts, had she contributed to none other than to I have hitherto alluded but slightly to the benefits navigation. That Science has enabled the Mariner, by which science has conferred, and is capable of confer- the aid of an instrument a child may sustain, and on a ring, upon the arts, and I must ask your patience while 1 footing no more stable than a vessel's deck, to measure dilate upon this, somewhat more at length. I have the apparent distance between the sun and the horizon, already mentioned the Steam Engine, that unwearied or between the moon and a star, from which he is minister of power which has aided England to attain, and able with certainty to calculate, where he is on the that commercial pre-eminence which is hers trackless expanse of ocean. This, observes Herschel, among all the nations of the world. To science does our glorious country owe this mighty instrument. Watt, who so much improved it as to be entitled to the merit of being its actual inventor, was a watchmaker. But he loved, and was ardent in the pursuit of knowledge, and, from the chemical lectures of Dr. Black, he acquired that acquaintance with the laws and phenomena of heat, which enabled him to coustruct the engine which not only gained him a princely fortune, but entitled him to rank among the best benefactors of England, and, through England, of the world.

ar.

Franklin was only a printer, but he was studious to acquire more knowledge of books than the mere rangement of the types from which they are printed. Of all the departments of science the one in which he most delighted was electricity, and, by a train of just reasoning, "this playmate of the lightning" identified that electricity of the sky with its weaker developement in our laboratories, and has enabled us to disarm it of half its afflicting power.

Davy, from being the son of a humble stone mason,

See Dr. Parris's Life of Sir H. Davy. Other authorities deny that he was a stone mason, but all agree that Davy's early circum stances were very indifferent, Dr. Davy says his father was a carver of wood.

cannot but appear to persons ignorant of physical astronomy as an approach to the miraculous. Yet the alternatives of life and death, wealth and ruin, are daily and hourly staked with perfect confidence, on these marvellous computations; which might almost seem to have been devised expressly to shew, how closely the extremes of speculative refinement and practical utility can be brought to approximate.

It would be vain to attempt to demonstrate within the limits of a lecture, how much the arts are indebted to the science of Mathematics. To this, the navigator owes his logarithmatic tables, and not au educated civil engineer or architect but knows, how much he is indebted to the same science for a facile method of calculating the strength and modes of sustaining his structures, from the temporary scaffolding to that of the most gigantic and permanent of palatial edifices.

Let no one think that, a knowledge of any science can be of no utility to him, however unconnected it may seem with his particular pursuit. There is a beautiful relationship and connexion between the sciences which renders them all in some point of contact co-assistant, and being so co-assistant, they are

* Quarterly Journal, of Science.

necessarily useful to the arts more closely allied to each. The soap bubble, blown by an infant, led Cavallo to The mathematician, with surprise and pleasure, sees his abstruse calculations of numbers and space applied to to reach the higher regions of our atmosphere; and suggest the only machine by which man has been able the forms of matter by the chemist. The astronomer has the changing colours reflected from the surface of the long been indebted to the mathematician for a power to same fr gile toy of our childhood, led another philo weigh the masses of the planetary bodies, and to com-sopher to the discovery of some of the most beautiful pute the revolutions of the systems in which they revolve. laws which govern the transmission of light. And now; the chemist and the mineralogist receive a similar power; to enable them to calculate the weight of ultimate atoms, and the proportions in which those History 1 have not yet alluded. This omission. however, To the benefits accruing from the study of Natural. aloms combine. The geologist's observations again, in has not been because these benefits are few, but because various ways, enable the mathematician to correct his calculations, and perfect his means of enquiry. It is they are, in general, less immediate, and because its curious too, that geology should have been useful in it wins to those who are its students, and the moral most prominent blessings to us, are in the health which confirming the description given of a palm by a modern good it has effected in leading them from things creat botanist, the accuracy of whose description was doubted, ed to the "Great Cause of All." The Botanist has given until it was pointed out by the geologist, that the fossil to the arts some of our most beautiful dyes, and some remains of an antidiluvian pine, exhibited a similar of the most efficient remedies of our pharmacopeia: peculiarity of formation. As mathematics aid chemistry so proportionately do they benefit the arts connected with the latter science, and geology being assistant to mathematics, we see that there are other connecting links, which render this intimate alliance of the sciences and arts more intricate and interwoven.

Some tough objector, descending to particulars, may ask, how can chemistry be of use to a watch-marker? Our answer is ready. Chemistry discovered the different rates of expansibility possessed by different metals, and a knowledge of this fact has enabled the watch-maker to introduce one of the greatest of modern improve. ments in the construction of pendulums, and the balance wheels of chronometers.

It seems quite as improbable that magnetism, which gives the sailor his unerring guide, the compass, should also be the means of saving the needle-maker from pulmonary consumption. Yet such is the fact. The minute particles of steel ground from the needles in the process of sharpening, were inhaled by the work men and produced a constitutional irritation which usu ally brought them to their graves before the age of forty. Gauze veils were tried, but found of no avail, the ferru ginous dust passed through its pores. The happy sug. gestion was at last made, of employing masks of magnetized steel wire, and now the air, respired through this seive, has every particle of steel attracted from it, and the workmen are no longer the early victims of the most insidious of diseases.*

Facts such as these, gentlemen, illustrate one of the truest of axioms. Knowledge, whatever may be its kind, is never useless; that which we acquire to-day, may not be available to-morrow, or even on the next day; but stored up in the memory, we have all had sufficient experience to know, that it will turn to ac count in some future day, or month, or year, and that at a time, perhaps, when we are least anticipating its aid. Nothing so trivial as to be unworthy of notice, for it is a prerogative of science, to detect some "good in every thing." Galileo, induced to a train of thought upon motion, from noticing the oscillations of a lamp sus pended from the ceiling, was led to the invention of the pendulum, which, though at one time ridiculed as a Swing Swang," has been gradually improved until, in the hands of Captain Kater, it has become the most accurate standard of time and space. Newton's casual attention to the descent of an apple from its parent branch, led him to the discovery of the universal law of gravitation,

་་

"That very Law which moulds the tear
And bids it trickle from its source;
That Law which keeps the earth a sphere
And guides the planets in their course."

* Sir W, Herchel.

the Zoologist has in many instances suggested to the
agriculturist modes of improving his breeds of cattle, and
how to secure his crops from the ravages of predatory
insects.
there is no pursuit equal to that of these sciences.
As a source of pure pleasure and health,
The tediousness. to many persons, of a country life, is
proverbial, but did we ever hear this complaint from
the lips of a naturalist? "Never," is Swainson's emphatic
reply. To him every season of the year is doubly interest.
ing; for, independent of those changes apparent to all,
there are others which bring peculiar delight to himself.
Each season, each month, has its successions of new
animals and plants, and when the weather is such as to
preclude active research, he has previous acquisitions to
arrange, previous notes to compare, amplify and apply.

Gentlemen, I must draw my observations towards a conclusion, not from a want of subjects to illustrate and enforce my theme, but because I must not tax your pa tience too severely. I have warned you from the error of thinking any species of knowledge undesirable, and I will now warn you all, from oue equally injurious, namely, that suggestion of inactivity rather than of modesty "I cannot benefit the Mechanics' Institution." Now, so far from this being the fact, there is nothing so certain as that, among all those who are now assembled before me, not one individual could be found, who is not acquainted with some morceau of useful knowledge unknown to those around him. Every man is capable of making observations, and would we only to us, and seek for its cause, either in books, or from note down any phenomenon, any thing new that occurs others, we should store up knowledge and make discoveries at a rate which to the torpid ("who have eyes but see not") would scarcely appear credible.

Let one instance be a sufficient illustration. A French soap manufacturer had observed (what soap manufacturers had observed for ages before him) that the residuum of the alkaline liquor used in his trade, corroded his copper boilers. He mentioned this fact to a chemist, and this man of science, in that refuse residuum, detected iodine, one of the most singular and important of Chemical elements. From the soap boiler's alkali it was traced to the sea plants from which that alkali was obtained. This led to its detection in sea water, and thence to its discovery in sponge and all other marine products. A physician then remem. bered that burnt sponge had proved successful as a remedy in glanduler diseases; and this led to the discovery that iodine is the most efficacious of applications to goitre, and similar complaints. Such were the consequences of an observation, in the first instance, apparent. ly so trivial, and it is thus that any accession to our knowledge of nature is certain, sooner or later, to make itself felt in some practical application. A benefit conferred on science by a casual observation or shrewd remark of an unscientific or even illiterate person,

infallibly repays itself with interest, though often in a way which could not at first be anticipated.*

If we feel the evil spirit whispering that "to-mor. row will do", let us at once reply" to-morrow is found only in the almanack of fools." In a word, then, let us promptly, and in union, do our utmost to support this our Institution, since we have seen that it must be an instrument of refined pleasure, of pecuniary profit, and them to take a higher station among the civilized nations of legitimate power to our fellow-country-men, aiding of the Earth.-Hurkaru, April 13.

Such, gentlemen, being the advantages to the arts of life which are to be derived from science, and science being the exclusive object of this Institution, I have, I think, established a strong case, justifying your exertions, and demonstrating the claims of the society upon a more general public aid. It is one of the means by which to obtain a great beneficial change. Let me then successfully urge upon you to act unanimously and At the conclusion of the Lecture, the Rev. Mr. Boaz with single mindedness in its support. Let every mem- moved, that the thanks of the meeting be presented to ber resolve to overcome that false modesty which would Mr. Johnson, for his valuable and eloquent support of restrain him from contributing his portion of knowledge, the Institution, in the lucid and appropriate address however small. in his turn, to the society. We shall which they had just heard. The motion was seconded learn even by the effort to teach. Let none be deterred by Dr. Corbyn and carried unanimously amidst loud by the fear, that to make any progress in the physical and reiterated cheers. sciences, expensive apparatus, or models, are necessary. Nothing is farther from the truth. Very many of the Chemical experiments of Dalton and Henry were made in broken household glasses; and in mechanics the principle of the lever, says Dr. Gregory, may be shewn by a foot rule, and some penny pieces, and that of the other mechanical powers by means equally simple. By thus cultivating science you will never injure your present resources, and will yet be increasing your means to improve them in future; for "knowledge," most truly, " is power."

Every barber, it is true, may not by this attention to science become a mechanician like Arkwright; every ryot may not become an astronomer like Fergusson; every drummer-boy may not be equal to Herschel; every lawyer may not excel in Mechanics, like Smeaton; nor every cabin boy become an engineer, like Nicholson. You may none of you attain to such excellence, but of this you may be certain, that you will all be improved. By the study of those sciences which will be cultivated in this Institution, you will assuredly find increased sources of knowledge, success, and happiness. Let this reflection also, cheer you to exertion: England is indebted for her pre-eminence among nations, not to her physical numbers, for these are comparatively weak, but to the intelligence, virtuous habits, and morality of her people. If her sons in this Eastern hemisphere would rival, her in morally sustained power, they must base their efforts, as did their western forefathers, on the acquirement of knowledge, and an adberence to virtue. If they do this earnestly, if they carry out those good works, the embryo of which are so numerous around us, they cannot but succeed, and

then in a period from which we are not separated by any very long series of years, Hindoostan may be reckoned among those countries which are considered as the truly great, because truly worthy.

Let us not be deterred by the coolness of friends, or the sneers of the enemies, if such there be, of this In stitution; but let us, amid all changes and vicissitudes, be sustained by reflecting upon the soundness of the design we would carry into effect, and by the rectitude of our intention.

Moreover, let us not be disheartened if our progress at first is not rapid. "Rome was not built in a day", is an adage admonitory to the impatient. Neither let it be concluded that we are doing nothing, if brilliant and astonishing results do not follow the progress of our Institution. Be assured its influence, like that of others of similar intent, cannot fail silently to produce its harvest of good.

Lastly, let me earnestly recommend you to be prompt and regular in your support of the Institution which you have this evening met to welcome. In whatever form are our contributions, let us present them at once. It is an old adage that “ he gives twofold who gives quickly."

• Sir W. Herschel.

Mr. Johnson, in acknowledging the honour they had done him, expressed his readiness to forward, by any means in his power, the objects of the institution.

The Rev. Mr. Boaz moved, that Mr. Johnson be requested to allow the excellent Lecture which he had now delivered-the first Lecture of the first Mechanics' Institution in India,-to be printed at the expense and for the behoof of the members, and circulated through. out the world.

The Rev. Mr. Morton, in seconding this motion, expressed his pleasure at hearing Mr. Johnson refer them" from nature up to nature's God. It was true, as had been emphatically said, that "knowledge is power;" but knowledge must be sanctified to the cause of virtue and morality, or so far from rendering its possessor a benefactor to his species, it would render him obnoxious to his fellow men. He was happy to perceive, that in Mr. Johnson's address, this beneficial tendency had not been lost sight of. He hoped that Mr. Johnson would be prevailed upon to allow his Lecture to be published. Mr. Johnson expressed his willingness to accede to the request.

Mr. Boaz said that he must warn his friend Mr. Johnson against going away with the idea, that all those now present were members of the Institution. This the first lecture was a gratuitous one, but all who were admitted to the next and every succeeding one, must be really and bona fide members,-must have their tickets and pay for them. He would, therefore, recommend all present to wait upon Mr. Grant without delay, and secure for themselves the righis and privileges of memThere was one other observation he had to make,

bers.

he was sorry to see so few of the fair sex in the assembly. He was afraid that it had not been generally understood, though they had done all in their power to make it known, that every man was at liberty to bring with him his wife, his danghter, or, in default of either, his sweet-heart. He recommended that every gentleman there present should forthwith become a member, and then that all should bring their wives, daughters and sweet-hearts, so that the house might be filled."

Mr. Johnson lamented the prejudice which prevented the ladies of Calcutta from mingling in assemblies such as this; but he hoped that this unnecessary and foolish reserve was soon to be done away with. As a lawyer, he was fond of precedents, and he was happy to say that on this point he was not without them. At Winchester and Norwich, where they had two of the most flourishing Mechanics' Institutions in the world, one half of the company assembled at the lectures, consisted ofladies.

He trusted that the meetings of the Calcutta Mechanics' Institution would be the means of breaking down this barrier, and would be honoured by the attendance of those whose presence would lend them an ornament and grace.