Micrographia - Some Physiological Descriptions of Minute Bodies Made by Magnifying Glasses with Observations and Inquiries Thereupon by Robert Hooke
page 40 of 465 (08%)
page 40 of 465 (08%)
|
added, that they have one advantage peculiar to themselves, that very many
of their number are _men of Converse and Traffick_; which is a good Omen, that their attempts will bring Philosophy from _words_ to _action_, seeing the men of Business have had so great a share in their first foundation. And of this kind I ought not to conceal one particular _Generosity_, which more nearly concerns my self. It is the _munificence_ of _Sir John Cutler_, in endowing a Lecture for the promotion of _Mechanick Arts_, to be governed and directed by This _Society._This _Bounty_ I mention for the _Honourableness_ of the thing it self, and for the expectation which I have of the _efficacy_ of the _Example_; for it cannot now be objected to them, that their Designs will be esteemed _frivolous_ and _vain_, when they have such a _real Testimony_ of the _Approbation_ of a _Man_ that is such an _eminent Ornament_ of this renowned City, and one, who, by the _Variety_, and the _happy Success_, of his negotiations, has given evident proofs, that he is not easie to be deceiv'd. This Gentleman has well observ'd, that the _Arts_ of life have been too long _imprison'd_ in the dark shops of Mechanicks themselves, & there _hindred from growth_, either by ignorance, or self-interest: and he has bravely _freed_ them from these _inconveniences_: He hath not only obliged _Tradesmen_, but _Trade_ it self: He has done a work that is worthy of _London_, and has taught the chief City of Commerce in the world the right way how Commerce is to be improv'd. We have already seen many other great signs of Liberality and a large mind, from the same hand: For by his _diligence_ about the _Corporation for the Poor_; by his honorable _Subscriptions_ for the rebuilding of St. Paul's; by his chearful _Disbursment_ for the replanting of _Ireland_, and by many other such _publick works_, he has shewn by what means he indeavours to _establish_ his Memory; and now by this last gift he has done that, which became one of the _wisest Citizens_ of our Nation to accomplish, seeing one of the _wisest of our Statesmen, the Lord Verulam_, |
|