 Another mode of accumulating power arises from lifting a weight and then allowing it to fall. |
| Some kinds of nails, such as those used for defending the soles of coarse shoes, called hobnails, require a particular form of the head, which is made by the stroke of a die. |
| It will be readily admitted, that a degree conferred by an university, ought to be a pledge to the public that he who holds it possesses a certain quantity of knowledge. |
| Perhaps it would be better for science, that all criticism should be avowed. |
| That science has long been neglected and declining in England, is not an opinion originating with me, but is shared by many, and has been expressed by higher authority than mine. |
| A powerful attraction exists, therefore, to the promotion of a study and of duties of all others engrossing the time most completely, and which is less benefited than most others by any acquaintance with science. |
| There are few circumstances which so strongly distinguish the philosopher, as the calmness with which he can reply to criticisms he may think undeservedly severe. |
| The difference between a tool and a machine is not capable of very precise distinction; nor is it necessary, in a popular explanation of those terms, to limit very strictly their acceptation. |
| The accumulation of skill and science which has been directed to diminish the difficulty of producing manufactured goods, has not been beneficial to that country alone in which it is concentrated; distant kingdoms have participated in its advantages. |
| There is, however, another purpose to which academies contribute. When they consist of a limited number of persons, eminent for their knowledge, it becomes an object of ambition to be admitted on their list. |
| In England, the profession of the law is that which seems to hold out the strongest attraction to talent, from the circumstance, that in it ability, coupled with exertion, even though unaided by patronage, cannot fail of obtaining reward. |
| The half minute which we daily devote to the winding-up of our watches is an exertion of labour almost insensible; yet, by the aid of a few wheels, its effect is spread over the whole twenty-four hours. |
| Telegraphs are machines for conveying information over extensive lines with great rapidity. |
| At each increase of knowledge, as well as on the contrivance of every new tool, human labour becomes abridged. |
| Whenever the work is itself light, it becomes necessary, in order to economize time, to increase the velocity. |
| The economy of human time is the next advantage of machinery in manufactures. |
| In turning from the smaller instruments in frequent use to the larger and more important machines, the economy arising from the increase of velocity becomes more striking. |
| A tool is usually more simple than a machine; it is generally used with the hand, whilst a machine is frequently moved by animal or steam power. |
| The possessors of wealth can scarcely be indifferent to processes which, nearly or remotely have been the fertile source of their possessions. |
| To those who have chosen the profession of medicine, a knowledge of chemistry, and of some branches of natural history, and, indeed, of several other departments of science, affords useful assistance. |
