The Massachusetts spy, and Worcester County advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1825-1831, 1826-05-03
[From the Kennebeck Journal.1

Mechanics Inslitutes.-The impor-
lance aud utility Of associations of me-
chanics for the purpose Of acquiring and
communicating instruction in the arts
and sciences, struck US most forcibiy
while perusing the third volume of the
journal Of Education, work of great
merit.
In the principal towns of Great Brit
ain these institutions have been. estab-
lished, where they have already had the
most beneficial effects. They tend dr.
rectiy not only 10 exalt the character
and increase the usefulness of mechan-
les as body of men, but their united
genius. encouraged and brought into
action by such associations, may pro-
duce many discoveries and inventions OF
The highest importance to the world.
Hundreds of Newtous, of Fergusons. Full
tons and Perkiases, may be brought forth
from The workshop 10 become the wonder
Of an admiring world.
In many OF, the manufacturing towns
of England and Scotland, these instiiu.
tons we're at first established by the
persevering exertious of few indlyitl-
uals-their numbers increased SLOWLY,
and they are now generally in a most
prosperous way. Much Of the time
formerly spent tipping in an alehonse,
is now improved in study, or in hearing
lectures on the sciences. As an iu-
stance. we refer to the workmen of
the Gas Light Company Of Glasgow,
in Scotland, amounting TO near seventy,
of whom twelve are mechanics, and the
remainder furnace men and common
laborers. The superintendent, Mr..
Nelson, prevailed upon IA Of them to
subscribe small sum to procure Ii
brary; the company gave them room
and FIVE guineas in addition; they met
twice week, their numbers gradually
increased; and one of them, carpenter
named Anderson, who had heard two
courses Of lectures in the Andersonian
institution, volunteered to explain the use
of the globes on Monday eVenings-he
succeeded to admiration. and afterwards
lectured on mechanics and chemistry
on Tuesday evenings. Others soon be-
came competent, and now lecture alter
nately. They have at length acquired
a considerable library. with aliases,
globes, workshop to prepare models,
an air pump and an electrifying ma
chine, the two latter Of which were
given them by their employers. What
a change would be effected if the man-
ufacturing population of England were
to initiate this cheering example! Who
would then presume to call this popuIa.
ton a rabble?
The above instance, which is but one
of many, will shew how much may be
expected from similar associations. If
in England they are so eminently sue
cessful, they cannot be less SO in This
country. II is true that many mechan-
les here mingle, more or less, in all our
literary institutions; but il is also true
that the great body Of mechanics have
no opportunities of acquiring much
more than the rudimeDts of learning.
unless they do it by their own unaided
exertions. Establish and sustain these
associations in every considerable town,
add thousands who now destroy their
health and degrade their character Ly
habits of dissipation, or stupid sot'ish-
ness, will become ornaments TO society,
an honor to their craft, and to their
country. In places like this, the So
ciety should not be confned 10 opera
tive mechanics, nothing could be lost,
but much might IL gained, by admitting
others. A small instalment, paid regu-
Iarly by each member, in a very short
time would procure good library, and
apparatus for experiments in chemistry
astronomy, mechanics, &c. beginning