The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1837-11-14
MECHANICs-HEADS UP.

The time will come, we vertically believe, when
the profession of Il Mechanic will be us honora-
bic either of the now styled learned profess
sions. We think this must be the case, from the
fact that, within few years past, certain invcn-
tons have been made by regular mechanics
which place them in the highest rank of thinking
and talented men. The reason why the profess
sion of law, medicine and divinity have taken
from time immemoral rank above most other
occupations is, that men employed in these call
ings have generally had the advantage of supe-
rior education. But at the present time, a good
education is not confined TO n select few, but is
found pcrvading all classes of society, and espe-
Cially the mechanics, among whom may be found
some of The most distinguished practical scholars
Of the day. 1t would be easy to cite examples
Of sell educated mechanics who have gained II
reputation for scholarship that has enrolled their
names among the highest upon the scroll Of fame.
1t must therefore be admitted that the profession
Of mechanic does not necessarily hinder him
from becoming well educated and distinguish
ed man. What has been, is now and will he
again. But never, we believe, was there n time
when the ingenious and studious mechanic stood
so good Il chance of obtaining distinction at
the present day. There is an increasing demand
for inventions which will facilitate labor in every
department of industry and The fine arts, and it
is to the mechanic we are to look for these in-
ventons-and such inventions are every day
multiplying about us. Scarcely paper reaches us
from any part of the world that does not contain
an account of some contrivance of mechanical
skill which is destined to benefit society at large
and confer eternal honor upon the inventor
This country has but ust entered upon the
race of nations and yet, in respect to mechanical
skill, she is already far in advance of some that
started hundreds of years ago. Now if this be
the case, what does it show? Does it not clearly
evince that our mechanics are endowed with the
spirit of invention, of creation, which is the SUR
est test of greatness and the most honorable title
to fame and rank? 1t certainly does. And this
is the light in which the greatest men of the land,
men who are distinguished for their strength and
reach of mind, and their Inullarious acquire
ments, are accustomed to regard the ingenious
aud well informed mechanic. Be they learned
judges, sklful physicians, or learned dvines.
they are ready to take the ingenious mechanic
by the hand aud introduce him TO those who a.
lone ought TO constitute the true aristocracy of
our country, namely those who have been in
strumental, either by their minds or their hands,
of comforting lasting benefits upon their fellow
men. This, we say, is the disposition of the
best the wisest and the most learned men among
us. What encouragement, therefore, is this to
our mechanics? What an inducement for them
to persevere in their calling, and endeavor so to
distinguish themselves by their workmanship and
inventions, as to rank with the first men of the
country! To young mechanics we would say
then, consider that you have field before yon
IN Whch>it will be your own fault il you do not,
by unremtting industry, find hidden and invalu
able treasures. Consider that every moment you
yourselves to your tools, you are in the way
offa!ling upon some hint that will lead to
an invention, which shall not only make your
fortune, but place you high in the rank of talent
ed and useful men, You have advantage o.
yer the mere literary man. His whole life is too
apt to be nothing but continued round of books
without deriving prolific any but himself You,
on the contrary, have time only to read such
books as are of practical importance, and the
knowledge you obtain from them you carry TO
your workshop to enable you to handle with in