The Norfolk post. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1865-1866, 1866-02-21
INVENTIONS.

Ever since the great era of revolution
in science, when the immortal Bacon
discarded the verbal contentious of de-
funct systems, and sought in the regions
of experience solution of the problems
of philosophy, the practical department
OF human life has presented spectacle
of extraordinary and ever-increasing
interest. Philosophy has descended from
the sublimities Of that Olympus in
which her admirers fancied her en-
throned. She is no longer environed by
q dazzling and mysterious splendor,
which the eye of the chosen few could
alone contemplate; but, like Ceres of
old, she has become the benefactress of
man by teaching him the lesson of
naaginaus in miniwis Like all other
human excellencies, much error has
been generated by the new light given
by the seventeenth century to the world
at large. With this view Of the subject
however, we have no concern at present.
we propose only to set forth some of the
good effects resulting from the genius OF
the Seer of Verulam, as exemplified in
the inventions made since he lived
Truly has it been said, that his discov-
cries renewed not only the common
shape of mind, but the common shape
OF life,n for modern times! And a most
interesting inquiry it would beto search
into all the multiplied inventions which
have, during the past two hundred
years, increased the comfort, the conven
fence, the elegance, or the happiness of
everyday domestic and social life. In the
studio of the artist, in the workshop of
the mechanic, in the domains of agri-
culture, and in the ladies' boudoir, we
ind almost daily, inventions orimprove-
ments irI the objects of taste, utility, or
convenience, which they severally re-
quire. Nor is an increased facility for
labor or for enjoyment the sole contri-
button of these inventions or improve
ments. No; the least originality, either
in continuing something new, or in
adding a perfection to something already
contrived, is an additional, a fresh proof,
that the human intellect has achieved
another victory, has expanded, has
grown, trifie though it be, nearer to
maturity. Nay, more; following the
law of cause and effect, law so mystic
rious, yet so universal in nature, the
very fact that one mind has given evil
dence of outward growth, argues that
other and countless minds are thereby
to be electrified and enlarged. For who
does not see that the status of peoples
civilization, and the articles of necessity
or elegance it uses, bear a reciprocal
relation to one another! Since our an
ceetors were wont to receive their state
visitors in rush=strewn apartments,
manners and modes Of life have under
gone some alterations. But shall we
make the improvement in manners
altogether independent of the modes of
life? or shall we not rather ascribe to
the modes of life considerable infiu-
ence over the improvement of manners
Queen Bess was q woman of masculine
powers of mind. She had classical
education; yet we do not read that her
courtiers voted her insane when she
displayed herHrefinement by boxing
Earl Essex on the ears. The Chinese of
the present day eat with chop-sticks.
Might not the Introduction of knives
and forks ensure more gentility and less
righteousness at their repasts A
modern belle, or New York dandy,
perform the exquisite in every step and
movement when they are dressed in full
regalia, while country clown never
displays so much awkward rusticity a.
when he finds himself, for the first time,
in adjustments of a city cut. AS in
things ofesuch material significance, SO
in those of higher grade, where
the mental powers, the reason and
the judgment are acted upon. No
one can use any implement in the
fine arts, or in the servile, involv-
ing any show of design in its struc-
ture, or in its manner of being operated,
without exercising, and thereby i'm,
proving his mental powers some, it is
true, receive, or better to say, profit by,
this advantage in avery limited degree
they will remain aspecies ofautomatons
with objects the most marvellous before
them. But 10 the cultivated and reflect
ing mind, the view ofan ingenious contri-
vance will provoke thought; and prac-
teal acquaintance Herewith, will be
sure to lead to some beneficial mental
result.
Should not, therefore, any one who
puts a new impress of mind upon any
operation Of every day life; who adds
ease and comfort to any process of neces-
sary labor; should not such a one be re-
garded with respect, and thanked as
benefactor to his race? This query
brings us to the mention of the Knitting
Machine, which was advertised in this
journal some two months since. 1t is