Remarks on certain statements regarding the invention of the steam engine, in M. Arago's historical eloge of James Watt - Softcover
Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1840 Excerpt: ... REMARKS M. AH AGO S STATEMENTS REGARDING THE INVENTION OF THE STEAM-ENGINE. It has always been considered a matter, of some importance to ascertain who are the authors of discoveries or inventions which have forwarded the progress of Science and the Arts, and thus proved useful to Society. That mankind should ever hasten to do honour to those who have added a new truth to the general stock of knowledge, or placed some new or increased power within their reach, is of importance, as an incentive to genius, were it of no other use. It will undoubtedly be a powerful stimulus, even though it may often lurk in the breast and not be confessed or distinctly felt; and many a genius, by "chill penury repress'd," or by neglect, will find secret consolation and encouragement in the thought that posterity at least will do him justice, and take some pains to ascertain who is the real author of an useful invention, and distinguish him from those who, from various accidents, may have had an undue prominence assigned to their labours. It is true enough that this, the desire of fame, present or posthumous, is not the highest or purest motive to excite men to extend the boundaries of Science, and enlarge the powers of Art;--but it is a motive, and, certainly, not a bad one; and being of undoubted service to mankind, ought surely to be respected. The love of justice--the desire to see fair dealing between man and man--is inherent in the human mind. And, however this feeling may be blunted, and choked by the weeds of party animosity, national prejudices, or personal jealousies, during the lifetime of the candidates for fame; it should ever be carefully freed from these when we are considering the character and deeds of those who have passed from this scene, and cannot assert th...
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