The Useful Arts,
Considered in Connexion with the Applications of Science:
with Numerous Engravings.

by Jacob Bigelow, M.D

Professor of Materia Medica in Harvard University, Author of 'The Elements of Technology,' etc. etc.

in Two Volumes.

Vol. I.

1842.

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The following volumes are furnished for publication, at the request of the Publishers of the School Library, now issuing under the sanction of the Massachusetts Board of Education. Most of their subjects were formerly comprised in a course of lectures, delivered in Harvard University, and afterwards published, in two editions of the author's 'Elements of Technology.' The Work is now prepared for the press, with various modifications and additions, intended, chiefly, to bring the account of its subjects down to the present time. An historical chapter is also prefixed to the Work, and several new subjects introduced in its pages.

The degree of interest, which was formerly taken in the Lectures alluded to, led the author to believe, that the subject is, in itself, peculiarly capable of exciting the attention and curiosity of students. There can be no doubt, that the knowledge, which this study is intended to furnish, is of great use in the common affairs of life; and, probably, its advancement has contributed, more than that of any other science, to the improved condition of the present age.

A certain degree of acquaintance with the theory and scientific principles of the common arts is found so generally important, that most educated men, in the course of an ordinary practical life, are obliged to obtain it from some source, or to suffer inconvenience, for the want of it. He who builds a house, or buys an estate, if he would avoid disappointment and loss, must know something of the arts, which render them appropriate and tenantable. He who travels abroad, to instruct himself, or enlighten his countrymen, finds, in the works of art, the most commanding objects of his attention and interest. He who remains at home, and limits his ambition to the more humble object of keeping his apartment warm, and himself comfortable, can only succeed, through the instrumentality of the arts.

There has, probably, never been an age, in which the practical applications of science have employed so large a portion of the talent and enterprise of the community, as in the present; nor one, in which their cultivation has yielded such abundant rewards. And it is not the least of the distinctions of our own country, to have contributed to the advancement of this branch of improvement, by many splendid instances of inventive genius, and successful perseverance.

The importance of the subject, and the prevailing interest which exists, in regard to the arts and their practical influences, appear, commonly, to have created a want, not provided for, in our courses of elementary education. Information on these subjects is scattered through the larger works on mechanics, on chemistry, mineralogy, engineering, architecture, domestic economy, the fine arts, &c.; so that it rarely happens, that a student, in any of our colleges, gathers information enough to understand the common technical terms, which he meets with, in a modern book of travels, or periodical work. It is only by making the elements of the arts themselves, subjects of direct attention, that this deficiency is likely to be supplied.

In the present volumes, it is attempted to include such an account, as the limits may permit, of the principles, processes, and nomenclatures, of the more conspicuous arts; particularly those, which involve applications of science, and which may be considered useful, by promoting the benefit of society, together with the emolument of those who pursue them.

In preparing for the press the lectures, on which this Work was founded, some variations from the original form were made, together with such additions, as leisure from professional engagements permitted. In doing this, occasional use was made of the works of Robison, Young, Tredgold, and several of the late chemical writers. But, as these elementary volumes are composed for the instruction of the uninitiated, rather than for the perfection of adepts, it has been found necessary to condense, and to endeavor to render intelligible, the subjects of consideration, rather than to dilate them, by minute expositions and details. For the use of those students, who may wish to extend their inquiries, in reference to any of the particular subjects, a list of some of the more prominent authors, and works of value, that treat upon the several subjects, is subjoined, at the end of each chapter. Among some of these works, the authorities for the facts stated in the preceding chapter, will, in most instances, be found.

An Appendix is added to the second volume, consisting of miscellaneous accounts, relating to certain subjects of interest. In each volume, a Glossary, for the use of students, and copious Indexes, complete the Work.

J.B.