THE RICHES OF POVERTY. ONE morning in the time of buds, of sunshine, and of showers, I wandered in a field-path, edged with spring-time's earliest flowers; I wandered mournfully, although the air was fresh and bright, And the skylark poured his joyous song from a blue and cloudless height. I wandered mournfully and slow, for I was very poor, And the future only seemed to me a burden to endure. I brooded o'er my poverty, and all the sorrows deep That threatened those, for whom my life, a sacrifice, were cheap. And I without the power to turn aside one woe-to calm One anxious thought, or o'er one fear to pour hope's precious balm ! But as upon the night shines out" the poetry of heaven," So to the dark hour of the soul are starry visions given. I thought if in my path should lie gold, meant for me alone That a departed one had traced the gift upon a stone If to my hand the power were given to change to metals rare, That I almost prayed my God would give their substance to his child. "Yes, thou art poor, no gold hast thou to canker o'er thy soul, Stint not its free abundance-as rivers to the sea I went home wiser for the time, and happier for the hour; Oh! that the mists of earth should cloud such thoughts of truth and power LITERARY AND SCIENTIFIC INSTITUTIONS OF THE METROPOLIS. LONDON MECHANICS' INSTITUTION. In the year 1796, an institution was founded in Glasgow by the will of Professor Anderson, for the purpose of instructing, in scientific subjects, the middle and working classes. No department of this establishment was, however, exclusively set apart for the instruction of mechanics in those branches of knowledge of especial use in their daily avocations, until the year 1800, when Dr. George Birkbeck commenced delivering a series of lectures on mechanics and chemistry. During the period since these lectures were first delivered, the advantages of the scheme were unequivocally demonstrated, and similar courses of instruction were established in several other cities of the empire. In 1823, in consequence of some disagreement between the mechanics and the trustees of the institution, the former seceded, and formed an establishment of their own, called the "Glasgow Mechanics' Institution." The knowledge of this fact, combined with the reflection that if Glasgow could maintain such an establishment, so also ought the metropolis, attracted the attention of the conductors of the Mechanics' Magazine. Accordingly, on the 11th of October, 1823, they proposed the formation of a "London Mechanics' Institution." One of the first individuals that responded to the invitation was the same gentleman who, twentythree years previously, opened the temple of science to the artisan -Dr. Birkbeck: and to him, in conjunction with several other public-spirited men, is the institution mainly indebted for its successful foundation. On the 11th November, the first public meeting was held at the Crown and Anchor tavern, and at the election of officers, the doctor was unanimously chosen as President, in which situation he has ever since zealously devoted himself to the promotion of its welfare. It was not until the 20th February, 1824, that the institution fairly commenced operations. On the evening of that day the members assembled in Dr. Lindley's chapel, Moorfields, to hear the President's inaugural address, and an introductory lecture, by Professor Millington, on the elementary principles of mechanical science. The increasing wants of the members rendering more ample accommodation necessary, extensive premises were subsequently procured for the permanent seat of the institution. They are situated in one of the most central parts of the metropolis-29, Southampton-buildings, Chancery-lane, midway between the great leading thoroughfares of Holborn and Fleet-street. A spacious lecture-room and other suitable apartments for the library and apparatus were erected. The expenses incurred were defrayed by means of subscriptions, assisted by a loan from the worthy President. As the resources of the institution are mainly absorbed in meeting its annual charges, the whole of this loan has not yet been repaid; it is, however, in a gradual course of liquidation. Since the establishment of the institution, two evenings in every week (Wednesday and Friday) have been appropriated to the delivery of lectures on various subjects, literary as well as scientific. There is, in the opinion of many old members, much room for improvement both in the selection and arrangement of the subjects. With regard to the selection, it has been stated, that if great variety was not permitted, the number of members attending the lectures would be considerably diminished. When a lecture on "Music, with numerous illustrations," is to be delivered, the theatre, which can contain within its walls a thousand persons, is usually filled to overflowing. On the contrary, when the subject is one of those sciences not so attractive in its nature, but, nevertheless, of great interest and importance, the attendance, although good, is comparatively small. We mention this fact, not because we are averse to the cultivation of that which "softens men's manners and suffers them not to become brutal," but as showing in a striking manner what is and what is not “ popular.” These remarks are not confined to this institution alone, but are, we believe, applicable to all establishments of similar, and, indeed, of much higher, pretensions. The classes are the most efficient means yet devised to carry out the objects of the institution. They pursue their studies the whole year, meeting generally from about half-past eight till ten in the evening. The teachers are men of acknowledged ability, and the manner in which their tuition is imparted, renders it possible for any one really willing to learn, to acquire the information of which he is in need. We cannot withhold our strong approbation of the conduct of these gentlemen, and especially those whose services are gratuitous. We subjoin a list of the subjects of study in the various classes : English Grammar, Writing, Arithmetic, Book-keeping, Mathematics, Practical Geometry, Drawing,—architectural, mechanical, perspective, and ornamental-Drawing the human figure, Modelling, Landscape drawing, Geography, Short-hand, French language, Latin language. occasionally given in the theatre, the performers consisting chiefly of the members of the Music class. The library, consisting of 7000 volumes, is composed of works in every branch of science and literature. If we may judge from the appearance of the books, there are pretty good indications of their being used, and sometimes not quite so well as they deserve to be. We wonder some bibliopole is not engaged to deliver a lecture on the question-" How ought books to be taken care of?" We rather think that the sum expended on such a lecture would not be thrown away, as the next bookbinder's bill would satisfactorily prove. The library is also amply supplied with the new reviews and magazines. The reading-room is well attended, especially in the evening. It is furnished with the morning and evening newspapers, which are removed to the news-room when the reading-room becomes crowded. Indiscriminate admission to the library is not allowed. Any person wanting a work for perusal on the premises is obliged to leave his ticket with the librarian until the book be returned. A very good collection of specimens, illustrative of the sciences of Geology, Mineralogy, &c., will be found in the museum; also apparatus requisite for illustrating the mechanical and chemical sciences, &c. The subscription to the institution is 6s. per quarter, with 2s. 6d. entrance. Youths under eighteen years of age (students) pay the same subscription and have equal privileges with members, except voting at the election of officers. Members' sons and apprentices may attend the classes or lectures at 3s. per quarter. Ladies are admitted to the lectures and the use of the circulating library, at 5s. per quarter, or the lectures only at 3s. The number of persons belonging to the institution was, on the 5th of June, 1839, as follows: 883 Members. 174 Students. Besides the above, the following are conducted on the plan of mutual instruction :-Literary Composition, Chemistry, Experimental Philosophy, Natural History, Phrenology, Latin language. There is also a class for French conversation, and several for the various branches of vocal and instrumental Music, for admittance to which an additional subscription is required. Concerts are Making a total of 1081. 13 Members' sons and Apprentices, 11 Ladies. END OF THE FIRST VOLUME. BRADBURY AND EVANS, PRINTERS, WHITEFRIARS. |