PRINTING. 105

had, in effect, invented this art, in an early period of theirexistence, from the subsequent statement.

There is now in the possession of His Grace the Dukeof Richmond, an antique forma Hterarum, similar to thedescription of Cicero in his “ De Natura Deorum itbeing made of metal, i.e. a species of ltoman brass; theground of which is covered with the rust which antiquarianscall <cru(/o, a green sort of verdigrise rust, with whichantique medals are usually covered. The letters rise flushup to the elevation of the exterior rim which surrounds it.Its dimensions are about fwo inches long, by one inchbroad, bearing the name of

CAIVS JULIVSCjECILIVS HERMIAS

At the back of it is a small ring for the finger, to promote theconvenience of holding it. This is presumed to have beenthe name of some private individual, and to have beenjust dipped in common writing ink, or .any coloured fluid,when it would save the trouble of writing the name.

We have often had occasion to express our feelings ingrateful eulogium, when considering the benefits resultingto the human species from numerous ingenious discoveries;but when we reflect upon the benefits produced from thetypographic art, it appears like a vortex, drawing everyother sensation into its deep interest, and engulphing everyconsideration, so that we can think of printing only, andits large catalogue of various benefits. This interest is won-derfully increased, whether it be viewed on the score of itsingenuity, the extent of its benefits, or the benevolence ofits object. In whatever point of view we behold it, whe-ther as a medium for giving the utmost facility to thedespatch of the common concerns of life; or as affording theeager mind of the philosophic inquirer the ready means togratify the inquisitive thirst of his interrogative inquiries inthe anxious pursuit of knowledge; in every species ofmental intelligence, the rapid facility which it affords tothe multiplication of those mediums of communication, bywhich knowledge is promulgated in every part of theearth. We are at a loss for a term sufficiently comprehen-sive to express our sense of the infinite importance of those