i rv3>l
Sect. II.
Class 10.
INTRODUCTION.
The advance of physical science receives its illustration in a variety of directions among the objects collect®!together under this Glass. The progress of experimental philosophy may be gathered, in a degree, from 1 _perfection of the instruments it employs ; for while it is certain that in some sciences much has been acco®plished by the aid of rude and imperfect means, it is equally true that in others the perfection of the apparamis essential to that of the knowledge sought to be established by deductions drawn from its indications. " ~delicacy of a balance is necessary to the accuracy of a chemical experiment, and therefore to that of the fa° .it is used to develop, as also is the achromatism of a microscope, or a photographic lens to the development 0the optical images, and to the results sought to be obtained therefrom : chemistry, microscopical sciences, a 11photography, are consequently largely dependent for their progress upon the instruments by the use of wine 1they are to proceed. The same cannot be said of surgical instruments, for in their use the operator may command success by his skill, notwithstanding the imperfections of his apparatus. Nevertheless, the present st ateof surgery, and the attention bestowed upon it, may be gathered from the inspection of the refined and com"plicated apparatus offered for its advancement. As one of the results of the splendid and enduring system 0
knowledge, and of its pursuits—promulgated by Bacon in the “Novum Organon, ” the system since caIj®Experimental Philosophy—objects in this Class wear a peculiar interest, representing the means employe 'man for the establishment and development of inductive science. . j
This Class includes instruments employed for a variety of philosophical purposes ; it also comprises n>asi c yhorological, and surgical instruments and apparatus. It may consequently be considered under threeClasses. The first comprehends—A. Instruments for the measurement of space, such as Transit InstruiuenQuadrants, Sextants, Telescopes, Microscopes, Theodolites , &c.; B. Instruments to measure the effe clSmechanical and physical forces, as Dynamometers, Balances, Thermometers, &c.; C. Instruments to ihust-r.the Laws of Mechanical and Physical Science ; D. Application of mechanical and physical science to n® 0 .^purposes not included in any of the preceding or subsequent sections, such as instruments connected w ,Mechanics, Sound, Light, Heat , Magnetism, and Electricity; E. Comprehends Chemical and Pharmaceu 1Apparatus. The Sub-Class, Musical Instruments, comprises—A. Wind Instruments , in wood and met* >Flutes, Bassoons, Horns, Trumpets, &c.; B. Stringed Instruments, as Harps , Guitars, &c. ; C. Keyed lp® sments, with fixed tones, such as Organs, Pianofortes, Accordions; D. Instruments of percussion, as J- nand Cymbals ; E. Automatic Instruments ; and F. Miscellaneous articles in connexion with musical m s ,ments. The Sub-Class, Horology, contains—A. Great Clocks for Churches and Public Buildings in g®? ‘including Electric or Magneto-Electric Clocks; B. Astronomical Clocks; C. Clocks applied in registrar ^D. Clocks showing different phenomena ; E. Clocks for ordinary purposes; F. Clocks of an ornamentalscription ; G. Sundries applicable to Clocks ; H. Marine Chronometers ; I. Pocket watches of various lies0 . Ltions ; J. Watches for different markets. The remaining Sub-Class, Surgical Instruments, includes a y iirof apparatus adapted to the performance of operations in different parts of the human body, together with ,philosophical apparatus employed by the surgeon in the investigation and treatment of disease. It alsobraces the instruments employed in Veterinary Surgery.
The large astronomical telescope in the Nave, mounted upon a stand, having equatorial movements ^complete adjustments, is an interesting member of this Class. It is a refracting instrument, and possesseobject-glass nearly 12 inches in diameter. Telescopes of a smaller calibre, and adapted for different pu r P foeare also exhibited near it. But the general arrangement of the objects representative of this Classes ,sought in the Central North Gallery. This gallery is reached by ascending the stairs near the North IranOn entering it, and proceeding past the articles in glass, which are also placed here, the commencement o ^ gClass is met with at Area I. 22. From this point it extends to the western termination of this gallery- t ],interspace between the North and South Central Galleries is also devoted to it, and a portion of theCentral Gallery, from M. 3 to M. 8, contains various articles included in this Class. Proceeding westwa^j^the Central North Gallery, musical instruments are first encountered, including a variety of organs,pianos, &c. Succeeding to these are philosophical instruments, electric telegraphs, daguerreotype a l’lS jietyand specimens of photography : beyond are globes and astronomical apparatus. In the South Central ‘ ^ jeare watches and clocks. Apart of the North Gallery, devoted to surgical instruments, and occupy® ospace between F. 15 and F. 21, also belongs to this Class.