Likewise was the society endowed with
gifts, amongst the most notable being the valuable library of
Henry Howard, afterwards Duke of Norfolk.
Fostered by this society, science received its first impulse
towards the astounding progress it has since achieved. Nay, in
this reign the germs of some inventions were sown, which,
subsequently springing into existence, have startled the world by
their novelty, utility, and power, Monsieur Sorbiere, when in
England, was shown a journal kept by Montconis, concerning the
transactions of the Royal Society, in which several new devices,
"which scarce can be believed unless seen," were described.
Amongst these were an instrument for showing alterations in the
weather, whether from heat, cold, wind, or rain; a method for
blowing up ships; a process for purifying salt water, so that it
could be drunk; and an instrument by which those ignorant of
drawing could sketch and design any object. He also states Dr.
Wallis had taught one born deaf and dumb to read.
In 1663, "the right honourable (and deservedly to be praised and
admired) Edward Somerset, Marquis of Worcester," published a
quaint volume entitled "A Century of the Names and Scantlings of
such Inventions as at present I can call to mind to have tried
and perfected, which (my former notes being lost) I have, at the
instance of a powerful friend, endeavoured to set down in such a
way as may sufficiently instruct me to put any of them in
practice.
Pages:
404
405
406
407
408
409
410
411
412
413
414
415
416
417
418
419
420
421
422
423
424
425
426
427
428