TO THE MECHANICS OF GLASGOW, WHOSE THEORETICAL INGENUITY AND PRACTICAL EXCELLENCE ARE ACKNOWLEDGED OVER THE WHOLE WORLD, THIS VOLUME OF THE GLASGOW MECHANICS' MAGAZINE, IS DEDICATED, BY THEIR Obliged and humble serVANTS, THE EDITORS. PREFACE. THE Second Volume of this Magazine has now been brought to a close; and it affords us the highest satisfaction to be able to announce the favourable auspices under which it is concluded. The benefits resulting to all classes of society, and particularly to artizans, from the weekly publication of such a work as ours, are already too well known, and too highly appreciated, to require any farther illustration from us. Its cheapness is of great importance to those whose desire for knowledge is beyond their means of attaining it in more bulky and more expensive works: the smallness of its size entices many to read, who, from want of time or inclination, seldom think of opening a large book; and it has all the advantages of a larger journal, as it is read, by those who prefer it, either in monthly or quarterly parts. It is, besides," the cheapest and best got up" publication of the kind which has yet appeared;-even this superiority has been acknowledged by our London contemporaries. Indeed, the unprecedented circulation with which it has been honoured, the daily additions which are making to the list of its subscribers, and the cordial warmth with which it is everywhere received, afford the best evidence of the public opinion with regard to its utility which can be offered, and form a strong incentive to renewed exertion. Every endeavour has been made to make improvements; and the Editors have the prospect of being enabled to make many improvements in the course of the volume about to be commenced, which they humbly conceive will greatly enhance the value of the work of which they have the superintendence. It is impossible at present to enter into all they mean to do; but they may state that, among others,, they intend, under the title of "The Chemist," to set apart a portion of their Magazine for the science of Chemistry. It is very unnecessary, they should suppose, to state any thing in favour of this alteration; the importance of Chemistry, as a science, being too well known to require it. To the public in general, who have so liberally patronised our labours, and to the many kind and ingenious correspondents who have assisted us with their valuable contributions, we beg to return our most unfeigned thanks. We solicit, and hope still to receive, a continuation of all their kindnesses and all their favours; and we doubt not, that we shall thereby be enabled to continue to extend the circulation of "The Glasgow Mechanics' Magazine," and thereby enlarge and increase the sphere of its usefulness. To the Mechanics of Glasgow, we would be wanting in kindness and attention, did we not return our warmest acknowledgements for the support they have so liberally given us, and the interest so many of them have taken in our success. We trust they will still continue to assist us with their contributions, that the Magazine which bears their name, may continue to be worthy of the high character which they bear over the world. 155, TRONGATE, 5th February, 1825. |