in favour of Mr. Malam. But circumstances render it highly probable that both derived whatever information they possessed at that time relative to Gas-lighting, from their intercourse with Mr. Clegg. These remarks are dictated by no invidious motives, for the writer has neither any interest nor even the desire to depreciate improperly the merits of any man; but, as the narrator of facts, it was his duty to be guided by that kind of evidence which seemed to have reason and probability to corroborate it. Any imputation of intentional and unjust partiality is disclaimed; but many of the circumstances contained in the following detail have excited feelings of painful concern, that persons desirous of distinction should not be more often actuated by the noble sentiment of our elegant satirist

Oh! give me honest fame, or give me none.

Those who are familiar with the operations connected with Gas-lighting, will perceive that the narrative is occasionally interrupted by the explanation of principles; but this will be found to occur only in those cases where it seemed desirable to obviate an objection or a prejudice which, to a certain extent, might still exist against the use of gas.

The principal part of the documents which form the Appendix are not only curious, but very diffi

cult to be obtained. They strikingly elucidate some of the most important of the transactions which have occurred during the progress of Gaslighting; and as they also contain much useful information, the perusal of them may afford a gratification to those who are interested in the subjects to which they relate. They may be considered as some of the authorities referred to, and certainly constitute a portion of the illustrations of the larger work originally projected, to which allusion has been made. The comparison of Mr. Accum's evidence with that of some others at another period, cannot but impress the reader with the analogy between the modes first employed to operate upon the public mind both with respect to coal and oil gas, and probably may occasion regret, that subjects so truly interesting in a philosophical and economical point of view, should not have early been left to make their way by honourable enterprise, rather than by those means which some will perhaps designate as delusive, sordid, and empirical.

The subsequent pages have very moderate pretensions, and may be considered merely as an attempt to give a methodical and perspicuous detail of those facts and circumstances which will shew the progressive application of an important discovery to useful and beneficial purposes. Sincerity and rectitude will, it is hoped, be found to

pervade the narration, for the writer has invariably endeavoured to keep truth and fidelity in view, whatever it may want in the elegancies of phraseology, which the active occupations of his life have precluded him from acquiring. As utility was his chief object, if what he has written shall prove to be useful, his end will be attained; and, conscious of the imperfection of his performance, he submits it with respectful diffidence to the judgment of those who are better acquainted with this important subject than himself, confiding in their candour to point out its defects or mistakes, which shall be frankly, cheerfully, and gratefully acknowledged.

London, October 1, 1827.

THE art of producing and managing that beautiful and brilliant light which is now rendered so extensively subservient to the dispelling of physical darkness, either originated, or was greatly improved, in the vicinity of Birmingham; * but the endeavours to diffuse a considerable portion of mental and moral light over that remarkable and populous district, were more early, and cer

It is a remarkable circumstance, that the streets of Birmingham were lighted by lamps before they were used in London.

tainly not less earnest and effective. The means employed are not so well known as they deserve to be, and therefore some account of them may not be uninteresting at a time when Mechanics' Institutions and similar establishments are the objects of so much laudable attention. It is well known that Burke characterized Birmingham as "the toy-shop of Europe," and the expression might pass as a temporary rhetorical flourish; but if it is considered that this region had long been, as it were, consecrated by the residence of superior minds, and was the scene of the labours of a Baskerville, a Boulton, a Watt, a Priestley, a Withering, a Keir, and others eminent for cultivated intellect and mechanical genius, will not his designation be deemed strikingly defective, if not frivolous and insignificant? Had he delineated it as "a favourite seat of the arts, a place celebrated for the perfection of its works of skill,—for its ingenious inventions without number,- for its prodigies of finished and sublime mechanism,for productions which gave a character to the country and the age;-known and admired in every quarter of the globe,-famed for diffusing throughout the world the elegancies and conveniencies of civilized life-the happy devices of modern ingenuity and refinement,"* how much

*Mr. David Jones.

more appropriate would have been his language! This was the character drawn of the place by one whose acquaintance with it enabled him to form an accurate estimate of its worth: and is it an exaggerated picture; or will it be recognised as sketched with the pencil of truth? But whence were derived its claims to so much commendation for knowledge and ingenuity?

Amongst the various excellent plans of education pursued in this country, not one, perhaps, has more deservedly received attention or excited admiration than the institutions for supplying the intellectual wants of its labouring population; and how zealous and meritorious have been the endeavours to enlighten this large and useful portion of the community! Some benevolent and patriotic individuals very early engaged in this noble career of improvement, and contributed to spread its cheering influence, at Birmingham; and a few rays of light will perhaps be thrown upon this interesting topic by the following relation of facts, which evince how successful and long-continued have been the exertions in that town to accomplish this important object.

Though Sunday-schools originated with the beneficent Mr. Raikes, of Gloucester, their utility was so evident as to induce other towns soon to introduce them. Birmingham was one of the places where this benevolent plan of ameliorating