examination of good machinery, will
perfect the knowledge of theory and facilitate practice.

At first we should not encumber our pupils with accurate
demonstration. The application of mathematics to mechanics is
undoubtedly of the highest use, and has opened a source of ingenious
and important inquiry. Archimedes, the greatest name amongst mechanic
philosophers, scorned the mere practical application of his sublime
discoveries, and at the moment when the most stupendous effects were
producing by his engines, he was so deeply absorbed in abstract
speculation as to be insensible to the fear of death. We do not mean,
therefore, to undervalue either the application of strict
demonstration to problems in mechanics, or the exhibition of the most
accurate machinery in philosophical lectures; but we wish to point out
a method of giving a general notion of the mechanical organs to our
pupils, which shall be immediately obvious to their comprehension, and
which may serve as a sure foundation for future improvement. We are
told by a vulgar proverb, that though we believe what we see, we have
yet a higher belief in what we _feel_. This adage is particularly
applicable to mechanics. When a person perceives the effect of his own
bodily exertions with different engines, and when he can compare in a
rough manner their relative advantages, he is not disposed to reject
their assistance, or expect more than is reasonable from their
application. The young theorist in mechanics thinks he can produce a
perpetual motion! When he has been accustomed to refer to the plain
dictates of common sense and experience, on this, as well as on every
other subject, he will not easily be led astray by visionary theories.

[Illustration: Plate 2.]

To bring the sense of feeling to our assistance in teaching the uses
of the mechanic powers, the following apparatus was constructed, to
which we have given the name Panorganon.

It is composed of two principal parts: a frame to contain the moving
machinery; and a _capstan_ or _windlass_, which is erected on a _sill_
or plank, that is sunk a few inches into the ground: the frame is by
this means, and by six braces or props, rendered steady. The cross
rail, or _transom_, is strengthened by braces and a king-post to make
it lighter and cheaper. The _capstan_ consists of an upright shaft,
upon which are fixed two _drums_; about which a rope may be wound up,
and two levers or arms by which it may be turned roun