331. Also, Figures and Explanations of such Machinery as have been tried, viz. the Fly or Moulinet of Blanchard; and of those which have not succeeded for Want of Trial; might be sent by the Inventors, in order to perpetuate the Invention, either to the _Society of Arts_; or to the Editors of creditable Magazines, who woud be glad of such ingenious Acquisitions, as it woud be a Means of procuring Purchasers, and circulate the Knowledge of this _gigantic_ Infant Science. Improvement woud then go on apace, and in a Chain: each Labourer forging and finishing his respective Link. Whereas at present every one is obliged to find his own Materials, sink the Foundation, raise and finish the Building. And hence so little Work is done, worthy the Inspection of a skilful Architect. CHAPTER LXV. ON THE UTILITY OF BALLOONS: AN INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. Sect. 332. Art. 1. It seems a favourite Question, among those who take a Pleasure in objecting to every Thing they neither do nor will understand, to ask, “Of what Use can these Balloons be made?” and without waiting for an Answer, to say—“they pick the Pockets of the Public, risque the Lives of the Incautious, encourage Mobbing and Sharpers, and terrify all the World.” These trite Reasonings are all very true, but little to the Purpose: the Effects above described being merely those arising from Novelty. If, says one in an inferior Station; “they coud convert Balloons into common Stage Waggons; Goods might be carried with the greater Expedition:” or, “into Stage Coaches,” says another: or, “into Mail Coaches” says Palmer; “it woud be certainly very clever, as I have the Patent:”—“or into comfortable Carriages to step in out of +the window+, at a Moment’s Notice; that woud be something,” cries a Nobleman: “it woud _save_ one a Couple of Sets of Horses, and woud eat Nothing: one might ride one’s own Balloon Matches, from one’s Window to Newmarket, and from Newmarket to +town+; dress for Court as we _do_, and make _Nothing_ of it.” Such are the different Ideas annexed by different Ranks of Men, to the Word +utility+ when applied to Balloons. 332. 2. For once let the feeble Voice of a French Philosopher be heard, the Abbée Bertholon: who may perhaps assert that all this is not impossible. A Series of Experiments only can determine: and let the following Remarks serve as an Introduction to his Opinions. 332. 3. It is certain that the Progress already made in the Improvement of Balloons, since their Invention only three Years ago, is far superior to the Acquirements in every other Art. The Antients knew, that excited Amber attracted Straws, and certain other light Substances: but medical Electricity, and a Preservative from Lightening, were notwithstanding reserved for the Moderns.