But with all these disadvantages, the work has nevertheless maintained its ground, for we have no where else so systematic, and compleat, though brief an account of what had been made known to the world on this important branch of scientific inquiry. It will always remain a valuable performance; and to the author an honourable one, from the knowledge and ability required in its compilation, from the fairness of the account it gives, and the entertaining statement of facts and suggestions interspersed through the book. It is greatly indeed to be wished, that these histories should be continued on the plan which Dr. Priestley has adopted. So that all the prominent facts should be collected in the order of their discovery, and a full view be given of the ground already gone over. Abridgments, do not answer this purpose; the theories that dictated the experiments are not detailed, their truth or their fallacy cannot be judged of, and sufficient merit is not attributed to the labours of the discoverer, or the bearings of his facts on his theory, sufficiently explained. To attain gradually to the summit of the temple of science, we must not only build on the foundations of our predecessors, but know somewhat of their intentions at the time of laying them. The minor treatises of Dr. Priestley on electricity, perspective and natural philosophy, have this discrimination of character, that they are more calculated to allure young people to the study of those subjects than almost any of the introductions which have either preceded or succeeded. Philosophy is made, not an abstruse science, but a delightful amusement. Indeed it was the fort of Dr. Priestley to make knowledge intelligible and popular, and treat it in such a way, as to invite rather than deter, those who were inclined to enter upon these delightful pursuits. The plainness and simplicity of his syllabus, the amusing complexion of the Phenomena, by which he illustrates his doctrines, and the facility with which the one can be made, and the other comprehended, affords a very useful example to those who may have the same object hereafter in view. This was doubtless, owing to his long experience as a teacher: and his success in that capacity among his pupils, with the electrical machine, and the air pump, is full evidence of the practical utility of his plans of instruction. _Catalogue of Dr. Priestley’s smaller pamphlets and uncollected papers on philosophical subjects._ _Nicholson’s_ } _Journal._ } _new series._ } V. 1 p. 181. Reply to Mr. Cruikshank’s. Ibid 198. Experiments on the Pile of Volta. V. 2 p. 233. On the conversion of iron into steel. V. 3 p. 52. On air from finery cinder and charcoal. V. 4 p. 65. Farther reply to Mr. Cruikshank’s. _Amer. Trans._