The numerous foreigners who flocked to these annual meetings of the British Association, might, it was naturally thought, be induced to bring over with them new instruments of science, or objects of art and industry, the produce of their respective countries. Whilst thus giving, and receiving in return new ideas and valuable information, the commercial interchanges between different nations would necessarily be augmented by the steadily increasing knowledge of the wants of each, and by the peaceful rivalry of all. The first exhibition of this kind took place at Newcastle in 1838. The number of exhibitors was not large, but it was hoped that with time and encouragement this commencement might lead to much more extensive expositions of more general utility. It was followed by another on an enlarged scale, held at Birmingham in the succeeding year, after which it was discontinued. The following extracts from a letter addressed by the Author to the Members of the British Association, were printed in 1839:— “My reasons for not resigning the trusteeship of the British Association at Newcastle were, that by retaining it until the following meeting, I should give the Society more time to select my successor; and that by remaining on the council until the meeting at Birmingham, I might be enabled to assist more effectually in the arrangement of the collections relating to the mechanical arts, which it was anticipated would be amongst the largest yet called forth by the British Association.” “The real merits of the British Association have been misunderstood by the superficial; but it possesses in its bearings upon the pecuniary interests of large masses of the community a power and an influence which nothing but great misconduct can destroy. Look at the manufacturers of produce and of machinery, flocking to our annual meeting to interchange their ideas, enlightening their practical experience by the reasonings of science, and returning laden with the seeds of permanent ameliorations in their establishments. Look at the exhibitions of the productions of our factories, and say whether the humblest shopkeeper has not an interest in the existence of that body which gives publicity to the objects in which he deals, and which spreads them so largely before the eyes of those who can appreciate their merit, as well as of those who are likely to become consumers.” “These are material interests permanently engaged in our cause by the strongest ties—those of mutual advantage, cemented by reciprocity of kindly feelings.”