This country is fortunate in having on the Western Continent, a great nation derived from the same common stock, speaking the same language, sharing the same feelings, but fortunately not partaking the same _prejudices_. Proud of the only ancestry which is not contemptible, it glories in the genius and the virtues of our common forefathers, and in its young ambition now strives in science and in literature, to prove itself _their_ worthy descendants—_our own_ generous rivals. Separated from us by an intervening ocean, the judgment of America is not obscured by the repulsion or the fascination of personal manners,—by the tales of jealous rivals or enthusiastic friends. It can thus, as it were, anticipate for us the decision of posterity upon the reputation of those English writers who have never visited her shores. Many foreigners speaking other tongues, whose researches in industrial, economical, and physical science, have conferred honour on their own country, now visit ours. These and their congenial spirits throughout the world, sit in judgment on the _prejudices_ of England, and will, if I mistake not, find ample reason to agree with the Danish statesman in the opinion,—that great nations are often governed by very small people. England has invited the judgment of the world upon its _Arts_ and its _Industry_;—science appeals to the same tribunal against its _ingratitude_ and its _injustice_. Several friends whose esteem I prize, have urged me to avoid everything personal,—some even to suppress this volume. I value their friendship, whilst I reject their counsel. In illustrating the position of science in this country, it would have been affectation not to have mentioned the Calculating Engines. Who else _could_ have fully known,—who else _would_ have fully told their history? It has been suggested to me that, to select _individual_ examples for illustration, is personality. To have made general charges without them, would have been termed _vague_, and would certainly have been _useless_. It still however appears to me that a _single_ illustration in each case, would cause the least pain, and might yet be sufficient for the purpose. If it is thought otherwise the remedy is easy. The facts stated in the following pages are not drawn from any violation of the confidences of private society: those whose names are mentioned, are paid by the nation, and therefore responsible to their employers. Against them I have no personal feeling; their official acts are necessarily mentioned as parts of the system to which they belong. The remark most frequently made has been, “that the publication of this volume will do me injury.” This opinion is indeed a severer censure on the conduct of the government than any I have myself pronounced. I do not agree in it, for I know of no injury within the power of those who have never given me a single occasion for gratitude.