which have been granted to different individuals.
The first, within our knowledge deserving notice, is that obtained in April, 1791, by Mr. Robert Blair, for his method of improving refracting telescopes, and other dioptrical instruments; which is fully detailed in the 7th vol. of the Repertory of the Arts, &c.
In January, 1799, a privilege was granted to Mr. Cater Rand, for an improved military and naval telescope, serving to ascertain distances, &c. at sight, by means of a new micrometrical adjustment. His instruments are made refracting, achroamatical, or reflecting; and the micrometer is furnished with four parallel wires, fitted to brass, silver, or other metallic, converging and diverging, plates, together with other machinery; the whole of which is so arranged, that the intermediate distance between two unknown places may, together with the height, or size of such distance, be easily ascertained.—A full specification of this ingenious contrivance is inserted in the 12th vol. of the work above quoted, where it is illustrated by an engraving.
The last patent we shall mention, is that procured by Mr. Dudley Adams, in May, 1800; for his invention of a mode of rendering telescopes, and other optical glasses, more portable. This useful object is effected by employing certain springs, which are so contrived as to occupy the least possible space, while they render the instrument to which they may be applied, strong and steady, on being drawn out: and, in order that the several glasses may acquire their true positions or distances, when such joints or tubes are drawn out, he has invented certain flaunches, for fixing and retaining them in every situation, in which an observer might find it necessary to place them. For a minute account, the curious reader is referred to the 15th vol. of the Repertory of Arts, &c. where the patentee's improvements are exemplified by a plate.
TEMPERANCE, strictly speaking, denotes the virtuous practice of those, who restrain their sensual appetites: it is, however, generally used to express moderation, in which sense it is indiscriminately applied to all the passions.
Temperance has been justly termed the virtue which bridles the inordinate desires: it is, indeed, closely connected with prudence and justice. It silences calumny, and substitutes extenuation for slander; expels avarice from the bosom; and thus demonstrates that true happiness consists not in contemplating useless wealth, or indulging in ambitious pursuits, or in the gratification of a vitiated palate; but in a contented mind. The votary of temperance views with equal disgust, the sallies of unjust resentment, and those of riotous mirth: he beholds the melancholy consequences of intemperance; learns to extinguish revenge, and every desire which humiliates a rational agent; thus proving that such virtue is the parent of many others, while it is attended with peace, prosperity, health, and satisfaction.
Without expatiating on this topic, let it suffice to observe, that it is a duty incumbent on all parents, to rear their children with a strict regard to temperance; as, by adhering to this rule only, they are entitled to enjoy either health or longevity. Those of our readers,
