LEWIS SWIFT

b. February 29, 1820 and d. ?

American astronomer, who constructed his own apparatus and from his own plans. The great comet of 1862, and other heavenly bodies, were discovered by him. He invented a horse-hayrake (1842); an oxyhydrogen microscope (1858); an improvement in the construction of domes (1881); and an automatic right ascension circle (1887). He has written cyclopedia articles and papers on various astronomical subjects.

HIGHER! It is a word of noble import. It lifts the soul of man from low and groveling pursuits, to the achievement of great and noble deeds, and ever keeps the object of its aspirations in view, till his most sanguine expectations are fully realized.

—HIGHER

In every occupation of life requiring intellectual, or even physical exertion, earnestness is an essential element of success. Without it, a man may have the strength of Hercules, or the mind of Newton, and yet accomplish nothing. He may live, and die, and yet leave behind him neither name nor memorial. Was there ever a man, of any trade or profession, eminently successful, who did not apply himself in earnest to his business?

—ANONYMOUS

Only $ 12.00

b. February 28, 1759 and d. January 26, 1825

Scotch inventor, who rediscovered the art of stereotyping; perfected in 1782. On January 11, 1825, he patented improvements in the steam engine.

Little knew he what lay concealed
In the mystic art that he revealed-
The “art preservative of arts”-
This boon he gave, which still imparts
Light, Learning, Truth, and Liberty-
True glories of humanity!
His patient skill the art first taught
To give enduring form to thought-
The mightiest of all human means
On which the hand of Progress leans.
Such the high province of the press!
And such its influence vast to-day,
Claiming the tributary lay,
For our Pantheon of High Fame
Enshrines full many a learned printer’s name.

—To Guttenberg: Frederick Saunders

1725—William Ged patented stereotyping, of which process he was the inventor.

1739—An edition of the Sallust was printed in Edinburgh from stereotype plates produced by Mr. Ged, a goldsmith.

1813—A catechism was printed from stereotype plates in New York.