The following notice, taken from the "Salem Gazette," July 13, 1790, has an interest to us from what it says of the likenesses "produced from a Spark of Electricity." It is difficult to conjecture what this means; though additional interest is derived from the fact of these likenesses having been presented by Dr. Franklin's grandson.
AMERICAN MUSEUM.
Mr. Peale, of Philadelphia, has lately received a number of donations for his Cabinet of Curioſities. Among them were
Likeneſſes of the King and Queen of France, executed on white ſatin, and each produced by a ſingle ſpark of electricity.—Preſented by Wm. Temple Franklin, Eſq.——And
The Finger of Mr. Broliman (a provincial officer in the Britiſh ſervice, in the war before the laſt) who was executed at Philadelphia for the murder of a Mr. Scull. This unfortunate gentleman, ſoured by ſome diſguſt, became weary of life. In this temper of mind, he one morning roſe earlier than uſual, and walked out upon the common of the city, with his fuſee in hand, determined to ſhoot the firſt perſon he ſhould meet. The firſt perſon he ſaw was a very pretty young girl, whoſe beauty diſarmed him. The next preſented was the late Dr. Cadwallader—The Doctor, bowing politely to Mr. Broliman (who, though unknown to him, had the garb and appearance of a gentleman) accoſted him with "Good morning, Sir! What ſport?" The Officer anſwered the Doctor very civilly; and was ſo ſtruck with his gentlemanly manner and pleaſing addreſs, that he forebore to execute his deſperate reſolution: Impelled, however, by the ſame gloomineſs of diſpoſition which actuated him when he firſt ſet out, he repaired to the Centre houſe, where ſome gentlemen were engaged at billiards—The tack of one of the players happening to ſtrike his hat, the wretched man, eager for an opportunity of accompliſhing his deſire to leave the world, inſtantly ſhot Mr. Scull, one of the company, who died of the wound.
This little ſtory affords a ſtriking proof, that amiableneſs and politeneſs of manners are not only pleaſing, but uſeful, in our commerce with the world.
Salem always was famous for its collections of natural and historical curiosities, and many of its houses are now well stocked with such things. Among these collections we may mention Mr. Geo. R. Curwen's antique family portraits, china, clothing, and furniture; Mr. M.A. Stickney's rare coins, old paper money, and books, autographs, etc.; Mr. H.F. Waters's rare ancient furniture (Mr. Waters is now in London, engaged in historical research in reference to American families); Mr. John Robinson's remarkable collection of Chinese coins, and scarce views of old houses of Salem; Mr. T.F. Hunt's valuable collection of Chinese books and pictures; Rev. Dr. Bolles's fine collection of works on London; Rev. B.F. McDaniel's collection of engravings, etc.; Mr. N.J. Holden's and Mr. F.P. Richardson's collections of illustrated books, autographs, etc.; besides numerous minor collections. It is not too much to say that Professor E.S. Morse's collection of Japanese pottery is certainly not surpassed in the world; the South Kensington collection in London, which is the best in Europe, does not approach it in size or importance. One of the best museums of our country was started in Salem in the latter part of the last century, and that collection is now, as is well known, in charge of the Peabody Academy of Science. Its objects of natural history have in recent years been carefully classified and arranged under the direction of Dr. Henry Wheatland, Professors Morse, Putnam, Packard, and Robinson; and its cabinets, together with those of the Essex Institute, now contain probably more unique and valuable specimens than are to be found elsewhere in this country.
The "silhouette," or cheap portrait cut in black paper, was much in vogue in New England some seventy or eighty years ago. The process was named from M. Silhouette, an honest French minister who about 1759 was noted for his advocacy of economy in everything relating to the public welfare. He received a great deal of ridicule, and hence all inexpensive things were said to be à la Silhouette. At the rooms of the Essex Institute, and in many houses in Salem, there are numerous silhouettes of former citizens of the place. Those who remember the originals consider the likenesses often very striking.