’Twas mine; ’tis his; and has been Slave to thousands:
But he who filches from me my good Name,
Robs me of that which not enriches him,
But makes me poor indeed.——
Shakespeare.
One Science only will one Genius fit;
So vast is Art, so narrow human Wit.
[9] Since the first Appearance of this Work in the Year 1753, the Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce has been form’d and establish’d;* in Honour to which, the Author begs leave to observe that his Complaint on this Head (which he flatters himself was a just one) is in some measure obviated: for, from the particular regard paid by that Society to every Branch of the Polite Arts, Boys even in the most inferior Stations of Life (as well as others) have it’s Countenance and Approbation; and, by liberal Premiums, receive from it the Reward of their Genius and Industry. Hence Drawing is already become a far more general Study in England than heretofore; and hence, too, it may be hoped (provided the Plan here laid down be deemed rational) that Boys of this Class in particular will daily improve, and make, it both their Study and Delight to acquire that Perfection which will manifestly tend to their own Advancement in Life, and reflect Honour on their Country. A contemplative Mind, united to a Heart warm’d with the Love of Mankind, cannot but see with singular Pleasure the rapid Progress and growing Power of that highly useful Society: For, from a beginning of about six private Gentlemen, a few Years have increas’d their Number to near three thousand Members; among which far the greater Part are Persons of Rank, Learning and Fortune. But to what End do they associate, to what End do they bestow their Time, their Thoughts and their Money?† The Answer is obvious; it is to benefit others, not themselves: it is to encourage the Industrious, and reward the Ingenious: and what is still more exalted, it is to add Power, Strength and Lustre to their native Country.
* The Society commenced in March 1754.