the town. And here I must beg to say, that the alliance between astronomers and mechanics is much closer than it may seem to be at the first view of the matter. Astronomers have to rely very closely upon mechanics for every part of the apparatus connected with their operations. Possibly mechanics have derived something from their connection with astronomers; but at all events, I am certain the debt is on the other side. I may adduce, as a practical instance, that the last instrument erected at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, and to which I attach great importance, was constructed by the mechanics of Ipswich; whilst I am at the present time in negotiation with one of the mechanical establishments in the town, for another instrument of considerable importance in astronomical observations. To this I may add, that the whole of Astronomy is geometrical in its character, and that a great part of it is mechanical. I mention these things to show that the alliance between astronomers and mechanics is very close indeed; and this being the fact, I shall endeavour to do for the mechanics the best in my power. What I offer on this occasion will be offered with hearty good will, and if the Lectures be not successful, I hope the failure will have arisen from no fault of my own.
Perhaps I may be allowed to make another remark. I should wish to invite especially the attention of those who are commonly called working-men, to the few Lectures I propose to deliver. The subjects upon which I have to treat are commonly regarded as rather beyond their reach; I take this opportunity of saying that the subjects of the Lectures will not be beyond any working-man's comprehension. Everybody who has examined the history of persons
