Page:A century of Birmingham life- or, A chronicle of local events, from 1741 to 1841 (IA centuryofbirming01lang).pdf/41

 Birmingham has also no insignificant claims upon the gratitude of the civilised world. Her share in the development of the great instruments of prosperity and progress is surpassed by few cities in the Empire. It was here that Baskerville perfected his type casting, and published those "magnificent editions," which "went forth to astonish all the librarians of Europe." It was here that Dr. Priestley made those discoveries which earned for him "the title of the founder of Pneumatic Chemistry." Here James Watt perfected the steam engine, which is, says Mr. Smiles, "without exception, the greatest invention of modern times," and which "has been instrumental in effecting the most remarkable revolution in all departments of industry that the world has ever seen." Here that Captain of Industry, Matthew Boulton, pursued his wonderful career, and gave the Birmingham manufactures the world-wide reputation which they have ever since retained. For great as the genius, and invaluable as the inventions of James Watt were, they would have been wasted, but for the indomitable energy, the untiring hopefulness, and the commercial genius of Matthew Bolton. Where the timid and invalid inventor would have failed and have left his great discoveries to be revived when he had long departed, Matthew Boulton gave exactly the element of commercial success. His refined taste, his unbounded energy, his almost reckless profusion had made Soho famous even for its minor manufactures, but when the steam engine was added, its success was complete." Here William Murdock invented lighting by gas, and in 1802, in celebration of the peace of Amiens, Soho was brilliantly illuminated by this new power of light. Here, too, Thomas Attwood and his compeers laboured until they obtained the Reform Bill of 1832—a bill, which, whatever were its shortcomings, has had most important influence in those great measures of legislation which have done so much to ameliorate the condition and to elevate the minds and aspirations of the people.