_Anticipations of Modern Ideas or Inventions._--In Vol. iii., pp. 62. 69.,
are two interesting instances of this sort. In Wilson's _Life of Defoe_, he
gives the titles of two works which I have often sought in vain, and which
he classes amongst the writings of that voluminous author. They run thus:
"_Augusta triumphans_, or the way to make London the most flourishing
city in the universe. I. By establishing a university where gentlemen
may have an academical education under the eye of their friends [_the
London University anticipated_]. II. To prevent much murder, &c., by an
hospital for foundlings. III. By suppressing pretended madhouses, where
many of the fair sex are unjustly confin'd while their husbands keep
mistresses, and many widows are lock'd up for the sake of their
jointures. IV. To save our youth from destruction by suppressing gaming
tables, and Sunday debauches. V. To avoid the expensive importation of
foreign musicians by promoting an academy of our own, [_Anticipation of
the Royal Academy of Music_], &c. &c. London: T. Warner. 1728. 8vo."
"_Second Thoughts are Best_; or a further Improvement of a late Scheme
to prevent Street Robberies, by which our Streets will be so strongly
guarded and so gloriously illuminated, that any Part of London will be
as safe and pleasant at Midnight as at Noonday; and Burglary totally
impracticable [_a remarkable anticipation of the present state of
things in the principal thoroughfares_]. With some Thoughts for
suppressing Robberies in all the Public Roads of England [_rural police
anticipated_]. Humbly offer'd for the Good of his Country, submitted to
the Consideration of Parliament, and dedicated to his Sacred Majesty
Geo. II., by Andrew Moreton, Esq. [supposed to be an assumed name; a
common practice of De Foe's]. London. W. Meadows, 1729."