The articles upon the history and progress of Glass Manufacture herein
presented to the public were originally published in the columns of a
village newspaper.
They are the result of investigation upon these topics made in the few
leisure moments gained from the engrossing cares of business, and
consequently make no pretension to anything of literary character or
execution.
The object of the writer has been to gather, in a condensed form,
whatever of interesting information could be gained from authentic
sources, in regard to a branch of manufacture which has attained a
position among the useful and elegant arts scarcely rivalled by any
other of those which mark and distinguish the progressive character of
our country.
It is believed that they present, in a condensed and convenient form,
much valuable information, useful alike for reference and instruction.
Aside from historical or mechanical facts, there is much of romantic
interest attaching to the progress of this department of art. The
partiality of friends interested in the topics herein presented, rather
than his own opinion of their value, has induced the writer to present
the articles in a more permanent form.
BOSTON, _March 17, 1854_.
* * * * *
The above was the Preface to a small pamphlet in 8vo. of the
"Reminiscences of Glass-making," printed for private circulation in
1854, and now enlarged into a more permanent form, and brought down to
the present year, in order to meet the demand for information which has
unexpectedly sprung up from those interested in the manufacture of
Glass in America.
BOSTON, _January, 1865_.