"The importance of glass, and the infinite variety of objects to which
it is applicable, cannot be exaggerated; indeed, it would be extremely
difficult to enumerate its properties, or estimate adequately its
value. This, then, transparent substance, so light and fragile, is one
of the most essential ministers of science and philosophy, and enters
so minutely into the concerns of life that it has become indispensable
to the daily routine of our business, our wants, and our pleasures. It
admits the sun and excludes the wind, answering the double purpose of
transmitting light and preserving warmth; it carries the eye of the
astronomer to the remotest regions of space; through the lenses of the
microscope it develops new worlds of vitality, which, without its
help, must have been but imperfectly known; it renews the sight of the
old, and assists the curiosity of the young; it empowers the mariner to
descry distant ships, and trace far off shores; the watchman on the
cliff to detect the operations of hostile fleets and midnight
contrabandists, and the lounger in the opera to make the tour of the
circles from his stall; it preserves the light of the beacon from the
rush of the tempest, and softens the flame of the lamp upon our tables;
it supplies the revel with those charming vessels in whose bright
depths we enjoy the color as well as the flavor of our wine; it
protects the dial whose movements it reveals; it enables the student to
penetrate the wonders of nature, and the beauty to survey the marvels
of her person; it reflects, magnifies, and diminishes; as a medium of
light and observation its uses are without limit, and as an article of
mere embellishment, there is no form into which it may not be moulded,
or no object of luxury to which it may not be adapted."
In contrast with the foregoing, we will make one more extract, from an
English writer of ancient date. Holinshed, in his "Chronicles,"
published during the reign of Elizabeth, says:--
"It is a world to see in these our days, wherein gold and silver
aboundeth, that our gentility, as loathing these metals, (because of
the plenty,) do now generally choose rather the Venice Glasses, both
for our wine and beer, than any of these metals, or stone, wherein
before time we have been accustomed to drink; but such is the nature of
man generally, that it most coveteth things difficult to be attained;
and such is the estimation of this stuff, that many become rich only
with their new trade into Murana, (a town near to Venice,) from whence
the very best are daily to be had, and such as for beauty do well near
match the Crystal or the ancient Murrhina Vase, whereof now no man has
knowledge. And as this is seen in the gentility, so in the wealthy
commonality the like desire of glasses is not neglected, whereby the
gain gotten by their purchase is much more increased, to the benefit of
the merchant. The poorest endeavor to have glasses also if they may;
but as the Venetian is somewhat too dear for them, they content
themselves with such as are made at home of fern and burnt stone; but
in fine, all go one way, that is to the shades, at last."