Novel introductions of different branches of industry.--Recent
inventions.--Extensions of commerce in various
departments.--Establishments of several new descriptions of
business, now flourishing, and formerly unknown.
The commerce of Paris has now extended to so vast a scale, that it has
become an immense entrepòt for all the productions and manufactures of
France; the foreign merchant now feels that in visiting Paris he shall
there find the cheapest, the choicest, and the most extensive assortment
of all that the nature of the country, aided by art, is able to produce;
he is aware that he need not repair to Lyons, to Lille, Rouen, or other
manufacturing districts, for their respective articles, for which they
are famed, as he knows that in the great emporium of the Continent, all
that the ingenuity of man can produce will there be found. Independent
of that advantage, there are many branches of industry confined to
Paris, first invented within its walls, improved, and wrought to a state
of perfection, which is unrivalled in any other capital, and affording
employ to an immense number of hands, from the multitude of
ramifications into which these branches diverge; so that Paris once
principally celebrated as a city of pleasure and gaiety, still retaining
that reputation, is now also renowned for its extraordinary
manufactures, and the curious and splendid specimens of art and
ingenuity emerging from its numerous _ateliers_, and which would require
an extent far beyond the limits of this work, to give a just and
accurate review of their merits; but some there are which being of a
nature totally novel in the annals of commerce, and having merely been
introduced within the last few years, we shall devote some space to
their description in order to afford our readers an idea of their beauty
and utility.
Amongst the various articles of the above description, none perhaps
occupy a more prominent position for beauty, taste, and ingenuity, than
the extraordinary variety displayed in what is termed fancy stationary,
the fabrication of which is now extended to such a degree, as to have
become an important branch of the commerce of Paris. Its introduction is
but of recent date, as in the reign of Charles X all the paper required
for notes, letters, dispatches, etc., was procured from England, on
account of its extreme superiority over that of France; the Court never
using any other, the example was followed not only by the major part of
the French nobility, but by all foreigners of distinction who happened
to be sojourning at Paris, hence the importation of paper from England
was to a considerable amount. But when Louis Philippe came to the
throne, he with his usual policy observed, that paper of French
manufacture was good enough for his purposes, it was therefore adopted
at the Court, and the noblesse and gentry, following in the same line,
that encouragement was afforded to their countrymen, that engendered the
idea of rendering their own paper so tasteful and elegant that now the
affair is quite reversed, and England takes from France an immense
quantity of this beautiful manufacture, which employs even artists of
talent for designing the elegant and fanciful devices which ornament
their envelopes, with their enclosures of various sizes and forms, in
which the arts of drawing, painting, gilding, stamping, etc., combine to
render them so pretty and so gay, that one feels loath to destroy any of
these ornamental epistles, however trifling their import; the subjects
of the devices are as various as those which they are intended to
illustrate, history, the heathen mythology, religion, friendship, a more
tender passion, etc., are all allegorically or emblematically
represented, in the fancy stationary, offering the writer the means of
choosing a subject consistent with the text of his letter, as an
invitation to dinner is designated by paintings of pheasants, game,
etc., to a _soirée dansante_, the note is adorned by couples waltzing,
etc., to a whist party, the cards and players are introduced, and if to
tea, the cups and saucers of gilded and glowing hue, bedeck the gay
margin; so that before a word is written in the letter, it foretells its
errand.
There are very many who have gradually contributed their talents to this
branch of industry, but it is M. Marion who may be considered the
inventor, he having availed himself with the most effect of their
abilities, and concentrated their respective merits, in which he has
displayed much perseverance, taste, and judgment, as also in the manner
in which he has organised this branch of commerce, and promoted its
extension. At his establishment at No. 14, Cité-Bergère, will be found a
most extensive assortment of fancy stationary, comprehending every
description of variety that the most fertile imagination could depict,
the prices of ordinary paper commencing at the very humble price of six
sheets for a sou, and according to the degree that it is ornamented,
gradually rising to 25 francs a sheet. M. Marion has also an
establishment in London, at No. 19, Mortimer Street, Cavendish Square,
exactly on a similar plan as that in Paris, containing an equal variety
of specimens of this new branch of art.
When the visiter has a half hour to spare, he would not find it thrown
away in visiting the establishment of Madame Merckel, she having found
the means of applying the phosphorus and chemical matches, which she has
invented, to such a number of purposes, and of introducing them in so
curious and ingenious a manner into divers articles, calculated both for
utility and ornament, that her manufactory might be considered quite a
little museum; amongst a variety of pretty things, I was first struck
with a time-piece which acts as an alarum, and not only answers the
purpose of awakening you at any hour which you may desire, but a little
figure representing a magician, at the instant strikes a magic mirror,
by which means the taper he holds is ignited, and with all possible
grace, he presents you with a light just as you open your eyes. A night
lamp next attracted me, which represented Mount Vesuvius, and the means
by which it is lighted, proceeds from an enormous dragon emitting fire
from his throat; this article is equally useful as a paper press.
Another night lamp I found particularly elegant, though perfectly
simple, consisting merely of a gilded branch, gracefully carved into a
sort of festoon, from which was suspended a little lamp of most classic
form. The inkstands consist of an indescribable variety, displaying all
kinds of contrivances, some so portable as easily to go into the pocket,
and containing instantaneous light on touching a spring, with pens, ink,
seal and wax. Amongst the endless number of paper presses is one with a
blacksmith, who, when light is required, strikes the anvil and fire
appears; abundance of cigar stands with matches are arranged after a
variety of whimsical methods, some of them very tasteful, and having
quite an ornamental effect. Fortunately, Madame Merckel has in a great
degree met with the reward her ingenuity merits, receiving the greatest
encouragement from the public, and not only having had a patent granted
her to protect her inventions, but she has also been presented with
medals from three scientific Societies. As her prices are as various as
the objects are numerous, every purse may be accommodated, as there are
some as low as a sou, whilst there are others which rise as high as
twenty pounds, the charge elevating according to the degree of ornament
or utility. It appears surprising that a business which was not known
until within the last few years should have risen to such importance, as
Madame Merckel not only transmits her merchandise to every town in
France, but also to the principal cities throughout Europe. The
manufactory is No. 24, Rue du Bouloi, in the Cour des Fermes; there is
besides a similar establishment in London, at No. 30, Edmund Place,
Aldersgate Street, which is entirely furnished by Madame Merckel,
possessing the same varied assortment, and undertaking to execute the
same extent of supply.
How very simple are some descriptions of inventions, and how very simple
one is apt to think one's self in not having before thought of that
which appears so trifling and easy when once known. So it is with a sort
of portable desk, invented by M. Tachet, for which he has procured a
patent; it needs no table nor any kind of support, as the student places
it under him, and his own weight keeps it perfectly firm and steady; the
plane (on which he writes or draws) being attached to the part on which
he sits, rises before him, capable of accommodating itself to such
elevation as may be desired; its principal utility is for sketching from
nature, but as females could not make use of this desk in the same
manner as men, M. Tachet has also such as are adapted to their
accommodation, the base lying on the lap, and fastened by a band round
the waist, which keeps it perfectly firm. M. Tachet has also devoted
much time and attention in forming a collection of angular and carved
pieces of wood, shaped and finished with extreme neatness, describing
almost every form that can well be imagined, and composed of such wood
as has been so well seasoned that it can never warp, either ebony, box,
pear-tree, or indeed of every different country which produces the
hardest woods; they are particularly used by engineers and architects,
for drawing plans or elevations of buildings, as every curve or angle of
any dimensions which can be required, may be traced by these curved and
angular rulers. In French, on account of the form resembling that of a
pistol, the curved pieces are called _pistolet_, which comprehends a
complete set, and great demands for them come from England. At the
establishment of M. Tachet will also be found almost every article that
is required by the artist, and it is in fact the only house in Paris
where there is any certainty of procuring _real English_ colours, as
there are so many counterfeits of them exposed in almost all the
colour-shops in Paris, with the names and arms upon them of some of the
most eminent English colour manufacturers. But I can assure my
countrymen that those they obtain from M. Tachet are genuine, and that
they may deal with him in the same confidence as they would with what we
call a true Englishman; he has likewise a most complete collection of
mathematical instruments; his shop is situated at No. 274, Rue St.
Honoré, at the bottom of the court-yard, and although it has not so
brilliant an appearance as many establishments of the same nature, it is
not the worse for its quiet exterior, but on the contrary, the same
articles will be found with him at a more moderate charge than they ever
can be procured of his dashing rivals.
Another branch of industry which has risen into extreme importance
latterly is that of producing such exquisitely beautiful objects in cut
glass, for which the establishment of Messrs. Lahoche-Boin and Comp. has
for many years been celebrated, and ever conspicuous on account of its
glass staircase, but I should be afraid to trust myself with beginning
to describe the multitude of tasteful and elegant articles assembled in
this exhibition (for it is really much more worthy of being so called
than many that bear the name), lest I should be inveigled into too much
prolixity. Into many of their richly wrought services of glass, gold is
so happily introduced, that the two brilliant substances seem to
sparkle in rivalry of each other, and the deeper tone of bronze
sometimes lends its aid and heightens the effect of both. Glass is now
appropriated to a variety of purposes, formerly never thought of, as
balustrades, the handles of locks and plates to doors, instead of brass,
and a number of other objects; indeed from this establishment there is
always emanating something new, and for the beauty of the works which
they displayed at a national exhibition of specimens of art and
industry, they were awarded the gold medal. Amongst other articles which
attract the attention in their splendid collection, are some of the most
magnificent china vases, painted by talented artists in that department,
also services of Sèvres porcelain for the table, in the taste of times
past; others of glass, gilded and elaborately carved, which style was
also much in vogue with our ancestors; some likewise of a more simple
description but always possessing a degree of elegance which excites
admiration. The proprietors of this concern are merchants of
respectability, and besides furnishing the Royal Family of France, and
several of the courts of Europe, they have transactions with most parts
of the world, charging themselves with the execution of orders for any
country, and requiring the remuneration of a very moderate commission.
The establishment of Messrs. Lahoche-Boin and Comp. is at Nos. 152, 153,
Palais-Royal, and the carriage entrance, No. 19, Rue de Valois. This is
one of those houses in Paris (of which doubtless there are many) where
the stranger may feel every confidence that he will meet with none but
the most honourable treatment.
For those of my countrymen who like to proceed to the fountain head, and
obtain articles from the manufacturer himself, instead of purchasing
them of the shopkeeper who vends them at a higher price, I would
recommend a visit to the establishment of M. Vincent, which is in fact
like a little town, the number of warehouses, workshops, offices, etc.,
on the premises, amounting to no less than 84. In this manufactory an
endless variety of articles are produced, consisting of every
description of knick-knackery, if I may be allowed the term, as
snuff-boxes, cigar-cases, memorandum books, souvenirs, bon-bon boxes,
tablets, tooth-picks, card and needle-cases, pocket mirrors, housewives,
paper presses, port-crayons, rulers, seals, musical snuff-boxes, etc.,
etc. The above articles being executed in every possible variety that
can be imagined, of tortoise-shell, ivory, or mother of pearl, inlaid
with gold and silver in the richest and most elaborate manner, miniature
frames of every description, composed of fancy woods, with chased
circles, metal gilt, stamped tortoise-shell, bronze and of every sort of
material adapted for the purpose, albums and pocket-books in great
variety, dressing-cases both for ladies and gentlemen, tea caddies,
work-boxes, and an infinity of articles too numerous to recapitulate,
for some of which patents have been obtained. It is from this
establishment that most of the showy shops in Paris, who deal in
articles of the same nature, are provided, hence much economy is
effected by purchasing of M. Vincent, the profit of the shopkeeper being
saved by procuring the object from the manufacturer. Tradesmen who come
to Paris from London, would find their interest in applying to this
establishment, where they could obtain the goods they require of the
descriptions stated, at considerably more advantageous terms than from
other quarters. I will cite one article which will prove how very low
are the charges compared to what we are accustomed to in London; the
musical mechanism of a snuff-box, 10 francs (eight shillings) playing
two airs, rising gradually in price to 90 francs, or about 3_l._ 12_s._
playing six tunes, which of course can be afterwards set in any
description of box which the purchaser chooses, of gold, silver, or
tortoise-shell, as fancy directs. All other articles sold by M. Vincent
are equally reasonable. His residence is No. 4, Rue de Beauce, at the
corner of the Rue de Bretagne, near the Temple, certainly not in a very
desirable neighbourhood, but manufactories are seldom carried on in the
most agreeable vicinities.
An art which has been recently brought to an astonishing degree of
perfection in Paris, is that of dyeing, cleaning, scouring, and
restoring almost all descriptions of habiliments; this has been effected
by M. Bonneau, but not until he had visited the principal manufacturing
towns, and had passed many years in studying the art scientifically,
aided by persevering researches into the depths of chymistry, to which
he is indebted for being able to perform that which has not until now
been accomplished. I have seen instances of a soiled, faded, cashmere
shawl, almost considered beyond redemption, committed to his charge, and
reappear so resuscitated that the owners could scarcely believe it was
the same dingy, deplorable-looking affair they had sent a fortnight
before. The same power of restoring is effected upon all descriptions of
satin, even that of the purest white, which, although so soiled as to be
of a dirty yellow colour, is brought forth perfectly clean and with all
its original lustre; with silks, merinos, gros de Naples of the
tenderest tints, the process adopted is equally successful; blonde,
guipure, and all descriptions of lace, no matter how discoloured, are
restored to their original whiteness. With the apparel of men, the same
advantages are obtained, silk, cashmere, velvet, and other waistcoats
that many would throw aside as totally spoiled, or too shabby to be worn
any longer, by being sent to M. Bonneau, are returned, having the
appearance of being quite new. His establishment, at No. 17, Rue
Lepelletier, just facing the French Opera, is well known to many English
families; but having heard so much of the wonders he performed in
reviving the lost colours of the elaborate borders of ladies' cashmeres,
and rendering them their pristine brilliance, I determined to visit his
premises, upon which he carried on his operations, in the Rue de Bondy,
No. 40. I there found everything conducted upon a most methodical system
of regularity and order, each room was appropriated to its peculiar
department, and heated and ventilated by a certain process, and that
which does M. Bonneau much honour, is, that all is so arranged, with the
utmost consideration for the health of his work-people, by taking care
that they shall be kept as dry as possible, and that a proper degree of
warmth and air shall be admitted into every chamber. When required, M.
Bonneau sends his men to clean furniture at persons' houses, which would
be rather incommodious to remove. When any article is sent to him, the
bearer is informed what day it will be completed, and is sure not to be
deceived, and he has an apartment so arranged for preserving whatever is
confided to him, from any injury which might be caused by moths or other
insects.
Amongst those articles for which France used to depend upon England, but
wherein the case is reversed by England taking from France, is that of
pencil-cases, in which small pieces of lead are inserted, and emitted or
withdrawn at pleasure; numbers of these formerly were sent from London
and Birmingham to Paris, but recently M. Riottot has invented and
obtained a patent for a pencil-case which has a little elastic tube of
tempered steel placed at the end which is used, and into which the lead
is inserted, and tightly held within it, so that there is no risk of
breaking, either in the act of fixing in the lead, or from its
afterwards shaking, the steel tube operating as a spring, retains it so
firmly that it remains, even whilst writing with it, perfectly
immoveable; these are arranged in gold or silver cases, more or less
ornamental as may be required, and are found so infinitely more
serviceable than those on the former principle, that as they are
becoming more known in England, the demand for them continues to
increase. The term by which they are designated, is Porte Crayon à Pince
élastique; their advantages are such as tend to economy, as they are
neither liable to fall out nor break, besides the convenience of their
never moving about whilst one is using them, to which the previous
system was constantly liable. M. Riottot has also an assortment of pens
and pen-holders, either plated or of silver or gold, richly chased or
simple, with a variety of seals and other articles; he likewise retains
a stock of lead, properly prepared for inserting into the pencil-cases.
His address is at No. 27, Rue Phélippeaux, Passage de la Marmite,
Escalier A, completely in the quarter of Paris inhabited by the
operatives, surrounded by workshops of different descriptions, not
exactly calculated for very delicate ladies.
For the benefit of a little purer air, we will quit the working
mechanics' rendez-vous, and take a lounge in the Palais-Royal, and as
soon as we breathe a little freely, we will examine the engraved seals
of M. Leteurtre-Maurisset, No. 33, Galerie d'Orléans, which, from the
extreme delicacy of the execution, are objects well worth attention; his
talents in this department have obtained him the distinction of being
engraver to the Chamber of Deputies and to the royal museums; some of
his specimens of armorial bearings, his designs for stamping
impressions, in relief and heraldric devices, are extremely clever; he
engraves on stones of different descriptions, with equal accuracy and on
any kind of metal, as plates for visiting cards, etc., and whatever he
undertakes he executes in the most perfect manner, that the nature of
the work will admit. As he is attached to his profession, however
trifling the order he may receive, he enters into it with the same zest
as if it were of the first importance, of course it is engraving
subjects for seals in which he finds the most pleasure, as it is in
those that he has the greatest scope for the display of his abilities,
and seldom fails to excel.
Although the progress which France has made in almost every branch of
industry is most extraordinary, yet none is so striking as the advance
which has been effected in cutlery, as I well remember when I first came
to France, it was a common joke amongst the English, when speaking of
the rarity of an object, to observe that it was as scarce as a knife in
France that would cut, its appearance also was as dull as its edge, soon
however their cutlery, with their ideas, began to brighten, and to
sharpen; but even as recently as 1830, they were still so outshone by
England, that if it was known that you were going from Paris to London,
with the intention of returning, every lady asked you to bring her a
pair of scissors, every man a pair of razors, and by all medical friends
you were assailed to bring them over lancets or other machines for
cutting and maiming human flesh; thanks to the genius, talents, and
perseverance of M. Charrière, one is no longer troubled with such
commissions, he having improved every description of surgical
instruments to such a degree of perfection, that now many of our English
surgeons provide themselves from his establishment on returning to
England; not only has M. Charrière produced every variety of instrument
used by our faculty, but he has invented several others, which have
merited and obtained the thanks of his country, with letters and medals
from several scientific societies. Even foreigners from all parts of
Europe, from America, and from the East, are now becoming acquainted
with the utility of his inventions, which are already well known in
London and Edinburgh, and will soon be as much in demand in England as
they are now in France. Some idea may be formed of how far M. Charrière
has raised this branch of industry, when it is stated that but a few
years since, the whole number of workmen occupied in this department was
but 30 and now he alone employs 150! M. Charrière in fact possesses one
quality which generally ensures success, a passion for his art; he is
not to be regarded simply as a vender of cutlery, but as one possessing
a scientific knowledge of his profession, and as a mechanic of
considerable talent. To recapitulate all his inventions, with their
respective merits, and the approbatory letters that he has received from
different academical institutions, would half fill my little volume;
suffice it to say that he is the only person in his business, to whom
has ever been awarded the gold medal; besides which, the Royal Academy
of Sciences have presented him with 1800 francs, for the improvement he
has effected in surgical instruments. There is scarcely a disease and
certainly not a single operation that can be performed on the human
frame, for which M. Charrière has not the requisite materials in the
utmost perfection, even for the fabrication of artificial noses; and for
one invention he merits the gratitude of all mothers, the _biberon_, a
machine for the purpose of supplying an infant with milk, when
circumstances prevent the mother from affording that nourishment. This
instrument is so contrived that the part which meets the lips is in
point of texture exactly the same as that which nature provides, uniting
an equal degree of softness and elasticity, that the child takes to the
substitute, with the same zest as if it were the reality. I have known
instances where the lives of children have been saved by this machine,
the parents declaring to me that such was the case, and that they
considered that every mother ought to be provided with so useful an
instrument. The address of M. Charrière is No. 9, Rue de
l'Ecole-de-Médecine. A variety of cutlery is kept of as perfect a
description as those articles for which he has attained so high a
celebrity.
It has generally in modern days been a reproach to France, that she has
been rather lax in regard of religious matters; what there may be in the
hearts of the inhabitants of that or other countries I shall not
presume to give an opinion, but can only say that I find the churches in
Paris, both protestant and catholic, always during service time nearly
full, and many to overflowing. Not only that, but the French are much
attached to holy associations, hence the prints of our Saviour, the
Virgin, and the Saints, have a most inexhaustible sale; I need give my
readers no greater proof than recommending them to visit the
establishment of M. Dopter, No. 21, Rue St. Jacques, they will there
find amongst his immense collection of engravings and lithographies, the
portrait of every saint that ever was heard of, an innumerable variety
of religious subjects for which there is a most extensive and incessant
demand. Some of these are stamped and illuminated in a most splendid
manner, and I verily believe there is scarcely a subject connected with
the christian religion, of which M. Dopter has not a representation; his
establishment is therefore known throughout all France, and many parts
of Europe, to which he transmits numbers of his publications.
He likewise has a most useful assortment of maps and geographical
illustrations, with portraits of celebrated characters, particularly
those connected with the campaigns and adventures of Napoleon, as also
his battles, and remarkable events of his life, as well as a great
diversity of historical subjects, landscapes, academical studies, etc.,
etc.; M. Dopter is also the inventor of the new style of covers for
binding, of which the present volume is a specimen, having them of an
innumerable variety of patterns, and of every size likely to be
demanded.
It has often struck me that maps were very incomplete, in consequence of
their not being capable of giving the degrees of elevation of hills or
mountains except in a very inefficient manner; the same idea, I suppose,
actuated M. Bauerkeller, and induced him to invent those maps in relief,
which are now becoming so generally demanded, as giving such an accurate
illustration of the surface of a country, which is most beautifully
exemplified in many of his specimens, but most particularly in that of
Switzerland; every object having a degree of elevation proportioned to
the reality, and coloured in a great measure similar to the subject
intended to be represented, thus the snow-capped mountains of
Switzerland have their white summits distinctly expressed, their blue
lakes, their green meadows, grey rocks, etc., given with such fidelity,
that a person obtains a most perfect notion of regions he may never have
an opportunity to visit. This system of forming maps or plans upon
embossed paper, is peculiarly applicable to cities, as the public
buildings appear to such advantage, and M. Bauerkeller has already
executed those of London, Paris, St. Petersburg, Vienna, New York, the
city of Mexico, Hamburg, Basle, a Panorama of the Rhine from Coblentz to
Mayence, besides several other cities and countries, and there is no
doubt that in a short time the whole of Europe and many other distant
districts will be illustrated in the same manner, as he is constantly
adding to his collection which already excites the highest interest. M.
Bauerkeller's plan of executing charts, maps, or views in relief, can be
equally produced either upon velvet, silk, or leather, for the
illustration of a diversity of subjects which can be applied to an
innumerable variety of purposes, as shades for lamps, men's caps,
slippers, reticules, stands for decanters, screens, etc., etc.; already
he has extended his connexions to such a degree that he receives
applications from all parts of Europe and America for different articles
in which his invention is introduced. Some of his works which were
displayed at the national exhibition excited universal admiration, and
obtained him a medal; he has also been granted a patent for fifteen
years. This invention is not only valuable in having rendered maps more
ornamental, but it assists the study of geography; by the objects being
rendered so much more distinct, it increases the interest and
consequently makes a deeper impression on the memory; in fact, the
numerous advantages to be derived from this system of giving plans in
relief may be easily imagined, but are too long to be described. A
specimen of the art will be found at the beginning of this work: M.
Bauerkeller's address is No. 380, Rue St. Denis, Passage Lemoine.
Amongst the number of inventions which are constantly emanating from the
brain of man, I know of few which unite more ingenuity, utility, and
simplicity than that of M. Martin (gun-maker at No. 36, Rue
Phélippeaux), relative to the improvement of every description of gun
that is impelled by percussion. According to the system he has
introduced, and for which he has obtained a patent, all the
inconvenience to which the sportsman is subjected in priming is entirely
obviated, as instead of having to place the percussion cap with one's
fingers, so disagreeable in very cold weather, it is at once effected by
the act of cocking, and the gun may be fired from 80 to 100 times,
always as it were priming itself, as the number of percussion caps
required are introduced through the butt, and conducted to the point
desired. The method of inserting the percussion caps is perfectly easy;
pressing a little button or nut at the bottom of the butt causes a plate
to open, when two spiral wire-springs must be taken out, as also a
moveable tube, from the interior of the gun, and the latter filled with
percussion caps, which must be poured into fixed tubes which communicate
with the anvil; they may contain from 40 to 50 each; when this number is
introduced replace the spiral wire-springs which press the percussion
caps exactly, regularly and successively as they are needed to the point
desired, then fasten in the springs with the little hook attached for
that purpose, lastly replace the moveable tube and shut the plate at the
bottom of the butt. This process is executed in a far shorter time than
it can be described. The _immense_ advantage of this invention may not
appear at the first view; but when it is considered how much more rapid
may be the fire of an army in consequence of the time gained, which
would be occupied in priming, the power it will give them over an enemy
must be evident, and there is no doubt but that in a very short time
they will be universally adopted. All such of my countrymen who come to
Paris I would recommend to call on M. Martin; he will give them every
possible explanation on the subject in the most obliging manner, and
also give them practical evidence of the manner in which it operates.
However deficient the French were until a very few years since in almost
every thing which relates to mechanics, yet in some articles they have
now made such rapid strides, that it becomes a question whether they
will not surpass us, if we do not exert the same energy in the spirit of
improvement with which they have been recently actuated. Formerly the
inferiority of French pianos to ours was most evident, and perhaps,
generally speaking, I should still say it was the case, but there are a
few manufacturers, the tone of whose instruments is superb; of such a
description are those of M. Soufleto. It is really surprising how he has
been enabled, in a small upright piano, to produce the force and depth
of tone which he has found the means of uniting in comparatively so
small a volume, the bass having absolutely the power and roundness of an
organ; but that part of an instrument which most frequently fails, is
that which is composed of the additional keys or the highest notes,
which are apt to be thin and wiry, but with Mr. Soufleto's pianos it is
not the case, the tone being soft and full, with a proportionate degree
of force with the rest of the instrument. His merit has been duly
acknowledged, having not only received the King's patent, but having
been twice presented with medals, and appointed manufacturer to the
Queen. As most English families who come to Paris for the purpose of
residing or sojourning for a certain time, are desirous of hiring or
purchasing a _good_ piano, I can assure them that such they will find at
M. Soufleto's, No. 171, Rue Montmartre, and that his terms are extremely
moderate in consideration of the excellence of his instruments.
I am sure my readers will approve of my directing their attention to the
establishment of M. Richond, styled the Phoenix, No. 17, Boulevard
Montmartre, near the Rue Richelieu. They will there find such a splendid
assortment of time-pieces, as constitutes a most beautiful sight,
equally gratifying to the artist and the amateur, many of the subjects
being perfectly classic, and exhibiting the tastes and costumes of
different ages; some of these magnificent time-pieces are adorned with
figures, either bronze or gilded, representing historical characters,
after the designs of the first masters, which are most admirably
executed, and indeed there is such a variety of subjects, that one might
pass hours in the shop, deriving the greatest pleasure from the
examination of so many interesting subjects. It is also a satisfaction
to know that the works of M. Richond's time-pieces are equal to their
external beauty. In fact it is a house that has been long established
and has ever supported a good name, having a considerable connexion,
not only throughout France, but in foreign countries, particularly with
England, and is by far the most recommendable of any in Paris in that
line of business. Every object has the price marked upon it, which is
always adhered to, and the charges are as moderate as could possibly be
expected from the superiority of the articles over those which are sold
in so many other shops in Paris; some time-pieces there are which of
course amount to a high price, consistent with their splendour. There is
a stamp fixed by government upon the internal works of each time-piece,
to prove that it is verified as being of the best quality. M. Richond
undertakes, at his own risk, the conveyance of time-pieces to London
which have been purchased at his shop, and warrants them against any
accident which may happen to the works in travelling, having a
correspondent in London who is in the same business, and is commissioned
to execute any repairs which may be requisite.
Amongst other branches of industry which now have risen into
considerable importance, is one which at present constitutes an
extensive business of itself, although formerly only considered as a
minor department of different concerns; that to which I allude is what
the French term _chemisier_, which I can translate no otherwise than
shirt-maker. There are now many following this business in Paris, but
the largest establishment, and from which many others spring, is that of
M. Demarne, No. 39, Rue Croix-des-Petits-Champs, and he has so exerted
his ingenuity in this peculiar line that he has obtained a patent for
the perfection to which he has elevated it; he has been twice honourably
mentioned in the reports published of two national exhibitions in which
he had specimens of his works. His fame has already travelled throughout
the Continent, and he is patronised by the princes of several courts of
Europe, amongst others Prince Ernest of Cobourg, and noticing the names
of several of the English nobility, in a list which he showed me to
prove the encouragement he received from my _compatriots_, I remarked
that of a noble lord of sporting notoriety whose shirts were at the
price of _only_ 150 fr. (6_l._) each. However, it must not be supposed
that M. Demarne is dearer than other people, the price of all his
articles are proportioned to the nature of the materials of which they
are composed, and many are at the most moderate charges. At his
extensive establishment will also be found an assortment of shirt
collars, cravats, braces, silk handkerchiefs, etc., etc., arranged
according to the prevailing fashions. One of the most curious, ingenious
and incomprehensible inventions of any I have seen is that of M. Paris,
coiffeur to the Princes and Princesses, 25, Passage Choiseul, and 22,
Rue Dalayrac, near the new Italian Theatre, relating to all descriptions
of false hair, which he contrives to arrange in such a manner that the
skin of the head is seen through where the hair is parted, and the roots
represented as springing from the head in so natural a manner, that the
deception cannot be discerned even on the closest inspection; the
extreme delicacy of the work in these fronts and toupies is really
inimitable, a person may put one on the back of their hand, and the
division appears so transparent that the skin is seen under it as clear
as if not a single hair crossed it, and yet by some invisible means the
parts are held together, which can only be by light transparent hairs
which are not discernible to the naked eye. He has obtained a patent for
this invention, and although I know my countrywomen have generally very
fine heads of hair, yet as from fevers or other causes they are
sometimes deprived of it, also that grey hairs will intrude, I cannot
too strongly recommend them to patronise the talents of M. Paris, and
which under similar circumstances will be found equally serviceable to
gentlemen.
Whilst dilating upon different inventions which either contribute to
comfort or convenience, I must not omit that of M. Cazal, who has
obtained two patents, and medals for the umbrellas and parasols he has
invented, with which he furnishes the Queen and Princesses, and which
are entirely superseding all those of any other construction. In such as
M. Cazal has brought into vogue, instead of the catches or springs which
retain the umbrella when open or shut, being inserted in the stick,
which always contributes towards weakening it, they are attached to the
wire frame-work, and by merely touching a little button will slide up or
down as required with the greatest facility, without those little
annoyances which so frequently happen in the old method, of either
pinching one's fingers, or the glove catching in the spring, or the
latter breaking or losing its elasticity, etc., etc. The stick by this
system, it must also be observed, is stronger, therefore can if desired
be thinner, and consequently lighter. Another description, called
travelling umbrellas, is also invented by M. Cazal and is particularly
convenient, containing a cane inside the stick, by which it may be used
as one or as the other, according as the weather or caprice may require;
these are extremely desirable for lame persons who require a stick, as
the umbrella when closed answers the purpose, and if required to be
opened the cane drawing out equally affords support. M. Cazal has an
assortment of canes and whips the most varied that can be imagined; it
would be difficult to fancy any pattern or form that is not to be found
in his numerous collection. His establishment is No. 23, Boulevard
Italien, where there is always some one in attendance who speaks
English. Whilst so near, I cannot resist mentioning so respectable a
tradesman as M. Frogé, tailor, with whom the fashionable Englishmen
sojourning at Paris have dealt for above twenty years, and ever found
him so honourable in his transactions that they still continue to afford
him their patronage; his address is No. 3, Boulevard des Capucines.