The artists repository and drawing magazine: exhibiting the principles of the polite arts in their various branches (1.1787)

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Introductory Lecture,

THE intent of the prefent difcourfe, La-
dies and Gentlemen, is, to give a very

brief view of the progress of those arts

which are hereafter to become the fubjedts of
our particular attention : it is true, unculti-
vated nations, and barbarous ages, have with-
held the applaufe due to their utility; but in
proportion to the advances of civilized fociety3
and polifiied manners, they have been encou-
raged, protected, and honored.

When we confider the ftate of mankind, as
prefented by the firft fettlers in every country,
furrounded by difficulties and dangers, perhaps
involved in diftrefs, we fhall not wonder at the
flow progrefs of mental refinement: the daily
employment of man was to chafe the wild ani-
mals of the wood, to infnare the inhabitants of
the water, or to lop the towering trees of the
foreft, and fence with their branches the en-
trance of his cave ; in this favage ftate, exer-
tions of genius, or amufemcnt of mind, were
precluded by bodily want.

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