Various

“ In proof of our sincerity, and as an earnest of the gist of our discourses, we have chosen as a standing text, or motto, the golden rule of “peace and goodwill to all men;” but while we leave intact the functions of the divine, it is our business, as we conceive it to be our duty, to sermonize on the morals of trade, the social relations of every-day life, and even the proprieties which enhance every species of domestic enjoyment. ”

“ It is rarely that instances approaching in interest to that of our subject present themselves; of successful talent we have many, but they are limited to its mere exercise for ordinary reward; others, where ambition and ostentation, as in the case of Wolsey, stimulated to a patronage of great works, while in that of Wykeham we have a memorable example of true nobility of mind, soaring from humble origin to the most elevated stations in church and state, and fulfilling its duties by an active exercise of all the kindred virtues. ”

“ In fact, it is only in obedience to that law of general movement which characterizes these times, that the institution in question has had its birth—the universal voice calls for advance—the arts of design are to be revived, and the debasement of centuries cast off. Schools are being established under government patronage, and mechanics’ institutes were but a phase of progress—the thirst for knowledge has been stimulated, but not gratified. There remains, then, to be formed an institution wherein the theory and practice of art may accompany each other ”

“ It is with this view of relative duties that we deem it of as much importance to engage ourselves in giving good counsel to our craft, as in enlightening them on principles of science pertaining to their several callings; for of what avail will it be to a man to possess all the knowledge of his art, if his heart be corrupt, or continue under vicious influences? Away with, as dross, all the ability of the engineer, architect, master builder, or workman, if the man be not endowed with moral excellence. ”

“ Can a class of half a million male adults, whom we may emphatically term all readers, and members of reading families; a class of half a million of the pick of British Artisans; a class of the highest intelligence, and (measured by their wages and numbers) highest in wealth: can we talk of the smallness of the number of readers, and assume to know any thing of this large and influential body? ”

“ A right understanding of the relative duties of master and man, or of employer and the employed, yields to no subject in importance; peculiar incidents, induced by a rapidly increasing population, the tendency of commercial wealth to accumulate in masses, and its employment under the familiar term “capital,” through the agency of individuals, in the construction of great works, constitutes, however, an era in the Building trade to which former periods bear no very strict analogy. ”

“ But we still think that to conjoin the character of a Magazine and Newspaper, and at the cost of one to give the advantages of both, will be to study the true economy of our cause.
The readers, therefore, have much of the settlement of the question in their own hands—even to the influencing of the advertisers. All advertisers look for papers of large circulation, and as advertisements are a great means of support to a newspaper, it is evident that the more “The Builder” is supported by the mere reader, by so much the more does it stand a chance of support from advertisers. ”

“ Our part of the affair is to make every effort to supply what we consider a useful and most desirable public object. The part of the building fraternity, to whom it is particularly addressed, and the part of those who regard as a duty all the exertions they are making in the cause of public education; and also of those who pursue the arts out of a pure love and liking, is to support our humble efforts if they deem them worthy of appreciation. ”

“ Let their ambition to excel be honestly encouraged and directed. Open to them the pages of past history, as to the glorious and sublime achievements of the architects and associate artists of old, and point out to them the path of equal, or it may be greater distinction (for who shall say what mechanical and chemical science, allied to the inspiration of genius, may produce) ; and we shall no more hear of the complaints of inferiority, or of the want of original talent in the Fine Arts among our countrymen. ”

“ Of course, the details of the system at Dowlais, or at any other establishment of which an account is before the public, are not essential to its being adopted with advantage in other parts of the country, though the success which has attended those plans gives them a title to careful consideration; the thing to be desired is, that each employer should ask himself how far he can adopt the principle, and then carry into operation the dictates of his own judgment and conscience.—Leeds Mercury. ”

“ In responding to the call of humanity, by the entire abolition of the unseemly and afflicting practice of cleansing chimneys by the direct agency of the Living Infant Sweeper, the authority of the Legislature has been exercised to confer a public benefit, in the abatement of an evil of great magnitude, and a fruitful source of lasting misery. It only remains that the detail of minor arrangements be carried out in the way that may seem the best adapted to perfecting the working of the Act, and accomplish the requisite changes, consistently with the public sense of fitness and propriety. ”

“ With all these advantages present to literary eyes and ears, in an age of professed catering, printing, and publishing, is it not one of the greatest marvels—a huge paradox—that there is no such thing as a Builder’s Newspaper and Magazine? ”

“ In any other case the pyramid may be there, but it topples, leans, or lies on its side; the same inherent beauty may exist, but its position and action are superadded elements of deformity. Oh, how beautiful the human mind when lit up and guided by the impulses of virtue! how terrible and loathsome when passion and gaunt sensuality have their sway! ”

“ Be it remembered, however, that we do not use these words in an invidious sense, or in disparagement of other bodies of the industrious citizens of the empire; but, considering the standard of perfection, in body and mind, required for the proper practising of the Building Arts, and considering also the healthful nature of their occupations, it will not be deemed arrogant in us to speak thus of the class to which we have the honour to belong; in addition, we have the influence which numbers, intelligence, and wealth, if united, must ever secure to us. ”

“ We would relieve the Working Builder from a double charge for matter less available to him in practice, as well as from the still greater evil, in many instances, of a dry magazine at home, and a well moistened newspaper at a public-house. We have an eye to the superior household and domestic economy which prevails, and which we would have still more constant in the Builder’s Circle. ”

“ It is not with every man a gift or a passion to apply himself to teaching in conjunction with the practice of his art, but some of the greatest names of antiquity and of this present age are associated with schools and styles, and indeed it is an important question to be put, as to whether the business of education, paramount as it is above all other business, should not be conducted by and confided to practical men. ”

“ The importance of a system of education as above proposed, it is scarcely necessary to point out. While other callings and professions are crowded, those to which this Institution principally refers are but rarely, and in many instances, imperfectly practised, and the demand for proficients is every day wonderfully on the increase. In proof of this, we need only to advert to the evidences of the growing public taste, and to note the tone and temper of the professors and patrons of architecture. ”

“ Thus, while the pupil will be made familiar with the best examples of ancient and modern decoration by means of books, drawings, models, and the inspection of buildings; while he will be instructed in the principles of design, and in the science of construction upon which they depend; while he will be made a skilful draughtsman and colourist, he will be trained in the handicraft arts, so as to be able to produce the works themselves, the objects of his study and investigation. ”

“ On the other hand, as to the workman,—fidelity—and more, the same generous kindness towards his master is required, as that he would receive; in fact, “to do unto others us you would be done by,” is the great and universal secret of social happiness. ”

“ The great practical economy effected to the public through the perfect operation of the Machines, and the consequent incalculable increase of convenience in the domestic arrangements,—as all the chimneys of a house can be perfectly swept at one visit, in much less time than is now required ”

“ Whatever the class of men addressed or dealt with, this, we are convinced, is the best and only true policy. It may be very well for any one to talk of their anger being aroused, or their indignation excited, and so on, and under such pleas to vent abuse, imprecate a thousand vengeances, and the like, but, depend upon it, fear is less to be relied on than love; we would win a child to our love, not deter it by frowns and coercion;—we would have a thousand friends rather than a single enemy. ”

“ All these circumstances tell how important it is that a school should be founded, and a body of professors formed to fill up the vacuity in that section of art which lies between the mere constructor of buildings, and the architect and engineer who gives the plan of the structure. ”

“ In designating our paper, we use the word “Builder” in its most extended sense—instancing a house, or other edifice, we regard it from the procurement and preparation of the materials, to the fixing upon its site, and to its full completion for the residence, use, and enjoyment of man, and which includes the making of the design or plan, “breaking” ground, as it is termed ”

“ By uniting, therefore, the pursuit of knowledge to a strict system of supervision and instruction—of regular and fixed hours of employment and recreation, and of constant practical tendencies, engaging the students in the designing, fabricating, and applying objects of art, confiding to them at proper opportunities and periods the superintendence of works and workmen, and giving them at the same time the benefits of social converse with their fellows and tutors, whether in study, work, recreation, or refection; paying a strict attention to their morals, habits, and health ”

“ When we consider how numerous and important is the class to whose interests this Journal is dedicated; a class of British Artisans numbering at least half a million; a class whose trade-education distinguishes them in intellect, knowledge, and wealth, it can only form matter of surprise, that while the Clerical, Medical, Legal, Military, and Naval, the Artists and Literati, and other classes have their public organs of opinion and information; while the Gardeners and Agriculturists, Railway and Commercial and Banking Companies have each their mouth-piece and record ”

“ Let the covenants between us be of an equitable nature, and as we start upon the principle of discountenancing, as far as practicable, all lottery and riskful speculation (of which we will say more presently) , so in the basis of this compact with our friends and readers, we would remove all unnecessary hazard, or complexion of adventure. We give our best exertion in what appears to us a work of common good; if our friends think well and approvingly of these exertions, and that work, let them contribute their part, were it alone for economy and fairness sake. ”

“ Very few of the children taught in the schools at Dowlais become colliers, the greater number being qualified for employment as carpenters, smiths, and, in some instances, even book-keepers. “We derive very great advantage,” says Mr. Evans, “from having children in the works who have been educated there; they are of great use to us.” Here, then, is a proof to masters who have not yet exerted themselves for the elevation of the families dependent on them, but are disposed to do so, that such a course is not only beneficial to others, but brings a reward to every one who adopts it. ”

“ Besides the above list of patents, there is appended a copy of Letters Patent, an abstract of the Registration of Designs Act, and a notice respecting its operation, concluding with a useful Index, which shews at one glance what you would refer to. The value of such a work as this is not to be estimated. All persons intending to take out patents should look over its pages, as it may save much trouble and expense. We know of many who would have been great gainers had they had such a guide at their elbows. ”