Section 143. JAMES WATT AND THE STEAM-ENGINE. II.

It would be difficult to estimate the value of the benefits which these inventions have conferred upon this country. There is no branch of industry that has not been indebted⁠[1] to them; and⁠[2], in all the most material, they have not only widened most magnificently the field of its exertions, but⁠[3] multiplied a thousand-fold the amount of its productions. It was our improved steam-engine, in short⁠[4], that fought the battles of Europe and sustained and exalted, through⁠[5] the late tremendous contest, the political greatness of our land. It is the same great power which now enables us to pay the interest of our debt, and to maintain⁠[6] the arduous struggle in which we are still engaged (1819) with the skill⁠[7] and capital of countries (S. 16, N. 10) less oppressed with (von) taxation.

But these are poor⁠[8] and narrow views of its importance. It has increased indefinitely the mass of⁠[9] human comforts and enjoyments, and⁠[10] rendered cheap and accessible, all over the world, the materials of wealth and prosperity.