To the invention of the chronometer must be added that of the reflecting sextant by Godfrey.

This permitted astronomical observations to be made, notwithstanding the motion of a ship.
Improvements in ocean navigation are exercising a powerful influence on the distribution of mankind.

They are increasing the amount and altering the character of colonization.
DOMESTIC IMPROVEMENT.

But not alone have these great discoveries and inventions, the offspring of scientific investigation, changed the lot of the human race; very many minor ones, perhaps individually insignificant, have in their aggregate accomplished surprising effects.
The commencing cultivation of science in the fourteenth century gave a wonderful stimulus to inventive talent, directed mainly to useful practical results; and this, subsequently, was greatly encouraged by the system of patents, which secure to the originator a reasonable portion of the benefits of his skill.

It is sufficient to refer in the most cursory manner to a few of these improvements; we appreciate at once how much they have done.