"We have heard a distinguished man say publicly, that a mechanics' institution had _made him_; that but for the access which it had afforded him to knowledge of all kinds, he would have occupied a very different position.

In short, the mechanics' institution had elevated him from the position of a licensed victualler to that of an engineer.
We have referred to the wise practice of men in humble position maintaining themselves by their trade until they saw a way towards maintaining themselves by a higher calling.

Thus Herschell maintained himself by music, while pursuing his discoveries in astronomy.

When playing the oboe in the pump-room at Bath, he would retire while the dancers were lounging round the room, go out and take a peep at the heavens through his telescope, and quietly return to his instrument.

It was while he was thus maintaining himself by music, that he discovered the Georgium Sidus.