Excerpt from The Magazine of Popular Science, Vol. 4: And Journal of the Useful Arts
Independently of the copious and valuable information upon the universally-interesting subject of the Steam-Engine which is contained in the following paper, the circumstances under which it has been given to the world, and the probable ultimate consequences of its publication, combined with the reputation and the final aim of its eminent author, will endow it with a lasting importance.
It may be thought superfluous, if not impertinent, at the present day, to say who M. Arago is, or to describe his position and influence in the scientific world. We pass on, therefore, to his paper, and Englishmen must not stand unconcerned, when he stretches out his powerful arm, to obliterate the honour, now almost sacred by age, of an ingenious compatriot, and to extinguish a very brilliant star in the constellation of national glory. Such is the aim of M. Arago.
The Annuaire of the Bureau des Longitudes of France, always distinguished for the accuracy of the information it contained, has been for several years increasing in reputation and circulation, and that at an accelerating rate, in consequence of the "Notices Scientifiques" which have been annexed to it The ability with which these have been executed, and the importance of the subjects treated in them, are of a very high order. The members who compose the Bureau des Longitides are the title of France. They were, in January, 1837,
Geometricians: - Poisson, Le Baron de Prony.
Astronomers: - Bouvard, Lefrancais de Lalande, Arago, Biot.
Retired Navigators: - De Freycinet, Le Baron Roussin.
Geographer: - Beautemps-Beaupre.
Artist: - Lerebours.
Assistant-Astronomers: - Mathieu, Le Baron Damoiseau, Savary, Largeteau.
Assistant-Artist: - Gambey.
It is the duty of this corps of Savants to prepare the Annuaire, and having done so, they present it annually "Au Roi." We may, therefore, safely presume, that any article admitted into its pages, must have passed no common ordeal of examination, and once found there, would be received by a vast majority of its intelligent readers, with the most implicit confidence. Such is the organ which is now bearing for the second time, and on a wave continually expanding, the representations and the reasonings of M. Arago.
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