This is the Fate of Sciences, which are study'd and improv'd by few. Most People are not sensible of their Progress, and especially when made in some mean Callings. But what doth it signifie, that we can now more easily direct the Course of Rivers, cut out Canals, and settle new Navigations; because our Method of taking the Level and making Sluces is infinitely better than heretofore? Some Masons and Seamen have thereby found their Business easier, but they themselves were not sensible of the Skill of the Geometrician who directed them. They were mov'd, as the Body by a Soul, it doth not know. Others are yet less sensible of the Genius that presided over the Undertaking; and the World is the better for its succeeding well, but not altogether free from Ingratitude.
Anatomy, which is some time since so carefully study'd, can't become more exact, but Chyrurgical Operations must also be more sure. Surgeons know this; but those who receive the Benefit of their Art know nothing of it. And indeed how should they? They would be oblig'd to compare Old with Modern Surgery; and this wou'd take too much Time, and go against the Grain: So that since the Operation hath succeeded well, they do not think it material to know whether it had succeeded as well in another Century.
It is strange that so many things are before our Eyes, and that we do not see them. Your Handycraft Shops are full of ingenious Works; but yet we hardly mind them: And very useful and well contriv'd Instruments and Experiments want Spectators, who wou'd be wonderfully pleas'd, wou'd they take the pains to admire them.
If a Learned Society have made some Improvements in Geometry, Anatomy, Mechanicks, or any other useful Science, it must not be expected, that the World will go back to so remote a Spring to thank and applaud them for the Usefulness of their Productions: For it will be more easie to enjoy the Benefit of their Discoveries and Improvements