Most of the inventions which are so greatly influencing, as well as advancing, the civilization of the world at the present time, have been discovered within the last hundred or hundred and fifty years.

We do not say that man has become so much wiser during that period; for, though he has grown in Knowledge, the most fruitful of all things were said by "the heirs of all the ages" thousands of years ago.
But as regards Physical Science, the progress made during the last hundred years has been very great.

Its most recent triumphs have been in connection with the discovery of electric power and electric light.
Perhaps the most important invention, however, was that of the working steam engine, made by Watt only about a hundred years ago.

The most recent application of this form of energy has been in the propulsion of ships, which has already produced so great an effect upon commerce, navigation, and the spread of population over the world.
Equally important has been the influence of the Railway--now the principal means of communication in all civilized countries.

This invention has started into full life within our own time.