| Citation |
PG-P.755.182
18 Dec 1755:22 (1408)
To be seen, and a lecture heard upon it, at the late
dwelling-house of Mr. Charles Stedman, merchant, in Front-
street, the elaborate and celebrated piece of mechanism,
called The Microcosm: or, The World in Miniature. Built in
the form of a Roman temple, after twenty-two years close
study and application, by the late ingenious Mr. Henry
Bridges, of London. . . [13 lines]
Its outward structure is a most beautiful composition of
architecture, sculpture and painting. The inward contents
are as judiciously adapted to gratify the ear, the eye, and
the understanding; for it plays with great exactness several
fine pieces of musick, and exhibits, by an amazing variety
of moving figures, scenes diversified with natural beauties,
operations of art, of human employments and diversions, all
passing as in real life. &c.
1. Shews all the celestial phaenomena. . . [10 lines]
2. Are the nine muses playing in concert on divers musical
instruments, as the harp, hautboy, bass viol, &c.
3. Is Orpheus in the forest, playing on his lyre, and
beating exact time to each tune; who, by his exquisite
harmony, charms even the wild beasts.
. . . [12 lines]
7. And lastly, is shewn the whole machine in motion, when
upwards of twelve hundred wheels and pinnions are in motion
at once; and during the whole performance it plays several
fine pieces of music on the organ and other instruments,
both single and in concert, in a very elegant manner, &c.
*** As this machine cannot be moved without a considerable
expense and loss of time, 'tis hoped gentlemen and ladies
will be as expeditious as convenient, for it will be shewn
in this city positively no longer than the 8th of March,
being obliged to be in New-York at a determinated time (if
possible) and the price not lowered, as is generally
expected in common shews, which was sufficiently experienced
in the West-Indies, to the great disappointment of many.
To begin exactly at six o'clock every Monday, Wednesday,
and Friday. Tickets to be had at the above place at five
shillings each; and tickets for children, under twelve years
of age, at two shillings and six-pence.
N.B. Any select company (not less than five) that may be
desirous of seeing this piece by day light, shall be obliged
on paying seven shillings and six-pence each, which entitles
them to see the internal parts of this machine in motion,
and upon what principle the whole is performed, so worthy
the notice of the curious, &c.
'Tis humbly hoped no person will take it amiss if not
admitted without a ticket.
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