| Citation |
VGW(HU.755.034
29 Aug 1755:41 (242)
To be seen and heard, at the Exchange Tavern, Norfolk, that
elaborate and celebrated piece of mechanism, called The
Microcosm: or, The World in Miniature.
Built in the form of a Roman temple, after 22 years close
study and application, by the late ingenious Mr. Henry
Bridges, of London. . . [10 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.
The first shews all the celestial phaenomena. . . [7
lines]
Secondly, are the nine muses playing in concert on divers
musical instruments, as the harp, hautboy, bass viol, &c.
Thirdly, 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.
. . . [11 lines]
Seventhly and lastly, is shewn, the whole machine in
motion at one view, 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 15th of
September, being obliged to be . . . [2 lines illegible,
much of the rest is hard to read, and copied with reference
to a similar ad in the Pennsylvania Gazette for 18 Dec
1755:22 (1408).]
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 Saturday. Tickets to be had at the above place at a
crown each; and tickets for children, under twelve years of
age, at half a crown, the price quite [ ] to the great
expence and merits of the machine.
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 a crown each, which entitles them to see the
internal parts of this machine in motion, so worthy the
notice of the curious, and upon what principle the whole is
performed,
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