| Citation |
VGW(HU.755.037
5 Sep 1755:41 (243)
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 . . . [1
paragraph]
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 music, 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 paragraph]
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. . . [2 lines]
Fifthly, is a delightful grove, where are bird flying, and
in many other motions warbling forth their melodious notes,
&c. . . . [1 paragraph]
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
expence and loss of time, 'tis hoped gentlemen and ladies
will be as expeditious as convenient, for it will be shewn
in this town positively no longer than the 13th of
September, being obliged to be in Philadelphia, at a
determined time (if possible) and the price not lowered, as
is generally expected in common shews; which was
sufficiently experiences in the West-Indies, to the great
disappointment of many.
To begin exactly at seven o'clock every Monday, Wednesday,
and Saturday. Tickets to be had at the above place at a
crown each; and tickets for children, under ten years of
age, at half a crown, tho' a price quite inferior to the
great expense and merits of this machine.
N.B. Any select company (not less than five) that may be
desirous of seeing this piece, by day-light, shall be
obliged by sending half an hour's notice, and paying 7 s. 6
d. each, which entitled 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, &c.
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