BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES
OF
DISTINGUISHED MECHANICS,
COPILEPD IROM  AWTHENT1,I$OtRRCES
OWjGtmw-T: PUBLISHED INTHE S WAR. STATS  ANAL,
UNDER THE SIGNATURE OF "RITTENHOUSE."
BY JOHN CONNELL,
A citizen of Delaware.
Peace has her victories, no less renowned than war.
MILTON.
WILMINGTON, DEL:
PORT.ER  EC10EL, PRINTERS, DELAWARE STATE JOURNAL OFFICE.
1852.'V~~""NMM"MM~-MNN^-V ~C'CNI -------     ML —




, 4




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES
OF
DISTINGUISHED MECHANICS,
COMPILED FROM AUTHENTIC SOURCES.
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE DELAWARE STATE JOURNAL,
UNDER THE SIGNATURE OF "RITTENHOUSE."
BY JOHN CONNELL,
A citizen of belaware.
Peace has her victories, no less renowned than war.
MILTON.
WILMINGTON, DEL:
I'ORTE &t ECKEL, PRINTERS, DELAWARE STATE JOURNAL OFFICE.
1852.








P R E FACE.
The author of these sketches, had no other object in view, in
writing or publishing them, than to hold up to youth, examples of
men, who, by industry and integrity, rose from  subordinate situations in life, to eminence and distinction,-from poverty to wealth
-from obscurity to fame-men, who, with but little or no education, without friends and without funds, became benefactors of mankind. The only individual of distinction in early life, in these
sketches, is that of Peter the Great, one of the most remarkable
men, whose names are recorded in human history-son of a monarch of Russia-born when his country was just emerging from
barbarism-a semi-Barbarian himself, but with a natural mechanical
genius, he did more to civilize his subjects, and to introduce amongst
them, the arts and sciences, than any one of his successors.
The author of these sketches, passed the morning and meridian
of his life, amidst the busy bustle of commerce. He, therefore, has but
little pretensions to Science or Literature. He, however, considers,
that man was not born for himself, alone; but that he owes duties
to his God-to his fellow man —to society and to his country. He
therefore, considers that it is the duty of every man, to endeavor to
do something, however humble, towards elevating his fellow man
to his proper dignity in creation; or to alleviate the fallen condition of his race. Nothing tends more to excite in the human mind,
a laudable ambition, than by holding up, for example and imitation,
the lives of men, who have been the architects of their own fortune
-men, who by industry, integrity and sobriety, and by indomitable
energy of character, surmounted all obstacles to advancement in
life —acquired for themselves an honorable independence, and bequeathed to their posterity, an imperishable fame.
For the facts stated in these sketches, the author is indebted to
Howe's valuable Memoirs; to the Encyclopedia Americana; to the
Encyclopedia Britannica; Professor Olmstead's Memoir of Whitney; White's Memoir of Slater; Memoir of Bowditch, by his Son;
Barton's Memoir of Rittenhouse and other authentic sources.
As the author desires no pecuniary compensation for preparing
these sketches, they will be sold at price, merely sufficient to defray
the expenses of publishing them.
THE AUTHOR.
Tsculum, near Wilmington, Delaware, November 30th, 1852.








BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES
OF
DISTINGUISHED MECHANIOS.
NO. I.
The great mass of mankind have so long been led captive by
military glory, and the world has so long been filled with the renown of heroes and conquerors, that the benefactors of mankind
occupy but a small space, in the pages of history. Far be it from
us, by these remarks, to wish to detract, in the smallest degree,
from the merits of the war-worn soldier, who has periled his life
in the service of his country; but we allude to that military mania,
which, in all ages, has dazzled the world. It is however gratifying to reflect, that of late years they, whose labors have contributed
so much, to multiply and diffuse the blessings and comforts of life,
and to make even the elements tributary to the welfare of man, begin to be properly appreciated.
We consider, that the World's Exhibition, now in progress in
London, is a signal triumph of the Arts of Peace, and that it will
open a new era in the history of mankind. If we were amongst
Queen Victoria's Privy Counsellors, we would recommend to her,
to have inscribed over the entrance into Hyde Parke,.this beautiful
sentence of Milton:"Peace has her victories, no less renowned than War."
We purpose preparing some brief biographical sketches of dis.
tinguished Mechanics whose labors have benefitted the world. We
lay but little claim to originality, as our sketches will be principally
compilations, derived from authentic sources.
No description of writing, is better calculated to rouse the latent
energies of youth, and to excite them to emulation, than biographies
of men, who have been the architects of their own fortunes, and
who have risen to fame and distinction in the world, by the vigor
of their own intellects, and the commanding power of their own
native genius. No one however, can expect to secure an honora



6
ble and enduring renown, who does not make Virtue his polar
star, and sobriety, industry, integrity, the standard rule of his conduct through life. With these prefatory remarks, we shall commence with
SIR RICHARD ARKWRIGHT,
whose skill and invention, added more to the wealth of his native
country, than any other man, born in the British Dominions. Howe,
in his valuable Memoirs, says: "This illustrious individual, perse.
cuted and calumniated, as nearly all the signal benefactors of cor.
rupt humanity, have ever been,'raised up, by Providence, from an
obscure rank in lite, to vindicate the natural equality of man."Arkwright, who was the thirteenth child of poor parents, was born
at Preston, in Lancashire, in the year 1732. He received but little
or no education, and, early in life was put apprentice to a barber,
which profession he continued to follow, until he was nearly thirty
years of age. About this period, he commenced travelling about
the country, collecting hair, which he converted into wigs, and
having obtained possession of a secret for dying hair, he devoted
his attention to those two objects.
His active mind, however, was soon turned to the Mechanic Arts.
His first efforts were to endeavor to discover perpetual motion, and
for this purpose, he applied to a Clockmaker of the name of Kay,
at Warrington, to make him machinery.
He remained for some time connected with Kay, wholly absorbed
with the subject of Mechanics.
For a long time after the introduction of the Cotton manufacture
into England, it was only the weft that was made of cotton. The
warp or longitudinal threads, made of flax, as it was thought im.
possible to spin the cotton hard enough for the latter purpose. For
years Arkwright turned his attention, entirely to improvements in
the manufacture of cotton: and without going into tedious details
of the improvement of others, suffice it to say that he succeeded in
constructing, what is called the spinning Frame, which brought
about a total revolution in the manufacture of Cotton goods, and
laid the foundation of his own fame and iortune. It is totally different from the Spinning Jenny, invented by Hargrave. The Spin.
ning Frame of Arkwright, consists of two pairs of rollers turned by
machinery. It was entirely an original idea, suggested to Ark



wright's mind, by seeing a red hot bar elongated, by passing be.
tween two rollers. For this improvement and various others, he
took out patents; but he was for years engaged in law suits, defending his rights. The manufacture of cotton goods, constitutes
an important item, in the wealth of Great Britain, and equally important, in furnishing her inhabitants with cheap clothing.
The individual therefore, who contributed so much, to accomplish
both these objects. soon became the subject of honor and of envy.
Whilst on the one hand, the great mass of the community, hailed
him, as a public benefactor, on the other, all whose interests were
injured by his improvements, denounced him, as an imposter, who
had appropriated to himself the discoveries of others;
The magnitude of his services, and the popularity which he so
justy acquired, induced the King to confer upon him, the honor of
knighthood.
Arkwright was one of the very few individuals, who reaped a
rich harvest, from his own labors, and justly did he deserve it, for
he most liberally contributed to promote the welfare and happiness
of all around him.
He built up, in a great manner, the town of Cromford.
He died at Cromford, in the sixtieth year of his age, leaving a
princely fortune.
His death was considered a great public calamity; and as evidence of the respect in which he was held, his funeral was nu.
merously attended by persons of all ranks, classes and conditions.
We cannot better close this brief sketch, than in the language of
the Encyclopedia Britannica, which thus speaks of Arkwright.
"a No man ever better deserved his good fortune, or has a stronger
claim on the respect and gratitude of posterity. His inventions
have opened a new and boundless field of employment: and they
have conferred infinitely more real benefit, on his native country,
than she could have derived, from the Absolute dominion of Mexico
and Peru.




NO II.
EtI WHITNEY.
The Inventor of the Cotton Gin, was born at Westborough, Wor.
cester County, Massachusetts, the 8th of September, 1765.
At a very early age, he showed indications of a mechanical genius. His Father had a workshop, well supplied with tools, where
his son, as soon as he could handle tools, used constantly to amuse
himself. Upon one occasion, his father, returning after an absence
of some days, enquired of the housekeeper, what Eli had been about.
She replied, that he had been making a fiddle.
Ah! said he, I fear he will take his portion in fiddles!
On another occasion, during his father's absence, he took his
watch to pieces, and put it together again, so correctly, that his
father did n6t know it, for years.
When Whitney was sixteen years of age, he proposed to his
father, to procure him tools, to commence the manufacture of nails,
which were both scarce and dear, during that period of our revolutionary war.  His father consented, and for two winters, he
worked successfully at this business, and assisted his father, on the
farm, during the summer.
He lost his mother in early life.
At the age of nineteen, he became desirous of obtaining a liberal
education; but he could not procure the consent of his father (and
probably the means) until he was twenty three years of age.
He entered the Freshman class at Yale College in May 1789.At College, he devoted most of his attention, to Mathematics.
Whilst at College, he asked a carpenter, who was at work at one
of the buildings, to lend him some of his tools, which he did very
reluctantly, fearful that he would spoil them.
When the carpenter saw the manner in which Whitney handled
his tools, he exclaimed, " There was a good mechanic spoiled, when
you were sent to College."
After having honorably completed his studies at College, he en.
tered into an agreement with a gentleman. from Georgia, to reside
in his family, as a private teacher. Upon his arrival there, he
found, to his great disappointment, that the individual, who had en.
tered into the agreement with him had employed another person.




9
Fortunately however for him, on his passage to Georgia, he made
the acquaintance and secured the friendship of Mrs. Greene, the
widow of Major General Nathaniel Greene, the second Washington
of our revolutionary war.
Mrs. Greene, hearing of his disappointment immediately invited
him to accompany her family to Mulberry Grove, near Savannah,
where she resided; and she said to him," My young friend, make
my house your home and pursue what studies you please."  He accepted of her generous offer, and commenced the study of the law,
under her hospitable roof.
He little thought of the new scene, upon which he was about to
enter. Mrs. Greene was engaged in a piece of embroidery, in
which she employed a kind of frame, called a Tambour. She complained that it was badly constructed and that it tore the delicate
threads of her work. Whitney set himself to work, and speedily
produced a Tambour frame, made upon a plah, entirely new,, which.
he presented to her. The whole family, wete greatly delighted,
and thought it a wonderful proof of ingenuity.
Shortly after this, a large party of gentlemen, came from Au.
gusta and the Upper Country, to visit the family of General Greene,
consisting principally of officers, who had served under the General, in the Army of the Revolution. They fell into conversation
upon the state of Agriculture amongst them, and expressed great
regret, that there was no means of cleaning the green seed Cotton,.
or separating it from its seed.  There was abundance of land,
which would yield large crops of Cottonr; but until ingenuity could
devise some machine to clean it, it was in vain to think of raising
it. At that time, it was a day's work for a woman to clean one
pound.
Rice then, was the great object of cultivation.
Mrs. Greene, who was present at this conversation, said, "Gentlemen, apply to my young friend Mr. Whitney, he can make any
thing."
She then showed them her Tambonr Frame, and a number of
Toys which Whitney had made for her children.
After having introduced Whitney to them she extolled his genius,
and commended him to their notice. He told them, that he had
never seen, either the Cotton Plant, or Cotton Seed; of course, he
knew nothing of what would be required. It being then out of




10
season, for Cotton in the seed, he went to Savannah and searched
amongst the Warehouses and Boats, until he found a parcel of it.
Upon his return to Mrs. Greene's he set himself to work, with
such rude materials, and instruments, as a Georgia Plantation af.
forded. Mr. Phineas Miller, also a graduate of Yale College, was
then a private teacher in the family of General Greene, and afterwards married his widow. Mrs. Greene and Mr. Miller were the
only persons admitted into his workshop, which was in the basement story of the house they occupied.
By the close of the winter, the machine was so far completed, as
to have no doubt of its success, although not finally finished until
April. Mrs. Greene was eager to communicate to her numerous
friends, the knowledge of this important invention, and she there.
fore invited to her house, gentlemen from different parts of the State,
and on the first day after they assembled, she conducted them to a
temporary building, which had been erected to contain the machine.
They were both astonished and delighted at the result of an in.
vention, which they saw at once, was destined to bring about an
immediate revolution in the value of all property in the South. Mr.
Miller, whom we have already mentioned, had from the beginning,
taken a warm interest in Whitney's success. As he had funds at
command, they agreed to form a co-partnership under the firm of
Miller & Whitney. Upon the conclusion of this arrangement Whitney immediately set out for the North to secure his Patent, and to
have a number of the Machines made in Connecticut, to be shipped
to Georgia.
The knowledge of this invention, soon spread through the State,
and persons came from all quarters, to see the Machine.
It was not, however, deemed prudent, to gratify their curiosity,
until the Patent was secured. So determined however were the
populace to possess this treasure, that neither law nor justice could
restrain them — They broke open the Building by night, and carried of the machine.
The knowledge of the invention, having then become public, Ma.
chines were immedialely constructed, with a slight variation, so as
to evade the Patent right.
It is not within the limits of the space which we have allowed for
these brief sketches, to go into details, of the various vexations and




11
law suits to which Whitney was subjected, in defending his rights.
Suffice it to say, that more than sixty suits was instituted in Georgia, for violation of his Patent Right, before a single decision, upon
the merit of his claim was obtained.
At length he obtained a favorable verdict in 1807 in the Circuit
Court of the United States for the State of Georgia, in the case of
Whitney versus Fort.
Judge Johnson, a native of South Carolina, one of the Judges of
the Supreme Court of the United States, who presided in the Cir.
cuit Court of Georgia did himself immortal honor, by stemming the
torrent of popular clamor, and nobly vindicating the cause of law
and justice. We subjoin some brief extracts from his opinion in
this case. Judge Johnson said:-'The object of this suit, is to obtain a perpetual injunction, to
prevent a continuance of this infraction of complainant's rights * *
* The Court will proceed to make a few remarks, as they have
been presented to their view. *  *
To support the originality of the invention, the complaints have
produced a variety of deposition of witness, examined under com.
mission, whose examination expressly proves, the origin, progress
and comipletion of the machine by Whitney. Persons who were
made privy to this first discovery, testify to the several experi.
ments, which were made in their presence, before he ventured to
expose his invention, to the scrutiny of the public eye.
It is not necessary to resort to such testimony to maintain this
point. *  *  *  There are circumstances,[in the knowledge of
all mankind, which prove the originality of this invention, more
satisfactorily to the mind than the direct testimony of a host of
witnesses.
The cotton plant furnished clothing to mankind before the age of
Herodotus. The green seed is a species much more productive
than the black, and by nature adapted to a much greater variety of
climate. But by reason of the strong adherence of the fibre to the
seed, without the aid of some more powerful machine for separating
it, than any formerly known among us, the cultivation of it would
never have been made an object. The machine for which Mr.
Whitney claims the invention, so facilitates the preparation of this
species for:use, that the cultivation of it has suddenly become an
object of infinitely greater importance than that of the other species
ever can be.




12
Is it then to be imagined, that if this machine had ever been be.
fore discovered, the use of it would ever have been lost. * * *
With regard to the utility of this discovery, the Court would deem
it a waste of time to dwell upon this topic Is there a man who hears
us who has not experienced its utility.       - *  *  The whole interior of the Southern States was languishing, and its inhabitants
emigrating for want of some'object to engage their attention and
employ their industry, when the invention of this machine at once
opened views to them which set the whole country in active motion
Individuals who were depressed with poverty and sunk in idleness,
have suddenly risen to wealth and respectability. Our debts have
been paid off; our capitals have increased, and our lands trebled
themselves in value. We cannot express the weight of the obligation which the country owes to this invention. The extent of it cannot now be seen." The Court then granted a perpetual injunction,
prohibiting the defendant from using the machine.
It may be proper here to mention, that the Legislature of South
Carolina in 1801 agreed to allow Whitney fifty thousand dollars for
the benefit of his patent for the use of that State. Of this sum,
twenty thousand dollars were paid in money, and the balance was
to be paid at stated periods.
The public clamor, however, which had so long existed against
Whitney in Georgia, extended itself to South Carolina, and so far
poisoned the public mind that the Legislature of South Carolina, in
1803, revoked their contract, and directed a suit to be commenced
against Whitney for the recovery of money, already paid him. The
suit was commenced by his arrest. The succeeding Legislature, in
1804, satisfied that great injustice had been done Whitney, repealed
the law and directed the contract with him to be fulfilled, which was
done.
We mention this circumstance as matter of history and not of reproach. Whenever men discover that they have done injustice to
each other, it is always a mark of true wisdom, as well as of real magnanimity, to retrace their steps. We only regret, that examples of
conduct, so honorable to South Carolina, in retracing her steps, are
so rare amongst mankind. Our own experience of the world, after
having been more than sixty years upon its surface, has generally
been, that the more men are convinced of their errors, the more pertinaciously do they adhere to them.




13
Notwithstanding the judgment which Whitney obtained, in the
Circuit Court of Georgia, his Patent right was constantly violated.He had expended in law suits, and in the construction of Machinery,
nearly all he had received for the use of his Patent; and his Patent
having nearly expired, he resolved to abandon the further prosecution of a business which involved him in constant litigation.
Whitney, having long foreseen the uncertainty of deriving any
compensation from the use of his patent, had entered into a contract
with the government of the United States, to manufacture for them,
a quantity of muskets.
As we have already transcended the space intended for these
"Brief Sketches," we can only observe that Whitney enlarged his
establishment for the manufacture of arms near New Haven, and entered into new contracts with the government of the United States,
as well as the State of New York, for large supplies of muskets. He
furnished both with a better quality of muskets than had ever before
been manufactured in the United States, for which they made him a
liberal compensation. He became quite independent in his circum.
stances, fiom this branch of his skill and industry.
A painfil malady, with which he had for some time been afflicted,
put an end to his earthly career on the 8th January, 1825. He died
universally respected, regretted and.beloved. The principal facts
which we have here stated, we derive from a valuable memoir of
Whitney, written by Professor Olmstead of Yale College, and published in the American Journal of Science, in the year 1832. Of the
Drivate character of Whitney, Professor Silliman thus speaks —" His
amiable and generous disposition prompted him strongly to social in.
tercourse. His countenance and person were so prepossessing as
to excite an active interest; his gentlemanly manners, marked by
a calm but dignified modesty, were still those of a man, not uncon.
scious of his own mental powers. He abounded in information and
original thought. He was constant and warm in his friendship, and
pecuniary aid was often afforded, not only to his friends, but to per.
sons who had no claims, except those that addressed themselves to
his kindness and generosity."
Such is a brief sketch of the life of Eli Whitney, whose fame will
endure as long as " the snowy cotton plant whitens the fertile fields
of the South."




NO. III.
JAMES WATT,
THE GREAT IMPROVER OF THE STEAM ENGINE.
Since the invention of the Mariner's Compass and the Art of
Printing, no improvement in conducting the business of human life
has had so important a bearing upon the affairs of the world, as the
employment of Steam as a mechanical agent.
Lardner in referring to the importance of the steam engine, says:
"To enumerate the effect and importance of this invention, would
be to count nearly every comfort and luxury of life. It has increased the sum of human happiness, not only by calling new pleasures into existence but so by cheapening former enjoyments as to
render them attainable by those, who never. before hoped to share
them. Nor are its effects confined to any one nation, but they extend over the whole civilised world. The history of the steam engine present a series of contrivances, which for exquisite and refined ingenuity stand without a parallel in human invention."
The Encyclopaedia Americana says, " The steam engine constitutes the finest present ever made by science to the arts."  We are
told, that seven cities laid claim to the honor of having given birth
to Homer, but a greater number of nations and cities lay claim to
the honor of having given birth to the discoverer of the power and
application of steam.
We shall pass over the Spanish claim for steam discovery, recently brought forward in favor of Blasco de Garey in the year
1543, as this claim is generally considered of modern manufacture,
it being very improbable that so important a discovery should have
remained a secret for nearly a hundred years. Solomon de Caus,
a native of France, published a work at Frankford in 1615, in which
he describes a machine invented by himself, by which " water will
mount by the help of fire higher than its level." Giovanna Branca,
published at Rome in 1629, a work entitled " Le Machine del G.
Branca" containing a description of a machine for propelling a wheel
by a blast of steam.
Edward Somerset, Marquis of Worcester in the year 1663, pub.
lished a work called " The Scantling of one hundred inventions."
in this work he says, "I have invented an admirable forcible way




15
to drive up water by fire  *  *       I have taken a piece of whole
cannon, whereof the end was burst, and filled it three quarters full
of water, stopping and screwing up the broken end as well as the
touch hole, and making a constant fire under it, so that within twentyfour hours it burst and made a great crack." Again the Marquis
says, " Having a way to make my vessels so that they are strengthened by the force within them, and the one to fill the other, I have
seen the water run like a constant stream forty feet high.
Sir Samuel Moreland in 1683 presented —" To His Most Christian Majesty (Louis the Fourteenth) principles of the new force of
fire invented by him, by which water being converted into vapor
by the force of fire. These vapors require two thousand times
greater space than the water before occupied, and sooner than be
constantly confined would split a piece of cannon."
Davis Papin, a native of Blois, in France, in 1695 and Professor
of Mathematics at Maxborg, invented a machine for generating
steam by fire, but it does not appear to possess much originality or
at least utility. Captain Thomas Savory obtained a patent in 1698
for a steam engine for raising water, &c. Captain Savery says,
" That having drank a flask of Florence wine at a tavern and flung
the empty flask on the fire, he called for a basin of water to wash
his hands. A small quantity which remained in the flask began to
boil and steam issued from its mouth.
It occurred to him to try what effect would be produced by inverting the flask and plunging its mouth into the cold water. Putting
on a thick glove to defend his hand from the heat, he seized the
flask and the moment he put its mouth in the water the liquid irm.
mediately rushed up into the flask and filled it. This circumstance
suggested to Savery the possibility of giving effect to the atmospheric pressure by creating a vacuum in this manner. He thought
that if, instead of exhausting the barrel of a pump by the usual la.
borious method of a piston and sucker, it was exhausted by first
filling it with steam and then condensing the same steam, the at.
mospheric pressure would force the water into the pump barrel and
into any vessel connected with it, not more than thirty-four feet
above the water in the well. He perceived, also, that having lifted
the water to this height he might use the elastic force of steam described by the Marquis of Worcester, to raise the water to a still
greater elevation, and that the same steam which accomplished this




16
mechanical effect, would serve by its subsequent condensation to repeat the vacuum and draw up more water. Lardner says, " it was,on this principle that Savery constructed the'first engine in which
steam was ever brought into practical operation.'' Although great'credit is due to Savery, considering the low state of the arts at that
time, yet his engine was greatly defective.
-Shortly after this, Thomas Newcomen, an iron monger, and John
Calley a glazier, both of Dartmouth, constructed a steam engine.This was -a great improvement upon Savery's, and much used for
pumping up water from mines, the principal object at that day for
vhich such a moving power was applied. Newcomen's engine was
still greatly defective in power, and the great waste of fuel ren-:dered its use very expensive. Notwithstanding its defects how.
ever, for nearly half a century Newcomen's engine continued to be,used for draining of'mines.
In the year 1763, James Watt commenced his investigation into
the properties of steam and to examine into the defects of the steam
engine. Watt was born at Greenoch, the 19th of January, 1736.
Numerous instances are upon record, giving evidences both in
childhood and in youth, of the natural bent of his mind for mechan.
ical science.
His father was a ship chandler, builder, and merchant at Green.
och. As his son was of a very delicate constitution his early edu.
cation was of a domestic character, although he attended for a time
the public elementary school at Greenoch.  It appears that a change
in his father's circumstances and the bent of his own inclination led
him to choose the profession of a Mathematical Instrument maker.
There are different statements of where he served his apprentice.
ship. One account says, " That at the age of sixteen years he was
articled as an apprentice to learn the art of an instrument maker."
This must have been at Glasgow, for all accounts agree that when
he was nineteen years of age he removed to London and placed
himself under the care of Mr. John Morgan, Mathematical Instru.
ment maker, Finch street, Cornhill.
Shortly after his return from London, Watt endeavored to es.
tablish himself in business in Glasgow, but owing to his not being a
Burgess he met with opposition from the corporations of arts and
trades, who considered him an intruder upon their privileges and
refused to allow him to set up. even the humblest workshop.




17
The University of Glasgow, however, offered him an asylum
within their precincts, and honored him with the title of their Math.
ematical Instrument maker. He was then just twenty.one years
old. He there formed the acquaintance of Adam Smith, Dr. Black,
Simpson, the renowned Mathematician, and Prof. Robinson, all of
whom extended to him their friendly aid. Without neglecting his
business in the day time, Watt devoted his nights to profound study.
The Professor of Natural Philosophy in the University requested
Watt to examine and repair a small model of Newcomen's Steam
Engine, which never could he made to work satisfactorily. His sa.
gacity caused him to discover and remove the defects in the model,
and this circumstance led him to detect the imperfections in the
Machine itself. This again turned his attention to the subject of
the Steam Engine, and the properties of steam.
About this time he married. As his wife was the daughter of a
freeman, he became entitled to the rights of a freeman in the city
of Glasgow; and he left the University, and opened a shop in the
Salt Market.
He soon prepared the model of a Steam Engine upon the princi.
pies which he had discovered; but not having the means to carry
out his views, he applied himself to the business of a civil engineers
until the year 1768. As a land surveyor, he became acquainted
with Dr. Roebuck, who was at that time extensively engaged in
mining speculations. By Roebuck's assistance, Watt erected an
engine of his new construction at a coal mine, on the estate of the
Duke of Hamilton.
They obtained a patent for the improved engine in their joint
names. Whilst Watt was preparing to carry on the business upon
an extensive scale, Roebuck became embarrassed in his specula.
tions. Disappointed and thrown again upon his own feeble re.
sources, he was at a loss what to do, when Mr. Matthew Boulton, who
had an extensive factory at Birmingham, purchased out Roebuck's
share of the patent, and entered into partnership with Watt, under
the firm of Boulton & Watt.
Nothing could have been more fortunate for Watt than this con.
nection. Boulton had extensive iron works at Soho, near Birming.
ham, possessed great wealth, and withal was a man of great energy
of character. As a considerable part of the time for which the
patent was granted, had expired, they applied to Parliament and ob.
B




18
tained a renewal of the patent for twenty-five years from that date,
say 1765, so that their patent did not expire until 1800.
To go into a detail of all the improvements made by Watt, would
entirely transcend the limits of these " Brief Sketches." Suffice it
to say, that his improvements almost amounted to a new machine.
The power of the engine was vastly augmented, and the saving of
fuel at least three-fourths.
Shortly after entering:into co-partnership, Boulton & Watt constructed an engine at Soho, as a specimen for the inspection of the
miners; yet such was the prejudice against new inventions, that
they found great difficulty in getting their engines into general use,
notwithstanding their immeasurable superiority.
Their great merit, however, finally overcame all difficulties. The
otnly compensation which Boulton & Watt required for the use of
their patent, was one-third of the value of the fuel which it saved
over that consumed by the other engines then in use. From this
source they derived an immense'income. In one instance of a mine
in Cornwall, where three engines were employed, the proprietors
compromised with the patentees for eight hundred pounds per annum for each engine.
They did not, however, long continue to enjoy this great income
without litigation. For seven years they were constantly involved
in expensive law suits in defence of their rights. So bold and so
reckless were their opponents, and so circumstantial was their testimony, that Watt observed to a friend, that if he had not had a
very strong memory, he should have almost began to doubt himself
whether he was the inventor. All their rights, however, were
eventually confirmed by the unanimous decision of the Court of
King's Bench.
Watt retired from business in 1800, and took up his residence on
an estate near Soho, which he had purchased in the year 1790.Before withdrawing from the firm, his two sons were admitted as
partners. He died on the 25th August, 1810, in the 83d year of his
age, on his estate, where he had so long resided. A splendid monument was erected to the memory of Watt in the city of Glasgow,
where, when a poor youth, he could not get permission to rent a
shop to carry on his trade.
A statute of Watt by Chantry, is also placed in Westminster
Abbey, amongst the once mighty monarchs of the earth. The in



19
scription upon this statue, written by Lord Brougham, says,
"His original genius, early exercised in philosophic research, to
the improvement of the steam engine, increased the power of man,
and raised him to an eminent place among the illustrious followers
of Science and real benefactors of the world." The facts which are
here presented, we derive from Lardner's History of the Steam
Engine, the London Cyclopedia, and other authentic sources.
The value of a man's services to the world ought to be estimated by
the importance of the improvement which he has rendered to it. Taking
this as a standard, Watt certainly has a high claim to be regarded as
a great public benefactor, for no human invention ever possessed such
numerous and diversified powers as the Steam Engine.
It manufactures clothing and prepares-food for millions of the human race.
Through the medium of the press it makes tyrants tremble, and
sheds a flood of light and knowledge to earth's remotest bounds.
It mannufactures implements of husbandry and implements of war.
It saws the trees of the forest, and converts them into ship or house
timber, and for every other purpose required by the wants of man.
It can draw a line of battle ship out of the water, and it can turn a
spinning.wheel.
It can make a cable for a ship of war, and it can poin.t a cambric
needle.
It can forge an anchor and make a knitting needle.
It can plow theocean, and it canplow the land.
It opened the gates of the capitol of the Chinese Empire, and ad.
mitted the outside barbarians inside the Imperial residence..
Nor are the services of the Steam. Engine confined to war, comrn
merce, agriculture and the arts.
Religion also comes in for a share of its benefits.
It prints millions of copies of the word of Eternal Life, and then
conveys abroad the Missionaries of the Cross to proclaim theglad
tidings of salvation to a benighted world.




NO. IV.
JAMES FERGUSON,
THE SELF.TAUGHT ASTRONOMER.
Ferguson was born in the year 1710, near the village of Keith,
in Scotland. His father was a poor laboring man, with. a large
family. Unable to send his children to school, at his leisure he
taught them by rotation to read and write. The subject of this
sketch became impatient of waiting for his turn; therefore, whilst
his father was teaching his elder brother, he was secretly listening
to what was going on. Ashamed to ask his father to instruct him
out of his turn, he got the book, when his father was absent, and
undertook to instruct himself. Whenever any difficulty occurred,
he went to a neighboring old woman, who gave him such help as
enabled him to read tolerably well, before his father thought of instructing him. Ferguson, through life, was a man of unblemished
moral character, and as his veracity has not been questioned, we
shall let him speak for himself.
From a brief memoir, now before us, which he wrote of his own life,
a few years before his death, we shall make the following extracts:" Mycparents, though poor, were religious and honest. * * ~  As
my father had nothing to support a large family but his daily labor,
and the proceeds of a few acres of land, which he rented, it was not to
be expected that he could bestow much on the education of his children. My taste for mechanics arose from an -odd accident. When
about seven or eight years of age, a part of the roof of our house
being decayed, my father, desirous of mending it, applied a prop and
lever to raise it to its former situation; and to my great astonish.
ment I saw him, without considering the reason, lift up the pondrous
weight as though it had been a small weight. Finding upon enquiry that this was the means whereby the seeming wonder was
effected, I began making levers, and by applying weights to them
I found that the power gained by my bar was just in proportion to
the length of the different parts of the bar, on either side of the
prop."




21
After having made various experiments to carry these principles
into effect by means of ropes coiled round axles, &c., he adds:
" But as my father could not afford to maintain me whilst I was
in pursuit only of these matters, he put me out to a neighbor to keep
sheep, which I continued to do for many years, and in that time I
began to study the stars in the night. * * I then went to a considerable farmer in the neighborhood, whose name was James
Glasen. I found him very kind and indulgent. He soon observed
that when my work was over that I went into the field with a blanket
about me, lay down on my back and stretch a thread, with small
beads upon it, at arms length, between my eye and the stars, sliding
the beads upon it until they hid such and such stars from my eye,
in order to take their apparent distances from  one another; then
laying the thread down upon paper, I marked the stars thereon, by
the beads, according to their respective positions, having a candle
by me.
"My master laughed at me; but when I explained my reasoning
to him he encouraged me to go on, and that I might have fair copies
in the day time of what I had done in the night, he often worked
for me himself. I shall always have a respect for the memory of
that man. He one day sent me with a message to the Rev. John
Gilchrist, minister at Keith, whom I had known from my childhood. I carried my star papers to show them to him. I found
him looking over a large bundle of maps, which I surveyed with
great pleasure, as they were the first that I had ever seen. He then
told me the earth was round like a ball, and explained the map of
it to me. I requested him to lend me the map to take a copy of it
in the evening. He cheerfully consented to this, giving me at the
same time a pair of compasses, a ruler, pen and ink, and dismissed
me with an injunction not to neglect my master's business by copying the map which I might keep as long as I pleased. For this
pleasant employment my master gave me more time than I could
reasonably expect, and often took the threshing flail out of my hands
and worked himself, whilst I sat by him in the barn busy with my
compasses, ruler and pen. When I had finished the copy I asked
leave to carry home the map. He told me I was at liberty to do
so, and might stay two hours with the minister. *    *    *    *
I proceeded with my map to the minister and showed him the copy
of it; whilst we were conversing together a neighboring gentleman)




22
Thomas Grant, Esq. happened to come in, and the minister introduced me to him and showed him what 1 had done. He expressed
great satisfaction, and told me if.I would go and live at his house,
he would order his butler, A. Cantley, to give me a great deal of
instruction.     e *  I told'Squire Grant that I should rejoice to
be at his house as soon as the time was expired for which I was engaged with my present master. He very politely offered to put one
in my place; but this 1 declined. When my term of service was
out, I left my good master and' went to'Squire Grant's, where I
quickly found myself in a humane, good family."
Ferguson then states that he found Cantley, the butler, a very extraordinary man-a thorough mathematician, and also well versed
in the Greek and Latin languages. Cantley instructed him in Decimal Fractions and Algebra; but just as.he had commenced teaching him Geometry, Cantley left'Squire Grant to take up his resi.
dence at the Earl of Fife's. This, Ferguson says, " caused him inexpressible grief."  The good family of'Squire Grant wished him
to remain, but he declined and went home to his father's. Before
Cantley patted with Ferguson, he made him a present of Gordon's
Geographical Grammar. This book contained a description of an
artificial globe, without, however, being illustrated by any figure.
From this description he made a globe, at his father's, having
turned the ball thereof out of a piece of wood, which he covered
with paper, and delineated a map of the world thereon. Ferguson
says that he was happy to find that by his own Globe he could solve
Problems. Finding however, that he could not remain at his father's, making experiments, which brought no income, he went into
the employment of a neighboring miller, who spent much of his
time in the Ale-House, and left all the work for Ferguson to do,
and seldom gave him any thing to eat but oat-meal, mixed with
cold water. He remained there nearly a year, when he returned
to his fither's, greatly the weaker for fasting. He next went to
live with a Dr. Young, who was both farmer and Practitioner
-where he expected, at his leisure hours, to have learnt something
of medicine, But he was sadly disappointed, for the Doctor not
only never showed him a book, but treated him tyrannically; so
much so, that he left his service in three months, preferring to for.
feit his wages for that time, rather than remain the six months, for
which he was engaged. He again returned to his father's house




23
lame in one arm from a hurt received, in his last master's employ,
which he says, the Doctor was too busy even to attend to.
Although he was suffering much pain, from his arm, he could not
be idle. He amused himself, by making a wooden clock, the bell
on which the hammer struck,;was the neck of a broken bottle. Af.
ter his health had recovered, he constructed a time piece, moving by
a spring. Ferguson began now to do a little business in the neighborhood, as cleaner of clocks.
lie was shortly after, invited to take up his resdence at the house
of Sir James Dunbar, where he made himself useful, by various instances of ingenuity. Amongst other services, he converted two
round stones, upon the gateway, into a pair of stationary Globes, by
painting a Map of the Earth upon one, and a Map of the Heavens,
upon the other. Sir James introduced him to his sister Lady Dippie, who discovering his great ingenuity, invited him to draw patterns for ladies dresses, in which he was wonderfully successful.-,
His fame soon spread abroad, and he was sent for by other ladies;
so that in a short time he says he made so much money, that he
was able to send some to his poor father.
In all the various occupations in which he was engaged, Ferguson says, that Astronomical Science, was always uppermost.
When he cast his eyes above, he saw in his imagination the
Ecliptic, laying like a broad highway across the firmament, and the
Planets making their way in paths like the narrow ruts made by
cart wheels, sometimes on one side of the road, and sometimes the
other.
Ferguson next went to live with Mr. Baird, Lady Dipple's Son-in.
law, at Auchmeddar, where he painted a portrait of the gentleman
which was so much admired, that by the advice of his friends, he
turned his attention to Portrait painting.
He was advised to study under some distinguished master, at Edinburg. But no one would take him without a fee; so at last he
concluded to set up for himself. In this new profession he had great
success, but he pursued it for a livelihood, and not from inclination.
After two years residence in Edinburg he left it and went to Inverness, but after some time returned to Edinburg, and resumed his
astronomical studies, as well as painting. He drew up a scheme
for showing the motions and places of the Sun and Moon in the
ecliptic, for each day in the year. His friend, Professor Maclaurin




24
had it engraved and published, and it sold very well. Ferguson
asked the Professor to show him his Orrery, which he promptly
did, so far as to show the outward movements, but declined opening
the wheelwork, fearful that in case any part of it should be displaced,
that they could not replace it. Ferguson saw enough of its construction to make an Orrery of his own.; and read a lecture on it,
to Maclaurin's pupils. Ferguson shortly after, removed to London. He had previously prepared a new astronomical truth.
He showed his proposition and demonstration to Mr. Folks, the
President of the Royal Society, who took him to the next meeting
of that Society. This brought him into immediate notice.
He soon after published his first work, "A dissertation on the Phe.
nomena of the Harvest Moon" with the description of a new O'rery, which was well received by the public.
ln 1748 he commenced giving public lectures in London, on AstPonomy, which were numerously and fashionably attended.
George the third, then Prince of Wales, was frequently one of his
audience. After the Prince became King, he settled a pension for
life, of fifty pounds per annum upon Ferguson, out of the Privy
Purse.
In 1763 he was elected a fellow member of the Royal Society.He continued giving lectures in London for       years.'The
London Cyclopedia says, "Ferguson has contributed more, than
perhaps any other man in the country, to the extension of Physical
Sciences, amongst all classes of Society. Perspicuity, in the selections, and arrangement of facts, and in the display of truths de.
duced from them, was his character, both as a teacher and a writer."
The Encyclopcedia Britannica, says:-" Ferguson was at the head
of Astronomy, in this land of Philosophers."
It is but justice to Ferguson, to say that from his writings, he appears never to have lest sight of the Great First Cause.
He says, " Of all the sciences cultivated by mankind, Astronomy
is acknowledged to be, and undoubtedly is, the most sublime, the
most interesting and useful. For, by knowledge derived from this
science, no' only the magnitude of the Earth is discovered, the situ-.
ation of countries and kingdoms ascertained, &c., but our faculties
are enlarged, with the grandeur of the ideas it conveys; our minds
exalted and our understandings clearly convinced of the existence,
wisdom, power, goodness, and immutability of the Supreme Being.,"




25
Again, speaking of the Planetary system he says: "What an august, what an amazing conception, if human imagination can conceive it, does this give of the works of the Creator! If so much
power, wisdom, goodness and magnificence, be displayed in the material creation, which is the least considerable part of the Universe,
how great, how wise, how good must He be, who made and governs
the whole."
He died in 1776. His works are —st, Astronomical Tables and
Precepts; 2d, Astronomy Explained; 3d, Introduction to Astronomy; Tables and Tracts, 4th Series of Lectures in Mechanics, Hydrostratics and Optics; 5th, Select Mechanical Exercises; 6th, The
Art of drawing in Perspective; 7th, An Introduction to Electricity;
8th, Letters to the Rev. John Kennedy; besides various papers rel.
ative to Philosophical Transactions.
An American edition of two of his works was republlished in Philadelphia, in 1806 and 1809, viz: " Lectures in Mechanics, Hydrostatics, Optics and Dialling, by James Ferguson, F. R. S."
Also, " Astronomy explained upon Sir Isaac Newton's principles,
with a quarto volume of Plates, by James Ferguson, F. R. S."  Both
these works were edited and revised by Robert Patterson, Professor
of Mathematics in the University of Pennsylvania.
What strange events occur upon this Globe which we inhabit.
At one period of his life, could anything have been more improb.
able, than that Ferguson (who was never at school a day in his life)
should give public lectures in the capital of the British Empire, upon
so profound a subject, as the Mechanism of the Heavens; and that
too, before the Heir of the Throne and the most learned men in
Great Britain? Who can look at this Shepherd's boy, laving upon
ablanket in an open field, gazing at the Stars, and then follow him
climbing from cliff to cliff, up the rocky Hill of renown, until he had
reached its lofty summit without rendering homage to his genius —
honor to his talents-admiration for his unwearied industry and re..
spect for his. principles.




NO. V.
ROBERT FULTON,
WHO BUILT THE FIRST STEAM BOAT OF PRICTICAL VALUE.
Fulton was born in Little Britain, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, in the year 1765. His father emigrated from Ireland when
young, and settled in Pennsylvania, where he married.
The subject of this sketch, was sent to school at Lancaster, where
he received the rudiments of an English education. In his childhood, all his leisure hours, were passed in mechanics shops, or in
painting.
At 17 years of age, he went to Philadelphia, where he was occupied in painting Portraits and Landscapes, until he was of age.
With the means he had thus acquired, he purchased a small farm
in Washington county, where he located his mother, his father having previously died.
Leaving his mother thus provided with a comfortable home, he
embarked for England, in the 22d year of his age. He took letters
of introduction to our illustrious countryman, Benjamin West, by
whom he was most cordially received. Mr. West was so well
pleased with his amiable qualities, and his genius, that he invited
him to take up his abode in his house, where he remained an inmate for several years. After leaving Mr. West, he made portrait
painting, his chief employment.
Fulton resided two years in Devonshire, where he made the ac.
quaintance of the renowned Duke of Bridgewater, who constructed
the first important Canal in Great Britain.
He also formed the acquaintance of Lord Stanhope, celebrated
for his love of science and the Mechanic Arts, with whom he long
corresponded upon subjects, to which both their minds had been
directed.
So early as the year 1793, Fulton had turned his attention to the
subject of Steam Navigation.
In May 1794, he obtained from the British government, a Patent
for a double inclined Plane, to be used for transportation.
He resided eighteen months at Birmingham, where he acquired




27
much practical knowledge of the Mechanic Arts, which was of great
advantage to him in after life.
From this period, he devoted a great portion of his time, to the
subject of civil engineering, for which his talent for drawing, gave
him great aid.
He is said to have been an elegant, and accurate Draftsman.About this time, he published a work upon Canals.- Three subjects
appear to have occupied his attention, for the last twenty-five years
of his eventful life, viz: Steam Navigation-Canal Navigation,.and
the use of Torpedoes, for coast and harbor defence in time of war.
In 1797 Fulton went to Paris, where he was invited by our distinguished countrymen, the Poet, Joel Barlow, to take up his abode
with him which he accepted, and continued to reside there during
his long stay in France.
Fulton has been censured for endeavoring to introduce a system
of sub.marine warfare, as a violation of the laws of War. His object, however, was to put an end to wars, by rendering destruction
of human life so certain, that nations would abandon altogether this
inhuman practice, and turn their attention to cultivating the Arts
of Peace.
Fulton was amongst the first who pointed out the value and im-.
portance of connecting the Great Lakes with the Atlantic, by means
of Canal navigation. In fact, at one period, this subject appears to
have been uppermost in his mind.
Whilst at Paris, Fulton was desirous that Bonaparte, then First
Consul, should aid him in carrying into effect, his great plan of
Steam Navigation. For this purpose, he prepared a memorial to
the First Consul, then setting forth the great advantages France
would derive from it, both in peace and in war. His memorial, he
requested Bourienne, Private Secretary to the First Consul, to present to him.
Bourienne, who wab a classmate of Bonaparte at the Military
School at Brienne, resided in the family of the First Consul for
many years as his Private Secretary; and he has since published,
" Memoirs of Napoleon." Bourienne says, that when he presented
Fulton's Memorial to the First Consul, Bonaparte said-Bah!!
away with your visionists!! The First Consul, would give Fulton
no aid or support whatever. Through the aid which he received
from Chancellor Livingston, who was then our Minister in France,




28
he was furnished with means to make a contract with Boulton &
Watt of Birmingham, for a Steam Engine, which was built under
Fulton's direction, and shipped to New York. Upon Fulton's arrival in New York, in 1806, he made a contract with Charles Brown
to build a Steamboat, which was launched in the spring of 1807
and the Engine from England was put on board of her in August
of that year.
Mr. Livingston had a joint interest with Fulton in this Boat. All
things being in readiness, they invited their friends to witness her
first movement.
It may be proper here to state, that whilst this boat was in pro.
gress of construction, Fulton was the constant subject of jeers and
ridicule. Frequently he heard the scoffs of visiters at the Ship.
yard, who, not knowing him, often expressed their opinions in a
manner, not very complimentary to his understanding. Nor was
this surprising, when we reflect that the graveAmerican Philosophical Society, at Philadelphia, only four years previous to Fulton's
complete success, placed upon record, their deliberate opinion, that
no practical benefits could ever be derived from Steamboat Navi
gation.
Fulton says that the day he left New York, there were not thirty
persons in the city, who believed that the boat would ever move
one mile an hour, or ever be of the least utility.
But to return to our narrative. Everything being in readiness,
the boat moved from the wharf and proceeded at the rate of about
five miles per hour to the no small astonishment of the multitude,
who, though they saw all their predictions falsified, sent up shouts
of applause. She reached Albany, a distance of one hundred and
fifty miles, in 32 hours, and returned in 30 hours, although there
was a light breeze against her, both going and returning.
The trip of this boat, which was called the Clermont, forever put
to rest the great question of steam navigation.
At the ensuing session of the Legislature of New York in 180S,
Fulton and Livingston got the exclusive right to navigate the. waters
of that State, by steam, extended to thirty years.
As their business increased rivalries grew up. Invasions of their
rights ensued; and law suits followed as a necessary consequence.
In addition to the boats built. in New York, Fulton built a steam.
boat at Pittsburg in 1813. This boat plied between New Or!eans,




29
and Louisville, Kentucky. In 1814, Congress passed a law authorizing the construction of a floating battery, after the model of one
for which Fulton had taken out a patent.
Commissioners were appointed by the President to superintend
her construction. The commissioners appointed Fulton Engineer,
to carry into effect his own model. To this object he devoted his
undivided attention. She was launched in October, but alas! before her machinery was all completed, his immortal spirit was summoned to quit the frail tenement it inhabited, and to return to the
God who gave it. On his way home from Trenton, where he had
been vindicating his invaded rights, he was exposed crossing the
Hudson, through the ice, which brought on a serious indisposition.
Anxious about the steam battery, he went out to attend to the
concern, before his health would justify it, when he took a relapse,
which brought him to a premature grave.
The Legislature of New York, which was then in session, unanimously passed Resolutions expressive of their high sense of his
important public services, and of the heavy loss, which the whole
nation, but more particularly that State, had sustained by his death,
resolved to wear a badge of mourning for the remainder of the
session.
A few years after his decease, the Supreme Court of the United
States, decided, that the law of the State of New York, granting to
Fulton and Livingston, the exclusive right to navigate the waters
of the State of New York, was unconstitutional, and of course null
and void.
Fulton and Livingston had constructed noble and expensive boats;
but as soon as the trade was thrown open, they were opposed by
boats of little comparative value, so that their prospects were
ruined.
We omitted to state, that the steam Battery, was completed some
months after Fulton's death, and in the opinion of the Commissioneis, would have answered all the purposes which her great Projector ever predicted. But peace was concluded before she was finished, and there was no opportunity of testing her merits.
She was a floating Fortification. Her Steam machinery was
in the middle, protected by sides of nine feet of timber in thickness, completely impervious to cannon ball. Any attempt to board
her by an enemy, would have been prevented, by scalding water.




30
She made two trips to the Ocean, moving with her whole armament on board at the rate of 5~ miles per hour.
As great opposition, however, was made to her, as to his first
Steamboat, for what human invention or human improvement, has
ever been devised by man, which has not been opposed?
We must here do Fulton the justice to say, that he never pretend.
ed to lay claim to the original inventions of Steamboats. But what
he did claim, was the improvement which he made upon the inven.
tion of others, and having given practical eifect to the whole. The
important-inventions of Oliver Evans and John Fitch, are matters
of public notoriety, and if they had had the means, they probably
might have accomplished the same object.
Steam navigation has brought about a total revolution in the
Commerce of the world. The benefits which it has conferred upon
the United States, baffle all calculation. The increased value
which it has given to the Public Lands alone, ought to induce Con.
gress, to decree to FULTON, a National Monument.




NO.. VI.
JAMES BRINDLEY,
THE SELF TAUGHT ENGINEER.
When we reflect how much England was distinguished in past
ages for her public spirit, and for the encouragement given to the
arts and sciences, it is a matter of astonishment that she should
have been so backward in adopting a system of internal- improvement. Until Brindley undertook the Bridgewater Canal inl 1758,
there was but one canal of national importance, (the Sanley Canal)
of twelve miles in length, in the whole island of Great Britain.England was more than a hundred years behind the continent in
canal navigation.
We need not speak of Holland, where that is almost the only
mode of transportation. But in France, so early as 1605, the Briare Canal was commenced, uniting the'rivers Loire and Seine,
the principal object of which was to supply Paris-with provisions.
Another important canal in Fran-e, which was commenced in
1664, is the canal of Languedoc. This canal commences at Cette,
on the Gulf of Lyons, and extends a distance of 148 miles to Tou..
louse, where it connects with the river Garonne, (near the mouth
of which stands the city Pof Bordeaux,) thus forming an inland communication between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean seas.
Even Russia was far in advance of England in respect to canal
navigation. Peter the Great upon his return fromiHolland, constructed canals connecting Astracan, upon the Volga, with St. Peters.
burg, thus forming an inland communication between the Caspian
Sea and the Baltic.
We have made these preliminary remarks in order to show, that
with all these examples long before her, England was not roused
from her lethargy until Brindley opened the eyes of the nation and
showed them what could be done.
With these prefatory observations, we shall now proceed to give,
some brief account of Brindley's history.
James Brindley was born at Fansted, in Derbyshire, England, in
the year 1716. He received no education, and up to his seventeenth!
year he appears to have been employed as a common laborer at




32
farming. At the age of seventeen, he bound himself apprentice to a
man of the name of Bennett, a millright, residing at Macelesfield,
near where he was born.
Up to this period of his life, there does not appear to be any evi
dence of his having shown signs of that great mechanical genius
which afterwards shone with so much splendor.
No sooner, however, had he entered upon his new profession,
than his great mind began to develope itself. His master was em.
ployed to build the machinery of a paper mill, and as he had never
seen one, he took a journey of some distance in the country to get
a model of the machinery of a mill in operation. Upon his return
he commenced constructing the machinery; but soon gave evidence
of his incompetence for the task. Brindley, of course, followed his
master's directions; but he very soon found that his master had
got bewildered. He said nothing, however, to any one, but worked
on until Saturday night, when he set out on foot to see the mill
which his master had visited. He accomplished his object, and
was back on Monday morning, having travelled on foot a distance
of fifty miles. He was now perfectly master of the subject, and
went on constructing the machinery, not only to satisfy the proprietor, but added many improvements of his own.
His master often left him for weeks together to execute works
about which he had given him no instructions. The millers who
had anything to do at the shop, always preferred that it should be
done by Brindley, in preference to his master.
After having finished his apprenticeship with Bennett, he set up
for himself. With the reputation he had acquired for industry, integrity and wondeiful mtchanical skill, it is not surprising that he
should have succeeded.
Although for some time he was known only in the neighborhood
where he lived, yet his reputation gradually spread, and his connections became more and more extended.
At length he undertook engineering in all its branches. In 1752
he obtained great credit for the erection of a water engine for draining a coal mine, at Clifton, in Lancashire. The great difficulty
was to get a supply of water to work the engine. This he obtained
by cutting through a solid rock of six hundred yards in length,
which at this period would not be thought remarkable; yet at that
day was something unusual.




33
Brindley was next employed as an assistant, to construct a silk
mill, iat Congleton, in Cheshire. It was soon evident that the Principal was incompetent for the office, and the Proprietors applied to
Brindley to remedy the blunders, which at length became so frequent, that he refused to work any longer under so incompetent a
head. The entire management of the whole work was therefore
confided to Brindley, who executed it in a superior manner, having
made many improvements. of his own, not in the original plan.Hiis fame spread far and wide.
Francis, Duke of Bridgewater, who, by the death of his elder
brothers, had succeeded, in 174S, whilst yet much under age, to the
family estate and title of his father. He had a property at Worsley,
about seven miles west of Manchester, extremely rich in coal mines;
but for want of a cheap mode of conveying them. to market, was of
but little value. His father had obtained an act of Parliament in
1732, authorizing him to cut a canal to Manchester, but the formidable natural difficulties were so great, and the expense was estimated so enormous, that he had given it- up. The young Duke
resolved to-renew the effort, and as he had heard of Brindley's extraordinary genius, and he sent for him and-consulted with him upon
the subject of carrying into effect this great work. The result was,
that Brindley was directed by the Duke to make a survey of the
ground' through which the proposed canal was to pass, and to report to him the practicability of the measure.
After having thoroughly examined the ground, and deliberately
weighed in his mind all- the difficulties to be overcome, Brindley
came to the conclusion, which he reported to the Duke, that there
were no obstacles in the way of cutting the canal which could not
be surmounted.
Upon receiving this assurance from Brindley, the Duke obtained
a new act of Parliament; and that year (1758,) the canal was commenced. One of the chief difficulties to be overcome, was that of
obtaining a sufficient supply of water. In order, therefore to prevent the waste of water, it was resolved, that the canal should be a
uniform level throughout, and of course, without locks. It therefore had to be carried, in various parts of its course, under hills,
and over wide and deep valleys.
Most of the facts in relation to Brindley, which we have here
stated, we derived from  Howe's Memoirs, from  which valuable
work we quote as follows:C




34
The point, indeed, from which the canal took its commencement,
was the heart of the Coal Mountain at Worsley.' Here a large basin
was formed, in the first place, from which, tunnel of three quarters
of a mile, had to be cut through the Hill. After emerging from under ground, the line of the canal was carried forward on the same
undeviating level        8 *    *    ~    Every obstacle, that
presented itself, being triumphed over, by Brindley's admirable ingenuity, which difficulties seemed only to render more fertile, in
happy inventions.    *    *    *    *    a    No part of his
task, indeed, seemed to meet this great Engineer, unprepared. He
made no blunders and never had to undo any thing, or to wish it
undone. In order to bring the canal to Manchester, it was neces.
sary to carry it aeross the Irwell. This river is navigable a considerable way above the place, at which the canal comes up to it.
*    *    *    *    But nothing could dismay the daring genius
of Brindley.
Out of respect to his noble employer, he requested that another
Engineer might be called in to give his opinion, before its execution
should be determined on. Brindley accompanied the Engineer to
the spot, where he proposed to rear his aqueduct, and explained to
lhim, how he meant to carry'on the work. But the man shook his
head, and remarked that he had often heard of Castles in the air
but never before was shown where any of them were to be erected.
The Duke however retained his confidence in his own Engineer,
and it was resolved that the work should proceed. The aqueduct
was commenced in September, 1760, and the first boat passed over
the whole structure, the July following."
In 1762 the Duke obtained an act of Parliament, to continue his
Canal from Manchester to Liverpool, which is a distance of about
twenty.nine miles. During the progress of this great work, every
effort was made to discourage the Duke from proceeding with it.
HIis Engineer was ridiculed, and he was told, that Bankruptcy
and ruin, would be his fate. Nothing however could shake his
confidence in Brindley, and he triumphed over all his pecuniary
difficulties, growing out of so great an outlay.
It is asserted, that the Duke lived upon ~400 a year, during the
construction of the Canal, applying every resource to the great object. He was however, amply indemnified, after all his sacrifices,
after the Canal was completed.




During the progress of the Bridgewater Canal, Brindley was ap.
plied to, by Lord Gower and the proprietors in Staffordshire, to
survey a line for another Canal, which it was proposed should pass
through that County, and unite the rivers Trent and Mersey, to
open a communication between the East and the West of England.
Having made the survey and reported favorably of the plan, an
act of Parliament was obtained, in 1765 to authorize its construetion, and Brindley was appointed, to conduct the work.
This measure had been often discussed; but it was long thought
impossible to carry a Canal through that elevated country, which
stretches along the central region of England.
Brindley overcame these difficulties by constructing a Tunnel
through Harecastle Hill of 2884 yards in length; and in some
places, at a depth of 200 feet. This was only one of five tunnels
excavated in this great Canal of ninety three miles in length.
Brindley did not live to see this great work finally completed.
All his plans, however, were carried into effect; and the work was
finished by his brother-in-law, Mr. Hensell, in the year 1777, about
eleven years after its commencement.
For a series of years before Brindley's death, no great public
improvement was undertaken in England without his opinion and
advice.
We should close the brief sketch of this extraordinary man, in
the language of Howe, who says:"No man ever lived more for his pursuit, or!ess for himself,
than Brindley. He had no sources of enjoyment out of his pro.
fession. His total want of education, and ignorance of literature,
left his genius, without any other field, in which to exercise and
spread its strength, than that, which his profession afforded it.'
*     tI He died, in the infancy of the art, which has
not yet been outdone. By the boldness and success, with which,
in particular, he carried the Grand Trunk Navigation across the
elevated ground of the middle Counties, he demonstrated, that
there was hardly any part of the Island, where a Canal might not
be formed."     *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *
The case of Brindley, affords a wonderful example of what the
force of natural talent will sometimes do, in attaining an acquaint.
ance with particular departments of science, in the face of every
conceivable disadvantage-where not only all education was want.
ing; but even all access to books.




NO. VI I.
NATHANIEL BOWVDITCH,
AUTHOR OF THE AMERICAN PRACTICAL NAVIGATOR.
We presume that there are but few Americans, who have ever
been out of sight of land, who have not heard of Nathaniel Bow.
ditch. For the last half century, the whole tonnage of the United
States, engaged in foreign commerce, as well as the American Navy,
have been navigated over the trackless deep, guided by Astronom.
ical calculations, made, corrected, or published by him. Previously
to the publication of Bowditch's American Navigator, we believe
that the only work of the kind, in use on board, either British or
American vessels, was the British Practical Navigator, by John
Hamilton Moore.
Bowditch revised, corrected and published two or three editions
of that work, until at length he found so many errors in it, that he
abandoned it altogether, and published a new work in his own
name. He states, in his preface to his own Practical Navigator,
that lie had discovered upwards of eight thousand errors in that of
Hamilton Moore. Nathaniel Bowditch was born at Salem, in Massachusetts, March 26, 1773.
His ancestors had resided in that place for four generations, and
had been shipmasters.
His father relinquished the sea, and opened a cooper's shop in
Salem. At the age of ten years, the subject of this memoir was
employed in his father's cooper shop, where he continued until
twelve years of age. At that time, he was put apprentice to a ship
chandler, where he remained several years, until his employer re.
tired from business, when he went into the employment of another
ship chandler, with whom he continued until the year 1795, when
he went to sea, on his first voyage. He made five long voyages.
The first as Captain's Clerk; three voyages as Supercargo, and one
voyage, both Captain and Supercargo, principally to the East
Indies.
Bowditch was born a Mathematician. He received little or no
instruction, at an indifferent school, which he quit at ten years
of age.




37
During the time he was apprentice and clerk, he devoted all his
leisure hours to study, particularly to Mathematics, and the languages, both dead and living. Eie acquired so thorough a knowledge of Latin, as to translate Newton's _Principia, by the time he
was twenty-one years of age. Before that period, he also acquired
a knowledge of the French language from a foreigner, who then
resided in Salem, and to whom in return, he taught English.
No situation could have been more favorable, for carrying into
practical operation, his astronomical knowledge, than the long voyages he made to the East Indies.
Aloof from the bustle of the world, with nothing in view but the
arched firmament above, and the blue waters below, the mind of the
man of science, is left free upon the ocean to contemplate and investigate the great principles and laws which govern the planetary
system. Of these advantages Bowditch, doubtless, fully availed
himsef. We have been told, that upon one of these long voyages,
he taught every sailor on board to take a lunar observation.
The American Practical Navigator has now reached the twentieth
edition, edited and published by the son of the author. When we
reflect upon the millions of property and the thousands of lives
constantly afloat on the ocean, and that the safety of both depend
upon the accuracy olf' celestial observations, and calculations de.
duced from them, we can readily approciate the value of a work,
upon which the utmost reliance can be placed. Such a work is
Bowditch's American Practical Navigator. Referring to this work,
the London Athenaeum says: 1" Itgoes both in American and British
craft, over every sea of the Globe, and is probably the best work of
the sort ever published."
The fame of Bowditch, however, does not rest alone upon his
Practical Navigator.  His translation of Laplace's Mechanique
Celcste, or the Mechanism of the Heavens, has placed him amongst
the first astronomers of the age.
This profound work, occupies four large quarto volumes, and
does honor to the human understanding. Bowditch was engaged
for several years in translating it, and in writing a commentary
upon it. It is thought by many, that his commentary falls but little short of the great work itself.
We cannot better explain the nature of this work, than by quoting
Bowditch's own words, in his preface to the translation of it.HIe says:



38
"The object of the author, in composing this work, was to reduce
all the known Phenomena of the system of the world to the law of
gravity, by strict mathematical principles, and to complete the in
vestigations of the motions of the Planets, Satellites and Comets,
begun by Newton in his Principia. This he has accomplished in a
manner, deserving the highest praise."
Bowditch published three volumes of his translation, and completed the fourth, which he left in manuscript and which has been
published since his decease, by his son.
He sent a copy of the first volume to Sir John Herschell, the renowned astronomer, who in acknowledging the receipt of it, thus
wrote to him:
LONDON, March 8, 1830.' I trust that the reception of your work by the public, will be
such as to encourage you to proceed to the publication of the succeeding volumes, and that you will be favored with health, strength
and leisure, to enable you to complete the whole of this gigantic
task in the masterly manner in which you have commenced it. It
is a work indeed, of which your nation, may well be proud."
After this, we hope that our Anglo Saxon cousins, on the other
side of the Atlantic, will not again ask the question which they
asked. some years since-i' Who ever reads an American book?"
Mr. Webster, in his great speech at Washington, on the Fourth
of July last, at laying the corner stone of the addition to the Capitol,
in enumerating the great objects which Americans had accomplished,
thought it of sufficient importance to say that " Bowditch had translated the Mechanique Celeste of Laplace."
The Harvard University conferred upon Bowditch, the Degree of
Doctor of Laws. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Societies
of London, Edinburg and Dublin. Nearly all the learned Societies
on the continent of Europe, conferred some honor upon him. He
was also elected a member of the American Philosophical Society
at Philadelphia.
He died at Salem on the 16th March, 1838, in the 65th year of
his age, universally respected, regretted and beloved. He was a
patriot and a philanthropist, both in principle and in practice.
The domestic virtues seem to have been concentrated in his person-the most affectionate of husbands-the tenderest of parentsthe kindest of brothers, and the warmest' of friends. Such is the
testimony borne of him, by those who were competent to judge.




39
A bronze statue is erected' to his memory, at the Cemetery at
Mount Auburn, near Boston.
Young Mechanic, after having read thus far, what do you think
of the Salem Cooper Boy?
So long as the Star Spangled Banner, shall wave upon the mighty
deep-so long as the human understanding shall properly appreciate the lights of Science-so long will the fame of Bowditch, shed
a lustre upon the American name and character.




NO. VIIi.
SAMUEL SLATER,
THE FATHER OF COTTON MANUFACTURES IN THE UNITED STATES.
To the gallant little State of Rhode Island belongs the honor of
having firstpermanently established Cotton Manufactures in the
United States.
Other states, it is true, had previously established manufactures
of cotton; but, for want of proper machinery, they were not able to
manufacture goods of a quality to compete with foreign importation.
In Philadelphia, a society for promoting manufactures and the
useful arts, was established in the year 1787; but they were unable
to get the proper machinery.
Tlench Coxe, Esq., a distinguished citizen of Philadelphia, who
was an active member of the society, entered into an agreement
with a person in London to furnish them  with complete Models
in Brass, of all Arkwright's patents.
The machinery was prepared and packed up, but it was detected
by the examining officer at the Custom House and forfeited, according to the laws of Great Britain, for preventing the exportation of
machinery.
A cotton mill was also previously established in Delaware, upon
the Brandywine, by Jacob Broome, but it was burnt down, and
never rebuilt.
We have recently received from our friends in Providence, a
large volume, published fifteen years since, entitled —
MEMOIR OF SAMUEL SLATER,
Connected with the rise and progress of the history of the Cotton
Manufacture in England and America, by GEORGE S. WAITE.
From this volume we shall draw many facts, in relation to the
life of the subject of this sketch.
SAMUEL SLATER was born in Belper, in Derbyshire, England,
the 9th June, 1768. At fourteen years of age, his father had put
him apprentice (on trial) to Jedediah Strutt, cotton spinner, who was
a partner of Sir Richard Arkwright.
The father of the subject of this article died shortly after; but the
son was so well pleased with his situation, that he bound himself




41
apprentice to Stiutt, as appears by a copy of his indentures, dated
8th January, 1783, published in the Memoir to which we have referred.
As his new profession suited his natural turn of mind, he devoted
to it his undivided time and attention. All the improvements of
*Arkwright were then in full operation in his employer's establishment.
For the last few years ~of his apprenticeship he acted as Overseer,
both in the construction of the machinery and in the manufacturer's
department. Of course, he became master of both.
Shortly after he reached manhood, he resolved to embark for the'United States. As the laws of England then prohibited the exportation of all sorts of machinery used in manufacture, Slater could
bring nothing of the kind with him. He had therefore to trust to
his memory alone.
He embarked from Londonon the 13th September, 1789, bound
for New York, where he arrived, after a passage of sixty-six days.
Upon his arrival at New York, he got introduced to the New York
Manufacturing Company,.and engaged in their employ for a short
time; but as he saw nothing encouraging in their prospects, he re.
solved to look further.
A captain of one of the Providence packets informed him that
Moses Brown, of that place, was engaged in the manufacture of cotton. He accordingly addressed a letter to Mr. Brown, stating his
knowledge of the manufacture of cotton, and upon receiving a reply he embarked for Providence.
The only introduction which Slater had from the old world to the
new, was his indenture to Strutt. This voucher he showed to Moses Brown, as evidence of his respectability and capacity. Mr.
Brown took Slater out to Patucket, to show him their machinery,
which he soon pronounced worthless. An agreement was shortly
after entered into, dated 14th April, 1790, between Almy & Brown
and Slater, by which the latter agreed to erect the series of machines, called " Arkwright's Patents," conditioned, that he should
have a man to work on wood, to be put under bonds not to steal the
patterns or disclose the nature of the work.
This was the commencement of Slater's labors in the United
States. White, in his memoir of Slater, produces abundant evi'
dence to show, that previous to the year 1790, no such machinery'




42
existed in this country; and that i" Samuel Slater, without the aid
of any one who had ever seen such machinery, did actually, from
his own personal knowledge and skill, put in motion the whole of
Arkwright's patents; and that he put them in such perfect operation
as to produce as good yarn and cotton cloth, of various descriptions,
equal to any article of the kind produced in England at that time.'
It is not within the limits prescribed for these " Brief Sketches,'
to go into the details of the various improvements of machinery or
manufacture of goods introduced by Slater during an active business
life of forty-five years. It may be sufficient to say, that it was a
long time before he or his associates reaped any great benefit from
their skill and labor. Notwithstanding they produced articles equal
in value to those imported, yet so strong was the prejudice in favor
of foreign products, (which in some measure continues until this
day,) that they could not always find a sale for their goods. They,
however persevered with patient and unwearied industry, until Time,
often the great balm for the ills of life, came to their relief.
They finally triumphed over all difficulties, and eventually reaped
that rich reward, which they so justly merited. When we look
back to the first cultivation of the Cotton Plant in the United States,
and now look at the present production, manufacture and consump.
tion of Cotton, we come to the conclusion that the history of the
world affords no instance of any thing which the earth has ever
produced, which has brought about such a revolution in human
affairs; and that too, within the brief period of but little more than
half a century.
Baines, in his history of the Cotton Manufactory, says: —-" In
the long and fearful struggle which followed the French Revolution, this country was mainly supported by its commerce; and the
largest, though the newest branch of that Commerce was furnished
by the Cotton manufacture. To Arkwright and Watt, England is
far more indebted for her triumphs, than to Nelson or Wellington.
Without the nreans supplied by her flourishing manufactures and
trade, the country could not have borne up, under a contest so prolonged and exhausting."  In the article of Cotton alone, the exports
amounted, between 1793 and 1815, to two hundred and fifty millions
of Pounds sterling; equal to more than twelve hundred millions of
dollars I!
In the year 1794 John Jay, Chief Justice of the United States,




43
was appointed by Washington Minister to Great Britain, to negotiate
a Treaty. By the twelfth article of the Treaty which he concluded,
it was stipulated that Cotton should not be exported in American
vessels!  It is true, that the Senate struck that article out of the
Treaty; but it only shows of how little importance it was considered
at that date.
Cotton, now constitutes one half the value of the whole exports
of the United States.
But we must return however, to the subject of this sketch.
The uniform testimony borne to his character is:-That he possessed great skill in mechanics-that he was industrious in his
habits, and rigidly punctual in all his engagements. He never put
off until to-morrow, what he could do to-day. Order and neatness
reigned throughout all his establishments.  Exemplary in his morals-a liberal and humane master, and a zealous and faithful
friend.
Mr. Tristran Burgess in an address delivered before the Historical
Society of Rhode Island, some fifteen or twenty years ago, thus
spoke of Slater:-" Forty years ago, there was not a spindle wrought
by water, on this side of the Atlantic.  Since then, how immense
the capital by which spinning and weaving machinery are proved!
-How many, how great, how various the improvements! The
farmers of Flanders erected a statue in honor of him, who intro.
duced into their country, the culture of the Potatoe. What shall
the people of New England do for him, who first brought us the
knowledge of manufacturing cloth by machinery moved by water
Power!
In England, he would in life be ornamented with a Peerage, and
in death lamented by a monument in Westminster Abbey.
"The name of Slater will be remembered, as one of our greatest
public benefactors. Let not the rich, in his adopted country, envy
the products of his labor-his extensive opulence-his fair and elevated character. Let the poor rise up, and call him blessed."
He closed a well spent life at Webster, in Massachusetts, on the
20th April, 1835, in the 67th year of his age. Ile left great wealth
to his children; but he also left them, what the great King of Israel
says, is rather to be chosen than great riches —A GOOD NAME.




NO. IX.
THOMAS TELFORD,
THE SELF TAUGHT ENGINEER.
Telford was born in the year 1757 in the Parish of Westerkirk,
county of Dumfries, Scotland.
His father dying when he was an infant, the care of his early
years devolved upon his mother, for whom he always cherished a
most affectionate regard. So much so, that when she became
advanced in life and her sight began to fail, he composed his
letters to her in printed characters, so that she could read then
herself.
He received the rudiments of education, in a parish school at
Westerkirk, and whilst engaged as a Shepherd's Boy during the
summer, in assisting his uncle, he made diligent use of his leisure
in studying books, lent to him by his village friends. At the age of
fourteen, he was put apprentice to a Stone Mason, in the neighbors
ing town of Langholm; and for several years he was employed,
chiefly in his native district, in the ordinary business of a country
mason.
In 1780, being then about twenty-three years of age, and con.
sidering himself master of his art, he visited Edinburg, with a view
of obtaining employment.
The splendid improvements then in progress in that city, turned
his attention to architecture of a higher order, than that to which
he had been accustomed.
After remaining two years in Edinburg, he removed to London,
where he obtained employment in the building of Sommerset House.
The talent and skill which he displayed there, in a subordinate sit.
uation, obtained for him, the place of Superintendant of the erection
of a building for the residence of the Commissioner of Portsmouth.
He was afterwards employed in the Dock Yards of Portsmouth,
where his talents were properly appreciated. After various other
engagements, he turned his attention to Bridges and Canals.




45
The first Bridge he constructed, was over the Severn at Mont.
ford.
His first great work in the line of Canals, was the Ellsmere Ca.
nal, intending to unite the Severn, the Dee and Mersey Rivers.
This work was attended with great difficulty owing to the nu-.
merous valleys, streams and rivers, through which it had to pass.
The elevation of the Acqueduct Bridge, over the Dee, was one hundred and twenty-seven feet, and in length more than one hundred
feet.
Telford's next great work was the Caledonian Canal, which unites
the North Sea, to the Atlantic Ocean, opening an inland commu.
nication for the largest merchant vessels, for upwards of two hundred miles through, near the centre of Scotland. This Canal, connects various Lakes or Lochs, Rivers, and arms of the Sea, though
the whole of the links of the Canal itself do not exceed twenty-five
miles.
The Canal has 27 Locks, in breadth 40 feet, and in length 170
to 180 feet. It commences at Murray Firth, on the East, and extends to Cantyre on the West, opposite to the Northern coast of
Ireland.
In the last two miles, before the Canal (in its westerly direction)
enters Loch Eil, there is a descent of 64 feet, which is passed by
eight connected Locks. The Gates are of cast iron. These Locks
are called, Nepetune's Stair Case.
" Nothing, says one of our authorities, can be more majestic or
imposing, than the sight from the hill near Loch Eil, to see a large
ship, with her masts and rigging, descending the stupendous Locks,
exhibiting a striking instance of the triumph of Art."
Since this great national work was finished, there have been more
than one million of forest trees, planted upon the borders of this
Canal, and the waters connected with it.
Telford was employed by the Swedish government, in constructing the Gotha Canal, to connect Lake Wenner with the Baltic. As
an evidence of the satisfaction which he afforded) the King of Swe.
den conferred on him an order of Knighthood. He was also frequently consulted by the Russian government, in relation to works
of public improvement. In the 67th Plate, in the Atlas of his
works, is the plan of a road designed by him, from Warsaw in Poland, to the Russian Frontiers.




46
The Emperor Alexander sent Telford, a diamond ring, with a
suitable inscription, as a testimonial of the estimation in which he
held his services.
The great and crowning work of Telford, and that which will carry
his name down to posterity, is his Suspension Bridge over the
Menai Strait.
It had long been an object of great importance to the British government, to establish a direct and expeditious communication, between London aud Dublin, so as to avoid the circuitous route, by
way of Liverpool. The rapid current however, that frequently
runs through the Menai Strait, which separates the coast of Wales
from the island of Anglescy, rendered the route both dangerous and
uncertain. Upon the representations of Telford, an Act of Parliament was passed, authorizing the construction of this Bridge,
and he was appointed to carry it into effect. The island of An.
glescy is connected by a Causeway, with the small island of Holyhed, from whence the Steamboats cross over the Irish channel to
Dublin.
This Bridge is elevated one hundred feet above the surface of the
water at high tide, and merchant vessels of the largest class pass
under it.
Howe in his memoirs says, " Telford's fame has been principally
spread in Great Britain, by his great work, the Dublin road from
London to Holyhead, including the Menai and Conway Bridges.The Menai Bridge, one of the greatest wonders of art in the world,
is an imperishable monument of his capacity."
Telford, notwithstanding his professional occupations and active
life, found time to acquire a knowledge of the Latin, French and
German languages, and from early life he had a turn for poetry. —
He was intimate and corresponded with Burns.
Telford was elected a fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburg,
in 1803; and he was also elected a fellow of the Royal Society of
London in 1827. He closed an exemplary life, at his own house
in Westminster, the 2d September, 1834, in the 77th year of his
age. He was buried in Westminster Abbey, amongst the illustrious
dead.
One of the distinguished and honorable traits in Telford's
character, was, that wherever he found merit, he patronized
it, and numerous are the individuals whom, from obscurity he




47
raised to situations where their talents and merits were properly
appreciated.
The London Cyclopedia, from which we have derived many facts
in this sketch, says:-,6 Telford is another striking instance, added to those on record,
of men who have, by force of natural talent, unaided, save by
uprightness and persevering industry, raised themselves from the
low estate in which they were born, to take their stand amongst the
master spirits of the age."




NO. X.
OLIVER EVANS,
THE RENOWNED DELAWARE ENGINEER.
The subject of this Sketch, was born in New Castle County, in
this State, in the year 1755 or 1756, upon a farm then owned by
his Father, near Brandywine Springs.
At fourteen years of age he was put apprentice to a Wheel.right
or wagon maker, and very early discovered a natural talent for me.
chanics.
By the time he was seventeen years of age, his mind was occupied in endeavoring to discover some means of propelling land carriages, without animal power.
Where he got the first idea of the power: of steam, can be best
told in his own words.
In a paper written and signed by himself, now before us dated in
1812, lie says:-" One of my brothers on a, Christmas evening, informed me that he had that day been in company with a neighboring Blacksmith's boys, who for amusement had stopped up the
touch.hole of a gun barrel, then put in about a- gill of water, and
rammed down a tight wad; after which they put the breach of the
gun in the Smith's fire,. when it discharged itself, with as loud a
crack as if it had been loaded with gunpowder. It immediately occurred to me, /zere is thepower that l want to propel my wagon, if
I knew how to apply it, and I immediately set myself to work to find
out the means."
He shortly afterwards found a book, describing an old Atmos.
phere Engine; and he followed up his studies with increased ardour,
until he found he could make a steam wagon. lie petitioned the
Legislature of Pennsylvania in 1786 for the exclusive right to use
his improvements in the manufacture of Flour in that State; and
also for the exclusive right for Steam Wagons. They granted his
first Petition; but took no action about his Steam Wagons, believing
him to be insane upon that subject,
The Legislature of Maryland in 1787, gave him the exclusive




49
right to use Steam Wagons in that State; but he could find no person to furnish the means, to aid him in constructing them.
After having for years, applied to various individuals without
success to unite with him,. by furnishing means, to build Steam
Wagons, he at last applied to the Lancaster and Philadelphia Turn.
pike Company, with a view of introducing them on their Turnpike
Road,
He submitted to the Company a statement of the cost and profits
of a Steam Carriage, to carry one hundred barrels of Flour, tending to show, that one such Steam Carriage would make more net
profits, than ten wagons drawn by five horses each. The Company
however, declined his proposition, having no confidence in it.
He says:-" In. the year 1805, I published a Book, describing my
Steam Engine, with directions for working it, when applied to propel
boats against the current of the- Mississippi, as well as carriages on
Turnpike Roads."
In 1804, Evans constructedat his works, by order of the Board
of Health of Philadelphia; a machine for clearing the mud out of
the Docks.
It consisted of a Scow, with a Steam Engine of Five Horse Power.
He thought this a favorable time to show that his Engine would
propel, both Wagons and Boats, He put his Scow upon temporary
wheels, in a rough manner, and although its weight was equal to
two hundred barrels of Flour, yet with his small Engine, he transported it with ease to the Schuylkill, more than a mile distant from
his Works. He then: launched it into the Schuylkill, and fixed a
Paddle Wheel to the Stern, and drove it down that river into the
Delaware, and up, the Delaware to Philadelphia, leaving all the vessels behind at least half way.
In one of his writings,.published about that time, he says: —" The
time will come, when people will travel in Stages, moved by Steam
Engines, from one city to another, almost as fast as birds can fly,
fifteen or twenty miles an hour. A Steam Carriage will set out
from Washington in the morning; the passengers will breakfast at
Baltimore —dine in Philadelphia and sup at New York, the same
day."
He observes, that to accomplish this, it will be necessary to have
Iron Rails, or smooth gravel, with Rails as a guide. Although there
were many other persons at that time, who entertained similar
D




50
views with Evans, relative to propelling Boats by Steam (and indeed long before him,) yet he appears to have been years in ad.
vance of all the rest, in respect to the use of Steam,for propelling
Land Carriages. Evans made important improvements in the
Steam Engine, both by increasing its power, in lessening the con.
sumption of fuel one half, and by greatly reducing their price; by
which means he brought them into more general use for sawing
Timber, grinding Grain as well as in Cotton and Woolen Manufactories, and all other Manufactories, where such a power was required.
Evans' first important invention we have postponed until the last.
We allude to his improvement in the manufacture of Flour. For
this invention, he obtained from the Legislature of Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania, an exclusive right to use it within these
States; but the great difficulty he found, was to get the Millers to
adopt it. Shortly after the Constitution of the United States went
into operation, an Act of Congress was passed, to carry into effect
that provision of the Constitution which secures to Authors and Inventors, the fruits of their labors.
Under that law, Evans obtained a Patent for his improvement in
the manufacture of Flour. Before the Patent expired, it was declared void, by the Circuit Court of the United States at Philadelphia, owing to some informality in issuing it.
He then applied to Congress, who, on the 21st January 1808,
passed an Act renewing his Patent, for fourteen years from that
date.
A formidable opposition was got up in Maryland against his
grant, on the ground that he was not the original inventor. Suits
were instituted against those who infringed upon his rights.
The Case came up before the Circuit Court of the United States
for the State of Maryland, Judge Duval one of the Judges of the
Supreme Court of the United States, and Judge Huston of the Dis.
trict Court, being on the Bench.
After a full investigation of the whole matter, which occupied the
Court for four days, verdicts were obtained in favor of Evans, upon
all the suits instituted. We can scarcely suppose tha.t a Maryland
Court, and a Maryland Jury, would have concurred in verdicts in
favor of a stranger, against their own citizens, unless they were
founded both in law and justice.




51
The defeated parties shortly after, presented a memorial to Congress, praying relief from the operation of this Patent. The Com.
mittee of the Senate to whom it was referred, reported adverse to
the prayer of the Memorialists, on the ground that it was improper
for Congress to-interfere in a matter which belonged to the Judiciary,
who had already pronounced upon it. Amongst other documents
which these memorialists presented to Congress, in opposition to
Evans' Patent, was a long letter from Mr. Jefferson, dated Monti.
cello, August 13, 1813, in reply to a letter which they had addressed
him. Mr. Jefferson endeavors to show that Evans' Elevator, was
nothing more than the old Persian Wheel; and that it had been
used in Egypt to draw water, time out of mind; and that his Conveyor was Archimedes' Screw, which had been known for at least
two thousand years. The tenor of Mr. Jefferson's letter, is against
the whole system of Patents; although he admits, there may be exe
traordinary cases, in which it may be proper to grant them.  Evans
replies to this letter at great length, and clearly vindicates his own
rights as the Court had before done for him.
Mr. Jefferson says, that " He assumes it as a lemma, that it is
the invention of the machine itself, that is to give the Patent right,
and not the application of it, to any particular purpose."
If Patent rights were confined within this limited space, but few
would ever have been issued.
We consider, that new improvements-new combinations and
new applications of things already known, constitute just grounds
for a Patent right; and upon these principles, the great mass of the
Patents are issued. Upon these principles, Evans' Patent was
granted, anJ confirmed. For example, how many Patents have
been issued, growing out of Steam? The power of Steam has been
known, since the first Tea Kettle was boiled; but age past after
age, and generation after generation, before this powerful agent,
was ever used for any mechanical purpose.
In how many different modes and ways has it since been pat.
ented? Mr. Jefferson's general objections to Patents, may be drawn
from various passages in this letter. He says that " Stable owner.
ship is the gift of social law, and is given late in the progress of
Society. It would be curious, that an idea, the fugitive fermenta.
tion of an individual brain could of natural right be claimed in exelusive and stable property. If nature has made any one thing,




52
less susceptible, than all others of exclusive property, it is the action of the thinking power, called an idea    *    *    *    He
who receives an idea from me, receives instruction, without lessening mine, as he who lights his Taper at mine, receives light, without
darkening me.           *          *'    *    Inventions then,
cannot in'nature, be a subject of proper'ty."
Can any reasoning be more fallacious than this?  It was to ridicule such logic as this, that Johnson wrote his Turnip Crier:
" If a man, who Turnips criesCries not, when his Father dies,
It's a sign, that he would rather,
Have a Turnip, than his Father."
It cost Mr. Jefferson nothing to light his Taper, therefore he lost
nothing by giving light to his neighbors. But if Mr. Jefferson had
devoted years of his life, and gone to great expense, to light his
I'aper, the cases then, would have borne some resemblance. In
that case, we presume that even Mr. Jefferson himself, before giving
light to his neighbor, would have claimed some compensation, to
indemnify him, for the time he had lost, and the expense he had
incurred in procuring the light. It would require a large share of
charity, to believe otherwise.
Mr. Jefferson says, that he understands " That England, until we
copied her, was the only Country on Earth, which ever by a gen.
eral law, gave a legal right, to the exclusive use of an idea."'  We
think that Mr. Jefferson was rather unfoitunate in quoting England,
upon this occasion. What was it raised England to so much power
and dignity, amongst the Nations of the Earth?
It was not the extent of her Territory, for the whole island of
Great Britain, does not contain as many square miles, as the State
of Virginia and Georgia. It was not by the sale of her Agricultural produce, for she has not raised Bread enough, to support her own
population, for the last three quarters of a century.
It was her Iron, Wool, Flax, and other raw materials, and sub.
sequently, Cotton and other produce from abroad, all of which, by
human skill and human ingenuity (aided by her exhaustless Coal
Mines) she increased and multiplied in value, sometimes an hundred and sometimes a thousand fold. This was the great source
of her commerce, wealth, power and prosperity. It was this, that
raised her to the proud position she holds amongst the nations of




53
Europe-it was this that enabled her to plant her banners upon the
four quarters of the Globe. All the great improvements in Ma.
chinery, which tended to bring about these mighty results, were
made by men in subordinate situations in life, who, if they had not
known that the law would have protected their inventions, would
never have wasted their time, money and minds, in making improvements, from which, they were to receive no benefit. We are
therefore of opinion, that the law of England, which give " a legal
right, to the exclusive use of an idea" is a wise law to which Britain
owes much of her prosperity, and we also think the provision in
our own Constitution, which protects Authors and Inventors in the
fruit of their labor, is a wise provision, founded in justice, humanity
and sound policy, Mr. Jefferson's philosophical opinions to the contrary notwithstanding.




NO. xI.
PETER THE GREAT,
A GREAT EMPEROR AND A GREAT PRACTICAL MECHANIC.
PETER THE GREAT, the mighty Monarch of Russia, dignified labor by working with his own hands at various branches of the Mechanic Arts, as we shall hereafter show.
As PETER was one of Nature's prodigies, and as he did so much
to promote Commerce (that pioneer of civilization) and to introduce
the Arts and Sciences into Russia, we shall extend the history of
this extraordinary man beyond the space originally intended for
these brief sketches.
PETER THE GREAT was a son of Alexis Michailowitch, CZAR of
Russia. He was born at Moscow on the 30th of May, (old style)
1672. His father was twice married. By his first wife he had
three children, two sons and a daughter. The eldest son was The.
odore, the youngest Ivan, and the daughter Sophia.
By the second wife he had Peter, the subject of this memoir.Alexis, the father, died when Peter was but five years oldi Theo.
dore, his eldest son, who succeeded him, was of a very weak constitution, and only lived about seven years after he carne to the
throne. He died in 1682.
Theodore was aware that his brother Ivan was of a very feeble
intellect, and wholly unfit to govern; he therefore, by his will, left
thie Crown to his half.brother Peter, then but ten years of age, who
was proclaimed CZAR.
His half-sister, Sophia, both ambitious and destitute of principle,
united with the Strelitz and rebelled against his authority. The
Strelitz were the life-guards of the GzAR, a corps which had existed
for ages; and constantly gaining influence, until, like the Jannizaries
at Constantinople, (who made and unmade Sultans at their pleasure)
they became formidable to the Crown.
After the most horrible barbarities had been committed by the
Strelitz, the rebellion was quelled and tranquility restored, on con.
dition that Ivan and Peter should reign together, and that the Princess Sophia should have the first seat in the Council and be con.
sidered Regent. This placed the whole government in her hands,
for Ivan was a simpleton, and Peter but ten years of age.




55
Another rebellion broke out shortly after, originating in new prin.
ciples of religion, which had been recently promulgated, and which
threatened a subversion of the government. The whole family Of
the CzaRs had to seek safety in a Monastery of the Trinity, (about
twelve leagues from Moscow) which was also a strong fortress.The rebellion was at length suppressed. Thirty of the Strelitz
were beheaded, and others sent to Siberia. The Princess Sophia
still continued to govern the country. During this time Peter was
pursuing his studies; Timmerman, a German, taught him Mathe.
mstics. His warlike spirit was constantly developing itself. Although joint Czar, he had, as yet no seat in the Council. He formed
a military company of young men, at his country residence, Preeba.
zinski, principally composed of young domestics; and the officers
he chose from noblemen's sons. He required the latter first to be
private soldiers in the company, as he had been himself, before they
became officers. As they increased in numbers he appointed Lefort to command then, that both he and they might acquire the,
military act. As Lefort was a man of rare and diversified talents,
and possessed a deep knowledge of human nature; and as he after.
wards became and continued Peter's confidential friend and adviser,
we shall give a brief history of him.
Lefort was born at Geneva of respectable parents, and at fourteen
years of age he entered the French service as a Cadet. From thence
he went to Holland, and entered the Dutch army, where he was
wounded in battle. About that time, Colonel Verstin, late an officer
in the Dutch Army, received a commission from Alexis, (Peter the
Great's father) to raise some volunteers in Holland, and to bring
them to Archangel, then the only Russian sea.port in Europe. Le.
fort enlisted as an officer in that corps, and embarked for Archangel,
where they arrived safe; but found that the CZAR, Alexis, was dead,
the government changed, and they were not wanted.
The Governor of Archangel, jealous of foreigners, threatened to
send them to Siberia. Lefort, by some means, got to Moscow,
where he called upon the Danish Minister and represented his situ.
ation. As he understood the French, German and Dutch lan.
guages, the Danish Minister employed him as Secretary. He im.
mediately applied himself to the study of the Russian language. —
In this.situation he became acquainted with Peter, to whom he related his history. Peter got him the command of a company of in.




56
fantry. To the company of young men which Peter had raised for
his own instruction, he added another and another, until they
amounted to a regiment, and he then gave the command of it to
Lefort. There was a regiment at Moscow, raised by Alexis, Peter's father, composed principally of foreigners, commanded by
General Gordon, a Scotsman, long resident at Moscow.
Peter having completed his sixteenth year, took his seat in the
Council, in 1668. 1le soon discovered that he had more to fear
from the Princess Sophia and the Strelitz than from any other
source. About this time, Peter was married to Eudoxia Lapuchin,
a daughter of Colonel Lapuchin, a Russian officer, for there was
nothing in the laws, at that time, to prevent a sovereign marrying
a subject. This marriage was brought about by his mother, and
turned out very unfortunate. By this marriage he had one son,
Alexis, who was a thorn in his father's side, as we shall have occasion to notice hereafter. Shortly after Peter's marriage, he received
pndoubted information that the Princess Sophia had concerted with
the Strelitz to have him arrested and dethroned, and herself pro^laimed Empress. He was advised to proceed immediately to the
Monastery of the Trinity, until his friends could come to his relief.
General Gordon immediately repaired with his troops to the Trinity,
to protect him. All the nobles and inhabitants friendly to him flew
to his relief. The rebellion was suppressed; the Princess Sophia
was arrested and confined in a convent; many of the Strelitz were
beheaded; some knouted and sent to Siberia, and the remainder dispersed into distant provinces. Peter entered Moscow in triumph.
Ivan embraced his brother in sight of the people, and confided the
whole government to him, and reigned with him jointly, but only in
name.
Peter, at seventeen years of age, thus seated upon the Throne of
Russia, immediately took measures to raise an army, to protect himself and to preserve the public tranquility. Lefort became his confidential minister and adviser. An army was promptly raised, and
the command given to General Gordon. As soon as tranquility was
restored, Peter turned his attention to the foreign relations of the
country. Difficulties had long existed between Russia and China,
with regard to their boundaries. Negotiations were opened with
the Chinese government, and it was agreed that ambassadors of the
two great powers should meet at Nipchon, within the disputed ter



57
ritory, to settle their boundaries. Peter appointed a splendid Embassy, at the head of which was Gollowin, Governor of Siberia. The
Emperor of China, Cam-hi appointed seven Ambassadors, with a
host of guards of honor and attendants, amounting to over a thousand persons. The Chinese Ambassadors brought with them two
Jesuits, as interpreters- one a Portuguese, named Perira, and the
the other a Frenchman, named Gerbillon, both Latin scholars. The
Russian Embassy also brought with them a German, profoundly
versed in Latin. The negociations were conducted in Latin, through
the interpreters, and all the difficulties amicably adjusted. Two
copies of the Treaty were written in Latin. The Chinese Ambassadors signed one copy first, and the Russian Ambassadors signed
the other copyfirst, so as to preserve equality of rank. The Treaty
was sworn to, as was the custom at that time. This is said to have
been the first Treaty the Chinese ever concluded.
Peter next turned his attention to the internal condition of the
country, reforming abuses and reorganizing various branches of
the government. He had a strong passion for a Navy. His father
Alexis, desirous of commerce with Persia, through the Caspian Sea,
had sent to Holland for shipwrights and seamen, and had built,
upon the Volga, two vessels, which were sent to the Caspian Sea.
Whilst there, a local rebellion took place. The vessels were destroyed, and most of the officers and crew murdered. Karsten
Brand, who aided in building these vessels, escaped and got back
to Moscow, where he had long lived unnoticed and unknown. Peter
heard of him, and employed him to construct two frigates, which
was the commencement of the Russian navy. Peter early saw that
commerce was of vital importance to Russia. He therefore resolved to open a communication with the Black Sea, and being at
war with Turkey, he resolved to get possession of Azoph, which
was the key to the Black Sea. He prepared a formidable army,
and in 1695 set out on that expedition. General Gordon and Lefort were the principal commanders. After a long siege Azoph
surrendered 28th July, 1696. Peter returned to Moscow, where
his army entered, under triumphant arches, and every demonstration of joy, for this important victory.  General Gordon,
Lefort and the other officers preceded the CZAR in this pageant, as
Peter wished the nobles to see, that with him, merit alone was a
passport to honor. During his absence his brother Ivan died. This




58
made no difference in his authority; but he now administered the
government in his own name.
In order to carry out his great views of introducing the Arts into
Russia, and paving the way for the civilization of his people, he
resolved to travel into the south of Europe. To avoid the parade
of a Monarch, he instituted an Embassy and he accompanied it,
incognito. Before leaving Moscow, Peter gave the command of
the army there to General Gordon. The.Embassy consisted of
Gen. Laforte, Gollowin, late Governor of Siberia, who signed the
treaty with China and Vonitsin, a Secretary of State, and long employed in foreign affairs, together with about fifty officers and
guards. They proceeded to Berlin,.where due honor was shown
them, and from thence to Amsterdam, which was the most important
place that Peter desired to visit. Accommodations were provided
for him on his arrival at Amsterdam, at the East India House. He
did not remain long there, until he went to the shipyard of the Admiralty, where he took up his quarters; and for some time occu.
pied himself in seeing the manner of constructing vessels. That,
however, did not satisfy him. He resolved to go to Sardam, distant about seven miles from Amsterdam. where ship-building was
conducted upon an immense scale. Every thing connected with the
construction and equipment of vessels was to be found at Sardam,
and a large body of men constantly at work. The Czar rented a
small building, and entered his name as Peter Michaeloff. He then
dressed himself as a common ship carpenter, and went to work and
labored daily with the carpenters, with the ropemakers, blacksmiths,
sail-makers, and all the branches connected with the building and
fitting out of vessels. The workmen did not much like it when he
first came among them, as they were not accustomed to keep kingly
company; but he spoke Dutch well, and made himself so agreeable to them, that they called him Master Peter. Whilst Peter was
thus busy in the ship-yards, his Embassy remained at Amsterdam.
Whilst occupied in this manner, he received information, that the
Prince of Orange, William the Third, then King of England, was
at the Hague. He left the workshop to pay him a visit, accom.
panied by no one else but Leforte. Upon his return to Sardam he
resumed his occupation for some time, when he removed to Amsterdam, where he devoted himself to acquiring all sorts of information,
but particularly to lectures upon anatomy and practical surgery.




59
In January, 1698, he went over to England, in the suit of his
Embassy, by invitation of King William, who sent a yacht and two
ships-of-war to accompany him. Upon his arrival in England, he
went to the ship yard at Deptford, where he studied the English
mode of ship-building, which he preferred to the Dutch. Whilst in
England, he examined into every branch of art or manufacture.
An English engineer, who attended on him whilst in England, and
who accompanied him to Russia, said, that from the foundling of a
cannon to the manufacture of a cambric needle, nothing escaped his
notice. He visited Oxford, and the University conferred on him
the degree of Doctor of Laws. The merchants of London gave
Peter fifteen thousand pounds for the privilege of introducing Tobacco into Russia; for the Greek Church had prohibited the use of
it as a sin. Peter whilst in England engaged in service upwards
of five hundred persons, consisting of naval and military officers,
and every description of artisans, who were sent to Russia. We
omitted to state, that whilst in Holland, Peter had a ship of sixty
guns built for himself, at which he daily labored. King William,
having noticed Peter's great passion for naval affairs, ordered a
naval sham-battle, which highly gratified him.
In May, 1698, he returned to Holland, and thence proceeded with
his Embassy to Vienna, where he had an interview with Emperor
Leopold, incognito. Whilst there, he learned that another insurrection of the Strelitz had broken out at home. He hastened back
to Moscow, where he arrived the 4th of September, 1698. Great
dissatisfaction had been created in Moscow, and other parts of
Russia, occasioned by his introducing so many foreigners into the
country; and the Strelitz, who were scattered about on the frontiers, taking advantage of this, united with the malcontents, were
on their march to Moscow, to place the Princess Sophia on the
Throne. General Gordon, however, met them about sixty miles
from Moscow, and totally defeated them, before Peter's return. —
Peter created a special tribunal to try the rebels. Humanity would
gladly draw a veil over the result. Officers, priests and people,
who took part in the rebellion, suffered alike. Some were beheaded
-others knouted, banished, and punished in every way. Those
who had remained faithful, were loaded with rewards and covered
with honors, As evidence of the indomitable character of Peter,
the whole corps of Strelitz, whom none of his predecessors dare
even reduce in number, be totally annihilated,




60
In March, 1699, Lefort died, which plunged Peter into deep grief.
He directed a public funeral, and paid him the same funeral honors
usually rendered to a Monarch. As he had received his first military instruction from Lefort in the capacity of a Lieutenant of a
company, he attended the funeral in the uniform of a Lieutenant,
and took that rank in the funeral procession, to let the nobles see
how he honored merit.
Shortly after this, the Patriarch Adrian died. The office of Pa.
triarch was formerly but little inferior to that of CZAR. Upon the
death of Adrian, Peter abolished the office, and directed its immense
revenues to be paid into the public, treasury. Menzikoff, who from
obscurity had risen, by his talent and zeal, in his master's services,
to distinction in the army, now became Peter's favorite.
Amongst many other important changes which Peter introduced
after his return, was a change of the day when the new year should
commence. The Russian year had previously commenced on the
first of September. He passed a Decree, that in order to conform
to the practice of other continental nations, that the year should
commence on the first of January. Great objection was made to
this, as many of the Russians believed that the world was made in
the month of September. The change was adopted at all public of;
fices, and gradually submitted to. He did not however undertake
to abolish the Julian and to establish the Gregorian Calendar.Strong as he was, he was not strong enough for that, as it would
have deranged all the fasts and festivals of the Church. That remains unchanged until this day.
Soon after Peter's return, war was commenced with Sweden.
Peter, with a large army, made an attack upon Narva, where he
met with an entire defeat, by Charles the Twelfth. The Swedes
were in a high state of discipline; whereas the Russians were mostly
new recruits. Peter was by no means discouraged; on the con.
trary, he said, " Our time will come, by and by." In 1702 Peter
gained many victories over the Swedes. Amongst other places
taken, was a small village, called Marienburg, on the confines of
Livonia and Ingria, which village we believe no longer exists.When the troops passed out, before General Bauer, he noticed an
interesting young girl, who appeared to be in great distress. He
directed that she should be taken to his quarters. He enquired her
history. She told him that she was a Lavonian born: that she was




61
married a few days before to a Sergeant in the Swedish army, and
that her husband had been killed in the attack upon the village.General Bauer mentioned these circumstances to Menzikoff, who
took her under his -protection. Peter saw her shortly after, and
took her under his care. Some years after he privately married
her; she accompanied him in his wars; she was with him in 1711,
when on the Pruth, he was nearly surrounded by the Turks; and
by her skill and diplomatic management, Peter and his whole army
were saved from being made prisoners. Peter afterwards publicly
married her, and sometime afterwards put the crown upon her head
with hib own hands, at St. Petersburg, as Catherine the First. At
his death she reigned as Empress herself. She had two daughters
by Peter, Anna and Elizabeth. Anna married the Duke of Holstein;
but Elizabeth remained single. Elizabeth reigned as Empress for
twenty years. A son of Anna, by the Duke of Holstein, succeeded
to the crown, as Peter the Third. His wife, the renowned Catherine the Second, succeeded her husband. Their son was the Emperor
Paul, who was the father of the late Emperor Alexander, and his
brother the present Empelor Nicholas. So that this young weep.
ing Sergeant's widow has given Sovereigns to Russia for more than
a hundred years, with a prospect of their continuance. We do not,
of course, include Peter the Second (son of the unfortunate Alexis)
who reigned three years, nor Anna, daughter of Ivan, who reigned
ten years, as neither of them was related to Catherine.
" Great Oaks from little Acorns grow."
This history may appear like romance, but the main facts are as
well authenticated as the fact that Peter once lived.
The campaign of 1702 resulted in various important victories
over the Swedes; and to defend himself against renewed aggres.
sion, Peter determined to construct a fort near the mouth of the
Neva. Before he finished this fort he resolved to build a city, to
serve as a commercial emporium, to connect Russia with the rest
of Europe. The work was promptly commenced; and in four
months the fortress was finished, and the city was rising. The
foundation of the foit was laid~May 27th, 1703. The city contin.
ued to increase. It was called the Fortress, St. Petersburgh. The
war continued with Sweden. On the 8th July, 1709, Peter totally
defeated the army of Charles the Twelfth, before Pultowa, and took
fourteen thousand prisoners. Peter employed twenty thousand men,




62
from all parts of the Empire, in building St. Petersburg. The Seat
of Government was removed there in 1713.
From  that time to this, the city of St. Petersburg has been increasing in beauty, wealth and population. It is a city of Palaces.
We have visited it twice, on commercial business, and we think it
better worth a voyage across the Atlantic, to see St. Petersburg, than
any other city in Europe. At present, it contains about half a mil.
lion of inhabitants. When Peter first commenced building the Fort,
he erected a small wooden hut, about thirty feet square, for his'own
accommodation; it was divided into three apartments: one half for
the transaction of business-the other half divided into two rooms:
the one for a chapel, and the other for a bed-room. That hut is yet
standing, in a thickly part of St. Petersburg; a roof, covered with
iron, supported by arches and pillars, protect it from the weather.
It is held in great veneration by the Russians. It affords a striking
contrast with the magnificent palaces which surround it.
After twenty years war with Sweden, peace was concluded on the
29th August, 1721, by which Lavonia and various other Swedish
possessions, were ceded to Russia. The peace was celebrated in
Russia with great rejoicing. The Senate and Holy Synod, in the
name of the Nation, requested Peter to accept of the title of the
Father of his Country, and Emperor of all the Russias, with the
surname of the GREAT. He was proclaimed Emperor on the
grand celebration of the Peace, October 22d, 1721.
Peter's son, Alexis, by his first wife, had long caused him great
tribulation, having adopted the views of the party who supported
the Princess Sophia. Not wishing to leave to his country the leg.
acy of a civil war, in the person of -his rebellious son, Peter resolved to have him brought to trial. For that purpose, he consti.
tuted a Court, composed of one hundred and forty-four members,
consisting of Judges, Senators, Bishops and Nobles. His son was
brought before that tribunal, and the trtal continued for about five
months. Both Peter and his son were frequently examined before
the Court. Alexis was found guilty of a conspiracy to dethrone his
father, and the Court pronounced: -sentence of death upon him.When the sentence was read to'Alexis, it brought on apoplexy, of
which he shortly died. It was never the intention of Peter to have
the sentence carried into effect; but the sentence of the Court would
have carried with it civil death, which would have deprived him of
all the right to the Crown, and that was all Peter wanted.




63
We have extended this memoir greatly beyond our original in.
tention, and we must now draw to a close, without noticing his war
with Persia and some of the most important events of his reign.
After suffering from the stranguary for several years, Peter died
on the 28th January 1725, in the 53d year of his age. His body
was taken to the Great Saloon of the Palace, where it lay in state,
until the 10th of March, where it was buried with distinguished funeral honors.
Peter, some years before his death, had ordained that the Em.
peror should name his successor. He suffered so much bodily pain
in his last illness, that he had named no one. The Archbishop of
Pleskow, declared before the Senate, that at the coronation of Catherine, Peter said, his object in crowning her, was, that she should
reign after him. Menzikoff, who from a poor boy, had gradu.
ally risen to the dignity of a Prince, confirmed it. Catherine was
therefore proclaimed his successor.
Peter committed the same error, in regard to his son, so common
in all ages, and of which we see so many fatal examples, in our
own day. We allude to that, of parents being so much occupied in
the pursuit of ambition, power, wealth or fame, or so engaged in the
discharge of public duties, that they have no time to attend to the
moral discipline of their children in very early life; and when their
children advance in years, they are quite surprised that they will
not submit to parental authority. It would be quite surprising if
they did. It might as well be expected, that the stubborn Oak,
would bend like the young Sappling, as to expect that a child, sub.
ject to no restraint, and permitted to follow its own perverse will,
could afterwards be brought to submit to parental authority. It is
early discipline which makes the finished scholar; the dutiful sol.
dier; the skilful mechanic and the law-abiding citizen.
When in St. Petersburg, we heard so much about Peter, that we
took the trouble to examine into his history; and in a brief manner,
we shall express our view of his conduct and character.
He was born to despotic authority, and tyranical by nature; yet
he was more of a Republicanj than any off the present; Rulers
of Europe, for neither birth nor rank was any recommendation to
him, as qualifications for public employment. Merit and that alone,
was a passport to his favor. He was a Patriot of the purest stamp.
His country was his Idol. HIe possessed many eccentricities of




64
character.  Without any evidence of vital piety, he built churches
and honored religion. With but little knowledge of jurisprudence,
he became a great lawgiver. Not profound in military science,
he eventually conquered and totally defeated Charles the Twelfth,
the greatest warrior of that age.
Without commercial education, he early foresaw the vital importance of commerce, as a source of wealth to his country, and the
pioneer of civilization. He therefore constructed Canals, connecting the Baltic with the Caspian and the Black Sea; and he laid the
foundation for that system of internal improvement, by which the
Baltic and the Mediterranean carry on commerce with Siberia and
the frontiers of China. He built a great commercial city and established relations of commerce with all parts of Europe. With but
little knowledge of either, he introduced the Arts and Sciences into
Russia.  Not over-civilized himself, he did more to civilize his
Country, than all his successors.
He was fully aware of the infirmity of his own temper, for he frequently said, that he found it easier to reform his Country, than to
reform himself.
We somewhere met with an Epitaph, written for Peter's Tomb,
which thus concludes:
Blush, O Art!
At a He ro, who owed thee nothing;
Exult, 0 Nature!
For thine was the prodigy.




NO. XTI.
DAVID RITTENHOUSE,
THE SELF-TAUGHT ASTRONOMER.
To the preceding numbers of these sketches we subscribed the
name of RITTEIHOUSE. This may have been thought presumptuous in the writer hereof, who has so little pretensions to Science;
but custom seems to have sanctioned the usage, that, after a distin.
guished individual has passed that bourne from which no traveller
returns, his name may be used to promote objects which the deceased approved whilst living. With these preliminary remarks,
we shall proceed, in this concluding number,.to give a brief memoir
of the individual in whose name we have heretofore written these
"Sketches."
DAVID RITTENHOUSE, was born on his father's farm, near Ger.
mantown, Pennsylvania, the Sth April, 1732. His genius was soon
visible in mathematical figures, chalked by him on the barn, fences,
and even on the plough. Without any instruction in mathematics
or mechanics, he constructed a wooden clock at seventeen years
of age.
As he was of a delicate constitution, and as his father found that
he had no turn for farming, he bought him the tools of a clock and
mathematical instrument maker. His father then erected a workshop for him on his own land, fronting the public road. He continued there for many years, pursuing his trade by day and his
studies by night. With but few books at his command, and with.
out the least instruction, he made such progress in mathematics as
to be able to read the Principia of Newton. Whilst thus occupied,
he planned the instrument which afterwards gave him so much re.
nown: we allude to his Orrery, which was so great an improve.
ment on Graham's Orrery, that it might almost be considered as a
new instrument. We give the followingextract from the Journal of
the Colonial Assembly of Pennsylvania, which will show their opinion of it:
[Philadelphia]             HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY,, 
March 8, 1771. 
" The members of the Assembly, having viewed the Orrery constructed by Mr. DAVID RITTENHOUSE, a native of this Province;
and being of opinion that it exceeds all others hitherto constructed,
in demonstrating the true situation of the Celestial Bodies, &c.
E




66
" Resolved, That three hundred pounds be given to MR. RITTENHOUSE, as a testimony of the high sense this House entertains of his
mechanical genius."
Mr. Jefferson, many years after, thus expresses himself of Rit.
tenhouse:
" We have supposed RLTTENHOUSE second to no living Astrono.
mer; that in genius, he must be first, because self-taught. As an
Artist, he has exhibited as great proofs of mechanical genius as the
world has ever produced. He has not indeed made a world, but by
imitation he has approached nearer to its maker, than any other
man who has lived from the creation to this day."
Rittenhouse was appointed by the Legislature of Pennsylvania,
one of the Commissioners for adjusting a territorial dispute between
that State and Virginia. He was also employed in fixing the Northern boundary, which divides Pennsylvania from New York. He
was engaged in settling the limits between New York and New
Jersey. And in 1786, he was called upon to assist in fixing a boundary line between Massachussetts and New York.
The great renown which Rittenhouse justly obtained as an Astronomer, in addition to his Orrery, was his observation and report
of the Transit of Venus,'the 3d June, 1769. Prior to that time,
this phenomenon in the heavens had been seen but twice since the
creation of the world. Great preparations were made by nearly all
the governments of Europe, to observe that phenomenon.
The British Government sent out Capt. Cook, the great circumnavigator, in the ship Endeavor, accompanied by Sir Joseph Banks,
to the island of Otaheite, in the Pacific Ocean, to observe the'T'ransit of thisplanet. The French government sent astronomers to
Tobolsk, in Siberia, for the same purpose. Other governments
made suitable preparations, The American Philosophical Society
appointed three committees, to observe the passage of this planet
over the Sun's disc, viz: one to notice it at Cape Henlopen; one at
the State House Yard, Philadelphia; and the other near Germantown, at the residence of Rittenhouse, where an observatory had
been erected. We shall confine ourselves, however, to the proceedings of the subject of this memoir. He was provided with suitable
instruments, and with the deepest anxiety he awaited the eventful
day. The preceding night he passed without sleep, and great was
his joy when he beheld the morning sun. The sky was without a
cloud. A cloudy day would have destroyed all his bright hopes




67
as that phenomenon would not be visible again during the life time
of any one then upon the earth.
The eventful moment arrived, and brought with it all that was
expected. Rittenhouse's Report to the Philosophical Society, of the
manner in which he discharged the trust confided to him, bears
ample testimony of his profound knowledge of astronomical science.
To those who are unacquainted with astronomy, (of which we
know but little ourselves) it may be proper to state, that one great
object in observing the Transit of Venus is, to enable astronomers
by noticing the passage of this planet over the Sun's disc, in different parts of the globe, to ascertain the distance of the earth and
other planets from the sun. It is also useful in ascertaining longitude. There will be two Transits of Venus during the present
century-one in the year 1874, and the other in the year 1882after which time that phenomenon will not occur again for 105
years and six months. But to return to the subject of this memoir.
Rittenhouse was a true patriot; he was a member of the Committee of Public Safety during the Revolutionary war; he was
Treasurer of the State of Pennsylvania for twelve years, from 1777
until 1789; Washington appointed him Director of the Mint, which
office he held until the state of his health obliged him to resign it;
the College of Princeton conferred upon him the degree of Doctor
of Laws; he was elected a fellow of the Royal Society of London.
After the death of Doctor Franklin, he was chosen President of the
American Philosophical Society.
His health continued to decline until the 26th June, 1796, when
he closed a well spent life-a life devoted to the cause of science
and the cause of his country. He possessed true benevolence of
heart. Affable in his manners, and irreproachable in his morals,
he lived universally respected and beloved; and died deeply and
sincerely regretted. At the request of the American Philosophical
Society, Dr. Benjamin Rush pronounced a public Eulogium upon
his life and character. The Corporation of Philadelphia has paid
a just tribute of respect'to his memory by giving his name to an important public square in that city.
When we commenced these " Biographical Sketches" last Spring,
we stated, that our object in writing them was to hold up to young
mechanics examples of self-made men, who had overcome all the
obstacles to their advancement in life, by persevering industry, sobriety and inflexible integrity. We have shown numerous exam;




68
ples both at home and abroad, of individuals, who, without educa.
tion, without friends, and without means; yet byforc/6f indomitable
energy and perseverance, by sobriety and unwearied industry-and
strict integrity, have surmounted all these disadvantages and risen
to wealth and renown in the world.
Look at Arkwright, the thirteenth child of a laboring man, without education, whose inventions the Encyclopedia Britanica declares, have conferred more real benefit upon England, than the ab.
solute dominion of Mexico and Peru.
Look at Watt, to whom, when a youth, the Corporation of Glas.
gow refused permission to open a mathematical instrument shop in
that city, because he had not served his apprenticeship there; and
afterwards they erected a splendid monument to his memory; and
he was buried in Westminster Abbey.
Look at our own countryman Bowditch, who was never at school
after ten years of age, and whose name posterity will doubtless place
beside the names of Newton and Laplace.
It is not necessary, however, to re.write biographies which we
have already written. We have shown abundant instances of what
has been accomplished by self-taught men, both at home and abroad.
The present generation have immeasurable advantages over the
past. The door of Fame is still open, and the field of Science is as
boundless as the universe. We shall close these c" Sketches" by
subjoining a few beautiful verses, written by a Grecian Philosopher,
about twenty-five hundred years ago. They are as applicable now
as at the time they were written. We think that young mechanics,
as well as young men who are not mechanics, might all profit by
committing them to memory. These golden verses were given to
the writer hereof many long years ago, by an old and faithful friend,
whose mortal remains now lie mouldering beside his father's, in the
patriot soil of Quincy.
" Let not thine eyelids close at parting day
Till, with thyself, communing, thou shalt sayWhat deed of good or evil have I done
Since the last radiance of the morning sun 9
In strict review the day before the pass,
And see thyself in Truth's unerring glass.
If scorning Self-Delusion's fraudful ways
Her solemn voice reproving conscience raise;
With keen contrition aid Divine implore
Each error to redeem, and sin no more.
But should that faithful guardian witness bear,
That all thy actions have been just and fair,
Rejoice-and Heaven entreat, with soul sincere,
In Virtue's perfect path to persevere."
THE AUTHOR OF THESE SKETCHES.