M. Arago's Biographical Memoir of James Watt. 229 



thing became to him the beginning of a new and serious study, 

 and we knew that he would not quit it till he had either 

 discovered its insignificancy, or had made something of it. 

 He learnt the German language in order to peruse Leopold's 

 Theatrum machinarum. So did I, to know what he was about. 

 Similar reasons made us both learn the Italian language. 

 * * * When to his superiority of knowledge is added the 

 naive simphcity and candour of Mr Watt's character, it is no 

 wonder that the attachment of his acquaintances was strong. 

 I have seen something of the world, and am obliged to say I 

 never saw such another instance of general and cordial at- 

 tachment to a person whom all acknowledged to be their 

 .superior. But that superiority was concealed under the most 

 amiable candour, and a liberal allowance of merit to every 

 man. Mr Watt was the first to ascribe to the ingenuity of a 

 friend, things which were nothing but his own surmises fol- 

 lowed out and embodied by another. I am the more entitled 

 to say this, as I have often experienced it in my own case." * 

 It is for you, gentlemen, to determine whether it was not as 

 honourable to have expressed this concluding sentiment as to 

 have inspired it. 



The diversified and profound studies in which the circum- 

 stances of his singular position unceasingly engaged the young 

 artisan of Glasgow, were never allowed to interfere with the 

 labours of the workshop. These he executed during the 

 course of the day, whUst the night was devoted to theoreticaj 

 researches. Confiding in the resources of his fertile imagi- 

 nation, Watt appeared to luxuriate in the most difficult under- 

 takings, and in those which might be thought most foreign to 

 his tastes. Will it be believed that he undertook the building of 

 an organ, though totally insensible to the charms of music, so 

 much so that he could not distinguish one note from another \ 

 Nevertheless the work was accomplished. It is scarcely neces- 

 sary to say, that the new instrument exhibited important im- 

 provements in the mechanical details, — in the regulators, and 

 in the manner of measuring the force of the wind ; but one is 

 surprised to learn, that its powers of harmony were not less 

 remarkable, and that they delighted professional musicians. 



• MS. of the late Professor Robison. 



