Mr. Bew on Blindnefs . 169 
and general knowledge of geometry, optics, 
algebra ; of aftronomy, chemiftry j and, in fhort, 
of moft of the branches of the Newtonian phi- 
lofophy. 
Mechanical exercifes were the favourite em¬ 
ployments of his infant years. At a very early 
age, he made himfelf acquainted with the ufe of 
edged tools, fo perfectly, that, notwithllanding 
his intire blindnefs, he was able to make little 
wind-mills; and, he even conftrudled a loom, 
with his own hands, which (till fhew the cica¬ 
trices of wounds, he received in the execution of 
thefe juvenile exploits. 
By a moft agreeable intimacy, and frequent 
intercourfe, which 1 enjoyed, with this accom- 
plilhed blind Gentleman, whilft he refided in 
Manchefter j I had an opportunity of repeatedly 
obferving the peculiar manner, in which he 
arranged his ideas, and acquired his information. 
Whenever he was introduced into company, I 
remarked, that he continued fome timefilent. The 
found directed him to judge of the dimenfions of 
the room, and the different voices, of the number 
of perfons that were prefent. His diftinction, in 
thefe refpe&s, was very accurate ■, and his memory 
fo retentive, that he feldom was miftaken. I 
have known him inftantly recognize a perfon, 
on firft hearing him fpeak, though more than 
two years had elapfed fince the time of their laft 
meeting. He determined, pretty nearly, the 
ftature 
