294 On Chain Cables or Moorings. 



WHS wont to do in every house where he took up his residence. 

 Hte was fond of employing the rule and the compass in drawing 

 the plans for these alterations and constructions. One of the 

 last of his mec'aanical sclienies, was tlie apphing broad-rimmcd 

 wheels to l.is coach, xvith a view of diminisliing the jolting that 

 arise from the inequalities of the pavement, as explained in hie 

 paper on the subject in the Monitfur. 



For many years previous to Ins death, he was affected with a 

 cough prcceediiig from a morbid state of tlie mucous membrane 

 of tl'.e larynx; in other respects he enjoyed tolerable health. His 

 death fat Auteuil near Paris, in Ai'gu>it last) was the conse- 

 quence of a fever. His age was about sixtv-five vears. 



The faculty for which he was most remarkable in respect to 

 science, was that o*" contriving instrranents and experiments, as 

 may be seen in his expenmeufs to determhie tlic force exerted 

 in the Explosion of Gunpo\v-dev fpiiblislicd in the Philosopincal 

 Trnrsactions), in those on the subject of Heat (published in va- 

 rious papers in the Philosooiii "al Transactions, and Memoires 

 de rinslithi), and in his contrivances for the distribution of 

 heat in d'velling-houses and nuinul^actorios (publisl\ed in his col- 

 lection entitled Philosophical Essavs). 



Having passed much of his time in the army, and in the ser- 

 vice of princes, his hcnrs could not be employed in constant 

 study, hke those of a man who becomes prcf<'undly learned in 

 ma' hematics, r.utiu'al philosophy, or chemistry; but he reflected 

 and specula. T.d ingeniously on some parts of natural philosophy. 

 He ppoke Germi.n ncll, and French with fiuencv. His general 

 knowledg-? was improvt-d ov th.e convers.ition of distinguish- 

 ed rneu of iearniiig, whose company he sought in London and, 

 Paris. 



lis was fond of show in his domestic establishment. Studious 

 of fame, eminence, and power, he 'iould not but expose himself 

 to oppobiciori and detractir'n,~^nd he felt acutely the attacks of 

 his adversaries. In his doiTAestic connexions, he wished too much 

 to regtilate the actions of his associates by his own will. 



He v/as uiiove the middle size, well proportioned, not tending 

 to obesity; his complexion fair; his features prominent; the cha- 

 racier of hip covmrt-tiance dignilied and pleasing; his usual man- 

 ner and tone of voice mild. 



XLVII. On Clt^in Cables or Moorings. 



1 HK great importance of safe cables for ships is known to 

 every one in the slightest degree acquainted with maritime af- 

 fairs. In circum stances of danger, the preservation of the cargo 



