180 Mr. G. F. Hiitton on Chio/wmct'ers. 



Had, however, even one of these chronometers received the 

 reward, no dependence could have been placed on the same 

 maker producing another equally good ; for it is more than 

 probable the nominal proprietor was not the actual artist who 

 constructed it, and consequently the object ot" the Board would 

 have been defeated : one individual would have gained a name 

 to which he was not entitled, from the ability of the artisan on 

 whom he depended for his work ; and the artist himself would 

 not only have been unrecompensed, but another would have 

 received the reward of his labour, his ingenuity, his perseve- 

 rance, and his invention. 



Besides, the same artist might not always be jirocured ; an 

 inferior one might be employed ; and although the second 

 chronometer might have all the appearance of the perfection of 

 the first, there would be an essential difference in their quality, 

 from the absence of scientific knowledge, so absolutely neces- 

 sary to complete a machine of such delicacy in its construction, 

 and correctness in its adjustments. 



From all that has been suggested, it appears that not only 

 encouragement should be given to the practical artisan, as here 

 recommended ; but another method of trial should be adopted, 

 whei'eby to ascertain that neither heat nor cold could affect the 

 chronometer. In mild winters, as before stated, chronometers 

 may stand the trial ; therefoi"e artificial heat and cold should 

 be substituted, so as to produce the extreme of both. 



In calling the attention of the scientific world to this mo- 

 mentous subject, the principal object has been to excite our 

 artists to exertion, and to afford them due encom-agement for 

 their ingenuity : that, while this country can boast of inventing 

 and bringing to perfection those beautiful pieces of complex 

 machinery, wherein a giant's strength may be directed by an 

 infant's arm, we may boast eventually of obtaining perfection 

 in chronometei's, by which so much benefit will be produced 

 to generations yet unborn ; and that, whilst we rank high in 

 the estimation of foreign nations, by our progress in arts, com- 

 merce, and manufactures, we may be enabled to navigate the 

 mighty waters of the deep, as fearless of danger from the ele- 

 ments, as our maritime superiority is proverbial and unques- 

 tioned. 



G. F. H. 



XXXIX. Me- 



