1662-3.] OF THE MARQUIS OF WORCESTER. 253 



We now approach the great event of the Marquis of 

 Worcester s life, that for which alone, through all time, 

 he will be distinguished, as pre-eminent among the 

 luminaries who have advanced those branches of science 

 which have most contributed to promote and extend the 

 necessaries, conveniences, and comforts of mankind, 

 thereby giving a decided impulse to civilization. 



The new reign was marked by highly favourable 

 circumstances connected with the advance of science, 

 giving rise to the institution of the Eoyal Society, in 

 1660, for &quot;improving natural knowledge,&quot; which was 

 incorporated by Eoyal Charter two years later. 



As early as January 1660-61, the Marquis had inti 

 mated his intention to proceed practically to work, so 

 soon, as he expresses himself, u as with security and 

 satisfaction, by Act of Parliament, I may put in prac 

 tice the greatest gift of invention for profit, that I ever 

 yet heard of vouchsafed to a man, especially so un 

 worthy and ignorant as I am (I mean my Water-com 

 manding Engine) . 



Two years later the House of Peers, and afterwards 

 the House of Commons, had this subject before them, 

 and therefore, in a matter which has grown to be one 

 of national importance, we shall proceed to afford the 

 fullest particulars of what transpired, to obtain for the 

 Marquis the long contemplated Act. 



In the House of Lords, on the 16th of March, 1662-3, 

 the Marquis of Worcester being present, his Bill was 

 read the first time, for u An Act to enable Edward 

 of Worcester to receive the benefit and profit of a 

 Water-commanding Engine, by him invented; one 

 tenth part whereof is appropriated for the benefit of the 

 King s Majesty, his heirs and successors, &quot;f 



* See page 222. f Jo. H. of Lords. Vol. xi p. 493, 494. 



