130 Josiah Wedgwood CHAP. 



of my experiments turn out to my wishes, and convince 

 me more and more of the extensive capability of our 

 manufacture for further improvements. It is at present 

 in a rude uncultivated state, and may easily be brought 

 to much greater perfection. Such a revolution is, I 

 believe, at hand, and you must assist me and profit 

 by it. ... Why, you never knew so busy a mortal 

 as I am highways, canals, surveying, engine lathe 

 making, experiments for porcelain, or at least a 

 new earthenware, fill lip about every moment of my 

 time." 



From a very early period, Wedgwood had desired to 

 obtain Bentley as a partner. His object was to secure 

 the aid and counsel of a man of sound judgment, upon 

 whose fidelity and ability he could thoroughly rely. 

 He had not been satisfied with his London agents ; and 

 as he became better acquainted with Bentley, he believed 

 in him more and more, and became increasingly anxious 

 to obtain his services. The two became so intimate 

 that Bentley was the only friend that had been present 

 at the amputation of Wedgwood's limb. Yet Bentley 

 was a modest man : he was not ambitious, nor desirous 

 of accumulating wealth. 



At first he declined Wedgwood's offer. He was 

 satisfied with his position at Liverpool, where he and 

 his partner had for some years been carrying on a large 

 exporting and importing trade for Wedgwood and 

 others. But Wedgwood would not be denied. He 

 pressed the matter of the partnership again and again ; 



