1 68 HER OES OF IN VENTION AND DISCO VER V 



It would scarcely be possible, says one writer, to select a more 

 striking instance of the beneficial changes effected by the 

 combined operations of industry, ingenuity, and commerce, 

 than that which was presented by Soho after it had been some 

 time in Mr. Boulton's possession. Previously it had been a 

 bleak and barren heath, but it was soon diversified by pleasure 

 grounds, in the midst of which stood Mr. Boulton's spacious 

 mansion, and a range of extensive and commodious workshops 

 capable of receiving over a thousand artisans. 



To Mr. Boulton's active mind this country is eminently 

 indebted for the manner in which he extended its resources, 

 and brought into repute its manufacturing ingenuity. Water 

 was an inadequate moving power in seconding his designs, and 

 he had recourse to steam. The old engine on Savary's plan 

 was not adapted for some purposes in which it was necessary 

 that great power should be combined with delicacy and pre- 

 cision of action. 



In 1769, Mr. Boulton having entered into communication 

 with James Watt, who had obtained a patent for improvements 

 in the steam-engine, Watt was induced to settle at Soho. In 

 1775, Parliament granted him a further extension of his patent 

 for improvements in the steam-engine ; and on his entering 

 into partnership with Mr. Boulton, the Soho works soon 

 became famous for their excellent engines. Not only was the 

 steam-engine itself brought to greater perfection, but its powers 

 were applied to a variety of new purposes. In none of these, 

 perhaps, was the success so remarkable as in the machiner}' 

 for coining, which was put in motion by steam. The coining 

 apparatus was first set agoing in 1783, but it soon underwent 

 important improvements, until it was at length brought to an 

 astonishing degree ot perfection. One engine put in motion 



