NOTE BY W. FAIRBAIRN, F.R.S. F.G.S. 483 



beam. The apparatus antecedent to this scarcely deserved 

 the name of engine, still less should it be considered the parent 

 of the modern steam-engine. Newcomen's engine first ac- 

 quired the character of an automaton (however rudely formed) 

 from the ingenious application of the boy Potter, while its sub- 

 sequent developments, far surpassing in number and impor- 

 tance all that had preceded, are exclusively due to James 

 Watt. Newcomen invented the engine as it was when Watt 

 repaired the far-famed model belonging to the Glasgow Uni- 

 versity a mere pumping machine; Watt made it a source of 

 motive power capable of application in every situation and for 

 every kind of work ; and it was in his hands that it received 

 the name and properties it now possesses, as the most extra- 

 ordinary invention of all time. 



Arago arrogates to Papin the merit as if his discoveries had 

 led to the mechanical arrangements of the steam-engine, or 

 to the invention of condensation in a separate vessel. Now it 

 is evident that Watt was not in any way indebted to him, even 

 for a hint in the attainment of these results. Papin was not 

 even capable of devising the mechanical arrangements of an 

 engine, as it issued from the hands of Watt ; and even New- 

 comen's was so rude an attempt, that the present steam-engine 

 may be safely considered as the exclusive invention of James 

 Watt. 



It is highly interesting and exceedingly curious to trace the 

 progressive developments of this machine, as it acquired, by 

 slow but certain stages, its present proportions and power. 

 The constant study, unwearied application, and experimental 

 research which distinguished every step made in advance, 

 will, to the end of time, uphold the name, and exhibit the 

 untiring energy, of the man who produced so important so 

 various results. 



It is unbecoming in a great man and a great nation to at- 

 tempt to drag forward competitors where no competition exists, 

 where, in fact, the inventor stands alone as the benefactor 

 of the human race. If Watt had done no more than the in- 



