CHAP. XXL PROFESSIONAL ENCOUNTERS. 473 



lated to have still more important consequences. In 

 this respect, it is to be regarded as the grandest applica- 

 tion of steam power that has yet been discovered. 



The Locomotive, like the condensing engine, exhibits 

 the realisation of various capital, but wholly distinct, 

 ideas, promulgated by many ingenious inventors. Ste- 

 phenson, like Watt, exhibited a power of selection, 

 combination, and invention of his own, by which while 

 availing himself of all that had been done before him, 

 and superadding the many skilful contrivances devised 

 by himself he was at length enabled to bring his engine 

 into a condition of marvellous power and efficiency. 

 He gathered together the scattered threads of ingenuity 

 which already existed, and combined them into one firm 

 and complete fabric of his own. He realised the plans 

 which others had imperfectly formed ; and was the first 

 to construct, what so many others had unsuccessfully 

 attempted, the practical working locomotive. 



If he was occasionally impatient of the opposition of 

 professional brethren, it is scarcely to be wondered at 

 when we look at the simple earnestness of his character, 

 and consider that his sole aim was the establishment of 

 his own well-founded convictions. No wonder that he 

 should have been intolerant of that professional gladia- 

 torship against which his life had been one prolonged 

 struggle. Nor could he forget that the engineering 

 class had been arrayed against him during his arduous 

 battle for the locomotive, and that, but for his own pluck 

 and persistency, they would have strangled it in its 

 cradle. A man of his stern resolution might well be a 

 little positive sometimes. AVho that has made his way 

 through so many difficulties would not be so ? Espe- 

 cially was he annoyed at the " quirks and quiddities " 

 of the barristers, who subjected him to annoying cross- 

 examinations before the Parliamentary Committees. 

 On coming down from the witness-box on one occasion, 

 he went up to the counsel who had been severely cross- 



