PREFACE. vii 



and practical lessons : it reminds us that " work is the 

 medicine of the soul," and 



11 He that by the plough would thrive, 

 Himself must either hold or drive." 



As an inventor, never weary, never beaten, firmly and 

 cheerfully confronting stubborn opposition and ignorant 

 prejudice, the story of his life is one which may convey 

 some useful lessons to workers of this class. " La carriere 

 ouverie aux talents" said Napoleon, and therein lies the 

 secret of all success in life. No tools are so durable as those 

 of knowledge, but none need more skilful handling. The 

 adroit and successful application of means to a desirable end 

 has won many victories in the battle of industrial progress. 



If this little sketch of a singularly active and earnest 

 career inspired from early boyhood to the grave by the 

 sacred proverb, " Take fast hold of instruction, let her not 

 go; keep her, for she is thy life" should serve to strengthen 

 the purpose or direct the efforts of students and toilers 

 anxious to render a good account of their Master's talents, 

 my task will not have been altogether unprofitable. 



I have endeavoured in the compilation of these pages to 

 place on record some interesting evidence of the substantial 



