94 
it is nearly impossible, when men are working together at the im- 
provement of a machine, to appraise with any exactness the precise 
share of merit due to each. 
The first steam hammer made in England was delivered to the 
Lowmoor Iron Works in 1843. Mr Wilson left Patricroft, and 
became engineer to the Lowmoor Works, where in 1853 he added 
what is known as the circular-balanced valve to the original machine. 
This invention was patented by Mr Wilson. In 185G, when Mr 
James Nasmyth retired from business to follow the scientific pur- 
suits by which he has greatly added to his reputation, Mr R Wilson 
was recalled to Patricroft, where he became the managing partner of 
Messrs Nasmyth, Wilson, & Co. 
Mr Wilson did not take much part in local affairs, but was for 
some years president of the Patricroft Mechanics’ Institution. In 
1873 he was elected a Fellow of the Eoyal Society of Edinburgh. 
He continued to apply himself to the management of his works 
until his death, which occurred on the 28th July 1882. 
A list of no less than thirty patents stand in his name, either 
solely or jointly with others. 
Mr Wilson will be remembered as worthy of mention among the 
group of able Scotch mechanicians who, by their power of invention, 
energy, and business capacity, have not only won distinction and 
wealth for themselves, but have added to the resources and strength 
of the empire 
James Young, LL.D., F.RS. By Dr Angus Smith. 
James Young was born in Glasgow, and on leaving school was 
engaged for some time in a joiner’s shop. It is characteristic of 
his energy that at this time he would, during his" holidays, make 
long journeys on foot, having on one occasion walked as far as 
Aberdeen, and on another having walked the greater part of the 
way to London, visiting places of historic interest on his way. His 
occupation in the joiner’s shop was the occasion of his becoming 
a chemist. He attended the class of chemistry in Anderson’s 
College, and his skill as a workman led to his being employed 
by Professor Graham, who then taught the class, in constructing 
