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that “ Mr. Whitworth has contributed one or more specimens 
of first-rate excellence under each head.” In addition, it is 
necessary to direct particular attention to his measuring 
machine (which, however, properly belongs to the class of 
philosophical instruments), and to the admirable collection 
of apparatus by the employment of which a uniformity of 
system in the dimensions and fitting of machinery and in 
the sizes and arrangement of screw-threads is rendered 
practicable among engineers in general. 
He visited America in 1853, having been appointed one 
of the Royal Commissioners to the New York Exhibition 
of that year. He wrote a Special Report on American 
Manufactures, and was very favourably impressed with 
what he saw, and also with the readiness to adopt mechani- 
cal improvements shown by both masters and workmen 
throughout the United States. 
When the war with Russia broke out in 1854, it became a 
matter of serious anxiety to the Government as to how the 
rifles in use might be rendered more efficient. Sir Joseph 
Whitworth was consulted on the subject by Lord Hardinge, 
and the improvements which he made in rifles and artillery 
would have given him a very high position even had he 
done nothing else. At this time the Enfield rifle was con- 
sidered the best weapon, and it was very popular on account 
of the reports of its performances at the battles of the Alma 
and Inkerman. But the rifles were made by hand, and 
when they were required in large quantities, the private 
makers were not able to supply them in time, nor were the 
rifles alike. Hence it was proposed that the Government 
should erect a small-arms factory, but the Birmingham gun- 
makers strongly opposed this. A Select Committee of the 
House of Commons was appointed to consider the subject, 
and among other witnesses was Mr. Whitworth, who ex- 
plained that it was possible to measure the barrels to the 
millioneth of an inch, and so ensure the greatest accuracy. 
