Memorials of the lineage, early life, education and development of the genius of James Watt

INTRODUCTION. iii
of their departed townsman,— to the improvements which the peculiar
display of these had introduced into the arts and conveniences of life,
— and the benefits which the fruits of his genius were likely yet to
confer upon the wealth and resources of his country ; — benefits pro-
bably more real and tangible than the combined results of the human
intellect had hitherto succeeded in producing.
Merits of so transcendent a character surely claimed the unanimous
testimony of his country's gratitude. As yet, however, no public
recognition of them had been made. It was only natural and
becoming that such a testimony should originate in the town, and
in the heart of the community which enjoyed the privilege of num-
bering James Watt among its sons. Beyond the general advantages
derived from his prolific invention that were shared in common with
the rest of the nation, the town of Greenock lay under signal obliga-
tions to the generosity as well as the genius of "Watt. The adapta-
tion of the steam-engine to the purposes of Navigation had given
a remarkable impulse to its trade. The new requirements of this
important branch of industry had caused the establishment of Found-
ries, Forges, and Engine-works, till then almost unknown in this portion
of the country. A spirit of active enterprise had been evoked — not
unobserved by the great mechanician himself ; who, anxious that it
might be rightly animated, — that the awakened ingenuity might be
William Street, known as The Greenock Tavern, Alan Swan.
kept by Mrs. Cunningham, and subsequently by William Ken - .
Mrs. Lyle, and, in 1824, by Mrs. Fairlie. After James Mollison, M.D.
their removal to the Greenock Tavern, several new William Scott. (Bookseller.)
members were introduced, at various periods ; the Andrew Lindsay.
records of the Society shewing, at the date last James Caird.
mentioned, [1824,] the following, in addition to the John Fleming. (Artist.)
original names above cited, to have been members : David Crawford.
Rev. John Dunn. (Librarian.) J. L. Brown, [LL.D.] (Rector of Grammar
J. Henderson. School.)
Colin Buchanan. (Mathematical School.) James Watt. (Ciawfordsdyke.)
John Mennons. (Editor of the Greenock Rev. Dr. Gilchrist.
Advertiser.)