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

JAMES WATT. 57
and that that was selected, which, in a seafaring town, and busy thriv-
ing community, was, in many of its aspects, as important and promising
as the more scientific profession to which he had devoted his brother.
With such views on the part of the old man, added to the natural
temper and sagacity of the boy himself, James's outset in life promised
fair of success. He might not, perhaps, turn out a philosopher or a
genius, originate any great scheme to immortalize his name, or pile
up a fortune that might make him the wonder of the vulgar. But he
might become a wise and useful citizen ; he might exemplify and give
currency to principles of personal probity and rectitude, such as are
the only solid framework for a virtuous society ; he might show
himself a good husband and a judicious father ; — and so, eventually
contribute more to the wellbeing of his fellows, than if he had been
taught to value influence and wealth as the highest good, and to follow
self-interest and self-aggrandizement as the sole end of existence.
James was in due time apprenticed to the business of a general Car-
penter or Shipwright.
The old Mathematician had thus the satisfaction, ere he was gathered
to his rest, of seeing both of his sons established in life. Of John's
undertaking — the Survey of the Clyde — it is probable that he wit-
nessed the successful termination, though he was happily spared the
sorrow of its author's death, [in 1737, only two years subsequently to
the completion of the work,] — an event which probably deprived the
practical science of his time of many useful contributions. To the
notices of the life of the younger son, James, we shall presently return.
In the meantime, we have to gather up here the few particulars which
remain, relative to the grandfather of the great Mechanician.
The House in which the Professor of the Mathematics resided in
Crawfordsdyke, is well ascertained'. Indeed, it is easily done from tho
public records, a description of the house and garden, with their lo-
cality and boundaries, being found in the Charters granted by " Thomas