Harrison at once proceeded to give full explanations of the
principles of his chronometer to Dr. Maskelyne, and six other
gentlemen, who had been appointed to receive them. He took his
timekeeper to pieces in their presence, and deposited in their
hands correct drawings of the same, with the parts, so that other
skilful makers might construct similar chronometers on the same
principles. Indeed, there was no difficulty in making them;
after his explanations and drawings had been published. An exact
copy of his last watch was made by the ingenious Mr. Kendal; and
was used by Captain Cook in his three years' circumnavigation of
the world, to his perfect satisfaction.
England had already inaugurated that series of scientific
expeditions which were to prove so fruitful of results, and to
raise her naval reputation to so great a height. In these
expeditions, the officers, the sailors, and the scientific men,
were constantly brought face to face with unforeseen difficulties
and dangers, which brought forth their highest qualities as men.
There was, however, some intermixture of narrowness in the minds
of those who sent them forth. For instance, while Dr. Priestley
was at Leeds, he was asked by Sir Joseph Banks to join Captain
Cook's second expedition to the Southern Seas, as an astronomer.
Priestley gave his assent, and made arrangements to set out.
Pages:
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144