The three early ones are of great
weight, and can scarcely be moved without some bodily labour.
But the fourth, the marine chronometer or watch, is of small
dimensions, and is easily handled. It still possesses the power
of going accurately; as does "Mr. Kendal's watch," which was made
exactly after it. These will always prove the best memorials of
this distinguished workman.
Before concluding this brief notice of the life and labours of
John Harrison, it becomes me to thank most cordially Mr.
Christie, Astronomer-Royal, for his kindness in exhibiting the
various chronometers deposited at the Greenwich Observatory, and
for his permission to inspect the minutes of the Board of
Longitude, where the various interviews between the inventor and
the commissioners, extending over many years, are faithfully but
too procrastinatingly recorded. It may be finally said of John
Harrison, that by his invention of the chronometer--the
ever-sleepless and ever-trusty friend of the mariner --he
conferred an incalculable benefit on science and navigation, and
established his claim to be regarded as one of the greatest
benefactors of mankind.
POstscript.--In addition to the information contained in this
chapter, I have been recently informed by the Rev. Mr. Sankey,
vicar of Wragby, that the family is quite extinct in the parish,
except the wife of a plumber, who claims relationship with
Harrison.
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