[4] The reason no doubt was, that the working-people of
Scotland were then only in course of education as practical
mechanics; and now that they have had a century's discipline of
work and technical training, the result is altogether different,
as the engine-shops and shipbuilding-yards of the Clyde
abundantly prove. Mechanical power and technical ability are the
result of training, like many other things.
When Boulton engaged Murdock, as we have said, Watt was absent in
Cornwall, looking after the pumping-engines which had been
erected at several of the mines throughout that county. The
partnership had only been in existence for three years, and Watt
was still struggling with the difficulties which he had to
surmount in getting the steam engine into practical use. His
health was bad, and he was oppressed with frightful headaches.
He was not the man to fight the selfishness of the Cornish
adventurers. "A little more of this hurrying and vexation," he
said, "will knock me up altogether." Boulton went to his help
occasionally, and gave him hope and courage. And at length
William Murdock, after he had acquired sufficient knowledge of
the business, was able to undertake the principal management of
the engines in Cornwall.
We find that in 1779, when he was only twenty-five years old, he
was placed in this important position. When he went into
Cornwall, he gave himself no rest until he had conquered the
defects of the engines, and put them into thorough working order.
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