When the mine owners heard of
his intention to leave Cornwall, they combined in offering him a
handsome salary provided he would remain in the county; but his
attachment to his friends at Soho would not allow him to comply
with their request. He again urged the firm of Boulton and Watt
to take out a patent for the use of gas for lighting purposes.
But being still embroiled in their tedious and costly lawsuit,
they were naturally averse to risk connection with any other
patent. Watt the younger, with whom Murdock communicated on the
subject, was aware that the current of gas obtained from the
distillation of coal in Lord Dundonald's tar-ovens had been
occasionally set fire to, and also that Bishop Watson and others
had burned gas from coal, after conducting it through tubes, or
after it had issued from the retort. Mr. Watt was, however,
quite satisfied that Murdock was the first person who had
suggested its economical application for public and private uses.
But he was not clear, after the legal difficulties which had been
raised as to his father's patent rights, that it would be safe to
risk a further patent for gas.
Mr. Murdock's suggestion, accordingly, was not acted upon. But
he went on inventing in other directions. He thenceforward
devoted himself entirely to mechanical pursuits. Mr. Buckle has
said of him:-- "The rising sun often found him, after a night
spent in incessant labour, still at the anvil or turning-lathe;
for with his own hands he would make such articles as he would
not intrust to unskilful ones.
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