the machine, and backed Watt with his capital and his spirit, that
Watt's enterprise had the remotest chance of success. Even after about
twelve years' effort, the condensing steam-engine was only beginning,
though half-heartedly, to be taken up and employed by colliery
proprietors and cotton manufacturers. In developing its powers, and
extending its uses, the great merits of William Murdock can never be
forgotten. Watt stands first in its history, as the inventor; Boulton
second, as its promoter and supporter; and Murdock third, as its
developer and improver.

William Murdock was born on the 21st of August, 1754, at Bellow Mill,
in the parish of Auchinleck, Ayrshire. His father, John, was a miller
and millwright, as well as a farmer. His mother's maiden name was
Bruce, and she used to boast of being descended from Robert Bruce, the
deliverer of Scotland. The Murdocks, or Murdochs--for the name was
spelt in either way--were numerous in the neighbourhood, and they were
nearly all related to each other. They are supposed to have originally
come into the district from Flanders, between which country and
Scotland a considerable intercourse existed in the middle ages. Some
of the Murdocks took a leading part in the construction of the abbeys
and cathedrals of the North;[2] others were known as mechanics; but the
greater number were farmers.

One of the best known members of the family was John Murdock, the poet
Burns' first teacher. Burns went to his school at Alloway Mill, when
he was six years old. There he learnt to read and write. When Murdock
afterwards set up a school at Ayr, Burns, who was then fifteen, went to
board with him. In a letter to a correspondent, Murdock said: "In
1773, Robert Burns came to board and lodge with me, for the purpose of
revising his English grammar, that he might be better qualified to
instruct his brothers and sisters at home. He was now with me day and
night, in school, at all meals, and in all my walks." The pupil even
shared the teacher's bed at night. Murdock lent the boy books, and
helped the cultivation of his mind in many ways. Burns soon revised
his English grammar, and learnt French, as well as a little Latin.
Some time after, Murdock removed to London, and had the honour of
teaching Talleyrand English during his residence as an emigrant in this
country. He continued to have the greatest respect for his former
pupil, whose poetry commemorated the beauties of his