evoted himself to a study of the laws of harmony, making science
supplement his lack of the musical ear. As usual, the study was
exhaustive. Of course he found and took for guide the highest authority,
a profound, but obscure book by Professor Smith of Cambridge University,
and, mark this, he first made a model of the forthcoming organ. It is
safe to say that there was not then a man in Britain who knew more of
the science of music and was more thoroughly prepared to excel in the
art of making organs than the new organ-builder.

When he attacked the problem of steam, as we shall soon see, the same
course was followed, although it involved the mastering of three
languages, that he should miss nothing.

We note that the taking of infinite pains, this fore-arming of himself,
this knowing of everything that was to be known, the note of thorough
preparation in Watt's career, is ever conspicuous. The best proof that
he was a man of true genius is that he first made himself master of all
knowledge bearing upon his tasks.

Watt could not have been more happily situated. His surroundings were
ideal, the resources of the university were at his disposal, and, being
conveniently situated, his workshop soon became the rendezvous of the
faculty. He thus enjoyed the constant intimate companionship of one of
the most distinguished bodies of educated men of science in the world.
Glasgow was favored in her faculty those days as now. Two at least of
Watt's closest friends, the discoverer of latent heat, and the author of
the "Wealth of Nations," won enduring fame. Others were eminent. He did
not fail to realise his advantages, and has left several acknowledgments
of his debt to "those who were all much my superiors, I never having
attended a college and being then but a mechanic." His so-called
superiors did not quite see it in this light, as they have abundantly
testified, but the modesty of Watt was ever conspicuous all through his
life.

Watt led a busy life, the time not spent upon the indispensable
"pot-boilers" being fully occupied in severe studies; chemistry,
mathematics and mechanics all received attention. What he was finally to
become no one could so far predict, but his associates expected
something great from one who had so deeply impressed them.

Robison (afterwards Professor of natural history in Edinburgh
University), being nearer Watt's age than the others, became his most
intimate friend. His introduction to Watt, i