The life of George Stephenson, railway engineer - Lighthouse ...

CHAP. II.] STEAM-ENGINE. 29
often in terms of glowing admiration. This daily contemplation
of the steam-engine, and the sight of its steady action, is an
education of itself to the ingenious and thoughtful workman.
It is certainly a striking and remarkable fact, that nearly all
that has been done for the improvement of the steam-engine
has been accomplished, not by philosophers and scientific men,
but by labourers, mechanics, and engine-men. It would appear
as if this were one of the departments of practical science in
which the higher powers of the human mind must bend to me-
chanical instinct. The steam-engine was but a mere toy, until
it was taken in hand by workmen. Savery was originally a
working miner, Newcomen a blacksmith, and his partner Caw-
ley a glazier. In the hands of Watt, the instrument maker,
who devoted almost a life to the subject, the condensing engine
acquired gigantic strength ; and George Stephenson, the colliery
engine-man, was certainly not the least of those who have assist-
ed to bring the high-pressure engine to its present power.
While studying to master the details of his engine, to know
its weaknesses, and to quicken its powers, George Stephenson
gradually acquired the character of a clever and improving work-
man. Whatever he was set to do, that he endeavoured to do
well and thoroughly ; never neglecting small matters, but aim-
ing at being a complete workman at all points ; thus gradually
perfecting his own mechanical capacity, and securing at the
same time the respect of his fellow-workmen and the increased
confidence and esteem of his employers.