Page:A Dissertation on the Construction of Locks (1785).pdf/48

 they may be to other workmen, they were eaſily conquered by him. But the contrary is the caſe. No ſuch difficulties occur in forming the original key; nor is any greater ingenuity exerciſed in the formation of it, than falls to the ſhare of a common workman; for the key is not fitted to the Lock, but the Lock adapted to the key: and this is effected by a mean the moſt ſimple, and the moſt eaſy, that can be imagined. The ſurfaces, expreſſed on the bit of the key, are worked, as chance, or fancy, may direct; without any reference to the Lock. The key being ſo completed, and applied to the ſurface of the levers; a gentle preſſure will force them to unequal diſtances from their common ſtation in the frame B; and, ſink their extreme points to unequal depths, into the ſpace beneath the plate E. Whilſt the levers are in this poſition, the edge of the plate E, will mark the preciſe point at which the notch, on each lever, muſt be expreſſed. The