Page:A Dissertation on the Construction of Locks (1815).pdf/28

 it becomes absolutely necessary in the fabrication of a false key, that the pressure of the extreme point of its bit on the tumblers, be proportioned with the greatest exactness to the point of height to which they must be raised, to release the bolt; for otherwise, the power which disengages the hooks on the one side will fix them on the other, and still leave the bolt immoveable. This improvement, which does great credit to Mr. Baron’s mechanical invention, being as useful and important in effect, as it is new and curious in principle, must be admitted by every competent and impartial judge, to be a very valuable acquisition to the art of Lock-making. But greatly as the art is indebted to the ingenuity of Mr. Baron, he has not yet attained that point of excellence in the construction of his Lock, which is essential to perfect security.—His improvement has increased the difficulty, but not precluded the possibility of opening his Lock, by a key made and obtained as above described; for an impression of the tumblers may be taken by the same method, and the key be thence made to act upon them as accurately as it may be made to tally with the wards. Nor will the practicability of obtaining such a key be prevented, however complicated the principle, or