Page:A Dissertation on the Construction of Locks (1815).pdf/45

 will, in vain, attempt to fit a key to the Lock or move the bolt. And when it is considered, that this process will be greatly impeded, and may perhaps be entirely frustrated, by the action of the spring: it must appear that great patience and perseverance, as well as ingenuity, will be required, to give any chance of succeeding in the attempt. I do not state this circumstance, as a point essential, or of any importance to the purpose of the Lock, but to prove more clearly, what I have before observed upon its principle and properties: for, if such difficulties occur to a skilful workman, as to render it almost, if not altogether, impracticable, to form a key, when the Lock is open to his inspection, and its parts accessible to his hand; it pretty clearly demonstrates, the impossibility of accomplishing it, when, no part of the movement, can be touched or seen.

It will naturally be imagined by the reader, that the same difficulties, which occur in the formation of a key, in the second instance, must have been experienced by the maker of the Lock; and that, however insuperable 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