Page:Memoirs of a Trait in the Character of George III.djvu/161

104 I was able, pointed out the means of remedying them with certainty in others, which the Gentlemen skilled in Mechanics seemed perfectly to comprehend, and to be satisfied of the truth which I again assert, that Watches made on my principles will endure a much greater motion and change of position than they can ever be subject to in a ship; and that they will not be affected by any degree of heat or cold, in which a man can live.

If any thing was meant to be concluded with respect to me by this experiment, either in point of property or reputation, common justice would have required that I should have had an opportunity of seeing the facts ascertained; and when such a trial was directed as put the result in the absolute power of a single person, that I should have been satisfied of his integrity, disinterestedness, and ability for the purpose. I would not be understood to attack Mr. Maskelyne's knowledge of the theory of Astronomy: as for any thing I know to the contrary, it may be of the very first rate,