Norwich bulletin., 1922-04-11
FAMOUS MEN.
JAMES WATT.

James Watt, the Scottish engineer and the tmprover and generally reputed in- ventor of the steam engine lived to the extreme age of SS, and glided into old age gracefully. we are told. This is the greatest test of success in life. They say 'to every stage a. laurel. but to happy old age the crown"
 It is said that Watt, when he had passed his 80th year. could still occupy himself in his garrett, where his mind to him a. kingdom was" upon scientific pur- suits which charmed him. He said that he had but one grief in his old age and that was that his friends were so rapid ly passing away. Writing to friend he said: T, in particular, have reason to thank God that He has preserved me so we'll as am, to so late a period while the greater part of my contemporaries healthier and younger men, has passed that bourne from which no traveller re- turns. It is, however. a painful contem- plation to see so many who were dear to us pass away before us and our conSola- ton should be that, as Providence has been pleased to prolong our life, we should render ourselves as useful to so- eiety as we can while we live" Watt no doubt found much pleasure in his old age in the many honors that came to him from the various scientific socie- ties. He was made fellow of the Royal society of Edinburgh, the Royal society ] of London, member of the Batavian society.
 In the summer of 1819 an illness of no 1 great Apparent severity caused some little anxiety to Watts family. but was soon recognized by himself as the messenger 1 sent to apprise him of his end. This 1 summons he met with the calm and tran | 11or -1 ,t13 have found little of serious nature to re- pent and, looking forward, found noth- l ing to fear. His biographer says: "He 1 often expressed his gratitude to the Giver l of All Good who had so signally pros- pered the work of his hands and blessed him with length of days and riches and 1 honor''
 1 On Aug. 1e, 1879, when Watt was Ss | in his own home at Hathfield. he tran. quilly breathed his last, deeply mourned by all who were privileged to know him Almost immediately meeting was call ed in London to take steps for a monu. ment to Watt to be placed in westmin ster Abbey. The prime minister presided and it may be truly said that "a meeting more distinguished by rank. station anC talent was never before assembled to dt honor to genius, and to modest and re tiring worth; and a more spontaneous 
 noble and discriminating testimony wa
 never borne to the virtues, talents ant public services of any individual. in an,
 age or country"
 Watt had passed the half centur,
 mark when he gave to the world hi
 master invention, the steam engine, an, 1 every year thereafter until he was pas 80 some other wonder came from hi
 workshop. In 1910, nine years before h:
 death, he informed Berthollet that fo
 several years he had felt unable to mak
 chemical experiments on account of hi
 health But idle he could not be, h
 said He must be at work upon some
 thing. And he often said ''Without
 hobby horse what is life?"
 The historical workshop of the grea
 worker, with all it's contents, remain
 open to the public today just as it wa
 when he passed away Pilgrims fror
 many lands visit it, as Shakespeare'
 birthplace, Burn1 cottage and Scott
 Abbottsford attract their many thou
 sands yearly.