Chapter XX

Prosperity of Soho--Relaxed strain upon Boulton and Watt--Watt’s
pleasure tours--His interview with the king at Windsor--Matthew
Robinson Boulton, and James Watt, jun., join their fathers
in the business--Their character and attainments--Boulton
and young Watt--Young Boulton’s return from Paris--The
French revolution--The Birmingham riots--Priestley’s house
destroyed--Unpopularity of the “Philosophers”--Young Watt and
the Jacobins--Watt’s flight from Paris--Denounced by Burke--Mr.
Watt’s fear for his son’s safety--The sons join their fathers in
partnership--Important services of the young partners--Evasion of
engine-dues, resistance of the Cornish mining companies--Legal
proceedings and favourable judgments--Progress of the engine
business--William Murdock--His valuable services--His engine
improvements--Return to Soho--Invents gas-lighting--Winsor’s
wonderful schemes--Murdock’s various inventions--Substitute
for isinglass, his idea of power wasted in streets, atmospheric
railway, &c.--His death 400–433