A pair of globes, by ditto. 12. A dipping needle, by
Mr Nairne. I3. A marine barometer, by ditto. 14. A wind gage, invented
by Dr Lind of Edinburgh, and made by Mr Nairne. 15. Two portable
barometers, made by Mr Burton. 16. Six thermometers, by ditto. 17. A
theodolite, with a level, and a Gunter's chain, by ditto. 18. An
apparatus for trying the heat of the sea-water at different depths.
19. Two time-keepers, one made by Mr Larcum Kendal, on Mr Harrison's
principles, and the other by Mr John Arnold.
Mr Wales has particularly described some of these instruments, and the
mode of using them. He has, besides, given a very interesting, though
short history of the application of astronomical instruments to
navigation, a summary of which, with some additional remarks, could
scarcely fail to be valued by any reader concerned for the promotion
of useful science. This, accordingly, it is purposed to insert
whenever a proper opportunity occurs. It might seem rather a hindrance
in this place. - E.
[17] The opinion stated in the memoir of Cook, in the Biographia
Britannica, as to his appearance in the character of an author,
perfectly concurs with what the writer has elsewhere said on the
subject; and it may deserve a place here, as a commendatory testimony,
which the modesty of Cook, it is probable, would scarcely have allowed
himself to expect. It is inserted, besides, with greater propriety, as
specifying one of the friends alluded to, of whom, in the capacity of
editor of Cook's third voyage, we shall have another opportunity of
speaking with the esteem due to his literary character, and his most
praise-worthy exertions in the service of both Cook and his family.
"Captain Cook was justly regarded as sufficiently qualified to relate
his own story. His journal only required to be divided into chapters,
and perhaps to be amended by a few verbal corrections. It is not
speaking extravagantly to say, that, in point of composition, his
history of his voyage reflects upon him no small degree of credit. His
style is natural, clear, and manly; being well adapted to the subject
and to his own character: and it is possible, that a pen of more
studied elegance would not have given any additional advantage to the
narration. It was not till some time after Captain Cook's leaving
England, that the work was published; but, in the meanwhile, the
superintendance of it was undertaken by his learned and valuable
friend, Dr Douglas, whose late promotion to the mitre hath afforded
pleasure to every literary man of every denomination." One cannot help
regretting, that Cook never returned to meet with the congratulations
of a highly-satisfied public, not invidiously disposed, it may readily
be imagined, and certainly having no occasion, to see any necessity
for the requested indulgences with which he concludes this
introduction. - E.
[18] Is it not both likely and somewhat allowable, that Cook should
speak of the fine writer and professed book-maker, with
a feeling of disgust or irritation; more especially when he could not
but well remember, that his own simple personality had been made the
substratum for the flippant flourish of the one character, and the
unseemly protuberances of the other?
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