my young readers in the adoption of one favourite pursuit, by showing what signal success has invariably rewarded the worker of steady aim and unflinching will. I have sought to point out that a high degree of excellence may always, and no small share of worldly advantage may often, be secured by students of limited abilities, if they will labour earnestly, and direct their labours to the accomplishment of a particular end. I have desired to illustrate the force of the venerable adage that 'Patience and perseverance will, sooner or later, overcome every difficulty;' and to show that obstacles vanish before the clear intellect and bold heart, like snow-drifts before the searching wind and genial sun. These truths are trite enough, I admit; but there are some truths which cannot be too frequently repeated, if we would have them take root in the heart of Youth and flourish.
In composing the Biographical portion of the following pages, I have kept constantly in view the object that originated them, and in each eminent life have singled out those incidents which seemed to me best calculated to subserve that object. When discoursing upon Watt, and Arkwright, and Wedgwood, it is almost impossible to say aught that is new; but as, in every instance, I have consulted the latest authorities, many details will be found introduced which are not usually met with in similar books. Meanwhile, may the ' purpose' of this little volume commend it to the favourable notice of press and public May its Examples and Encouragements influence for good, and inspire with honourable aims, the minds of my boy-readers-stimulating them to lead lives of noble exertion, unremitting industry, and sublime endurance! Worldly success, it is true, may not always be their reward; but-as the poet tells us―
In the STRUGGLE-not the PRIZE.