their conversation branched out into philosophical subjects; and
father and son argued with so much fervour, that the fond mother's
interference became necessary,--the immortal names of Leibnitz, Newton,
and Euler ringing with a clarion-like peal that boded ill for the repose
of the younger members of the family. "But it seems," says Caroline,
"that on the brothers retiring to their own room, where they shared the
same bed, my brother William had still a great deal to say; and
frequently it happened that, when he stopped for an assent or a reply,
he found his hearer had gone to sleep; and I suppose it was not till
then that he bethought himself to do the same. The recollection of these
happy scenes confirms me in the belief that, had my brother William not
then been interrupted in his philosophical pursuits, we should have had
much earlier proofs of his inventive genius. My father," she continues,
"was a great admirer of astronomy, and had some knowledge of that
science; for I remember him taking me, on a clear frosty night, into
the street, to make me acquainted with several of the most beautiful
constellations, after we had been gazing at a comet which was then
visible. And I well remember with what delight he used to assist my
brother William in his various contrivances in the pursuit of his
philosophical studies; among which was a neatly-turned four-inch globe,
upon which the equator and ecliptic were engraved by my brother."

* * * * *

In 1755, the tranquil family circle was broken up--the Hanoverian
regiment in whose band William and Jacob were engaged having been
ordered to England. The parting was very sorrowful; for the invalid
father had derived much support as well as enjoyment from the company of
his sons. At first, the English experiences of the young Germans were
somewhat severe. They endured all the pangs of poverty; pangs endured