In spite of his limited advantages and frail health, at fifteen he
was the wonder of the public school, which he had attended for two
years. His favorite studies were mathematics and natural
philosophy. He had also made good progress in chemistry,
physiology, mineralogy, and botany, and, at the same time, had
learned carpentry and acquired some skill as a worker in metals.

So studious and ambitious a youth scarcely needed the spur of
poverty to induce him to make the most of his talents. The spur
was there, however, and, at the age of eighteen, though delicate
in health, he was obliged to go out and battle with the world.

Having first spent some time in Glasgow, learning how to make
mathematical instruments, he determined to go to London, there to
perfect himself in his trade.

Working early and late, and suffering frequently from cold and
hunger, he broke down under the unequal strain, and was obliged to
return to his parents for a time until health was regained.

Always struggling against great odds, he returned to Glasgow when
his trade was mastered, and began to make mathematical
instruments, for which, however, he found little sale. Then, to
help eke out a living, he began to make and mend other
instruments,--fiddles, guitars, and flutes,--and finally built an
organ,--a very superior one, too,--with several additions of his
own invention.

A commonplace incident enough it seemed, in the routine of his