"I had gone on a walk on a fine Sabbath afternoon. I had entered the Green [of Glasgow] by the gate at the foot of Charlotte Street—had passed the old washing-house. I was thinking upon the engine at t…"

"The steam engine is my child, and I shall see it grow."

"Nature can be conquered if we can but find her weak side."

"I have spent more time fixing other men's mistakes than making my own."

"Dr Priestly (sic) was once very ill with gall stones & was cured by abstinence from Butcher meat. ... fish & vegetables & butter or fat did not hurt him when taken in moderation, but his Doctors must …"