INTRODUCTION. XVll

As my intention in publifhing that effay, doubtlefs, was to benefit the public, I owe, per-

haps, thanks to Mr. Elkin

gton, for hay ing thus

forwarded the defign. It is not impoflible that

the time may not be far diftant, when I fhall be

laid under a fimilar obligation to fome other per-

fon, for bringing into practice, as a new invention,

the mode of embanking rivers, which is defcrib- ed in the effays referred to, with a fimilar degree of clearnefs; and which, when reduced into prac- tice, will be an improvement equally cheap and efficacious with the above. An obligation of this fort was conferred upon me, fome years ago, without my knowledge of it at the time, bya Mr. Bropte, I think the name is, when he brought into notice, what he called the Padéent Bath Stove; the principle upon which that ftove is conftruéted, having been explained, and clearly illuftrated by means of a plate in a trea- tife of mine“ On fmoky chimneys,” that was firft publifhed in the year 1769; but this particu- lar was little adverted to for feveral years, rill Mr. Brodie, bya litle proper management, brougat

it into notice*, My ideas, freely communicated

* It is generally believed that Mr. Brodie has realized an hun-

dred thoufand pounds by this contrivance.