CHAPTER XXII.

Watt withdraws from Soho--Boulton continues his interest in business--His patent for raising water--The burglary at Soho--Sir Walter Scott and Boulton--Watt in retirement--Search for investments--Purchases land--Makes a foreign tour--Death of Mrs. Keir--Painful bereavements--Death of Dr. Black--Deaths of members of the Lunar Society--Watt’s family bereavements--Watt’s studies on the inhalation of gas--Gregory Watt, his brilliant talents--His friendship with Humphry Davy--His excursions and tours--His scientific pursuits--His illness and death--Davy on Gregory’s death--Death of Professor Robison--Watt’s estimate of Robison--Boulton’s last days, his death and funeral--His character--Opinions of his contemporaries, Boswell and others, concerning him--Attachment of the workmen--His Mutual Assurance Society for the workmen--His powers of organisation--His business qualities--His strength, courage, and perseverance in fighting the battle of the steam-engine--Watt’s estimate of Boulton--Boulton’s generosity 456–487