Chapter 4

THE STEPHENSONS AT KILLINGWORTH--EDUCATION AND SELF-EDUCATION OF FATHER AND SON.

George Stephenson's self-improvement--John 47-62 Wigham--Studies in Natural Philosophy--Sobriety--Education of Robert Stephenson--Sent to Rutter's school, Benton--Bruce's school, Newcastle--Literary and Philosophical Institute--George educates his son in Mechanics--Ride to Killingworth--Robert's boyish tricks--Repeats the Franklin kite-experiment--Stephenson's cottage, West Moor--Odd mechanical expedients--Competition in last-making--Father and son make a sun-dial--Colliery improvements--Stephenson's mechanical expertness