82 20. Theorems respecting the Properties of the Sides of Triangles, intersected by right Lines drawn from the three Angles, so as to meet in one Point. Vol. xi. 21. Investigation of the Properties of the Lines drawn in a Circle, by Mr. Boswell. Vol. xii. 22. On the division of an Arch of a Circle into two such Parts that their Sines, or Co-sines, or Versed-sines shall have a given Relation. Vol. xiii. 23. On the Cause of Fairy Rings. Ibid. 24. Experiments on the Magnetism of Slender Iron Wire. Ibid. 25. Experiments on the Temperature of Water surrounded by Freezing Mixtures. Ibid. 26. Observations and experiments to shew that the Effects ascribed by Mr. Dispan to the perpendicular Descent of Hoar Frost, are not so general as to support his Theory. Vol. xvi. 27. Remarks on Torpidity in Animals. In two letters. Vol. xviii. XX. 28. Description of a correct Chamber Barometer. Vol. 29. An Essay on Polygonal Numbers, containing the Demonstration of a Proposition respecting whole Numbers in general. Vol. xxi. 30. A Mathematical Problem, with the Investigation. Ibid. 31. Answer to Mr. Barlow's Remarks on the Essay on Polygonal Numbers. Vol. xxii. 39. An Abstract of a Meteorological Journal for the Years 1807 and 1808, kept at Middleshaw, near Kendal. XXV. Vol. 33. Experiments on the Expansion of moist Air raised to the boiling Temperature. Ibid. 34. An Inquiry, geometrical and arithmetical, into certain Properties of Solids in general; and of the five regular Bodies in particular. Vol. xxx. 35. On the Place of a Sound produced by a Musical String. Vol. xxxii. 36. Remarks on the Perforations made in Paper by electrical Batteries. Vol. xxxv. AUTHORITIES. WILKINSON's Mountain Rambles.-NICHOLSON'S Annals of Kendal. THE LIFE OF JOHN METCALF, Commonly called “Blind Jack” of Knaresborough. "The fell disease deprived him of his sight, We almost invariably find that Nature, in withholding from man the benefit of one sense, compensates the deficiency by the superior perfection in which she bestows others. The extraordinary particulars related in the following pages strikingly exemplify this observation, and shew to what a degree the power of habit, and a good understanding, are capable of overcoming impediments apparently insurmountable. For instance, who would expect to find a man totally blind from his infancy, superintending the building of bridges and the construction of high roads; occupations for which his defect would seem to have wholly disqualified him. These, however, were undertakings that Metcalf successfully executed; and which, together with many singular adventures in which he engaged, cannot fail to excite no small degree of astonishment and admiration. JOHN METCALF was born in 1717, at Knaresborough, in Yorkshire; when four years of age his parents, who were labouring people, put him to school, where he continued two years. At the expiration of that time, he was seized with the small pox, which deprived him of his sight, in spite of all the means that were employed for its preservation. About six months after his recovery, he was able to go from his father's house to the end of the street, and to return, without a guide; and in about three years he could find his way alone to any part of Knaresborough. About this period he began to associate with boys of his own age, among whom he acted a distinguished part in the juvenile pranks of taking birds' nests, and robbing orchards. As his father kept horses, he learned to ride, and soon became a good horseman, a gallop being his favourite pace. At the age of thirteen he was taught music, in which he made great proficiency, though the cry of a hound or a harrier was more congenial to his taste, than the sound of an instrument. He kept hounds of his own, and frequently hunted with a Mr. Woodburn* of * Metcalf, with some other young men, expressed a great desire for a day's spot; and knowing that Mr. Woodburn the master of the Knaresborough pack of hounds, had often lent them to Metcalf for the same purpose, they doubted not of the success of his application. On the evening before the appointed day Metcalf went, flushed with hope, to Mr. Woodburn, requesting him to lend the pack for the next day. This was a favour out of his power to grant, having engaged to meet Squire Trapps with the hounds next morning, upon Scoton Moor, for the purpose of entering some young fox hounds. Chagrined at this, Metcalf debated with himself Knaresborough, who kept a pack, and was always very desirous of Metcalf's company in the chase. When about fourteen years old, his activity and the success with which his enterprises were usually attended, led him to imagine that he might undertake any thing without danger, and greatly consoled him for the want of sight; but he was taught to regret its loss by a severe wound he received, in consequence of a fall into a gravel-pit, while making his retreat from a plum-tree in which he had been surprised by the owner. whether the disappointment should fall to Mr. Woodburn's friends, or his own: determining that it should not be the lot of the latter, he arose the next morning before day break, and crossed the high bridge, near which he had the advantage of the joint echoes of the old castle and Belmont-wood. He had brought with him an extraordinarily good hound of his own, and taking him by the ears, made him give mouth very loudly, himself giving some halloos at the same time. This device had so good an effect, that in a few minutes he had nine couple about him, as the hounds were kept by various people about the shambles, and were suffered to lie unkennelled. Mounting his horse, away he rode with the dogs to Harrowgate, where he met his friends ready mounted and in high spirits. Some of them proposed going to Bilton Wood, near Knaresborough, but this was opposed by Metcalf, who preferred the Moor; in fact, he was apprehensive of being followed by Mr. Woodburn, and wished to be farther from Knaresborough on that account. Pursuant to his advice, they drew the Moor at the distance of five miles, when they started a hare, killed her after a fine chase, and immediately put up another; just at this moment came up Mr. Woodburn, very angry, threatening to send Metcalf to the house of correction, and his passion rising to the utmost he rode up with an intention to |