The Wilkins Lecture: The ‘plain story’ of James Watt

Abstract
In 1648, John Wilkins, who had just become Warden of Wadham and who was later to be the first Secretary of the Society, published his Mathematical Magick: or, the Wonders that may be performed by Mathematical Geometry ; and in his Address to the Reader (Wilkins 1648) he explained: ‘I have now ventured forth this discourse; wherein besides the great delight and pleasure (which every rational Reader must needs find in such notions as carry with them their own evidence and demonstration) there is also much real benefit to be learned; particularly for such Gentlemen as employ their estates in those chargeable adventures of Drayning, Mines, Cole-pits, etc. who may from hence learn the chief grounds and nature of Engines, and thereby more easily avoid the delusions of any cheating Impostor: And also for such common Artificers, as are well skilled in the practice of these Arts, who may be much advantaged by the right understanding of their grounds and Theory. ’

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