Note 324 — Chapter XIX · Boulton’s Application of the Steam-engine to Coining.

The coins were: in 1790, a five-sous piece, “Pacte Fédératif;” in 1792, a four sous “Hercule;” and a two sous “Liberté.” Boulton’s reputation as a coiner abroad, brought upon him while at Paris, a host of foreign schemers, one of whom pretended that he had discovered an infallible method of converting copper into gold! The schemer and his wife followed Boulton to Soho, accompanied by a letter of introduction from his friend Baumgarten. After taking measure of the schemer, Boulton replied to Baumgarten as follows:—

“Dear Sir,—Who the devil have you sent me? Is he the angel or the demon Gabriel? Is he a seraphim or a swindler? His propositions appear in such a questionable form, that I know not whether to pronounce him F. or R. or S., which are favourite letters amongst English philosophers.

“Doth he mean to make gold by Alchemy, or after the family receipt by which his mother and brother extracted two hundred guineas from my simplicity when at Paris?

“I am content with the copper coinage, and shall leave the golden one to you and Gabriel. The science of alchemy soars so much above common sense that I never could obtain so much as a peep into its lower regions. This said Gabriel and his angel have, however, condescended to adopt common sense so far as to take up their lodgings in my cottage!

“The worst of all is, I am at this juncture extremely busy and can’t bear interruption; but all that is a trifle when compared with the magnitude of his project, viz. converting 1500l. into 60,000l.! But he says a small experiment may be made in three days and three nights in my laboratory. I must, however, own that I had rather be in Jonah’s situation during that time.

“I wish not to offend this angelic couple, but I should prefer that you had them back again, with all the favours and profits intended for me. However, I cannot help wishing you a better thing; for in spite of your last favour I sincerely desire for you and all that are dear to you, many many happy and prosperous years,

“Ever your faithful and affectionate friend,

“M. Boulton.”