of that science; for I remember him taking me, on a clear frosty night, into the street, to make me acquainted with several of the most beautiful constellations, after we had been gazing at a comet which was then visible.  And I well remember with what delight he used to assist my brother William in his various contrivances in the pursuit of his philosophical studies; among which was a neatly-turned four-inch globe, upon which the equator and ecliptic were engraved by my brother.”

* * * * *

In 1755, the tranquil family circle was broken up—­the Hanoverian regiment in whose band William and Jacob were engaged having been ordered to England.  The parting was very sorrowful; for the invalid father had derived much support as well as enjoyment from the company of his sons.  At first, the English experiences of the young Germans were somewhat severe.  They endured all the pangs of poverty; pangs endured with heroic composure, while William relaxed not a whit in his devotion to the pursuit of knowledge.  Happily, however, his musical proficiency attracted the attention of Lord Durham, who offered him the appointment of bandmaster to a militia regiment stationed in the north of England.  In this position he gradually formed a connection among the wealthier families of Leeds, Pontefract, and Doncaster, where he taught music, and conducted the public concerts and oratorios with equal zeal and success.  In 1764 he paid a brief but happy visit to his family, much to the joy of his faithful sister, Caroline.  Returning to England, for which country he cherished a strong affection, he resumed his career of patient industry, and in 1765 was appointed organist at Halifax.  He was now in receipt of an income which secured him due domestic comforts, and enabled him to remedy the defects of his early education.  With the help of a grammar and a dictionary he mastered Italian.  He also studied mathematics and the scientific theory of music, losing no opportunity of adding to his stores of knowledge.

In 1766 he obtained the lucrative post of organist to the Octagon Chapel at Bath.  Increased emoluments, however, brought with them increased obligations.  He was required to play almost incessantly, either at the oratorios or in the rooms at the Baths, at the theatre, and in the public concerts.  When his sister Caroline joined him, in 1772, she found him immersed in his various labours.  For the choir of the Octagon Chapel he composed anthems, chants, and complete morning and evening services.  A part of every day was occupied in giving lessons to his numerous pupils.  In truth, he was one of the busiest men in England; yet in all his arrangements he was so methodical that he found time for everything—­and time, more particularly, for the studies in which his soul delighted.  His life furnishes an admirable example of what may be accomplished by a man with a firm will and a strong purpose, who sets before himself an end to be attained, and controls all his efforts towards its attainment.  He toiled so hard as a musician, because he wanted to be something more.  Every spare moment of the day, and frequently many hours of the night, he gave up to the pursuits which were gradually leading him into the path best fitted for his genius.  The study of mathematics proved but a preliminary to the study of optics; and an accident made him once for all an astronomer.