Book 6: Chapter 2 Summary

Cockern Tor, Jan. 15, 1714

Thomas, Will and Daniel travel across Dartmoor to meet with the 250 men Will has invited. When they are all assembled, Will explains that the tin and copper trades have diminished because of the flooded mines. Will introduces Daniel as a fellow who shall discuss the English currency with Sir Isaac Newton, the master of the English Mint. Will then asks that the men consider backing Thomas' newest invention, the Engine for Raising Water by Fire, so that they can drain the mines.

Book 6: Chapter 2 Analysis

The philosophies of Leibniz, a natural philosopher and rival to Sir Isaac, are hinted at in this chapter as Daniel surveys the landscape and considers how certain structures and features were created, particularly the tor. This not only indicates that Daniel is fully aware of how Leibniz perceives the world and how his...