Introduction
In 1829, artist Alexander Nasmyth tried to realise his son James’s abiding dream, an apprenticeship at Maudslay’s engineering firm in London. Presuming on a slight acquaintance, father and son presented themselves at Henry Maudslay’s home in Westminster, only to be told that apprentices had been such a disappointment that he would take no more. A guided tour of the factory was small compensation.
IT was while we were passing from one part of the factory to another that I observed the beautiful steam-engine which gave motion to the tools and machinery of the workshops. The man who attended it was engaged in cleaning out the ashes from under the boiler furnace, in order to wheel them away to their place outside. On the spur of the moment I said to Mr Maudslay, “If you would only permit me to do such a job as that in your service, I should consider myself most fortunate!”
“So,” said he, “you are one of that sort, are you?”I was inwardly delighted at his words. I shall never forget the keen but kindly look that he gave me.
When our round of the works was concluded, I ventured to say to Mr Maudslay that “I had brought up with me from Edinburgh some working models of steam-engines and mechanical drawings, and I should feel truly obliged if he would allow me to show them to him.”
“By all means,” said he; “bring them to me to-morrow at twelve o’clock.”
I need not say how much pleased I was at this permission to exhibit my handiwork, and how anxious I felt as to the result of Mr Maudslay’s inspection of it.
Précis
In 1829, Alexander Nasmyth presumed on a slight acquaintance with engineering boss Henry Maudslay, and tried to get an apprenticeship for his son James. Maudslay regretfully declined, but offered a tour of his works as consolation. As they walked round, James’s enthusiasm struck Maudslay as something special, and he agreed to see James’s engineering portfolio the following day. (58 / 60 words)
In 1829, Alexander Nasmyth presumed on a slight acquaintance with engineering boss Henry Maudslay, and tried to get an apprenticeship for his son James. Maudslay regretfully declined, but offered a tour of his works as consolation. As they walked round, James’s enthusiasm struck Maudslay as something special, and he agreed to see James’s engineering portfolio the following day.
Variations: 1.increase the length of this precis to exactly 65 words. 2.reduce the length of this precis to exactly 55 words. 3.introduce one of the following words into the precis: although, must, not, otherwise, ought, since, unless, until.
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