STEEL-YARD, is one of the most ancient presents which science has made to society; and though long in defectude in this country, is in most nations of the world the only instrument for ascertaining the weight of bodies. What is translated balance in the Pentateuch, is in fact steelyard, being the word used by the Arabs to this day for their instrument, which is a steelyard. It is in common use in all the Asiatic nations. It was the patera of the Greeks and Romans, and seems to have been more confided in by them than the balance; for which reason it was used by the goldsmiths, while the balance was the instrument of the people.—Non aurificis patera sed populari trutina examinare. Cic. de Orat. 238.

The steelyard is a lever of unequal arms, and, in its most perfect form, is constructed much like a common balance. It hangs in three (fig. 1,) resting on the nail C, and the scale L for holding the goods hangs by a nail D on the short arm BC. The counter weight P hangs by a ring of tempered steel, made sharp in the inside, that it may bear by an edge on the long arm CA of the steelyard. The under edge of the centre nail C, and the upper edge of the nail D, are in the straight line formed by the upper edge of the long arm. Thus the three points of suspension are in one straight line. The needle or index of the steelyard is perpendicular to the line of the arms, and plays between the fleers. The short arm may be made so massive, that, together with the scale, it will balance the long arm unloaded. When no goods are in the scale, and the counter weight with its hook are removed, the steelyard acquires a horizontal position, in consequence of its centre of gravity being below the axis of suspension. The rules for its accurate construction are the same as for a common balance.

The instrument indicates different weights in the following manner: The distance CD of the two nails is considered as an unit, and the long arm is divided into a number of parts equal to it; and these are subdivided as low as is thought proper; or in general, the long arm is made a scale of equal parts, commencing at the edge of the nail C; and the short arm contains some determined number of those equal parts. Suppose, then, that a weight A of 10 pounds is put into the scale L. The counterpoise P must be of such a weight, that, when hanging at the division 10, it shall balance this weight A. Now let any unknown weight W be put into the scale. Slide the hook of the counterpoise along the long arm till it balances this weight. Suppose it then hanging at the division 38. We conclude that there is 38 pounds in the scale. This we do on the authority of the fundamental property of the lever, that forces acting on it, and balancing each other, are in the inverse proportion of the distances from the fulcrum to their lines of direction. Whatever weight the counterpoise is, it is to A as CD to 10, and it is to the weight W as CD to 38; therefore A is to the weight W as 10 to 38, and W is 38 pounds: and thus the weight in the scale will always be indicated by the division at which it is balanced by the counterpoise.

Our well-informed readers know that this fundamental property of the lever was discovered by the renowned Archimedes, or at least first demonstrated by him; and that his demonstration, besides the defect of being applicable only to commensurable lengths of the arms, has been thought by metaphysicians of the first note to proceed on a postulate which seems equally to need a demonstration. It has accordingly employed the utmost refinement of the first mathematicians of Europe to furnish a demonstration free from objection. Mr D'Alembert has given two, remarkable for their ingenuity and subtlety; Focenex has done the same; and Professor Hamilton of Trinity-college, Dublin, has given one which is thought the least exceptionable. But critics have even objected to this, as depending on a postulate which should have been demonstrated.

The following demonstration by Mr Vince, we think unexceptionable, and of such simplicity that it is often Phil. Trans. thought that it has not occurred to any person who thinks on the subject.

Let AE (fig. 2,) be a mathematical lever, or inflexible straight line, resting on the prop A, and supported Fig. 2. at D by a force acting upwards. Let two equal weights b and d be hung on at B and D, equidistant from A and E. Prejudices are now exerted at A and E, and because every circumstance of weight and distance is the same, the pressure at E, arising from the action of the weight b on the point B, must be the same with the pressure at A, arising from the action of the weight d on the point D; and the pressure at E, occasioned by the weight d, must be the same with the pressure at A, occasioned by the weight b. This must be the case wherever the weights are hung, provided that the distance AB and DE are equal. Moreover, the sum of the pressures at A and E is unquestionably equal to the sum of the weights, because the weights are supported solely at A and E. Let the two weights be hung on at C the middle point; the pressure at E is still the same. Therefore, in general, the pressure excited at the point E, by two equal weights hanging at any points B and D, is the same as if they were hung on at the middle point between them: but the pressure excited at E is a just measure of the effort or energy of the weights b and d to urge the lever round the point A. It is, at least, a measure of the opposite force which must be applied at E to sustain or balance this pressure. A very fastidious metaphysician may still say, that the demonstration is limited to a point E, whose distance from A is twice AC, or = AB + AD. But it extends to any other point, on the authority of a postulate which cannot be refused, viz. that in whatever proportion the pressure at E is augmented or diminished, the pressure at this other point must augment or diminish in the same proportion. This being proved, the general theorem may be demonstrated. We cannot help observing, that all this difficulty (and it is a real one to the philosopher who aims at rendering mechanics a demonstrative science) has arisen from an improper search after simplicity. Had Archimedes taken a lever as it really exists in nature, and considered it as material, consisting of atoms united by cohesion; and had he traced the intermediate pressures by whose means the two external weights are put in opposition to each other, or rather to the support given to the fulcrum; all difficulty would have vanished. (See what is said on this subject in the article STRENGTH of Timber, &c.)

The quantity of goods which may be weighed by this instrument depends on the weight of the counterpoise, and on the distance CD from the fulcrum at which the goods are suspended. A double counterpoise hanging at the same division will balance or indicate a double quantity of goods hanging at D; and any counterpoise will balance and indicate a double quantity of goods, if the distance CD be reduced to one half. And it sometimes occurs that steelyards are so constructed that they have two or more points of suspension D, to which the scale may occasionally be attached. It is evident, that in this case the value or indication of the divisions of the long arm will be different, according to the point from which the scale is suspended. The same division which would indicate 20 pounds when CD is three inches, will indicate 30 pounds when it is two inches. As it would expose to chance of mistakes, and be otherwise troublesome to make this reduction, it is usual to make as many divided scales on the long arm as there are points of suspension D on the short arm; and each scale having its own numbers, all trouble and all chance of mistake is avoided.

But the range of this instrument is not altogether at the pleasure of the maker. Besides the inability of a slender beam to carry a great load, the divisions of the scale answering to pounds or half-pounds become very minute when the distance CD is very short; and the balance becomes less delicate, that is, less sensibly affected by small differences of weight. This is because in such cases the thickness which it is necessary to give the edges of the nails does then bear a sensible proportion to the distance CD between them; so that when the balance inclines to one side, that arm is sensibly shortened, and therefore the energy of the preponderating weight is lessened.

We have hitherto supposed the steelyard to be in equilibrium when not loaded. But this is not necessary, nor is it usual in those which are commonly made. The long arm commonly preponderates considerably. This makes no difference, except in the beginning of the scale. The preponderancy of the long arm is equivalent to some goods already in the scale, suppose four pounds. Therefore when there are really 10 pounds in the scale, the counterpoise will balance it when hanging at the division 6. This division is therefore reckoned 10, and the rest of the divisions are numbered accordingly.

A scientific examination of the steelyard will convince us that it is inferior to the balance of equal arms in point of sensibility: But it is extremely compendi-ous and convenient; and when accurately made and attentively used, it is abundantly exact for most commercial purposes. We have seen one at Leipzig which has been in use since the year 1718, which is very sensible to a difference of one pound, when loaded with nearly three tons on the short arm; and we saw a waggon loaded with more than two tons weighed by it in about six minutes.

The steelyard in common use in the different countries of Europe is of a construction still simpler than what we have described. It consists of a batten of hard wood, having a heavy lump A (fig. 3.) at one end, and Fig. 3. a swivel-hook B at the other. The goods to be weighed are suspended on the hook, and the whole is carried in a loop of whip-cord C, in which it is slid backward and forward, till the goods are balanced by the weight of the other end. The weight of the goods is estimated by the place of the loop on a scale of divisions in harmonic progression. They are marked (we presume) by trial with known weights.

The chief use that is now made of the steelyard in these kingdoms is for the weighing of loaded waggons and carts. For this it is extremely convenient, and more than sufficiently exact for the purpose in view. We shall describe one or two of the most remarkable; and we shall begin with that at Leipzig already mentioned.

This steelyard is represented in fig. 4., as run out, Fig. 4. and just about to be hooked for lifting up the load. The steelyard itself is OPQ, and is about 12 feet long. The short arm PQ has two points of suspension c and b; and the stirrup which carries the chains for holding the load is made with a double hook, instead of a double eye, that it may be easily removed from the one pin to the other. For this purpose the two hooks are connected above an half or staple, which goes over the arm of the steelyard like an arch. This is represented in the little figure above the steelyard. The suspension is shifted when the steelyard is run in under cover, by hooking to this staple the running block of a small tackle which hangs in the door through which the steelyard is run out and in. This operation is easy, but necessary, because the stirrup, chains, and the stage on which the load is placed, weigh some hundreds.

The outer pin b is 14 inches, and the inner one c is seven inches, distant from the great nail which rests in the sheers. The other arm is about 10½ feet long, formed with an obtuse edge above. On the inclined plane on each side of the ridge is drawn the scale of weights adapted to the inner pin c. The scales corresponding to the outer pin b are drawn on the upright sides. The counterpoise slides along this arm, hanging from a saddle-piece made of brass, that it may not contract rust. The motion is made easy by means of rollers. This is necessary, because the counterpoise is greatly above a hundred weight. This saddle-piece has like two laps on each side, on which are engraved vernier scales, which divide their respective scales on the arm to quarters of a pound. Above the saddle is an arch, from the summit of which hangs a little plummet, which shows the equilibrium of the steelyard to the weigher, because the sheers are four feet out of the house, and he cannot see their coincidence with the needle of the steelyard. Lastly, near the end of the long arm are Steel-yard are two pins \(d\) and \(e\), for suspending occasionally two eke weights for continuing the scale. These are kept hanging on adjoining hooks, ready to be lifted on by a little tackle, which is also hooked immediately above the pins \(d\) and \(e\).

The scales of weights are laid down on the arm as follows. Let the eke-weights appropriated to the pins \(d\) and \(e\) be called \(D\) and \(E\), and call the counterpoise \(C\). Although the stirrup with its chains and stage weigh some hundreds, yet the length and size of the arm \(OP\) gives it a preponderancy of 300 pounds. Here, then, the scale of weights must commence. The counterpoise weighs about 125 pounds. Therefore,

1. When the load hangs by the pin \(b\), 14 inches from the centre, the distance from one hundred to another on the scale is about 11 inches, and the first scale (on the side of the arm) reaches from 300 to 1200. In order to repeat or continue this, the eke-weight \(E\) is hung on the pin \(e\), and the counterpoise \(C\) is brought back to the mark 300; and the two together balance 1100 pounds hanging at \(b\). Therefore a second scale is begun on the side of the arm, and continued as far out as the stirrup, and therefore its extremity marks 2000; that is, the counterpoise \(C\) at 2000 and the eke-weight \(E\) at \(e\) balance 2000 hanging at \(b\).

2. To continue the scale beyond 2000, the load must be hung on the inner pin \(c\). The eke-weight \(E\) is taken off, and the eke-weight \(D\) is hung on its pin \(d\). The general counterpoise being now brought close to the stirrup, it, together with the weight \(D\) at \(d\), balance 2000 pounds hanging at \(c\). A scale is therefore begun on one of the inclined planes atop, and continued out to 4000, which falls very near to the pin \(a\), each hundred pounds occupying about five inches on the arm. To complete the scale, hang on the eke-weight \(E\) on its pin \(e\), and bring back the counterpoise to the stirrup, and the three together balance 3800 hanging at \(c\). Therefore when the counterpoise is now slid out to 4000, it must complete the balance with 3800 hanging at \(c\).

It required a little consideration to find out what proportion of the three weights \(C\), \(D\), and \(E\), would make the repetitions of the scale extend as far as possible, having very little of it expressed twice, or upon two scales, as is the case here. We see that the space corresponding to a single pound is a very sensible quantity on both scales, being one-ninth of an inch on the first two scales, and one-twentieth on the last two.

This very ponderous machine, with its many weights, cannot be easily managed without some assistance from mechanics. It is extremely proper to have it susceptible of motion out and in, that it may be protected from the weather, which would soon destroy it by rust. The contrivance here is very effectual, and abundantly simple.

When the steelyard is not in use, it is supported at one end by the iron rod \(F\), into which the upper end of the stirrup is hooked. The upper end of this rod has a strong hook \(E\), and a little below at \(a\) it is pierced with a hole, in which is a very strong bolt or pin of tempered steel, having a roller on each end close to the rod on each side. These rollers rest on two joists, one of which is represented by \(MN\), which traverse the building, with just room enough between them to allow the rod \(F\) to hang freely down. The other end \(O\) of the steelyard rests in the bight of a large flat hook at the end of a chain \(W\), which hangs down between the joists, and is supported on them by a frame with rollers \(H\). This is connected with the rollers at \(G\), which carry the sheers by means of two iron-rods, of which one only can be seen. These connect the two sets of rollers in such a manner that they must always move together, and keep their distance invariable. This motion is produced by means of an endless rope \(HI\), passing over the pulleys \(I\) and \(K\), which turn between the joists, and hanging down in a bight between them. It is evident that by pulling on the part \(LZ\) we pull the frame of rollers in the direction \(GH\), and thus bring the whole into the house in the position marked by the dotted figure. It is also plain, that by pulling on the part \(LK\) we force the roller frame and the whole apparatus out again.

It remains to show how the load is raised from the ground and weighed. When the steelyard is run out for use, the upper hook \(E\) just enters into the ring \(D\), which hangs from the end of the great oaken lever \(BCA\) about 22 feet long, turning on gudgeons at \(C\) about 5 feet from this end. From the other end \(A\) descends a long iron-rod \(SR\), which has one side formed into a toothed rack that is acted on by a frame of wheel-work turned by an endless screw and winch \(Q\). Therefore when the hook \(E\) is well engaged in the ring \(D\), a man turns the winch, and thus brings down the end \(A\) of the great lever, and raises the load two or three inches from the ground. Everything is now at liberty, and the weigher now manages his weights on the arm of the steelyard till he has made an equilibrium.

We need not describe the operation of letting down the load, disengaging the steelyard from the great lever, and bringing it again under cover. The whole of this service is performed by two men, and may be done in succession by one, and is over in five or six minutes.

The most compendious and economical machine of this kind that we have seen is one, first used (we have heard) for weighing the riders of race-horses, and afterwards applied to the more reputable service of weighing loaded carriages.

Fig. 5. is a plan of the machine. KLMN is the Fig. 5. plan of a rectangular box, which has a platform lid or cover, of size sufficient for placing the wheels of a cart or waggon. The box is about a foot deep, and is sunk into the ground till the platform cover is even with the surface. In the middle of the box is an iron lever supported on the fulcrum pin \(k\), formed like the nail of a balance, which rests with its edge on arches of hardened steel firmly fastened to the bottom of the box. This lever goes through one side of the box, and is furnished at its extremity with a hard steel pin \(m\), also formed to an edge below. In the very middle of the box it is crossed by a third nail of hardened steel \(g\), also formed to an edge, but on the upper side. These three edges are in one horizontal plane, as in a well-made balance.

In the four corners \(A\), \(A'\), \(E\), \(E'\), of the box are firmly fixed four blocks of tempered steel, having their upper surfaces formed into spherical cavities, well polished and hard tempered. ABCDE represents the upper edge of an iron bar of considerable strength, which rests on the cavities of the steel blocks in \(A\) and \(E\), by means Steel yard, of two hard steel studs projecting from its under edge, and formed into obtuse-angled points or cones. These points are in a straight line parallel to the side KN of the box. The middle part C of this crooked bar is faced with hard-tempered steel below, and is there formed into an edge parallel to AE and KN, by which it rests on the upper edge of the steel pin g h which is in the lever. In a line parallel to AE, and on the upper side of the crooked bar ACE, are fixed two studs or points of hardened steel B and D projecting upwards above half an inch. The platform-cover has four short feet like a stool, terminated by hard steel studs, which are shaped into spherical cavities and well polished. With these it rests on the four steel points B, B', D', D. The bar ACE is kned in such a manner vertically, that the points A, B, D, E and the edge C are all in a horizontal plane. These particulars will be better understood by looking at the elevation in fig. 6. What has been said of the bar ACE must be understood as also said of the bar A' C' E'.

Draw through the centre of the box the line a b c perpendicular to the line AE, BD. It is evident that the bar ACE is equivalent to a lever a b c, having the fulcrum or axis AE resting with its extremity C on the pin g h and loaded at b. It is also evident that a C is to a b as the load on this lever to the pressure which it exerts on the pin g h, and that the same proportion subsists between the whole load on the platform and the pressure which it exerts on the pin g h. It will also appear on an attentive consideration, that this proportion is nowise deranged in whatever manner the load is placed on the platform. If very unequally, the two ends of the pin g h may be unequally prefixed, and the lever wrenched and strained a little; but the total pressure is not changed.

If there be now placed a balance or steelyard at the side LR, in such a manner that one end of it may be directly above the pin l m in the end of the lever EOF, they may be connected by a wire or slender rod, and a weight on the other arm of the balance or steelyard may be put in equilibrium with any load that can be laid on the platform. A small counterpoise being first hung on to balance the apparatus when unloaded, any additional weight will measure the load really laid on the platform. If a b be to a c as 1 to 8, and EO to EF, also as 1 to 8, and if a common balance be used above, 64 pounds on the platform will be balanced by one pound in the scale, and every pound will be balanced by 4th of an ounce. This would be a very convenient partition for most purposes, as it would enable us to use a common balance and common weights to complete the machine: Or it may be made with a balance of unequal arms, or with a steelyard.

Some have thought to improve this instrument by using edges like those of the nails of a balance, instead of points. But unless made with uncommon accuracy, they will render the balance very dull. The small deviation of the two edges A and E, or of B and D, from perfect parallelism to KN, is equivalent to a broad surface equal to the whole deviation. We imagine that, with no extraordinary care, the machine may be made to weigh within \( \frac{1}{50} \) of the truth, which is exact enough for any purpose in commerce.

It is necessary that the points be attached to the bars. Some have put the points at A and E in the blocks of steel fastened to the bottom, because the cavity there lodged water or dirt, which soon destroyed the instrument with rust. But this occasions a change of proportion in the first lever by any shifting of the crooked bars; and this will frequently happen when the wheels of a loaded cart are pulled on the platform. The cavity in the steel stud should have a little rim round it, and it should be kept full of oil. In a nice machine a quarter of an inch of quicksilver would effectively prevent all these inconveniences.

The simplest and most economical form of this machine is to have no balance or second steelyard; but to make the first steelyard EOF a lever of the first kind, viz. having the fulcrum between O and P, and allow it to project far beyond the box. The long or outward arm of this lever is then divided into a scale of weights, commencing at the side of the box. A counterpoise must be chosen, such as will, when at the beginning of the scale, balance the smallest load that will probably be examined. It will be convenient to carry on this scale by means of eke-weights hung on at the extremity of the lever, and to use but one moveable weight. By this method the divisions of the scale will always have one value. The best arrangement is as follows: Place the mark O at the beginning of the scale, and let it extend only to 100, if for pounds; or to 112, if for cwts.; or to 10, if for stones; and let the eke-weights be numbered 1, 2, 3, &c. Let the lowest weight be marked on the beam. This is always to be added to the weight shown by the operation. Let the eke-weights stand at the end of the beam, and let the general counterpoise always hang at O. When the cart is put on the platform, the end of the beam tilts up. Hang on the heaviest eke weight that is not sufficient to press it down. Now complete the balance by sliding out the counterpoise. Suppose the constant load to be 312 lb. and that the counterpoise stands at 86, and that the eke-weight is 9; we have the load = 986 + 312 = 1298 lbs.

Sir Richard, was born about the year 1676 in Dublin; in which kingdom one branch of the family was possessed of a considerable estate in the county of Wexford. His father, a counsellor at law in Dublin, was private secretary to James duke of Ormond; but he was of English extraction; and his son, while very young, being carried to London, he put him to school at the Charter-house, whence he was removed to Merton College in Oxford. Our author left the university, which he did without taking any degree, in the full resolution to enter into the army. This step was highly displeasing to his friends; but the ardour of his passion for a military life rendered him deaf to any other proposal. Not being able to procure a better station, he entered as a private gentleman in the horse guards, notwithstanding he thereby lost the succession to his Irish estate. However, as he had a flow of good nature, a generous openness and frankness of spirit, and a sparkling vivacity of wit, these qualities rendered him the delight of the soldiery, and procured him an ensign's commission in the guards. In the mean time, as he had made choice of a profession which set him free from all the ordinary restraints in youth, he spared not to indulge his inclinations in the wildest excesses. Yet his gallantries and revels did not pass without some cool hours of reflection; it was in these that he drew up his little treatise intitled... The Christian Hero, with a design, if we may believe himself, to be a check upon his passions. For this purpose it had lain some time by him, when he printed it in 1701, with a dedication to Lord Cutts, who had not only appointed him his private secretary, but procured for him a company in Lord Lucas's regiment of Footmen.

The same year he brought out his comedy called The Funeral, or Grief à la Mode. This play procured him the regard of King William, who resolved to give him some influential marks of his favour; and though, upon that prince's death, his hopes were disappointed, yet, in the beginning of Queen Anne's reign, he was appointed to the profitable place of gazetteer. He owed this post to the friendship of Lord Halifax and the earl of Sunderland, to whom he had been recommended by his schoolfellow Mr Addison. That gentleman also lent him an helping hand in promoting the comedy called The Tender Husband, which was acted in 1704 with great success. But his next play, The Lying Lover, had a very different fate. Upon this rebuff from the stage, he turned the same humorous current into another channel; and early in the year 1709, he began to publish the Tatler: which admirable paper was undertaken in concert with Dr Swift. His reputation was perfectly established by this work; and, during the course of it, he was made a commissioner of the stamp-duties in 1710. Upon the change of the ministry the same year, he joined the duke of Marlborough, who had several years entertained a friendship for him; and upon his Grace's dismission from all employments in 1711, Mr Steele addressed a letter of thanks to him for the services which he had done to his country. However, as our author still continued to hold his place in the stamp-office under the new administration, he wisely declined the discussion of political subjects; and, adhering more closely to Mr Addison, he dropt the Tatler, and afterwards, by the assistance chiefly of that steady friend, he carried on the same plan, much improved, under the title of The Spectator. The success of this paper was equal to that of the former; which encouraged him, before the close of it, to proceed upon the same design in the character of the Guardian. This was opened in the beginning of the year 1713, and was laid down in October the same year. But in the course of it his thoughts took a stronger turn to politics: he engaged with great warmth against the ministry; and being determined to prosecute his views that way by procuring a seat in the house of commons, he immediately removed all obstacles thereto. For that purpose he took care to prevent a forcible dismission from his post in the stamp-office, by a timely resignation of it to the earl of Oxford; and at the same time gave up a pension, which had been till this time paid him by the queen as a servant to the late Prince George of Denmark. This done, he wrote the famous Guardian upon the demolition of Dunkirk, which was published August 7, 1713; and the parliament being dissolved next day, the Guardian was soon followed by several other warm political tracts against the administration. Upon the meeting of the new parliament, Mr Steele having been returned a member for the borough of Stockbridge in Hampshire, took his seat accordingly in the house of commons; but was expelled thence in a few days after, for writing the close of the paper called the Englishman, and one of his political pieces intitled the Crisis. Presently after his expulsion, he published proposals for writing the history of the duke of Marlborough; at the same time he also wrote the Spinster; and, in opposition to the Examiner, he set up a paper called the Reader, and continued publishing several other things in the same spirit till the death of the queen. Immediately after which, as a reward for these services, he was taken into favour by her successor to the throne, King George I. He was appointed surveyor of the royal stables at Hampton-Court, governor of the royal company of comedians, put into the commission of the peace for the county of Middlesex, and in 1715 received the honour of knighthood. In the first parliament of that king, he was chosen member for Boroughbridge in Yorkshire; and, after the suppression of the rebellion in the north, was appointed one of the commissioners of the forfeited estates in Scotland. In 1718, he buried his second wife, who had brought him a handsome fortune and a good estate in Wales; but neither this, nor the ample additions lately made to his income, were sufficient to answer his demands. The thoughtless vivacity of his spirit often reduced him to little shifts of wit for its support; and the project of the fish pool this year owed its birth chiefly to the projector's necessities. This vessel was intended to carry fish alive, and without waiting, to any part of the kingdom: but notwithstanding all his towering hopes, the scheme proved very ruinous to him; for after he had been at an immense expense in contriving and building his vessel, besides the charge of the patent, which he had procured, it turned out upon trial to be a mere project. His plan was to bring salmon alive from the coast of Ireland; but these fish, though supplied by this contrivance with a continual stream of water while at sea, yet uneasy at their confinement, shattered themselves to pieces against the sides of the pool; so that when they were brought to market they were worth very little.

The following year he opposed the remarkable peerage bill in the house of commons; and, during the course of this opposition to the court, his licence for acting plays was revoked, and his patent rendered ineffectual, at the instance of the lord chamberlain. He did his utmost to prevent so great a loss; and finding every direct avenue of approach to his royal master effectually barred against him by his powerful adversary, he had recourse to the method of applying to the public, in hopes that his complaints would reach the ear of his sovereign, though in an indirect course, by that canal. In this spirit he formed the plan of a periodical paper, to be published twice a week, under the title of the Theatre; the first number of which came out on the 2d of January 1719-20. In the mean time, the misfortune of being out of favour at court, like other misfortunes, drew after it a train of more. During the course of this paper, in which he had assumed the feigned name of Sir John Edgar, he was outrageously attacked by Mr Dennis, the noted critic, in a very abusive pamphlet, entitled The Character and Conduct of Sir John Edgar. To this insult our author made a proper reply in the Theatre.

While he was struggling with all his might to save himself from ruin, he found time to turn his pen against the mischievous South Sea scheme, which had nearly brought... brought the nation to ruin in 1720; and the next year he was restored to his office and authority in the playhouse in Drury-Lane. Of this it was not long before he made an additional advantage, by bringing his celebrated comedy called the Conscious Lovers upon that stage, where it was acted with prodigious success; so that the receipt there must have been very considerable, besides the profits accruing by the sale of the copy, and a purse of £500, given to him by the king, to whom he dedicated it. Yet notwithstanding these ample supplies, about the year following, being reduced to the utmost extremity, he sold his share in the play-house; and soon after commenced a law-suit with the managers, which in 1726 was decided against him. Having now again, for the last time, brought his fortune, by the most heedless profusion, into a desperate condition, he was rendered altogether incapable of retrieving the loss, by being seized with a paralytic disorder, which greatly impaired his understanding. In these unhappy circumstances, he retired to his seat at Languanor near Caerphilly in Wales, where he died on the 21st of September 1729, and was privately interred, according to his own desire, in the church of Caerphilly. Among his papers were found the manuscripts of two plays, one called The Gentlemen, founded upon the Eunuch of Terence, and the other intitled The School of Action, both nearly finished.

Sir Richard was a man of undiminished and extensive benevolence, a friend to the friendless, and, as far as his circumstances would permit, the father of every orphan. His works are chaste and manly. He was a stranger to the most distasteful appearance of envy or malevolence; never jealous of any man's growing reputation; and so far from arrogating any praise to himself from his conjunction with Mr Addison, that he was the first who desired him to distinguish his papers. His great fault was want of economy; and it has been said of him, he was certainly the most agreeable and the most innocent rake that ever trod the rounds of dissipation.