An original theory or Hypothesis of the Universe. By Thomas Wright[331] of Durham. London, 4to, 1750.
Wright is a speculator whose thoughts are now part of our current astronomy. He took that view--or most of it--of the milky way which afterwards suggested itself to William Herschel. I have given an account of him and his work in the _Philosophical Magazine_ for April, 1848.
Wright was mathematical instrument maker to the King, {152} and kept a shop in Fleet Street. Is the celebrated business of Troughton & Simms, also in Fleet Street, a lineal descendant of that of Wright? It is likely enough, more likely that that--as I find him reported to have affirmed--Prester John was the descendant of Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. Having settled it thus, it struck me that I might apply to Mr. Simms, and he informs me that it is as I thought, the line of descent being Wright, Cole, John Troughton, Edward Troughton,[332] Troughton & Simms.[333]
