That  the  honor  of  the  invention  of  the  Quadrant,  now  falsely
called  Hadley's,  belongs  to  Godfrey,  is  capable  of  the  most  positive
proof.  It  is  vouched  for  by  men  not  more  illustrious  in  science
than  eminent  for  the  integrity  of  their  character ;  and,  on  the  pages
of  the  Royal  Society's  proceedings,  there  is  recorded  the  letter  of
the  original  and  real  inventor.  Even  in  explanation  of  the  manm-i
in  which  he  was  deprived  of  the  merit  and  honor  of  making  the
instrument,  is  given  in  the  "American  Magazine"  for  1757-8.  To
place  the  matter  in  as  clear  a  view  as  possible,  we  refer  to  the
publications  of  the  day.  It  was  unfortunate  that  national  jealousy
alone  could  have  influenced  a  decision  so  opposite  to  the  first  prin-
ciples of  justice ;  and  that  an  institution,  venerable  for  the  very
objects  of  its  establishment,  denied  to  Godfrey  the  acknowledgment
of  his  claim.  It  was  withholden  from  him  in  cruelty;  and  14)011
another  was  bestowed  the  bounty  which  might  have  relieved  the
humble  child  of  genius,  as  well  as  the  glory  for  which  he  aim.,;
and  had  fairly  won.
AVe  have  no  hesitation  in  pronouncing  Mr.  Godfrey  the   real


424  EMINENT    PHILADELPHIANS.
original  inventor  of  this  famous  and  useful  instrument,  now  falsely
called  Hadley's  Quadrant,  but  in  truth  and  justice  should  be
Godfrey's.
THOMAS  GODFREY,  JR.
