It was with no small reluctance that I left the Messrs.Thomson.

They were first-class practical men, and had throughout shown me every kindness and consideration.

But a managership was not to be had every day; and being the next step to the position of a master, I could not neglect the opportunity for advancement which now offered itself.
Before leaving Glasgow, however, I found that it would be necessary to have a new angle and plate furnace provided for the works on the Tyne.
Now, the best man in Glasgow for building these important requisites for shipbuilding work was scarcely ever sober; but by watching and coaxing him, and by a liberal supply of Glenlivat afterwards, I contrived to lay down on paper, from his directions, what he considered to be the best class of furnace; and by the aid of this I was afterwards enabled to construct what proved to be the best furnace on the Tyne.
To return to my education in shipbuilding.

My early efforts in ship-draughting at Stephensons' were further developed and matured at Thomsons' on the Clyde.

Models and drawings were more carefully worked out on the 1/4-in.