CHAPTER 2.
It was in 1765, while stopping at Chester and examining a mechanical exhibition there, that Edgeworth first heard of Dr.Darwin, who had lately invented a carriage which could turn in a small compass without danger of upsetting.

Richard on hearing this determined to try his hand on coach building, and had a handsome phaeton constructed upon the same principle; this he showed in London to the Society for the Encouragement of Arts, and mentioned that he owed the original idea to Dr.Darwin.He then wrote to the latter describing the reception of his invention, and was invited to his house.

The doctor was out when he arrived at Lichfield, but Mrs.
Darwin received him, and after some conversation on books and prints asked him to drink tea.

He discovered later that Dr.Darwin had imagined him to be a coachmaker, but that Mrs.Darwin had found out the mistake.

'When supper was nearly finished, a loud rapping at the door announced the doctor.