John Curzon, a Polish mechanic, who
was presented with a gold medal for his inventions, performed a most extraordinary thing when he
succeeded in manufacturing a complete watch in the space of 8 hours from materials on which most watchmakers would have looked with contempt. It appears that the Czar of Russia, hearing of the
marvelous skill of Curzon, determined to put him to the test, and forwarded him a box containing a few copper nails, some wood chippings, a piece of broken glass, an old cracked china cup, some wire, and a
few pieces of pegboard, along with the request that he should transform them into a timepiece.
Undaunted, and perceiving a golden opportunity of winning favor in the court, Curzon set about his task
with enthusiasm. In the almost incredibly short space of eight hours had created a wonderfully constructed watch for the Czar. The Czar, being so surprised and delighted at the work
...