[James Dickson of Edinburgh, inventor.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Jas Dickson') [to the Bank of Scotland], requesting funds in order to capitalise on the successful trial [of his 'Patent Water Engine'].

1p., 4to. 26 lines, closely and neatly written. Good, on disbound leaf of aged and worn paper. The letter begins: 'Gentlemen | The Patents, Models, Advertising and plates &c of the engine, to which the accompanying descriptions [not present] refer, and which the note in the Edinburgh Philosophical Journal, shows how the first trial succeeded, has been much more expensive than I calculated on, or had any idea of - From the number of enquiries however, the chances of a tolerable return are considerable; but like all other things much different from established custom it will require time, before it can be known and adopted, to reimburse me.' As it would prove expensive to borrow 'by bills at short dates, the money that may be still necessary, to enable me to appear, as the respectable profession of an Engineer requires, and also, to defray the expence of the further promulgation of the machine', he asks for a loan of £400, with Sir Alexander Jardine, Bart. of Applegarth as guarantor. He believes he can 'fill it up by Martinmas 1822'. He concludes: 'I am not known to many in this town, and intimate only with three, who were schoolfellows of mine, and should you wish any reference, I have no doubt you will consider the report of any of them above suspicion'. From a collection of papers from the Bank of Scotland. Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine carried a report on Dickson's 'patent Water Engine' in its issue for September 1820, praising its 'great convenience' for those who 'wish a small power, for useful purposes, exercise, or amusement'.