Its adjustment is so delicate that the human hand is the only instrument thus far known suitable for giving the final polish, and one sweep of the hand more than is needed, Alvan Clark says, would impair the correctness of the glass.

During the test of the great glass which he made for Russia, the workmen turned it a little with their hands.
"Wait, boys, let it cool before making another trial," said Clark; "the poise is so delicate that the heat from your hands affects it." Mr.Clark's love of accuracy has made his name a synonym of exactness the world over.
"No, I can't do it, it is impossible," said Webster, when urged to speak on a question soon to come up, toward the close of a Congressional session.

"I am so pressed with other duties that I haven't time to prepare myself to speak upon that theme." "Ah, but, Mr.Webster, you always speak well upon any subject.

You never fail." "But that's the very reason," said the orator, "because I never allow myself to speak upon any subject without first making that subject thoroughly my own.

I haven't time to do that in this instance.