I proposed to him (Jedediah Buxton, 1702-72) the following random question: In a body whose 3 sides are 23,145,789 yards, 5,642,732 yards, and 54,965 yards, how many cubical eighths of an inch? After once naming the several figures distinctly, one after another, in order to assure himself of the several dimensions and fix them in his mind, without more ado he fell to work amidst more than 100 of his fellow- laborers, and after leaving him about 5 hours, on some necessary concerns (in which time I calculated it with my pen) at my return, he told me he was ready: upon which, taking out my pocket book and pencil, to note down his answer, he asked which end I would begin at, for he would direct me either way.... I chose the regular method........ and in a line of 28 figures, he made no hesitation nor the least mistake.