This was the outcome of Benjamin's literary venture; and the pleasantest part of the whole was that he lived to see the folly of his effort, especially its non-religious character. He became satisfied that Mr. Watts was right when he declared the principles of his Dissertation "abominable." At another time, while Benjamin worked at Watts', Sir Hans Sloane called upon him,--another notable London character of that day. Benjamin was taken aback when he met him,--he could scarcely divine what this titled Englishman could want of him. "I have heard of you, Mr. Franklin, as recently from America, and I have called to make your acquaintance," he said. "Glad to meet you, Sir Hans," replied Benjamin, fully equal to the occasion. "I am at your service." "You are the author of a pamphlet called," and he gave the title, "are you?" "I am." "I have not read it; but I have heard it discussed, and I concluded that a youth of your age must possess a strong mind to undertake such a treatise. And I understand that you brought many curiosities with you to this country." Now, Sir Hans was getting to the subject that was near to his heart; for he was a curiosity-hunter. "A few only--very few," replied Benjamin. "You have a purse, I understand, made of the _asbestos_, which purifies by fire?" "Yes, sir, I have." "I should be delighted to have you call upon me in Bloomsbury Square, and bring the purse; and I will show you _my_ great collection of curiosities. I think you can spend a pleasant and profitable evening in that way." "I will do it with the greatest pleasure, and be obliged for the opportunity," Benjamin answered. And he did. The first opportunity he improved to take the asbestos purse to Bloomsbury Square, where he had a splendid time examining the best collection of curiosities he had ever dreamed of, and where he discussed various topics of interest with the entertaining Sir Hans. "Now," said the host, as Benjamin was about to leave, "I should be glad to add the asbestos purse to my collection, and I will pay you well for it," naming the amount. "I will accommodate you and leave it." Benjamin was happy to add to Sir Hans' collection, in the circumstances. Benjamin felt the need of more physical exercise, so that when he entered the printing house, he "took to working at press." He drank water only; all other employees, about fifty of them, drank strong beer. He was really a curiosity to them. "Beer-guzzling is a detestable habit," he said to a fellow-workman, "and it is a very expensive one, too, for a poor fellow like you." "I could not do a decent day's work without beer. I drink it for strength."