However, some particular friends of Mr Robins being very desirous that he might continue his pursuits, and his merit not be left in obscurity, wished for this purpose that he could be properly recommended to teach in this town [London] the mathematics, which had been one of the principal objects of his studies. With this view therefore they communicated to a gentleman here [in London] a paper written by him, in order to learn what judgement persons of knowledge might make of his abilities. This was shown to Dr Pemberton, who, thence, conceiving a good opinion of the writer, for a further trial of his proficiency sent him some problems, of which the Doctor required elegant solutions, not those founded on algebraical calculations; adding an example of such a solution that the young geometer might the more readily comprehend his meaning. An answer was returned by Mr Robins that gave a very advantageous idea of his taste, as well as invention. Upon this he came to London; where his presence still increased the favourable sentiments that had been entertained of his talents.

... about this time he quitted the peculiar garb and profession of a Quaker; for not having the least tincture of obstinacy, superstition or enthusiasm in his nature; he soon got over the prejudices of education, and had an utter aversion to act a feigned part. However, he continued to cultivate a friendship with several deserving persons of that persuasion ...

Some doubts having lately arisen concerning Sir Isaac Newton's doctrines of fluxions, and of prime and ultimate ratios; this treatise was written with design to give such an idea of both these subjects, as might clear them from uncertainty, without entering into the discussion of any particular objections.

Robin's tract is remarkable for clearness and soundness of exposition; it is a marked advance in that respect. The use of infinitely small quantities is rigidly excluded.

... to which a varying magnitude can approach within any degree of nearness whatever, though it can never be made absolutely equal to it.

The debate is the most thorough discussion of the theory of limits carried on in England during the eighteenth century. It constitutes a refinement of previous conceptions.

... it has been said that Mr Robins published his discoveries and improvements in gunnery, to show, it was thought, what sort of man had been overlooked on that occasion.

... I had resolved to render this course as complete as I possibly could, both by large models of different fronts of fortification, and their different attacks, and by an experimental exemplification of the precepts of gunnery with real artillery. I found it necessary to insert under this last head a theory of the force of gunpowder, and certain propositions relating to the resistance of air, which I had discovered, and confirmed by experiments. But these principles being set down in the schemes, which I delivered out as assertions only, without any account of the nature of the experiments made use of for proving them, and being liable to great contestation, on account of their inconsistency with all the received opinions of the writers upon this subject, I thought it incumbent on me to clear up in a more particular manner any difficulties which might have arisen about them, and to evince their certainty by a number of unquestioned experiments. And this has principally given rise to the ensuing treatise, in which the force and varied action of powder is so far determined, that the velocities of all kinds of bullets impelled by its explosion may be thus computed, and the enormous resistance of the air to swift motions (much beyond what any former theories have assigned) is likewise determined.

... having provided himself with a complete set of astronomical and other instruments for making observations and experiments in the Indies, he departed at Christmas in the year 1749 ... In the voyage his ship was very near being cast away; but he arrived at the Indies on the thirteenth of July 1750.

... with his pen in his hand while drawing up a report for the board of directors.

... enjoyed a perfect state of health, having had nothing so much to regret as the loss of the only child he ever had; whose reputation in the world, and constant affectionate behaviour towards him, were the chief consolation of his declining years.

... though he professed teaching mathematics only, he would however sometimes assist particular friends in other parts of knowledge; for he was well qualified to point out the real beauties of writers in all sorts of learning, and also the excellencies in the performances of great artists, as his taste and judgement were not limited to a single subject alone, but extended equally to history, oratory, poetry, music, architecture, sculpture, painting, and works of genius and invention of every kind.