Cornish Worthies: Sketches of Some Eminent Cornish Men and Families, Volume 1 (of 2)Tregellas, Walter H. (Walter Hawken)
History
Cornish Worthies: Sketches of Some Eminent Cornish Men and Families, Volume 1 (of 2)
Tregellas, Walter H. (Walter Hawken)
Cornwall (England : County) -- Biography
Davy's note-books now became rapidly filled with the Results of his
studies, with Reflexions, with Resolutions, and with the most ambitious
prospectuses of his future labours. Dr. Davy gives, in his 'Life' of
his brother, an interesting specimen, written in 1799, when Davy had
taken a house in Dowry Square, Clifton. Two hours before breakfast
were to be devoted to his 'Lover of Nature,' or the 'Feelings of
Eldon'--the five hours from nine to two to experiments--the time from
four to six was to be spent in reading, and from seven to ten p.m. in
the study of metaphysics. So passed the time away at Clifton, amidst
the most congenial pursuits, thoroughly sympathetic friends, and in the
enjoyment of an income which, modest as it was, enabled him to assist
his mother in the education of his younger brother. But for one thing
he bargained--John was _not_ to be placed under Mr. Coryton.
Clifton, however, ere long became too small a sphere for Davy; and in
1801 an appointment as Assistant Editor of the Journals, Director of
the Laboratory, and Assistant Lecturer (with a view to his ultimately
becoming the Professor of Chemistry) to the then newly-founded Royal
Institution, in London, was joyfully accepted; his salary being fixed
at 100 guineas a year, with a room, and coals, and candles. The Duchess
of Gordon, amongst other leaders of fashion, attracted by his youth
and simplicity, as well as by his enthusiasm and eloquence, took him
by the hand; and his success became assured. Compliments, invitations,
and presents, Dr. Paris tells us, were showered upon him from all
quarters; his society was courted by everybody, and all were proud
of his acquaintance. In 1802 he commenced a long series of lectures
before the Board of Agriculture, on the connexion of Chemistry with
Vegetable Physiology, which have been translated into almost every
European language: in fact, Sir Humphry has been well named the father
of Agricultural Chemistry.[106] In 1803 he obtained the enviable
distinction of being elected a Fellow of the Royal Society, and two
years afterwards, having become a Member of the Royal Irish Academy, he
found himself a correspondent of all the chief scientific men of the
day.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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