On the 6th of October, we learn from the same source, that he performed a beautiful experiment, that of producing the vegetation of the carbon of the wick of a candle, by placing it between the wires of the battery. On the 12th of the preceding September he addressed a letter to Mr. Gilbert, which is curious, as it shows that very nearly up to the time of the decomposition of the alkalies, his mind had been engaged on very different subjects. TO DAVIES GIDDY, ESQ. September 12, 1807. MY DEAR SIR, I inclose Mr. Carne's paper, which, when you have read, and Mr. Carne revised, I will thank you to inclose to me, and that as soon as possible, for the completion of the volume. I have been a good deal engaged, since my return, in experiments on distillation, and I have succeeded in effecting what is considered of great importance in colonial commerce, namely, the depriving rum of its empyreumatic part, and converting it into pure spirit. I mention this in confidence, as it is likely to be connected with some profitable results; and it may be beneficial in a public point of view, by lessening the consumption of malt. I have heard of no scientific news; this, indeed, is little the season for active exertion. With best respects to your father, and to Mr. and Mrs. Guillemard, I am, my dear Sir, Always very faithfully yours, H. DAVY. Few notes have conveyed information of such importance to the scientific world, as that which follows, announcing, at the same time, the decomposition of the fixed alkalies, and the formation of the Geological Society, of which it would thus appear that Davy was one of the founders. TO WILLIAM HASLEDINE PEPYS, ESQ. November 13, 1807. DEAR PEPYS, If you and Allen had been one person, the Council of the Royal Society would have voted to you the Copleian Medal;[77] but it is an indivisible thing, and cannot be given to two. We are forming a little talking Geological Dinner Club, of which I hope you will be a member. I shall propose you to-day. Some things have happened in the Chemical Club, which I think render it a less desirable meeting than usual, and I do not think you would find any gratification in being a member of it. Hatchett never comes, and we sometimes meet only two or three. I hope to see you soon. I have decomposed and recomposed the fixed alkalies, and discovered their bases to be two new inflammable substances very like metals; but one of them lighter than ether, and infinitely combustible. So that there are two bodies decomposed, and two new elementary bodies found. Most sincerely yours, H. DAVY.