I have received a very interesting letter from Ampère. He says that a combination of chlorine and azote has been discovered at Paris, which is a fluid, and explodes by the heat of the hand; the discovery of which cost an eye and a finger to the author. He gives no details as to the mode of combining them. I have tried in my little apparatus with ammonia cooled very low, and chlorine, but without success. There is little doing here ... dresses and dances. Sir James Hall is writing on a sort of Deluge. Playfair is the true and amiable Philosopher. My brother is making experiments on animal matter. I hope your gunpowder works are nearly finished. I shall be at the opening ball. As soon as I return I shall give my mind up to this matter. My wife desires her kind remembrances. Mine to your worthy father and Anna. God bless you, my dear friend, and believe me Ever affectionately yours, H. DAVY. On his return to town, after this tour, the following letter was addressed to his friend at Tonbridge:-- October 24, 1812. MY DEAR CHILDREN, I have just seen Pepys, and rejoice that he gives me so good an account of your health. My wife is much better, except that she has a swollen foot. I have never seen her in such good health and spirits. She is resolved to lead a home life of perfect quiet for six weeks, and I fear you will not be able to tempt her to quit her fire-side, though there is no visit she would make with greater pleasure: but lameness does not suit the country; and for one so enthusiastically fond of nature, it would be vexatious to be in the country, and not to be able to enjoy hills, and meads, and woods. But I am ready to come to my business whenever you think I can be useful. I shall set to work to make gunpowder with as much ardour as Miles Peter--I hope with similar results. I shall not be able to endure a very long separation from my wife, but for three or four days I am at your command. I have been working yesterday and to-day on some new objects; and we are to have a meeting on Wednesday, at one o'clock, at the Institution, to try to make this compound of azote and chlorine, and to try some other experiments. Afterwards we (Angling Chemists) propose a dinner at Brunet's. If you can come to town on that day, I will promise to return with you. God bless you, my dear Children, and believe me to be most affectionately yours, H. DAVY. CHAPTER IX.