Royal Society the Royal Medal.--The Progress of Voltaic discovery reviewed.--The principle is of extensive application.--The Author's researches into the cause of the solution of Lead in spring water.--An account of the numerous trials of Protectors.--Failure of the plan.--Report of the French on the state of the protected frigate, La Constance.--Dr. Revere's new plan of Protection 208 CHAPTER XIV. The failure of the Ship protectors a source of great vexation to Davy.--His Letters to Mr. Poole.--He becomes unwell.--He publishes his Discourses before the Royal Society.--Critical Remarks and Quotations.--He goes abroad in search of health.--His Letter to Mr. Poole from Ravenna.--He resigns the Presidency of the Royal Society.--Mr. Gilbert elected _pro tempore_.--Davy returns to England, and visits his friend Mr. Poole.--Salmonia, or Days of Fly-fishing.--An Analysis of the Work, with various extracts to illustrate its character 283 CHAPTER XV. Sir H. Davy's Paper on the Phenomena of Volcanoes.--His experiments on Vesuvius.--Theory of Volcanic action.--His reception abroad.--Anecdotes.--His last Letter to Mr. Poole from Rome.--His paper on the Electricity of the Torpedo.--Consolations in Travel, or the Last Days of a Philosopher.--Analysis of the work.--Reflections suggested by its style and composition.--Davy and Wollaston compared.--His last illness.--Arrival at Geneva.--His Death 341 A GENERAL REVIEW OF THE HISTORY OF CHEMICAL SCIENCE, AND OF THE REVOLUTIONS PRODUCED IN ITS DOCTRINES BY THE DISCOVERIES OF SIR HUMPHRY DAVY 415 APPENDIX--Will of Sir Humphry Davy 457 THE LIFE OF SIR HUMPHRY DAVY, BART. &c. &c. CHAPTER X.