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the present, and that his sentiments were expressed in the language of feeling and of eloquence. It is to be hoped that it may be allowed by his friends to convey his opinions to posterity, and that the writings of the philosopher may enable his contemporaries to forget some of the deeds of the President of the Royal Society.

Whatever may be the fate of that highly interesting document, we may infer his opinions upon this subject from a sentiment expressed in his last work:—

 

"—But we may in vain search the aristocracy now for "philosophers."———"There are very few persons who pursue science with true dignity; it is followed more as connected with objects of profit than those of fame."—Sir H. Davy's Consolations in Travel.

 

The last authority which I shall adduce is more valuable, from the varied acquirements of its author, and from the greater detail into which he enters.

 

"We have drawn largely, both in the present Essay, and in our article on Light, from the Annales de Chimie, and we take this only opportunity distinctly to acknowledge our obligations to that most admirably conducted work. Unlike the crude and undigested scientific matter which suffices, (we are ashamed to say it) for the monthly and quarterly amusement of our own countrymen, whatever is admitted into its pages, has at least been taken pains with, and, with few exceptions, has sterling merit. Indeed, among the original communications which abound in it, there are few which would misbecome the first academical collections; and if any thing could diminish our regret at the long suppression of those noble memoirs, which are destined to adorn future volumes of that of the Institute, it would be the masterly abstracts of them which